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Is figuring out how to witness to your faith publicly something you struggle with?
I agree that the more "mature" I become in my faith, the easier it is to witness outside of the congregational flock. I grew up in a christian environment including church activities and worship. As an adult, I realize more and more how surprisingly uncommon that experience may be compared to my peers in the community. I have little kids, so there are plenty of opportunities to interact with others at varying intimacy levels. Faith issues OFTEN come up related to kids and parenting. People tend to "find out" that I'm very involved at church and committed to Christ. I don't usually have to bring it up-it just sort of happens in conversation. ie: "gotta go!" "oh?where" "bible study"I try and respect that many moms are at different stages on their spiritual journeys, or may not even be on one. More and more, I find that others bring up faith questions all of the time. It's just a matter of whether or not I choose to "bite" and witness. Overall, I'd say that a few years ago I struggled with what others would have thought about me if I spoke of my faith. Now that I'm becoming more mature (it only matters what God thinks of me), I feel that how/when I choose to engage in witnessing is VERY related to my sensitivity to the other person's faith issues. Some people I know I can have a good hour talk with, while others will be "full" with one sentence.
What I've learned is that MORE people than not are VERY receptive and interested in faith talk.
Posted by: Nancy (Huntington, NY)
Posted: 11/19/2008 7:55:05 PM
Congregation: Gloria Dei
Back in the 60's I was a member of a group that was anti-war, so we decided to deny the economy any holiday shopping, we had a bazaar and bought each other's hand made items and what we didn't get from that we made ourselves. We were all creative women and this is a good idea for this year. Although the government wants us to shop and stimulate the economy, which is good, we can still keep the holiday by creating the gifts we give, knit, crochet, sew, weave, paint, hammer, etc. After all that is the old-time way, do you remember?
Posted by: jo harkness (Topeka, KS)
Posted: 11/11/2008 3:22:08 PM
Congregation: first Lutheran topeka KS
Sharing my faith publicly is getting easier as I get older, but there are times when I do not always offer my thoughts from a Christian viewpoint. I guess it's because some people criticize Christians and the Bible. Also, some people are afraid to talk to you because you are a Christian. I think they feel they are being judged on their thoughts and actions. They may not want to be held accountable for their thoughts and actions, so they surround themselves w/ people that will support their lifestyle. It is definitely easier to profess your faith when you are among fellow Christians.
Posted by: Nicole (Eagle Grove, IA)
Posted: 11/11/2008 11:06:19 AM
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