Requesting Input on a Project

[Wilson L. Deaton]

I’m working on tool to help our church family engage those they work with, live by, etc.

I’m temporarily using terms like, “Table Talk,” and, “Living Lunches,” to describe the concept.

Basically, it is self-contained Bible study guide sheet designed for one Christian and one or two other people to work through together over lunch (or a similar setting).

Imagine a Christian approaching a friend at work and saying something like this: “I was given this thing called, ‘Table Talk.’ It’s basically a discussion guide on the Bible designed for two or three people to use over lunch. It’s short, fully self-contained and doesn’t require any preparation. I would like to try it out and was wondering if once a week for the next two or three weeks you would be my partner…”

My general question:

If you were going to use such a tool, what kind of format would you think would work best?

More specifically:

How much “teaching” information should be included? A lot or should it just be Bible verses with questions to discuss?

Should questions be custom made for each passage like, “We just read what John the Baptist said to the soldiers. What might he have said to those who do the job you do?” or open-ended, generic questions like, “What does this passage tell us about God? Is there an example to follow?”

Would short topical units work better or an on-going study work better?

Any other comments or suggestions you would have about this?

Wilson

[Terri Knoll]

I’m working on tool to help our church family engage those they work with, live by, etc.

I’m temporarily using terms like, “Table Talk,” and, “Living Lunches,” to describe the concept.

Basically, it is self-contained Bible study guide sheet designed for one Christian and one or two other people to work through together over lunch (or a similar setting).

Imagine a Christian approaching a friend at work and saying something like this: “I was given this thing called, ‘Table Talk.’ It’s basically a discussion guide on the Bible designed for two or three people to use over lunch. It’s short, fully self-contained and doesn’t require any preparation. I would like to try it out and was wondering if once a week for the next two or three weeks you would be my partner…”

My general question:

If you were going to use such a tool, what kind of format would you think would work best?

More specifically:

How much “teaching” information should be included? A lot or should it just be Bible verses with questions to discuss?

Should questions be custom made for each passage like, “We just read what John the Baptist said to the soldiers. What might he have said to those who do the job you do?” or open-ended, generic questions like, “What does this passage tell us about God? Is there an example to follow?”

Would short topical units work better or an on-going study work better?

Any other comments or suggestions you would have about this?

Wilson

I just got off the phone with a husband of a friend of mine. I was totally shocked to even get the call, but what a Glory to our Lord!
I have been a friend of his wifes for over 6 months. We have had a very close friendship relationship (she is dying) and I have been very vocal about my love and relationship with Jesus that at times she (among others) have distanced themselves by not sharing certain things etc. She is confused because of other outside influences, but she is open to listening to my music, hearing my testimonies *asking for prayer ;) etc. Well the call tonite was the husband expressing gratitude to me for what I am doing for his wife. I do remind people that all glory belongs to God but at a time that is right. God provides those times.
I am not telling you this for my own accolades...I am sharing this because it sometimes takes a long time for people to *see* Christ in us, before they are even willing to listen to you. it takes time sometimes for the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts to get the message. it takes us as willing participants, and sometimes that means circumstances we might not want to be in, to allow God to work on others thru us. it's wonderful to watch as God does work in people (I also have 2 friends that were agnostic that *see* God now)
People ARE searching for the truth, and humbling as it is, God does use people to show them. He is one terrific, beautiful God!
I don't think I could have a preconceived way to approach people, but that is me personally. I do believe in instruction in the Word, I have one more semester of theology I have to finish, and instruction does bring the Word to mouth and feet, but my experience has been developing a human relationship of love and trust, then letting the Holy Spirit do the rest!

sorry I have no advice other than experience :basic05


blessings,
Terri
I look forward to other thoughts!
2Tim2:15 (I didn't even have to look that up! so instruction works!)

[Barb Bouldrey]

I would say make it short. One small section of scripture and just a few questions....about 10 minutes worth. If it catches on and people enjoy it you could lengthen it with a few more questions.

I also would keep it "light" and non-invitational to begin with. Get their interest. Keep their interest. Get them hooked and then gently introduce the plan of salvation.

