The surprising truth about what people want to hear from Christians

Why are we reticent to talk about Jesus?

There are some common fears that plague even the most enthusiastic believer who knows that the gospel is true, and that it is the only hope for the world.

• We are fearful of personal rejection if we share our faith
• We are worried that we will make a mess of it
• We are worried that people will be hostile to the message, and…
• We are fearful that it will make no difference at all.

I wonder if sometimes our reticence to talk about Jesus is fuelled by a fear that people are just not really interested in hearing the best news in the world. We know that there is a pain line to cross in evangelism, but because we are served a regular diet of mockery in the media, and intolerant rage on the internet by rabid atheist trolls, we have assumed that what we see there is reflective of what society thinks in general—and what our neighbours, work colleagues and friends think in particular.

The other lurking fear is that it will really make no difference. That by and large, people are just not interested in hearing about the Lord of life.

Turns out we're wrong. Completely wrong… again!

Last week I revealed the findings of a recent survey into what people think about Christians. Rather than hating us and thinking that we're hypocrites, the truth is that the vast majority actually like us.

When it comes to how people who are not Christians respond to us sharing our faith, the results are equally interesting.

When it comes to how people who are not Christians respond to us sharing our faith, the results are interesting.

Yes, it is true that there are negative reactions to the message. But then we should not expect anything else. Remember the sower, the seed, the path, the thorns, the stony ground (Mark 4)?

So 60% of people say that, having had a conversation with a Christian, they are not interested in hearing any more. Half remain "not open" to an experience of, or an encounter with, Jesus. And 30% say that the conversation left them feeling "less close" to the person who spoke with them. There is a pain line to cross when being Christ's ambassador in the world.

But on the other side of the equation, there is heartening news.

• A quarter of people felt "more close" to the person who shared their faith
• Almost the same number felt more positive to Jesus as a result
• 20% were open to an encounter with Jesus
• A fifth wanted to know more about Jesus, and…
• A third of people who are now Christians say that a conversation with a friend was a significant part of their becoming a believer.

Let me put that in plain terms for you.

Talk to 10 of your friends about Jesus, and three of them will feel a bit more distant from you—but a different three will feel closer to you.

Knock on five doors down your street, and behind one of them will be someone who wants to know more about Jesus and is open to an encounter with Christ. If you invite them to a carol service, they will be inclined to come.

For me, at least, that puts some of the common fears I have about evangelism in perspective. There are people out there among your friends and family, your neighbours and colleagues and contacts—a lot of people—who are just waiting for you to open your mouth, to say a friendly word, to offer an invitation, to answer a question, to talk about Jesus. They are hungry to know more.

Will you look your fears in the face? Are you prepared to cross the pain line and start a conversation?

Next time: The surprising truth about what people need to hear from Christians

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