How are non- believer's to be won over?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

MaryM

Well-known member
Nov 25, 2022
506
301
63
#1
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
4,837
2,083
113
46
#2
Yeah, this is The question.

Personally, i try Paul's approach in Greece. Adjust the message according to the audience.
If you try to throw Bible verses at an unbeliver that's one sure way to push them away.
However, if you engage them in material concepts or scientific ideas then you might get their attention.
My favorite topic is talking about Miracles to them since it's something that usually gets their attention and gets them thinking.
Miracles then turn into a scientific discussion usually and in the end, they're left with a choice to believe or not believe since at that point things cannot be solved logically or scientifically anymore.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,449
9,429
113
#3
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
You should visit my church sometime. It would do wonders for your faith in humanity.
 

fizzyjoe

Well-known member
Oct 22, 2018
568
401
63
#4
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
well in my experience as a past non believer it's not so much the preaching, teaching, or singing that often get a non believer to begin leaning toward faith it's often just as it was for me...
Curiousity, I mentioned it in a thread here awhile back my Brother was my vassal to believing I saw how he was overcoming his long time anger issue right before my eyes and I got to wondering...
How? anger was deep rooted in me as well from long time suffering and abuse yet he was tossing it aside gradually and really believing that's what started my first true steps in believing whole heartedly because nothing else really reached out to me quite so powerfully, I think it's not always so clear cut in How to lead a person to believe but, rather our light so to speak to resonate with others and our own experiences to relate as well
 

Johann

Active member
Apr 12, 2022
928
212
43
#5
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
We won people over by HOW we WALK and talk-OUR style of life as we are constantly being scrutinized and examined by the Goyim of this kosmos-our neighbors and those closest to us and at our work place.
J.
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,221
1,618
113
Midwest
#6
Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
Amen. Following Paul's [ planting ], give the The Gospel Of Grace,
then, following Apollos' [ watering ], answering any questions, and/but?:

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."​
Amen.
 

MaryM

Well-known member
Nov 25, 2022
506
301
63
#7
well in my experience as a past non believer it's not so much the preaching, teaching, or singing that often get a non believer to begin leaning toward faith it's often just as it was for me...
Curiousity, I mentioned it in a thread here awhile back my Brother was my vassal to believing I saw how he was overcoming his long time anger issue right before my eyes and I got to wondering...
How? anger was deep rooted in me as well from long time suffering and abuse yet he was tossing it aside gradually and really believing that's what started my first true steps in believing whole heartedly because nothing else really reached out to me quite so powerfully, I think it's not always so clear cut in How to lead a person to believe but, rather our light so to speak to resonate with others and our own experiences to relate as well
Testimony, visible change for the good works to convince people. Not any amount of argument and quoting scripture.
 

Larry112

New member
Oct 21, 2021
10
13
3
#8
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
As someone that is not Christian and interested in learning more, I would appreciate it if a person opens up about the spritualiy and not the dogma.
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,235
4,760
113
#9
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
"Thank you for sharing words of soundness. And in today's world, it is a rarity."

320056619_657475549497350_5380006197314411410_n.jpg


Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,306
4,354
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#10
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
This is exactly what everyone needs to hear.
The TV preachers already messed up with their false gospels. They are the popular place people see "church" because they are on Christian TV networks . Those believers in Christ in churches are told to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. This is the responsibility. It's not to attract the lost into churches for the Everlasting gospel presented every service. Church is for the saved, fir those who already have eternal life.
God does the rest and leaves it up to every individual whom He He draws.

 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,365
6,665
113
62
#11
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Preach the gospel and leave the results to God.
There is something to understanding where God is working and where He is not. Jesus did always what He saw the Father doing. Learning to distinguish where God is working and joining Him there will be more helpful than being busy everywhere.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,379
29,631
113
#12
As someone that is not Christian and interested in learning more, I would
appreciate it if a person opens up about the spirituality and not the dogma.
Hello Larry! I am wondering what you mean by "spirituality." I have spoken to some people
who believe in nothing spiritual, and one atheist even told me it was a soggy cabbage of a
word, which is kind of funny, don't you think? Heehee. And then there are others who would
like to completely divorce religion from spirituality, and such may say of themselves, "I am
spiritual, not religious." While they read Tarot cards, explore Christ-denying new age thought,
and cast astrological charts. It does seem to me that many are seeking answers in life.
The search for truth must inevitably narrow one's path as one continues in/on it.
 

