Articles
Evangelism Challenge: Listen First
Evangelism Challenge: Listen First
Good listening skills are crucial in evangelism. People are much more willing to listen to you if they feel understood. James said, “But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger” (Jas. 1:19). Your new evangelism challenge is to stop and listen to other people’s religious views before presenting your views.
Several years ago, I met to study with two ladies who believed in Premillennialism (a false doctrine about the end times). Instead of cramming the truth down their throat, I asked them to explain what they believed. For an hour I did nothing but listen and ask questions so I could come to an understanding of their beliefs on the subject. When we met the following week, I asked them if I could explain my understanding about Premillennialism. They agreed and were more than willing to listen to me for the entire study.
Listening first not only helped open the two ladies’ minds to listen to me, it also gave me a better understanding of precisely what they believed. As a result, I was able to address their incorrect views more accurately. The same will be true for you if you listen before speaking.
After my study, the ladies were convinced of the error of Premillennialism and, eventually, both of them got baptized. Though the way people respond is ultimately outside your control, you have a much better chance of getting a positive response if you exercise good listening skills.
Bible Quiz
1. What sign did God give to show He would never destroy the world by flood again?
a. Rainbow
b. Christ’s resurrection
c. Circumcision
d. The Sabbath
2. Which king wrote Proverbs (with the exception of the last two chapters)?
a. Saul
b. David
c. Solomon
d. Rehoboam
3. "But if any of you lacks _____, let him ask of God, who gives to all _____ and without reproach, and it will be _____ to him.”
Scrambled answer key:
1. a. (Gen. 9:8-17)
3. wisdom, generously, given (Jas. 1:5).
2. c. (Prov. 1:1)
