Converting Non- Christians to Believers



Posted: Friday, September 04, 2009

by Mackenzie Pearce
Coaching Academy of North America inc.

The following is a simple yet powerful list of tips that will help you understand what it takes to successfully show non-believers "the way".

1. Do not preach.

This will be the hardest step of all for most Christians as we know intimately the happiness and strength that can only come from having a Jesus centered life. But keep in mind the bigger picture: To introduce others to this way of life. And preaching to someone who is not Christian will merely alinate you and your good intentions.

This is because people today are bombarded with advice and people telling them what they think they should do. Thus when you begin talking about how you think they should live and what the Bible says to this effect, as good as your intentions are (and as true as your words are) you will just be turning off potential followers.

So how do you introduce Jesus to someone? Slowly. Patiently. The rest of the tips below will offer more guidance.

2. Practice less talking and more listening.

Take the time to find out where they are coming from. Showing interest will not only show that you care but it will allow you to learn what you have in common with them. This will help you find a common ground.

Ideally you should only be speaking 20% of the time and using this time to ask questions.

3. Find a common ground.

Although you will most likely not have Christianity as something in common, by asking questions you will learn what you do have in common. Sports? Business? Crafts? Love of family life? This will help strengthen the bond you are beginning to have with this person. People are more open to hear what you have to say when they learn that you share something in common.

4. Live by example.

By being happy, healthy and a good person people cannot help but be attracted to you and your way of life. Not only will your ways rub off on others you associate with but people will be drawn to you and want to know what your secret is. This is the perfect time to say "Jesus is". And smile while saying it.

5. Invite them to a non-Christian event attended by Christians.

A birthday party, BBQ, band night or sporting event is a great way to introduce non believers to what it means to be Christian. As we all know God and Jesus cannot help but be discussed when Christians get together.

This will help indirectly and therefore un-offensively (creating defensiveness in them will not help our cause as it will cause them to emotionally tune us and our message out) realize that not only do they have things in common with Christians but that Christians are not always how the media and pop culture portrays us to be. We are living, thriving, fun individuals who have given our lives over to the control of God, in Jesus' name.

6. Be patient.

This means that you should not turn your back on someone just because they do not immediately understand Jesus and what His life meant to humanity.

Extend another invitation to hang out. And another. Do not be forceful but be consistent. At the very least let them know that if they ever want to talk you are here for them.

Become a certified Christian and Bible based coach. www.CoachTrainingAcademy.com

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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)
» left by Leon Potgieter
 2 years 210 days ago.
4 fans.
German Theologian Karl Barth taught that faith should never descend to the level of arguing unbelief, faith only preaches to unbelief. I understand what you mean by 'don't preach to them' - most modern people have been preached to death and have a strong dislike in the simplicity of the biblical message. Yet I've found time and again that the most fruitful and effective method of preaching is 'testimony'. One's journey from darkness to light through Christ, is a powerful story with the ability to impact deeply - yet will not offend or upset most unbelievers in the way that traditional 'preaching' will. My 2c...
» left by Susan Campbell 2 years 179 days ago.
2 fans.
I love your approach to sharing your faith without crushing the individual. In all honesty, many of Paul's letters or even the Gospels can be beautiful love letters all on their own. Demonstrating happiness and contentment by living according to the Word is the best testimony.
» left by Mackenzie Pearce from Ontario, Canada 2 years 179 days ago.
Thank you so much for your kind comments:-) They mean a great deal to me.
» left by carol fernandez
from uk 2 years 104 days ago.
What is your opiion of Buddists? They are not Christian yet they seek responsibility for their own thoughts, actions and enlightenment. They are calm, peaceful, kind, never killl annother creature and do not fight over their beliefs .Do they need to be converted and if so, why? How can they be improved?
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