Helping new believers. Intimidated?

[1still_waters]

Matthew 23
15 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.16 “Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’

I don't know about you, but I'm really, really, really, really afraid to talk about anything faith related in front of new believers.

There is no problem discussing matters of the faith with people who have been in the faith a long time, because I feel like I'm less likely to say something that will knock them off center, because they have discernment and know how to think for themselves.

My big fear with new believers is that as I'm discussing things of faith with them, I may end up saying something way, way off base and end up leading them astray.

Does anyone else deal with this? How do you deal?

 

[contemplative]

Does anyone else deal with this? How do you deal?

I try to remember Jesus' message. We're not perfect and can't become pure through our own actions, through following the book of the law (however we interpret it). We are to forgive and be forgiven until it's no longer necessary.

A lot of new believers are prone to making their entire religion orbit a handful of topics; e.g. sexual purity, drinking, thoughts about the end times, their particular theory of soteriology, etc. I try not to add to this nonsense, mostly by avoiding big button issues, and I try to remind them of their freedom in Christ. Once they have this foundation, they can recover from any bumps that might have otherwise derailed them.

It's a lot like my students. When I sit down with them to tutor, they want me to work the problem for them and give them the answer. I may ask leading questions and guide them towards the right answer, but I don't just blurt it out. All this does is reinforce in their minds that they don't have to do their own thinking and that someone out there will tell them how to survive any problem. But that's not the way the world works.

They need to learn the ability to tolerate unknowing. They have to approach God with fear and trembling, not a CliffsNotes version of their faith. I would rather them be robust than right. Correction will come eventually, but they need to be able to handle it.

 

[Liamson]

I do sometimes struggle with this but what has helped me is to take the Christianese out of the topic of faith.

I like to put things into allegorical perspective. Much like how Jesus used parables and metaphors instead of replacing whole complex concepts squished into big words.

Like if I said, "A person's Godliness starts after the initial sanctification that his repentance has justified his righteousness before the accountability of other Christian men and before God.'' It might make sense (to me and couple of other people) but, its kind of worthless and a bit condescending.


If I had just said, "A person's change starts from having a sincere heart for God and living as he knows he should. The same way a child who wants to make his parents happy will find good friends, so to will a new Christian want to be with other Christians, learning from their example."

What helped me get over it was watching Ray comfort's ''The Way of the Master'' series.

 

[onlyme]

Of course, but with new believers,and young christians, more then anything I just try to encourage them. I know like all of us we are learning and growing, and some have been christians longer, but I remember to myself I need Jesus just as much as they do. I try to get to know them and find out their gifts, and talents, and encourage that in them, to help them see they are blessed and can be a blessing as well. I try to share things in such a way that it is simple and encouraging, so they are not overwhelmed, or easily discouraged. I have found in my own life, when a person knows they are loved, and that someone simply believes in them, and gives encouragement, that it can help them, motivate them to persevere, and to grow deeper in their faith.

 

[seoulsearch]

This might be a total cop-out, but when I ask people about their faith and ask them to church, I ask them kind of generic questions such as, "Do you believe in God?" "Did your family go to a church while you were growing up?" etc. I like to get to know them, know a bit about their family and background, and then ask if they'd like to visit my church with me. Granted, sometimes that process has taken years (before I feel comfortable, or, in some cases, for God to give me the nerve) before I ask them to church but I try to be VERY sensitive about their possible backgrounds. I seem to often be drawn to people who were deeply hurt or misguided by other Christians in the past.

I have a co-worker I knew for many years before she agreed to go to church with me, and she's been going ever since--God really called to her heart. I wasn't sure how to approach everything, so all I did was tell her about my own experiences, both good and bad, and she would ask questions. I would tell her about my own life so that I didn't sound like I was preaching, and if it seemed to fit, would say, "Well, God says..." and would start with something MILD, like a commonly-known Bible passage (or at least, common to us long-time Christians). If she seemed receptive, I'd go home, write it out, and bring it in for her the next day. I didn't want to seem like I was bombarding her with Scripture and I try to remember to pray and ask God what that person is ready to handle.

