a publication of
The
Navigators®
SUMMER 2013
Pouring Your Life Out for Others Evangelism
The Tale of an Off-duty Evangelist Telling God’s Story by Telling Yours Being a Spiritual “Stone in the Shoe” DISCIPLE_Summer_May2013_Disk Art for Print.indd 1
5/30/13 12:11 PM
Planting Seeds been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
2 | d i s c i pl e! | S U M M ER 2 013
DISCIPLE_Summer_May2013_Disk Art for Print.indd 2-3
Prayer
but God has
The Word
watered it,
TH E
seed, Apollos
N IA
“I
planted the
Paul cared intensely about the outcome Those of us who seek to follow Jesus tend of sharing his faith. But he knew the outto take seriously His command to “Go into come wasn’t his responsibility. Paul was all the world and preach the gospel to all creready, willing, and able to talk about his ation” (Mark 16:15). Sometimes, however, relationship with Jesus. At the same time he the thought of actually doing that makes understood that God was in control. God our palms sweat and our tongues stick to the makes things grow. roofs of our mouths. That discomfort may Understanding that lifts a big burden off come from the fact that we take on a bit more our shoulders. But we still have the privilege responsibility than God intended. and responsibility of planting and watering The apostle Paul addressed that over those seeds. Sharing the Good News developed sense of responsibility DIENT CHR E of the Gospel has always been when he wrote to the CorinIS OB T something The Navigators thian Christians, “I planted have emphasized. And while the seed, Apollos watered it, we’ve developed tools and but God has been making resources to help disciples of Witnessing Christ Fellowship it grow. So neither the one Jesus do that (some of which who plants nor the one who you’ll find within this issue) waters is anything, but only what’s really important is livGod, who makes things grow” ing a transformed life that begs (1 Corinthians 3:6,7). IN N A O I C T the question, “What makes you difOur job is to plant and water ferent?” coupled with the willingness seeds. God’s job is to make things grow. and ability to give an answer for the hope that Paul emphasized the importance of that when is within us. he pointed out, “What, after all, is Apollos? As you examine the theme of evangelism And what is Paul? Only servants, through in this issue, our hope and prayer is that the whom you came to believe—as the Lord has thoughts shared here, the real-life examples assigned to each his task” (1 Corinthians 3:5). of people telling their spiritual stories, and That doesn’t mean we don’t care about the the resources you find, will encourage you to outcome. Paul is a perfect example of that plant and water seeds by sharing your story as well. When he was offering up a defense about your journey with Jesus. And as you do, of his faith to King Agrippa, the king asked may you have the joy of seeing—whether in a him, “Do you think that in such a short time short time or a long time—God make those you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul seeds grow. D! replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to Dig Deeper at my.navigators.org/discipleresources me today may become what I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:28,29).
Photograph by Sean Sheridan
FOLLOWING JESUS IN TODAY’S WORLD
N
Evangelism As Endorsed By Jesus
o matter what other ways we might consider participating in the advancement of the Gospel, the one Jesus endorsed by His own prayer is the idea of God working through a community of believers and their love for one another. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:20–23). When I came to faith in college, it was a group of friends that God used to woo me to Himself. In their relationships with one another, they lived out the Kingdom life in front of me. These weren’t superstar Christians. They were people with varied gifts and personalities that God used to get my attention and to reveal Himself to me. God worked through the quiet examples of some, the serving of others, the winsomeness of a few, and the timely words of one or two. Some of those words weren’t even intentional or directed at me! Each lived out the sent life the best way they knew how, warts, scars, wounds, and all. As you read this issue of Disciple! you will get to know a few Navigators who are everyday people living out our motto “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known®” in all seasons of life. In His Grip, Doug Nuenke U.S. President, The Navigators Read more from Doug at my.navigators.org/lattelove for more information
FIELD NOTES
A Spiritual Stone in the Shoe When Roger Hamilton, director of Ministry Partner Development, was a student involved with The Navigators at the University of Wisconsin, he made a conscious decision to reflect the character of Christ wherever he was—even at his parttime job in the university’s food service. The environment was decidedly secular, and it didn’t take long for Roger’s words and actions to stand out like a proverbial sore thumb. A number of the other young men working with Roger would tease him about being the token Christian among them and would attempt to embarrass him with tales of their drinking and dating activities. Much of the time, there wasn’t much Roger could say. He simply lived out a life of Christian character—even when he didn’t have the opportunity to speak. There were occasions, however, when he was able to talk in more depth about his faith. On one such occasion, he was able to share his faith in some detail with a coworker named Dean. Roger sketched out The Bridge® illustration of the Gospel in which sinful man was on one side of a chasm and a holy God was on the other side—with Jesus as the “bridge” between the two. He then asked Dean which side he thought he was on. Dean’s response was that he was obviously on God’s side. After all, he’d been brought up in a good Lutheran home and had attended church. Roger politely—but boldly—challenged the notion that Dean’s “cultural Christianity” made him a “real” follower of Christ. “Dean,” he said, “I really don’t think you’re on God’s side.”
