Another question for born-again believers..........?

Question

Is there anything wrong with a Christian witnessing only in groups?
Are we ever commanded to only witness alone? Some Christians feel insecure about witnessing alone. Is there anything wrong with that?

Answer 1

I don't think there is a problem with going out alone but Jesus did send the disciples out in twos.
I think there are many good reasons for this, one it is always good to have an accoutability partner- none of us are perfect and can tend to misspeak, leave something out or get trapped in fruitless futile conversations. It is always good to have someone to encourage us as we are not always as strong as we need to be. Often, God's word talks about strength in numbers. I think that in general, witnessing in public ( not on a personal level) is best done in twos.

Answer 2

The tradition of witnessing in groups comes from the time when Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs.

Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

There is also the Biblical precept of every matter having to be established by two or more witnesses.

Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

That having been said, Jesus went out and witnesses on his own and so did the Apostle Paul. So there is nothing in the Bible commanding Christians to have a witnessing partner. It just makes more sense in most cases because of what I already mentioned and because two can pray in agreement and it's good for people to see that Christians are diverse and that all types of people are welcome in God's Kingdom.

Answer 3

You don't have to get up on a soap box to witness. You witness by your actions, as well as your words.

To witness doesn't mean that you stand with your eyes closed and your hands in the air and shout about how great God is. When you tell someone that God really answered your prayers on some problem, or other, you have witnessed. the more vociferous the witness, the more you will turn people away. You are planting seeds, not full-grown trees. A smaller hole will do better.

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with witnessing in groups. You may get confidence and ideas from other people you know and eventually go out on your own to witness. Sometimes it's easier to witness in groups, but in other settings a person might really need to talk one on one.

Answer 5

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven
-Matthew 5:16

Sometimes you don't need to witness at all. Sometimes just being a good person who does good things and doesn't blow their own horn is a better witness than some one who preaches and does nothing but that.

God calls us to be good stewards of the gifts He has given us. If it is your gift to preach, then do it. If it is your gift to make peoples' days a little brighter while you deliver packages, then do that. Bloom where you are planted.

Answer 6

If you can't put together life and faith, as it seems to be the case among Christians in the US, then your witnessing won't be nothing but performance. No wonder is "easier" to do it in groups. An actor performs before an audience and rarely on a one to one basis. Hope that we may able to follow Francis of Assisi who used to encourage his disciples telling them: "Share the gospel always and at all times; with words, if necessary."

Answer 7

I haven't read anywhere that you have to witness alone or in a group but your life should be a witnessing tool as in setting examples!

Answer 8

Actually, Jesus sent out the apostles in pairs to the neighboring communities to preach the gospel of the kingdom. I think it depends on the circumstances. I don't think you would want five or six believers trying to witness to one person, could get very overwhelming to them. I believe in "divine appointments", that is, God brings someone into your life for you to share an encouraging word, a Godly thought or opinion, or give them the Gospel. We just have to keep our eyes open for these appointments.

Answer 9

Number is not a point of significance.

The New Testament includes both solo and group situations. Some people may not feel safe in certain places alone, so safety can be a concern.

Answer 10

The best witness is living your life as Jesus would have, and letting your life speak out for Him. (I've heard that the verse that says "Go into all the world..." literally means "as you go..." or maybe we would say " as we go about in our daily life...")
It doesn't do any good to preach at people who aren't ready to hear. On the other hand, keep an ear out for anyone who wants you to talk to them, and be ready to give God's answers, not yours, whether you have a friend with you or not.
When you walk as Jesus walked, people can't help but notice that theres something about you. Unfortunately, most of us only "play" at walking in His footsteps.