Karlon

Well-known member
Mar 8, 2023
2,623
1,182
113
#13
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
this is what i do: i tell them verses such as John 3:33, 1st John 5:10,13, John 3:20-22, 14:13, 14,26 & 16:13, Romans 8:16. i witness to them that they can KNOW, WITHOUT DOUBT that God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit are true & then proceed with a prayer.
 

MaryM

Well-known member
Nov 25, 2022
506
301
63
#14
As someone that is not Christian and interested in learning more, I would appreciate it if a person opens up about the spritualiy and not the dogma.
Absolutely! That is logic.
 

Subhumanoidal

Well-known member
Sep 17, 2018
4,066
3,177
113
#15
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
People seem to get the notion that it's the preachers job to convert. I disagree. I believe their job is to feed the church. Teach. Things like that.
It's the people in the pews that have the job of being a witness. The churches and pastors job to educate them in the bible, as well as how to witness.
No one grows in a church whose focus every week is trying to convert people.
 

MaryM

Well-known member
Nov 25, 2022
506
301
63
#16
People seem to get the notion that it's the preachers job to convert. I disagree. I believe their job is to feed the church. Teach. Things like that.
It's the people in the pews that have the job of being a witness. The churches and pastors job to educate them in the bible, as well as how to witness.
No one grows in a church whose focus every week is trying to convert people.
I agree. My point was probably not quite clear. Good teaching is at the heart of preaching.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,373
3,166
113
#17
Yeah, this is The question.

Personally, i try Paul's approach in Greece. Adjust the message according to the audience.
If you try to throw Bible verses at an unbeliver that's one sure way to push them away.
However, if you engage them in material concepts or scientific ideas then you might get their attention.
My favorite topic is talking about Miracles to them since it's something that usually gets their attention and gets them thinking.
Miracles then turn into a scientific discussion usually and in the end, they're left with a choice to believe or not believe since at that point things cannot be solved logically or scientifically anymore.
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
Preach the gospel. If the listener has an honest heart, the Word will convict him/her of their sin and then offer the hope of salvation through Christ. (Parable of the sower).
Many preachers, however sincere and knowledgeable, fail to get the message of the gospels through. Always have done. From being absolutely boring to far too fire and brimstone, they just do not engage people. I can see how non-believers are put off completely when someone drones on or even worse, seems to be giving everyone a very severe telling off! In churches everywhere the sheer piousness and superior strutting around of those who run the place is guaranteed to deter anyone new from entering at all.

Then the arguers, those Christians who argue points of scripture to the point of downright nastiness. Not exactly very inviting to anyone. The Bible is for everyone to read and discuss, that is what brings the greatest book to life. So why act like you are a great authority on it?

On television some preachers are frankly a pure menace, they turn it all into a ridiculous farce, chattering nonsense and glorifying themselves. Who cares about their smug 'journey'. It's painful to watch. Even I as a committed Christian am fed up of hearing sanctimonious criticism and warnings of terrible fates that await those who refuse to convert to Christianity. Each man's soul and eternity is after all, his own business.

What we need is quality teaching, to bring to life the beauty of the message of the good news of Jesus.

What then can be done? Perhaps just talk to people without overwhelming them with argument? Answer their questions, point them in the right direction.
Preach the gospel. If the listener has an honest heart, the Word will convict him/her of their sin and then offer the hope of salvation through Christ. (Parable of the sower). Keep it simple.

The gospel is God's power to save. Even if the preacher is not to our liking, God's word has a power that is independent of the messenger. (Philippians 1:15-18).
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,449
9,429
113
#18
As someone that is not Christian and interested in learning more, I would appreciate it if a person opens up about the spritualiy and not the dogma.
Howdy and welcome to the forum.

If you can figure out why somebody would want to help people when he is not being paid to help them, you will go a long way toward understanding Jesus and Christians.
 

fizzyjoe

Well-known member
Oct 22, 2018
568
401
63
#20
Testimony, visible change for the good works to convince people. Not any amount of argument and quoting scripture.
yep or as the disciples put it as pertaining to Jesus...
we must share what we have seen and heard, when asked to stop testifying truth,for just as I could not deny what was happening before my eyes they could not in good conscience deny what they experienced with Jesus, indeed testimony is powerful in convincing others to believe😀🙏