'Got Style? O yes, you do!
- Christine DiGiacomo
- 11 minutes ago
- 5 min read
"Okay, I kinda get the witness thing, what you were talking about in your last briefing, but I am not like you, Christine, so how do I 'witness'? How do I try to share my faith without looking or sounding like an idiot? I mean, the truth is - Jesus has made a difference in my life, I really do want to tell others who do not know him that they can know Him too... but I'd be lying if I didn't say I am totally intimidated..." and so the email read.
Our jumping off point today is the same place Jesus sorta jumped up - way up - like all the way into Heaven. From Acts chapter one, verse eight, Jesus said some famous last words; interestingly, they were meant for those standing near him, and also us, some 2000 years later.
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and
you will be my witnesses ... "
A witness describes what they have experienced in relationship with Jesus.
Okay, I got it. But, how?
Paul had a passionate drive to tell those who did not know the Messiah;
look what he said about that:
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.
I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means,
I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9.22
Paul made certain to get along with anyone and everyone—Jew or Gentile. He was adaptable, though he always kept Jesus Christ/the gospel central. For instance, when he was in Athens,1 he started his message with ‘I commend you for being a religious people; I have seen your statue to an unknown God’. He met the Athenians where they were, and used their interest as a springboard.
“I have become all things to all people so that by any means I might save some.” Friends, all people are in need of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Period. But not all can or will receive it in the same way—nor can all of us share the gospel in the same way. Scripture portrays six different gospel-sharing styles2; surely, at least one of these styles fits your personality and how God made you!
Consider that:
1. Peter had a confrontational style. In Acts 2, he preached clearly, boldly, powerfully, convincingly—so much so, that 3000 accepted the Lord on one day!
Traits: Like Peter, this person is usually confident, bold and direct, and has strong opinions and convictions.
Key verse: 2 Timothy 4.2 – Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
2. Paul had an intellectual style. In Acts 17, (referenced above), Paul taught and reasoned with the Jews and Greeks alike, persuading them of the truth of Jesus Christ.
Traits of this style: analytical, logical, inquisitive, likes to debate, more concerned with what people think rather than what they feel. We live in a day and time where we have access to great biblical thinking and teaching on presenting the evidence for the truth of the gospel and the veracity of Scripture.
Key verse: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10.5.
3. Matthew had an interpersonal style. (also called “Levi” in Luke 5)
After coming to know Jesus, Matthew invited his tax collector friends to a great banquet for Jesus in his home. He was not secretive about his faith.
Traits: conversational, compassionate, sensitive, friendship-oriented, focused on other people and their needs.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 9.22 – I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
4. The blind man had a testimonial style. John 9 records the story of a man born blind who Jesus healed.
Traits: The person with the testimonial style is usually a clear communicator, a good listener, honest and vulnerable about personal life, overwhelmed by how God reached him; sees links between their own experience and that of other people’s. Have you had an experience that changed everything for you? The blind man said it so simply in John 9.25—“One thing I do know—I was blind but now I see.” What have you seen or heard that would impact others?
Key verse: 1 John 1.3 – We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us . . .
5. The woman at the well had an invitational style. In John 4, this woman had a real encounter with Jesus, and ran back to the people in her town, saying, “Come and meet the Man who told me everything about me, and loved me anyway.” She invited them to ‘Come, meet Jesus’ . . . and they did! Very cool.
Traits of the ‘inviter’: Typically hospitable, persuasive . . . enjoys meeting new people—committed, and loves to have an opportunity or event to invite others.
Key verse: Luke 14.23 – Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.’
6. Dorcas (Tabitha) had a serving style. Acts 9 described Dorcas as a disciple always doing good and helping the poor.
Traits: patient, others-centered, sees needs and finds joy in meeting them, shows love through action more than words, attaches value to menial tasks.
Key verse: Jesus' instruction: Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. Matthew 5.16.
There you have it—six styles for sharing the Good News--
Testimonial: tells what they experienced
Invitational: invites folks to a place they can meet Jesus
Serving: shares God’s love by meeting the needs of others
Intellectual: uses reason and logic to discuss the truth of the Gospel
Confrontational: straight to the point, powerfully shares the love and of God, as well as our need for Him
Interpersonal: through relationship, uses a conversational manner to talk about life with Jesus
Six styles – honestly, at one time or another, each of them and all of them have been “me”. How about you? What style would most likely be your fit?
“Lord, it seems like so many people feel hopeless in our world; they are lost and can't find their way. Jesus, you are the way to peace with God. Give us hearts like Paul’s--so concerned, so motivated to point others to God. Give us courage, O Lord. Amen”
Listen, please: "The Lord will Provide," Canaan Baca:
Use your style.
Go on . . . people are
dying to know Truth.
Christine
1 Acts 17.22ff.
2 Several thoughts from Becoming a Contagious Christian, Mark Mittelberg, Lee Strobel,
Bill Hybels
Comments