I know someone who goes to Walmart and stops people in the aisles and witnesses to them. Maybe it's just being shy, but I find it hard to be that out there, rather tending to form relationships with people first... (guess I'm just not at that level yet.) Anyone care to share witnessing experiences, thoughts?
2006-09-16 16:23:08 · 21 answers · asked by Angelwings 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If they did that to me, I would tear them a new one, then go to the counter and ask that they be "escorted out" for harrassing customers.
If you want to Witness to others, go to their homes, or "ask first." Say, "hi, my name is Alice and I was wondering if I could talk to you about the good news of "insert here", I would not only find this REFRESHING, I would probably listen, even though I (PROBABLY) wouldn't agree. Why would I listen? BECAUSE you were polite and you "put yourself out by leaving your home and came to me" at my home. This is not something that most people do and it impresses me. If I don't feel like talking, I will simply say "thanks but I don't feel like it today" and close the door after saying how proud I am of you to go door to door as Christ did!
But to ambush people in shopping centers? NO WAY. Outside in an outdoor mall, sure, because I have no expectation of privacy. Ask away to speak to me, if your afraid to go door to door, then stand on a street corner or in a public mall outside, this too would be considered brave and admirable by me. These kinds of people inspire!
2006-09-16 16:32:13 · answer #1 · answered by AdamKadmon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...First, I recommend you pray and ask God to give you an opening, and watch what He does - it's amazing.
...Have a clear gospel presentation memorized - carry the Four Spiritual Laws, Steps to Peace with God, Bridge to Life, etc, in a booklet form - something you can give someone.
...I do not normally stop people in Walmart to witness - however, if God opens the door, I will share.
...Not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but all Christians are called to be witnesses.
...A witness basically tell what he knows.
...Get some training or read some books re: Christian apologetics (those questions that can stump you or are tough questions), and learn how to answer them. Some people just want to argue, but others really want to know the answers - I have seen both kinds of people.
...I believe success in witnessing should be defined this way: you have been successful if you have shared the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, and have left the results to God. We cannot save anyone.
...If you should lead someone to Christ, do some follow up with them (like using Campus Crusade or Navigators follow-up material). Someone you lead to Christ needs you help him/her get started in the Christian life. Be sure to get back in contact with them - Satan will do his utmost to discourage and stunt the growth of a new Christian.
...His blessings and grace to you as you witness.
2006-09-17 00:24:26 · answer #2 · answered by carson123 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think witnessing to people at stores is a good idea. They usually have an agenda, or are in a hurry. People are in bad moods when they shop. It is better to just leave a tract with a waitress or cashier and not say anything at all. We go to peoples homes and leave tracts. We don't witness unless someone wants to or if the timing seems to be right. Sometimes we invite people to our church for Christmas or Easter programs or vacation Bible school.
We don't want to be pushy. We want to show love and compassion. Sometimes helping someone with an extra dime they're hunting for, or buying someone a coffee. Maybe even paying someones toll, giving the tool booth operator a certificate for donut and coffee and a tract is a great way.
Be creative, show some love, and carry tracts. Be ready always to defend or share your faith.
God Bless!
2006-09-16 23:44:11 · answer #3 · answered by sunny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't help ya' on the witnessing side...I have never and never will value that method of preaching. But as someone who constantly gets witnessed to alot and find it taxing, here are a few ideas I have come up with that might help you not interject into someone elses life rudely. :P
1. don't stop someone. If they are an american no doubt they have somewhere they have to be in 5 minutes even though they have had 2 hours to get there. They will be rude snippy and demanding. You don't need that.
2. Never ever never nah0uh no-way ever....tell someone they are wrong. Americans are never wrong and they are quick to tell you that. If you insist on witnessing to them, present it as you would if you were selling a product through a store. No one in advertising would tell a stay at home mom she's stupid or wrong for not buying Brand X soap. That is sure to make stay at home mom not recommend Brand X soap to anyone, even her children.
3. Talk, don't scream. If you stand at a streetlight slapping your bible screaming at each passing car, you are daring any motorist to fall into road rage and risk a traffic violation for running you over.
4 and Finally, give gifts. Nothing draws in people more to listen to your advertisment than something free and fairly interesting.
What's you goal? To witness and spread or to convert and divide?
Try something less invasive like a bible study group or even a religiously motivated group to benefit others in your location. If you practice what you preach, others will see you as a leader. No one wants to follow a general into battle when they know that general is unwilling to face the enemy themselves.
