In beginning a conversation, I have found a few things helpful to open up and keep myself on tract. Imagine walking up to a stranger in Memphis seeking to begin with openness and honesty, saying something like: “Hi, my name is Jonas, I am a Presbyterian pastor from Georgia and I’m here in Memphis for a denominational gathering. I’m taking time to ask people about the state of their soul. Do you have a minute to speak with me?”

Soon the 50th General Assembly will convene and God be praised that there are many who can tell of the wonderful things God has wrought in their souls through the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Over the last 50 years the PCA has had an abundance of things for which to give praise to God. As we gather in Memphis there is a group of PCA Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders who will be spending an hour on the streets in personal evangelism as well as in public proclamation sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, who is the only hope for men and women, boys and girls. I am writing this to be an aid by way of beginning a conversation about Jesus and His gospel with a complete stranger. There are principles which go a long way in sharing the Christian faith with someone you do not know.

These principles that need to be present in beginning a conversation with an individual are openness, honesty and sincere charity (love). In ministering to strangers you will find these three principles opening doors that otherwise would remain shut. One could easily with such things as these be reminded of George Whitefield, who even his adversaries would say, demonstrated Christian charity as they had never seen before. The man was desirable to listen to by many because of his concern, affection and honesty for all men.

In beginning a conversation, I have found a few things helpful to open up and keep myself on tract. Imagine walking up to a stranger in Memphis seeking to begin with openness and honesty, saying something like: “Hi, my name is Jonas, I am a Presbyterian pastor from Georgia and I’m here in Memphis for a denominational gathering. I’m taking time to ask people about the state of their soul. Do you have a minute to speak with me?” In being open and honest I have overwhelmingly found that whomever I am speaking to responds in kind. In every conversation you have an opportunity to be a minister of grace and apply the balm of the gospel to broken hearts. You have the opportunity to dispel falsehoods and honor Jesus in opening up conversations with care and concern.

There are two responses which typically come from this opening question, “No, sorry I don’t have time” in which case I often have tracts to give to that person and wish them a good day and ask them to read it. Or they will respond, “Sure. I have some time.” In the case that they are willing to speak with me, there are many questions to ask them, but the primary target is to get to their spiritual state. I often will follow this with questions such as: (1) Have you ever heard the word “gospel” before? Do you think you could tell me what it is? or (2) “If you were to stand before God today and be judged, do you know where you would go?” With these two questions you either get to speak of the graciousness of God in Christ in the gospel (typically from 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 — for Question 1), or you get to speak of what they ultimately hope in (Christ or works — for Question 2) and their need for Jesus who atoned for sinners.

There are many other questions to ask. Ray Comfort gives some examples in asking such law-oriented and heart-searching questions which expose heart-searching hope of Christ. But whatever questions you may ask, I hope you ask them. Christ is a treasure and we are His servants (2 Corinthians 5:4-5); let us endeavor all the more to make him known.

If you would like to come and share the gospel with me and others during the General Assembly we would love to have you join us. If unable, would you pray for us.

Commissioners and guests at the PCA General are invited to an outreach and evangelistic event on Tuesday, June 13, from 5-6 pm, along Memphis’ Beale Street. We will meet in the conference center at 4:15 pm for a brief time of intercessory prayer and then leave promptly at 4:45. If you come on your own, we will stage at the corner of Beale and BB King Blvd.  Call or text me 205-451-5433 for more information

Jonas Brock is a Teaching Elder in the Savannah River Presbytery serving at Golden Isles Presbyterian Church (PCA) on Saint Simons Island, Ga.