Simple bridge building

This is about a slightly longer term form of witnessing that is effective. Sometimes we have to be inventive when it comes to being a witness for Jesus, coming up with new ways of approaching people so we are able to present the Gospel or share our testimony with them. I am talking about starting in Jerusalem, or in other words, your own immediate locality, by reaching out to the people that live in your street or neighbourhood. Jesus said:

“And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1: 8

Key Point: There are many ways that you can use to introduce Jesus Christ

As the saying goes, “There is more than one way to skin a cat”. In other words, there are many ways to introduce Christ to people that we know or are acquainted with. This method is known as bridge building.

One of the best ways that I have heard this type of evangelism described is like this:

 “In order to introduce Jesus to someone sometimes you will need to build a relationship bridge so that Jesus can walk across towards them”.

That is it in a nutshell and it is simple and effective. There two ways you can approach this, the first which can be effective, but it is very often a much harder way of bridge building.

Sometimes people can be confrontational:

One of my old pastors used to tell a story of when he was a boy, regarding his father who was an evangelist. As a child he can remember his dad going to the end of the streets where he lived in the Welsh Valleys in the 1940s and 50s. He would shout at the top of his voice and it would echo around the houses:

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1: 15

After which he would go on to preach a Gospel message before he was ready to move on to the next group of houses or street.

Now I believe that there is still a place for that type of witness, even in today’s politically correct culture. I have done  this before and will happily do so again. Amazingly, people still come to Christ through what would appear to some onlookers to be complete foolishness.

“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”

1 Corinthians 1: 21

We must be willing to witness in what ever way Christ calls us to. It can be hard sometimes, but very rewarding when people come to Jesus.

Sometimes it can be relational

Bridge building with neighbours is a great way of reaching the lost. I don’t mean inviting a neighbour to a barbeque in your garden, only for them to discover a huge sea of smiling Christian faces from your local fellowship greeting them and with so many Christians present, inevitably talking about church  the poor neighbor will feel  like a fish out of water! Then just to cap it all, someone begins some cringe Factor” evangelism, pulls out an acoustic guitar and invites all who are present to join in with him and sing “Kum by ya my Lord, kum by ya”, accompanied by a load of actions. The neighbor will be completely alienated

What I am describing is an effective way to build a bridge simply by asking a family or people that you know to a barbeque that is just with your family or perhaps a couple of Christian friends, a small affair; or inviting them to dinner, or going bowling, for a picnic, for a walk in the country - anything that a family or group of friends would like to do together just to have fun.

The people you invite could be your neighbours or perhaps someone from your local school, a co-worker or person that belongs to a club or association that you are also a member of.

The list of possibilities is endless. The point is, you will already have some type of relationship with them. The aim of the invitation is for them to see Jesus in you.

Be disciplined and don’t talk about the Lord until the right time.

This type of witness requires you to be subtle. You may have to do this type of thing a few times, before you are able to speak about church  or Jesus. You have to be disciplined in your approach with this method. A time will come when you will be asked about your faith, church or something similar. You may be asked a question like “Why do you go to church?” or, “Why are you a Christian?” Your patience and discipline will have given you a wide open door to present the Gospel. You will be able to go through it because you have built a bridge of friendship and trust. Your listener will be more receptive as a result of this.

Sometimes you will get positive answers and interest, while on other occasions you may get answers like “Each to their own” or “No thanks it’s not for me”. Some Christians panic at this point and go into overdrive and start talking about death and hell, trying to frighten the people into the kingdom.

We are not collecting points here but rather getting to know people better and then letting them see the love of Jesus in us. This will give you opportunities to invite people to church.

It is a slower process, but many come to Jesus in that way. You will still need to witness to people in other ways as well, including this as one of your approaches. Here are a few dos and don’ts that may help - some may appear to be obvious, but I will say them anyway. I have seen some odd things happen over the years with this type of stuff. Ask any pastor!

Some dos:

• Be prayed up and ready
• Let them see the love of Jesus first
• Be positive welcoming and friendly
• Be disciplined and wait for the right opportunity

Some don’ts:

• Don’t have Bibles, tracts and Christian literature lying around everywhere in your house
• Don’t ask the people you have invited to sing the “Grace song” before you eat
• Keep grace short and sweet
• Don’t speak in Christianese. In other words try to remove Christian language from your conversation.
• Don’t try to create openings for your testimony or scripture. Be patient because the opportunity will come along.

Pray about who you can start to build bridges with. God will direct you to the right people.