Maybe start with issues like kindness, friendship, family.

Barb

[Terri Knoll]

I am bringing 2 friends to church tomorrow, it's in His hands now

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
trying to fade into the faces
the girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the body
why arent His arms reaching
why arent His hands healing
why arent His words teaching
and if we are the body
why arent His feet going
why is His love not showing them there is a way
there is a way

A traveler is far away from home
he sheds his coat
and quietly sinks into the back row
the weight of their judgemental glances tell him that his chances
are better out on the road

CHORUS
But if we are the body
why arent His arms reaching
why arent His hands healing
why arent His words teaching
and if we are the body
why arent His feet going
why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
for us to pick and choose who should come
and we are the body of Christ

Chorus (2x)
But if we are the body
why arent His arms reaching
why arent His hands healing
why arent His words teaching
and if we are the body
why arent His feet going
why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus is the way

[Wilson L. Deaton]

I don't think I could have a preconceived way to approach people, but that is me personally. .... but my experience has been developing a human relationship of love and trust, then letting the Holy Spirit do the rest!

Terri,

What you say about relationships (love and trust) is true! However, I have found that some Christians do that prettty well but then have a hard time "turning the corner" to these weightier (spiritual) issues. In other words, I envision a tool to use with those whom you have already gained trust. If it is your gift to respond spontaneously that is wonderful. I tend that way, myself. However, I also believe (from experience and what I'm reading and hearing--response to Passion of the Christ, DaVinci Code, Gospel of Judas, etc.) that there are people who are not interested in "religion" and/or "church" but are interested in the Bible and Jesus. I'm just trying to provide one more tool for those whom it would help. This might be a way to help people share the "good news" with those who would refuse an invite to church, etc.

Wilson

[Joel Merrill]

Would short topical units work better or an on-going study work better?

Any other comments or suggestions you would have about this?

Wilson
I would say keep it short and unpressured. I've seen so many co-workers turned off by pressure sales pitches and "preaching". The guy I work with is a very good Christian. However his way of witnessing is to get on his soapbox and start preaching to people about their tatoos and their colorful language. My policy is that I have to win them to me before I can win them to the Lord. I look for ways to get a word in about my faith but I don't try to force my foot in the door. I have learned over the years that we often get impatient and try to bring up the subject before people are ready and we end up pushing them away. The most important advice I can give is for people to pray daily for opportunities and then trust the Holy Spirit and work with Him.

I aften target people I would like to witness to and pray specifically for them. More often than not the Holy Spirit will bring me people who I least exspect at times when I least exspect it. I could give many examples.

Right now there is a kid working in my area who I would never suspect would want to be a good friend with me. I am 52 years old. He is maybe 19. He wears over sized tee shirts and baggy shorts with the crotch at his knees. He has that hair style where the side of his head is nearly shaved and the top of his head goes back into a ponytail. He looks like one of Leanne's old druggy friends. He drives one of those cars with the over powered sub woofers that shake windows and wake you up in the middle of the night. He is not the kind of a guy I usually hang out with. However I have to work with him and he has proven to be a good worker. Moreover, he has taken a liking to me. We both get off at midnight. Last Wednesday night he said he was really hungry and wanted to know if I would like to go to Des Moines with him and eat a steak. There is nothing open here in Pella that late but Des Moines is an hour away. I was honestly too tired to do that but I said I just live two blocks away and I have a grill. So he went to the store and bought some steaks and I started the charcoal and boiled some potatoes and we grilled some steaks in the middle of the night. We had a really good time and we have decided to do this every Wednesday night. Once in a while I mention something about my church or my dad being a pastor just to see if he will want to talk about spiritual things but I will wait a while before I actually start asking him more personal questions about how he believes. I have learned to trust the Holy Spirit and I don't think it will take long with this guy.