Dean was seriously irritated by that comment and thought, “Who are you to tell me that?” Walking away from the conversation, Roger felt sure that nothing had really come of the conversation, and eventually he and Dean lost contact with one another. However, 25 years later the two men crossed paths on Facebook. Discovering that Roger would be visiting Minneapolis (where Dean currently lives), Dean invited him out to dinner. As they sat down, Dean told Roger, “You really ticked me off when you shared the Gospel with me in college!” Then he quickly added, “But don’t apologize. You cared enough to share the truth with me.” Dean went on to tell him, “I was mad at you for about 12 years. You were like a stone in my shoe for that whole time.” The Holy Spirit had used Roger’s questioning of Dean’s faith as an irritation that hounded him until he finally came to a genuine and personal faith in Christ. Even 25 years later, Dean says he can still see that Gospel illustration in his mind. And his “rocky” encounter with Roger is a reminder to him when he shares the Gospel with someone else that, “I have to love him enough to be willing to share the truth with him.” “You never know,” says Roger, “when sharing your faith is going to bear fruit. Even when the seed you sow appears to be nothing more than a spiritual stone in someone’s shoe for 12 years!” D! For more information visit campusnavs.org
my. n av i gato r s .o rg/ d i s c i pl e
| 3
5/30/13 12:11 PM
Planting Seeds been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
2 | d i s c i pl e! | S U M M ER 2 013
DISCIPLE_Summer_May2013_Disk Art for Print.indd 2-3
Prayer
but God has
The Word
watered it,
TH E
seed, Apollos
N IA
“I
planted the
Paul cared intensely about the outcome Those of us who seek to follow Jesus tend of sharing his faith. But he knew the outto take seriously His command to “Go into come wasn’t his responsibility. Paul was all the world and preach the gospel to all creready, willing, and able to talk about his ation” (Mark 16:15). Sometimes, however, relationship with Jesus. At the same time he the thought of actually doing that makes understood that God was in control. God our palms sweat and our tongues stick to the makes things grow. roofs of our mouths. That discomfort may Understanding that lifts a big burden off come from the fact that we take on a bit more our shoulders. But we still have the privilege responsibility than God intended. and responsibility of planting and watering The apostle Paul addressed that over those seeds. Sharing the Good News developed sense of responsibility DIENT CHR E of the Gospel has always been when he wrote to the CorinIS OB T something The Navigators thian Christians, “I planted have emphasized. And while the seed, Apollos watered it, we’ve developed tools and but God has been making resources to help disciples of Witnessing Christ Fellowship it grow. So neither the one Jesus do that (some of which who plants nor the one who you’ll find within this issue) waters is anything, but only what’s really important is livGod, who makes things grow” ing a transformed life that begs (1 Corinthians 3:6,7). IN N A O I C T the question, “What makes you difOur job is to plant and water ferent?” coupled with the willingness seeds. God’s job is to make things grow. and ability to give an answer for the hope that Paul emphasized the importance of that when is within us. he pointed out, “What, after all, is Apollos? As you examine the theme of evangelism And what is Paul? Only servants, through in this issue, our hope and prayer is that the whom you came to believe—as the Lord has thoughts shared here, the real-life examples assigned to each his task” (1 Corinthians 3:5). of people telling their spiritual stories, and That doesn’t mean we don’t care about the the resources you find, will encourage you to outcome. Paul is a perfect example of that plant and water seeds by sharing your story as well. When he was offering up a defense about your journey with Jesus. And as you do, of his faith to King Agrippa, the king asked may you have the joy of seeing—whether in a him, “Do you think that in such a short time short time or a long time—God make those you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul seeds grow. D! replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to Dig Deeper at my.navigators.org/discipleresources me today may become what I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:28,29).
