Sharing Your Faith This Summer-A Spiritual Conversation Before Our Hawk Nelson Interview

Sometimes when people think of sharing their faith, they think it has to be on a mission trip or outreach project. But the truth is that God wants us to share our faith on a daily basis. In Matthew 28:18-20, God gives us a game plan for sharing our faith in the Great Commission. The phrase “Go make disciples of all nations,” in the Greek means “as you are going.” So rather than think of it as a one-time trip or one-time event, it actually means that we are to be sharing our faith and making disciples as we go about our daily activities. While it is fun and exciting to travel to another country to share about Christ, God wants us to share in our own backyards including with our neighbors, co-workers, classmates and friends.

 

Recently, the Risen staff enjoyed a team outing to Spirit West Coast. We interviewed Hawk Nelson and Blanca, which will be in our upcoming issues of the magazine. Before we arrive at an interview, we often pray and ask God for direction with our questions and for the interview itself. While many of the celebrities and athletes we interview are Christian, there are some that are not and sometimes there are opportunities to have a deeper spiritual conversation. (Check out our behind the scenes from our interview with John Rhys-Davies)

 

At interviews, there is often down time before the interview. The celebrity or artist could be running late or another interview got moved around. Whatever the case, our staff has learned to be flexible and make use of the time. We often review our questions and check the news to see if there are any current events that might alter our questions. At the Hawk Nelson interview, Risen writer, Mei Ling Nazar was waiting for her time to begin when a security guard approached her and they ended up having a spiritual conversation. We wanted to share it with you to encourage you that sharing your faith “as you go,” can be as simple as asking spiritual questions and listening.

 

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

 

Security Guard: “Man, I am ready for my smoke break. You don’t smoke do you?

Mei Ling Nazar: “No, I don’t.”

SG: “Yeah, it’s bad for me. I should quit. I had a blood clot and that scared me for a bit.”

MN: “Well, it sounds like you know what you should do and that God has given you a second chance at life. What are you going to do with your second chance?”

SG: “That’s a good question. Are you a Christian?”

MN: “Yes, I am.”

SG: “Like the knock on the door and thump a Bible on me kind? Do you have a Bible in that backpack of yours?”

MN: “(laughing) No, I don’t thump people and no I don’t have one in my backpack, but I do have one on my phone.”

SG: “Have you heard of the Prodigal Son?”

MN: “Yes. It is a great story.”

SG: “That’s me.”

MN: “It’s time to come home. What are you waiting for?”

 

While the security guard didn’t pray to start a relationship with Christ that day, it was a great example of sharing your faith “as you go.” It doesn’t have to be confrontational. It can something as simple as asking spiritual questions or sharing your story of how you met Christ. You don’t have to go overseas this summer to share your faith. God wants to use you right where you are!

 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

 

Risen Reflections

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you people He wants you to share your faith with. Ask Him for the words and actions. Be ready and be willing. While it can be overwhelming, remember that God has given us the power of the Holy Spirit, who can guide our conversation and give us the words that we need. Be willing and available. The opportunity might arise when you least expect it.

 

Start a “Top 10 List” of the ten people that you want to see come to Christ. They can be family members, friends, co-workers, or neighbors. Post it somewhere that will remind you to pray for them daily. It can be a mirror in the bathroom, your sun visor in the car, or on the door of your locker. Pray and ask God to show you ways to share your faith with them. Whether it is inviting them to an outreach or church, grabbing coffee with them to hear how they are doing, or asking spiritual questions

 

Take a class on sharing your faith. It’s okay to not feel equipped to share your faith. It can be a challenging thing. Many churches or conferences offer classes on how to share your faith. Grab your small group or a friend and check it out. If there isn’t something offered locally, there are many good resources online including videos. From learning how to share your faith story to asking spiritual questions and even reaching out to specific people groups, there are lots of resources that can help you share your faith.

 

 

 

Make sure to check out our upcoming issues with features from Hawk Nelson and Blanca!