2006-09-16 23:35:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word witness signifies the fact that you have seen or experienced something. So to witness means you would have to know or recognize God working in your life somehow.....some way. You take that knowledge in the best way you can and relate what God has done for you..
jEX: ..... A while back I lost my job and my hubby got locked up for a DUI....I had no income and no way to keep things going. Every day I worried and cried and fretted. One day I realized I have no power to change anything. I can look for work but that doesn't mean anyone has to hire me. ..... In dispare I said this prayer and immediately felt peace and fell asleep. I got up the next morning refreshed and un hassled........I prayed this prayer.."Father I give up. It is all in your hands. If I loose everything then I will know it was Your will. Forgive me for not trusting you. In Jesus' name amen
Like I said the next day I got up totally free of worry and stress. I took my last slice of bread and ate an egg and proceeded to clean the house.
That day I got a call for a job and also my daughter decided to go back to work put me on a baby sitting program that paid her day care expenses (other wise I wouldn't have taken the money from her). I had two jobs, not just one. And I didn't have to do anything on the one but stay home and do what ever and enjoy the grandkids.....
Just tell what God has done for you.....that is witnessing....
2006-09-16 23:37:03 · answer #5 · answered by sandra_k19 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if some people feel a need to tell people out right and randomely in department stores then so be it....but what God wants is for you to just live your life....provide an example to others....people know when they see strength and wisdom and they follow not even knowing you're Christian....you are to plant seeds everywhere...it does not matter how you do it....but I think there are more righteous ways than others of going about it. I love people everyday and spread my kindness....be contagious and people will see....they notice always just like you notice it in others... you can never come on too strong to nonChristian because you will scare them away....you have to gain their trust before they will even consider what you say as the truth...little doses go a long way....where a cross around your neck so poeple see it....give many hugs and pats on the back....let your virtues and morals shine for all to see and they will want what you have...Christ Himself.....
love your sister,
freebird
2006-09-16 23:53:39 · answer #6 · answered by truegrit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is by far, much better to form relationships first, then to stop people while they are shopping in the store, going to work, etc.
In stopping people while they are shopping, etc., the person whom you are speaking about will only get him/herself kicked out of the store & possibly even banned from returning.
There is a chance that person may even be arrested for harrassment!!
One more piece of advice about discussing your faith with others who don't share it: If they belong to another faith, allow them to share their views also. Otherwise, if you start debating or criticizing their beliefs, you will only lose the interest of the other person.
2006-09-16 23:35:31 · answer #7 · answered by clusium1971 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know exactly how you feel because I have been a shy person about witnessin and inviting people to my church and things, but seein and hearin how others are bold about it and then developin a stronger relationship with God helped me to get over it... i always remember that scripture... "God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power,and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
It is possible to witness to anybody and create a relationship with them... When ever you meet people (and you can practice this at home or something), whatever you talk to someone you can switch the subject to God. (Example) Like if you are in wal-mart and someone asks you about the best cake mix to get, you can be like "Oh I think you should try this one because we made this one at my church and it was good... speakin of my church, do you have a church home... I wanna invite you to my church this sunday and maybe we can get something to eat after service..." then you can talk about all that God has done is doin and all that at lunch, and build a relationship with that person.
Or maybe you in the store and your standin in a long line... someone around you makes a comment " Oh my gosh, this is too long.. I cant take this!" You can talk to them and be like "Yeah I know what you mean, I used to be impatient and I wouldnt have been able to handle this, before I got saved... God helped me with patience and my temper..." or whatever you know.
You get the drift... I mean alll that God has done for you, should just pour out of you like a faucet.
2006-09-16 23:42:29 · answer #8 · answered by x20_kay_05x 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After hearing my testimony I think anybody would know that God is real and in the business of doing miracles. As for as witnessing, I do it by example, by helping other and letting them see God in me. If someone ask for advice, that is an open door, I use to wittiness. We cannot win people over to Christ by shoving God down their throat, By trying to make them see what we see. And believe what we believe. I believe for an unsaved persons live , the time will come when they will, willing receive what we have to say. We only share the word and our testimony Jesus does the miracle.
2006-09-16 23:35:24 · answer #9 · answered by dancinintherain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible recommends wisdom. Some ways of witnessing are effective, some are only annoying, or even offensive. Not all Christians have learned to distinguish the difference.
2006-09-16 23:27:01 · answer #10 · answered by jewel_flower 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