Photograph by Sean Sheridan
FOLLOWING JESUS IN TODAY’S WORLD
N
Evangelism As Endorsed By Jesus
o matter what other ways we might consider participating in the advancement of the Gospel, the one Jesus endorsed by His own prayer is the idea of God working through a community of believers and their love for one another. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:20–23). When I came to faith in college, it was a group of friends that God used to woo me to Himself. In their relationships with one another, they lived out the Kingdom life in front of me. These weren’t superstar Christians. They were people with varied gifts and personalities that God used to get my attention and to reveal Himself to me. God worked through the quiet examples of some, the serving of others, the winsomeness of a few, and the timely words of one or two. Some of those words weren’t even intentional or directed at me! Each lived out the sent life the best way they knew how, warts, scars, wounds, and all. As you read this issue of Disciple! you will get to know a few Navigators who are everyday people living out our motto “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known®” in all seasons of life. In His Grip, Doug Nuenke U.S. President, The Navigators Read more from Doug at my.navigators.org/lattelove for more information
FIELD NOTES
A Spiritual Stone in the Shoe When Roger Hamilton, director of Ministry Partner Development, was a student involved with The Navigators at the University of Wisconsin, he made a conscious decision to reflect the character of Christ wherever he was—even at his parttime job in the university’s food service. The environment was decidedly secular, and it didn’t take long for Roger’s words and actions to stand out like a proverbial sore thumb. A number of the other young men working with Roger would tease him about being the token Christian among them and would attempt to embarrass him with tales of their drinking and dating activities. Much of the time, there wasn’t much Roger could say. He simply lived out a life of Christian character—even when he didn’t have the opportunity to speak. There were occasions, however, when he was able to talk in more depth about his faith. On one such occasion, he was able to share his faith in some detail with a coworker named Dean. Roger sketched out The Bridge® illustration of the Gospel in which sinful man was on one side of a chasm and a holy God was on the other side—with Jesus as the “bridge” between the two. He then asked Dean which side he thought he was on. Dean’s response was that he was obviously on God’s side. After all, he’d been brought up in a good Lutheran home and had attended church. Roger politely—but boldly—challenged the notion that Dean’s “cultural Christianity” made him a “real” follower of Christ. “Dean,” he said, “I really don’t think you’re on God’s side.”