I have also had people ask me spiritual questions right out of the blue. It might be a co-worker who is greiving a lost loved one or a foul mouthed biker type, you never know. Sometimes the person who seems the farthest from the Lord is the closest. I've seen seemingly hardened sinners who as it turned out were raised in a Christian home and had parents praying for them and they were under tremendous conviction. Believe it or not I have had several opportunities to witness to veterans who have been through the horrors of war and were angry at God. I am not a veteran but God has helped me know what to say.

I would also like to add that we don't always get to close the deal. The Bible speaks of some planting, some watering and others bringing in the increase. More of us are planters and waterers than harvestors. Of course we should all try to be harvestors but we shouldn't feel worthless planting and watering. We are all part of one body and we all have a job to do.

It is good to know some scripture and be prepared. Often our own testamony is our most powerful witness. Then we need to pray for the lost and learn to work with the Holy Spirit.

Joel

P.S. We also need to remember who we are when we are out in the world. We can't witness to people if our witness is no good. The biggest excuse I hear from people about why they aren't Christians is "Hyprocrites". I am sanctified but I am also human. I can get frustrated and tired. I can get angry if I let myself and I can be the king of sarcasm. I think most people will overlook if you have a bad day now and then but if you are hard to work with, you are a bad witness. Many times we have to let things slide when we have the right and opportunity to get even. We live by a higher calling. I could get even with a co-worker who bad mouthed my work and turn him off to the Lord forever and send him to hell. This is where I struggle the most. I am a very intense person. I put a lot of pride in my work. I work with a lot of good people but I also work with a lot of slackers, liers, back stabbers and just plain mean people. Sometimes it is hard to be nice. God has to help me.

[Wilson L. Deaton]

Joel,

You're a great example of what it means for Christians to be the church instead of just going to church. Keep up the good "being."

Wilson

[Billy Cox]

I am bringing 2 friends to church tomorrow, it's in His hands now

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
trying to fade into the faces
the girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the body
why arent His arms reaching
why arent His hands healing
why arent His words teaching
and if we are the body
why arent His feet going
why is His love not showing them there is a way
there is a way

A traveler is far away from home
he sheds his coat
and quietly sinks into the back row
the weight of their judgemental glances tell him that his chances
are better out on the road

CHORUS
But if we are the body
why arent His arms reaching
why arent His hands healing
why arent His words teaching
and if we are the body
why arent His feet going
why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
for us to pick and choose who should come
and we are the body of Christ

Chorus (2x)
But if we are the body
why arent His arms reaching
why arent His hands healing
why arent His words teaching
and if we are the body
why arent His feet going
why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus is the way

While I understand the message of this song, I keep tripping over the chorus. Each of the 'why aren't His...' phrases presumes that the audience is unloving and uncaring.

I'm sure there is a time and a place for a kick in the pants, but I suspect especially in the Nazarene Church that most people need a word of encouragement to 'keep on keeping on'...not a guilt trip. I have the same issue with the song 'What if his people prayed.'

[Billy Cox]

My gut reaction is that you could teach your people how to have spiritual conversations with unbelieving friends/family. A discussion guide seems a little too formal for a lunch setting.

If your people are in the Word and their hearts are right, and they are attuned to opportunities for spiritual conversation, then no discussion guide can make them any more effective.

Teaching people how to have a spiritual conversations would have three key components:

1. Be a growing disciple (in the Word, in the Spirit, have the heart of Christ)

2. Role playing and honest evaluation

3. Ongoing feedback/discussion about real-life situations

[Dave McClung]

My general question:

If you were going to use such a tool, what kind of format would you think would work best?



It has been my experience that one has to earn the right to teach others about religion. Those who try to "sneak" their religious message into day to day conversations are quickly marginalized. Most people are not interested in being "converted."

The opportunity to teach in the work place comes through life experiences. People are most receptive when they are going through difficult times. Christians who have a message of hope during times of trouble are the ones who get the opportunity to witness effectively.

That being the case, it is most important that we be very open about the difficult times in our lives and the way the Lord helps us through them. That is were we gain credibility. When others observe that we are kind, loving, caring people when we have difficult times they become open to learning when they have difficult times.

Those who seek to earn points by lecturing their fellow workers about God are seldom successful in coverting anyone and often lose their jobs.

Dave