S - Share our story (Part 6)
The beauty of b.l.e.s.s. is by the time we get to share our story, a genuine relationship is growing, and people will want to listen.
But, to be clear, what they are interested in is you, your story, and God is a part of your story. They are not interested in being sold something, convinced of something, or solicited. They are not interested in a bait and switch. But because we have chosen to bless them and engage in authentic community with them, they are fully bought in to hear our story even when God is a part of it.
So how do we do share our story and include God? First, I think it starts by answering three questions:
What was my life like before I placed my faith in Jesus?
Why did I put my faith in Jesus?
What has my life been life since I put my faith in Jesus?
As you engage these questions, try to think back and remember the real-life experiences and emotions that were apart of each moment. Why? Because when our friends and neighbors are experiencing these moments, we can empathize with them and share how God helped us navigate through them. This is something Jeff Vanderstelt calls speaking the gospel into the everyday stuff of life.
Our goal isn't to give a 3 point presentation with a poem about why Jesus is the best path. Our goal is to engage other people's stories with our own story and, through our story, share the hope and direction that Jesus gave us.
Remember, our job isn't to save people. Jesus and the Holy Spirit do that part. Our job is to bear witness to the hope of Jesus Christ. The most effective way to do this, in my opinion, is by sharing how Jesus has encountered our pain, our story and led us to joy.
My goal with this blog is to start the conversation and plant the idea. But if you are interested in knowing more, check out these two resources:
In the meantime, would you be willing to answer the three questions above and share those answers with me? If you are, send them to matt@jesusistruehope.com. I look forward to hearing more of your story!