Opening the door to evangelism through everyday conversation
By Andy Newbrey, former pastor at Faith Christian Church, Wichita
Several years ago, I owned an ornamental iron and sculpture company. We created lots of unusual things. (see the giant bugs in the Downing Children’s Garden at Botanica, Wichita)
We painted most of the pieces we created with specialty finishes and very concentrated enamel paint. Many times, I would get the paint on my hands and found that, even though it washed off my skin easily, sometimes it really stuck to my fingernails.
One day, in a grocery store, I realized that the paint on my nails made people a little uncomfortable. I thought to myself, “Hmm. This could be fun…” Over the years I’ve had lots of fun making people wonder. Today, I call them my “Jesus nails” and here’s why:
When was the last time you talked to someone you didn’t know about Jesus?
Opening a conversation about our Savior can be a pretty hard thing to do. We don’t want to offend. We don’t want people to think “Oh, here we go with the “Jesus” thing again.” Talking about Christ can really put us on-the-spot and may even cause us to have to follow up with that person.
When people ask me or make a comment about my nails, I say, “These are my Jesus nails. They remind me to treat you with respect, love, and kindness just like Jesus tells me to do; with no judgment, no condemnation. Jesus loves and takes you just as you are, how you are and where you are.”
Research has shown that non-believers see Christians as condemning, judgmental and intolerant. This world is hurting, fractured, and fighting and needs to see our Savior for what He really is: love, hope, forgiveness and open to everyone!
Your challenge:
Find your own way to start a conversation about Jesus. Turn on your “Jesus switch” and be ready to share the most important thing you can – Jesus loves everyone just as they are.