I was cleaning out my file cabinet this week (isn’t that fun?) and found some interesting items.
Actually, I found a lot of stuff that I had forgotten I had, and of course, lots of useless junk that went straight to the shredder.
- A clipped article about Microsoft Certification from 1993?
- How about a marriage inventory?
- Building permits from a construction renovation project I led. Building has been occupied for 7 years, don’t think I need that. . . .
Found a Gem: Barriers to Witnessing
I did find a useful inventory that you can use for your own personal evaluation.
Listed are some of the barriers we all encounter that keep us from witnessing. As you read through them, think about your own personal barriers and put a check mark by any that you think may apply to you.
So I’ve scanned it in for you, cleaned it up, and give it too you as a free download.
Source: Unknown – it was a handout from some conference that I acquired over the last 20 years.
MY PERSONAL BARRIERS
Distorted or limited images of what. witnessing (or evangelism) is:
_____ “I don’t want to be like those shouting TV evangelists!”
_____ “I don’t believe in grabbing people by the lapels and asking Are you Saved?”
_____ “I don’t like people who try to impose their religion on everybody else.”
_____ “I don’t, want to be manipulative.”
_____ “I don’t need to talk about it; my life is my evangelism.”
_____ “I think we ought to be changing society, not individuals.”
Denial of Responsibility:
_____ “That’s the pastor’s job! That’s what we’re paying him/her for!”
_____ “That’s the lay people’s job! I’m paid to equip you to do it!”
_____ “That’s not my bag! Let those who like to do that sort of thing do it”
_____ “It’s nobody’s business what a person believes.”
_____ “Our church is too sophisticated for that sort of thing.”
Feelings of Inadequacy:
_____ “I don’t know enough about the Bible.”
_____ “I’m no theologian.”
_____ “I’ve never had any experience at that sort of thing.”
_____ “I tried it once. Never again!”
Personality barrier (not excuses):
_____ A poor listener makes a poor witness.
_____ An argumentative person will evoke anger not faith.
_____ A judgmental person will turn people off/ not on.
_____ Some people intimidate others by their style/ approach/ or appearance.
_____ Some people are too wrapped up in themselves to care about others.
Faith issues:
_____ “I’ve got too many doubts to try to witness to someone else.”
_____ “I’m not sure I really believe in a personal God.”
_____ “It doesn’t matter what you believe as lone as you believe something
_____ “I don’t think you have to believe in the divinity of Jesus to belong to a church.”
_____ “Why should we think Christianity is better than any other religion?”
Emotional Concerns:
_____ Fear of criticism: “People will think I’m a fanatic.”
_____ Fear of rejection: “I’d hate to have someone slam the door in my face!”
_____ Fear of failure: “What if I say the wrong thing-? What if I really mess up?”
_____ Fear of physical attack: “It’s not safe to be out knocking on doors.”
Outside Distractions:
_____ “My job doesn’t leave me any time for that sort of thing.”
_____ “I’m too busy doing other things in the church.”
_____ “I know it’s important/ but I can’t get involved right now; maybe later.”
Download your Free copy to use and Distribute
Take it, and feel free to contact me and discuss the results.
Want you own evangelism training in your city? Contact us to arrange a seminar for your church or area.
Learn more about sharing your faith by ordering the course below.
FileCabinet photo credit: Curious Expeditions via cc
Leaving Egypt and Not Liking it
Leave a Reply