by Ronnie Reese

Created on: September 08, 2009   Last Updated: September 10, 2009

How to Conquer the Fear of Witnessing

Key Texts: Prov. 9:10; Ps. 34:7; Josh 1: 6, 9, 18;

I remember when I first joined the church at the age of 19. At the time there was a big emphasis on getting out and knocking on doors to invite others to become Christians. Now for some people that may be a great plan. But there are those of us who are extremely shy even when it comes to sharing our faith.

For those of you who share this timid spirit and even for those of you are a bit outspoken you may wish to consider the following suggestions to witness to those around you:

Begin by taking small steps.

When I say goodbye to people I have started saying, "God bless you. Have a good day." I couldn't tell you how many times people have stopped walking away as they departed and returned to thank me for blessing them. In fact the other day as I walked out of one of the rooms in the rehab center where I help take care of people I left with this blessing. The paraplegic gentleman in the bed along with his wife both invited me to come back. This led to a spiritual conversation. Finally, I asked the couple what church they went to. They then asked me what church I attended. When I told them 7th-day Adventist, they smiled and told me they had been reading several of our books lately. They're both very interested in prophecy.

I know a girl who takes care of people in a hospital setting as a nurse assistant. She's very shy so she hums hymns. She's had several conversations with people who recognized the tune as a hymn and this solicited a spiritual conversation, one that my shy friend didn't have to start.

2. Choose another avenue to the soul.

Who says the only way you can disciple others is to knock on their door? There are quite a few avenues to the soul. If you're not comfortable speaking then choose one you are comfortable with. Try writing, art, cooking, or even just a smile.

React

Are you the timid type when it comes to witnessing? If so what are some ways you could take some baby steps out of your comfort zone? What were some of the advantages in Jesus pairing up his apostles as he sent them out to disciple? Though we're not told how he paired up his friends, how would you have matched up his disciples with one another? And why?

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