When in Doubt, Ask a Question!

Two people have come to me about last Sunday's sermon to ask the same question: I seem to get stuck knowing what to say to friends when they express a personal need or heavy spiritual comment. How do I get the conversation to the cross?

I realized I should have been clearer on my second tip in talking about the cross. I said, Do not rush too quickly to talk about the cross. Get the person in touch with their need for a Savior before you tell about His radical offering.

The key: ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS!

Eg: a person has cancer. You want to share Christ. But they have not indicated any interest in the Gospel. Ask a question like, "So how has this cancer affected your spiritual life? Do you ever go to church? How has it affected your relationship with God? Has it raised Qs for you about Him or His involvement in your life?
How has it changed your view of life?"

On and on. Each response elicits another question. Probe their heart so they know you are truly listening and caring. At some point it will seem natural to talk about a God Who suffered death for us because He cared about us that much.

So in any conversation where a person goes to a deeper level that seems to invite a bold and caring initiation into sharing Jesus and the cross, if in doubt about what to say, ask a question! The more you ask questions, the easier it will become. And the more questions you ask, the easier sharing Christ and His cross will become.

So thanks for making me clarify that.
Pastor Allen