Dean was seriously irritated by that comment and thought, “Who are you to tell me that?” Walking away from the conversation, Roger felt sure that nothing had really come of the conversation, and eventually he and Dean lost contact with one another. However, 25 years later the two men crossed paths on Facebook. Discovering that Roger would be visiting Minneapolis (where Dean currently lives), Dean invited him out to dinner. As they sat down, Dean told Roger, “You really ticked me off when you shared the Gospel with me in college!” Then he quickly added, “But don’t apologize. You cared enough to share the truth with me.” Dean went on to tell him, “I was mad at you for about 12 years. You were like a stone in my shoe for that whole time.” The Holy Spirit had used Roger’s questioning of Dean’s faith as an irritation that hounded him until he finally came to a genuine and personal faith in Christ. Even 25 years later, Dean says he can still see that Gospel illustration in his mind. And his “rocky” encounter with Roger is a reminder to him when he shares the Gospel with someone else that, “I have to love him enough to be willing to share the truth with him.” “You never know,” says Roger, “when sharing your faith is going to bear fruit. Even when the seed you sow appears to be nothing more than a spiritual stone in someone’s shoe for 12 years!” D! For more information visit campusnavs.org
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FOLLOWING JESUS IN TODAY’S WORLD
FIELD NOTES NOTES Evangelism Lessons From Those We’re Trying to Reach by Dane Shulze, Collegiate Ministry As an EDGE Corps intern with The Navigators at the University of Washington, I continue to learn about sharing the Gospel with others. But sometimes it’s the people we interact with who help teach us significant lessons about evangelism. Charles* is a classic example of that. Unlike his fraternity brothers, he rarely accepts anything as it is. Sometimes I wonder if he’s deliberately trying to offend or shock me with his questions. But I sense Charles really is hungry for truth, and that’s why our paths have crossed. He intentionally found me, initiated contact, and asked if I would spend time with him. And Charles is teaching me the importance of asking good questions, of moving beyond the surface level, and of thinking about the implications of the words and life of Jesus. Recently he interviewed me as part of his application for a journalism job he’s seeking. One remark in the paper he submitted jumped out at me: Dane and I discuss faith, life and my projects. Our weekly lunches are probably my favorite event. The thought he generates (and I’d like to think I help generate) is incredibly meaningful. I can truly say that Dane—someone who believes in 4 | d i s c i pl e! | S U M M ER 2 013
DISCIPLE_Summer_May2013_Disk Art for Print.indd 4-5
God—has really helped me—someone who doesn’t believe in God— believe in God. Charles still remains somewhat skeptical and unsure of Jesus, but his curiosity presses him to ask spiritual questions and investigate the Bible. God continues to work in Charles’ life. And He continues to work in my life—teaching me how to go beyond the surface and explore the implications of the Gospel I share with others. D! *Not his real name
As Dane and Jill Shulze’s EDGE Corps internship comes to an end, they will continue to be “Navigators for life” living and engaging with people in the Seattle area. For more information on the EDGE Corps visit edgecorps.org
OFF-DUT Y
Evangelist
As I began my 13th year as a vice president for The Navigators, I needed a break—to be off-duty for a couple weeks without the pressure of daily grassfires. Frankly, I was discouraged. Since my hobby is bird watching, I scheduled a trip to the birders’ Holy Land—Costa Rica—and soon found myself in humid Santiago with a 12-person Canadian birding group. When our tour leader invited us to tell about ourselves, we awkwardly glanced around, and I thought to myself, “I came here to watch birds—not to make friends. I’m not telling anyone that I work with a Christian ministry. I’m ‘off-duty.’ ” One by one the polite Canadians shared name, hometown, vocation, family. Finally it was my turn. I leaned forward in my chair and said, “Scott Morton, Colorado Springs, married to Alma, three grown-up kids.” I leaned back. Someone asked, “Tell us what you do.” “I am a fundraiser.” I leaned back. “Who do you fundraise for?” My plan to be anonymous was failing. I didn’t want to be pigeonholed as “a typical American Christian.” I leaned forward. “I work with The Navigators, a non-profit in Colorado.” Now everyone was even more curious. “What is The Navigators?” I leaned forward and said calmly, “The Navigators helps people develop a deeply satisfying spiritual journey—in Christ.” There were no more questions. I went to bed feeling like a failure. I am not reluctant to identify with Christ—I just didn’t want to do it during my downtime. I was “off-duty.” The next day a fellow birder named George approached me. “You talked about a satisfying
by Scot t Morton
spiritual journey,” he said. “I am kind of on a journey; maybe we could talk.” During lunch, George and his wife, Thuraya, said they’d never heard about The Navigators, and asked several “check-me-out” questions. Finally satisfied, Thuraya raised both arms and blurted, “If it wasn’t for Jesus I would be in South Africa. He brought me all the way to Canada to find Him.” Thus inspired, I shared my spiritual journey to Christ, and we agreed to talk again. While George and I enjoyed getting to know each other over the next 10 days, we really didn’t discuss spiritual issues at all. The day before we left, I sketched out the Bridge illustration on the cardboard back of my tablet. “George, I have a final question for you as you head back to Canada.” “Sure.” “Your physical life will not last forever. If you get hit by a pie truck in Winnipeg how sure are you that you would go to heaven—50 percent, 75 percent, 98 percent?” “Great question!” George said, smiling, as we got up from the table. “May I take that cardboard diagram with me?” The next afternoon, the Canadians headed back to the Frozen Northland while I headed back to Colorado Springs—after having identified 360
bird species! George and I agreed to keep in touch. But a few days later, an email from Thuraya shocked me. George was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer! But she added joyfully that George had publically surrendered his life to Christ at their small church. He had peace. In August, while in Minneapolis on ministry business, I grabbed the short morning flight to Winnipeg. George and Thuraya were delighted to see me, though George looked yellow. But he beamed as he said, “Scott, you and I became quite close in Costa Rica didn’t we?” “Yes, George we did—the highlight was visiting with you.” After a slight pause I said, “May I again ask you the pie-truck question I asked you in Costa Rica?” He smiled. “How sure are you now that if you were to die that you would be in heaven?” George said triumphantly, “A lot more sure now than in Costa Rica!” We then discussed 1 John 5:11-13. “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” George got it—having Christ means having life!