This also might be cheating , but I also bought her kids a children's Bible (with her permission), and was very surprised in a good way when she told me her youngest daughter was carrying it and reading it everywhere, including public school (talk about taboo!)

This is a great reminder to all of us in approaching people--sometimes I think we forget how scary it really is for someone who isn't familiar with the Christian faith or has been away from it for some time. The past few years I have visited a few different churches, and I think a big reason is that God was trying to show me how it feels to be "the new face" in a church building. For instance, at one place, at least 10 people came up to me, one after the other, introducing themselves (not knowing I was raised a Christian.) It was great that they were friendly but I felt like there was an aura of, "QUICK!!! Get this incoming heathen saved!"

Whenever I invite someone to church, I also give then a few dollars for the offering plate (so they won't feel awkward--I just tell them they're my guest and it's my pleasure to do so) and tell them ahead of time how the service will go, so they have an idea of what to expect.

I know that inviting people to church is a little different from talking to a new believer but my hope, of course, is that the people I invited will become new believers... or come back to the faith if they've been away.

 

[zeroturbulence]

Matthew 23
15 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.16 “Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’

I don't know about you, but I'm really, really, really, really afraid to talk about anything faith related in front of new believers.

There is no problem discussing matters of the faith with people who have been in the faith a long time, because I feel like I'm less likely to say something that will knock them off center, because they have discernment and know how to think for themselves.

My big fear with new believers is that as I'm discussing things of faith with them, I may end up saying something way, way off base and end up leading them astray.

Does anyone else deal with this? How do you deal?

There was recently a young man on the forums who did not know what to do because he had been diagnosed with an illness and thought that Jesus said drugs and taking them were of the devil.

 

[Jullianna]

It is right to be cautious and patient with new believers. I like to subscribe to the "KISS" method (keep it simple stupid - as a personal reminder to myself). It's so easy to overwhelmed them. The book of John is always a great place to start. Seems to me that a lot of the time the best thing to do is LISTEN, let them ask questions, guide them to the scriptures and let the Word (with the Holy Spirit) sink it down deep.

 

[Liamson]

KISS....

we always used it in terms of Firearm safety but, I guess it applies here too. =)

 

[zeroturbulence]

Apparently no one is intimidated.

 

[Jullianna]

KISS....

we always used it in terms of Firearm safety but, I guess it applies here too. =)

I'm thinkin' we learned it in the same place for the same reasons LOL

 

[Jullianna]

Apparently no one is intimidated.

I'm a little intimidated by your drums Very cool..

 

[Jullianna]

All kidding aside, we should all be intimidated. God is righteous and holy, and we're accountable for our words, especially those to His kids. That's kinda why I think it's wise to simply direct and let the scriptures do the talking.

 

[zeroturbulence]

I'm a little intimidated by your drums Very cool..

How I wish they really were mine! and what you said is the point I was trying to make (just not so eloquently)

 

[Berean]

1still_waters,

I am currently facing this issue. Well, somewhat. I am talking to someone who is looking into the faith. Searching the bible, seeing who Christ was, checking to see if this is true. He has accepted many things, but he still isn't changed on the inside which is what it takes. It's important to take time and be patient with those new to the faith. In fact, that is one of the fruits of the spirit. However, we shouldn't be intimidated to share bible knowledge with others. For this reason I devote myself to the reading of scripture daily among other things. I read Theology, Apologetics, Philosophy, Church History, ect ect. They do NOT replace my love for the scriptures nor are they a supplement. They are just to work my brain out and keep me continually thinking about God when i'm not reading his word.

Do all things in humbleness and love. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

God Speed,

Berean.

P.S. Whenever in doubt of an answer say you aren't sure and get back to them on the subject. It's never wrong to admit you don't know something.