As Thuraya snapped our picture George grabbed my hand and thanked me for talking with him about his spiritual journey in Costa Rica. He died a month later. Why am I telling this story? Maybe there is a “George” in your life—someone who needs assurance. Like me, you may be reluctant to share, but simply tell your story or explain the Bridge diagram. Because as followers of Jesus, we are never “off-duty.” D!
Scott and George at George’s home in Winnipeg. See page 12 for a full-page copy of the Bridge illustration or visit my.navigators.org/d2go to download the it.
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5/30/13 12:11 PM
FOLLOWING JESUS IN TODAY’S WORLD
FIELD NOTES NOTES Evangelism Lessons From Those We’re Trying to Reach by Dane Shulze, Collegiate Ministry As an EDGE Corps intern with The Navigators at the University of Washington, I continue to learn about sharing the Gospel with others. But sometimes it’s the people we interact with who help teach us significant lessons about evangelism. Charles* is a classic example of that. Unlike his fraternity brothers, he rarely accepts anything as it is. Sometimes I wonder if he’s deliberately trying to offend or shock me with his questions. But I sense Charles really is hungry for truth, and that’s why our paths have crossed. He intentionally found me, initiated contact, and asked if I would spend time with him. And Charles is teaching me the importance of asking good questions, of moving beyond the surface level, and of thinking about the implications of the words and life of Jesus. Recently he interviewed me as part of his application for a journalism job he’s seeking. One remark in the paper he submitted jumped out at me: Dane and I discuss faith, life and my projects. Our weekly lunches are probably my favorite event. The thought he generates (and I’d like to think I help generate) is incredibly meaningful. I can truly say that Dane—someone who believes in 4 | d i s c i pl e! | S U M M ER 2 013
DISCIPLE_Summer_May2013_Disk Art for Print.indd 4-5
God—has really helped me—someone who doesn’t believe in God— believe in God. Charles still remains somewhat skeptical and unsure of Jesus, but his curiosity presses him to ask spiritual questions and investigate the Bible. God continues to work in Charles’ life. And He continues to work in my life—teaching me how to go beyond the surface and explore the implications of the Gospel I share with others. D! *Not his real name
As Dane and Jill Shulze’s EDGE Corps internship comes to an end, they will continue to be “Navigators for life” living and engaging with people in the Seattle area. For more information on the EDGE Corps visit edgecorps.org
OFF-DUT Y
Evangelist
As I began my 13th year as a vice president for The Navigators, I needed a break—to be off-duty for a couple weeks without the pressure of daily grassfires. Frankly, I was discouraged. Since my hobby is bird watching, I scheduled a trip to the birders’ Holy Land—Costa Rica—and soon found myself in humid Santiago with a 12-person Canadian birding group. When our tour leader invited us to tell about ourselves, we awkwardly glanced around, and I thought to myself, “I came here to watch birds—not to make friends. I’m not telling anyone that I work with a Christian ministry. I’m ‘off-duty.’ ” One by one the polite Canadians shared name, hometown, vocation, family. Finally it was my turn. I leaned forward in my chair and said, “Scott Morton, Colorado Springs, married to Alma, three grown-up kids.” I leaned back. Someone asked, “Tell us what you do.” “I am a fundraiser.” I leaned back. “Who do you fundraise for?” My plan to be anonymous was failing. I didn’t want to be pigeonholed as “a typical American Christian.” I leaned forward. “I work with The Navigators, a non-profit in Colorado.” Now everyone was even more curious. “What is The Navigators?” I leaned forward and said calmly, “The Navigators helps people develop a deeply satisfying spiritual journey—in Christ.” There were no more questions. I went to bed feeling like a failure. I am not reluctant to identify with Christ—I just didn’t want to do it during my downtime. I was “off-duty.” The next day a fellow birder named George approached me. “You talked about a satisfying
by Scot t Morton
spiritual journey,” he said. “I am kind of on a journey; maybe we could talk.” During lunch, George and his wife, Thuraya, said they’d never heard about The Navigators, and asked several “check-me-out” questions. Finally satisfied, Thuraya raised both arms and blurted, “If it wasn’t for Jesus I would be in South Africa. He brought me all the way to Canada to find Him.” Thus inspired, I shared my spiritual journey to Christ, and we agreed to talk again. While George and I enjoyed getting to know each other over the next 10 days, we really didn’t discuss spiritual issues at all. The day before we left, I sketched out the Bridge illustration on the cardboard back of my tablet. “George, I have a final question for you as you head back to Canada.” “Sure.” “Your physical life will not last forever. If you get hit by a pie truck in Winnipeg how sure are you that you would go to heaven—50 percent, 75 percent, 98 percent?” “Great question!” George said, smiling, as we got up from the table. “May I take that cardboard diagram with me?” The next afternoon, the Canadians headed back to the Frozen Northland while I headed back to Colorado Springs—after having identified 360
bird species! George and I agreed to keep in touch. But a few days later, an email from Thuraya shocked me. George was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer! But she added joyfully that George had publically surrendered his life to Christ at their small church. He had peace. In August, while in Minneapolis on ministry business, I grabbed the short morning flight to Winnipeg. George and Thuraya were delighted to see me, though George looked yellow. But he beamed as he said, “Scott, you and I became quite close in Costa Rica didn’t we?” “Yes, George we did—the highlight was visiting with you.” After a slight pause I said, “May I again ask you the pie-truck question I asked you in Costa Rica?” He smiled. “How sure are you now that if you were to die that you would be in heaven?” George said triumphantly, “A lot more sure now than in Costa Rica!” We then discussed 1 John 5:11-13. “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” George got it—having Christ means having life!
As Thuraya snapped our picture George grabbed my hand and thanked me for talking with him about his spiritual journey in Costa Rica. He died a month later. Why am I telling this story? Maybe there is a “George” in your life—someone who needs assurance. Like me, you may be reluctant to share, but simply tell your story or explain the Bridge diagram. Because as followers of Jesus, we are never “off-duty.” D!
Scott and George at George’s home in Winnipeg. See page 12 for a full-page copy of the Bridge illustration or visit my.navigators.org/d2go to download the it.
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TELLING YOURS:
nav update
TELLING HIS STORY BY
“Next Door to Everywhere”: What Does That Look Like?
A Conversation with Joe Maschhoff
J
oe Maschhoff leads The Navigators 20s ministry that works with young adults in more than 20 metropolitan areas around the country.
Although he has never
viewed himself as an author, Joe developed Telling His Story by Telling Yours because he saw a need for practical and useable tools that people— especially those in their 20s—could use to share the Gospel.
DISCIPLE!: How did the idea for this booklet come about?
Joe Maschhoff: I’ve been working with young adults for some time and I wasn’t aware of tools anywhere designed for those in their 20s. There was a need for tools that were useful, practical, and reproducible. We needed something that we could share with a 25-year old that he or she could take—right away—and share with someone else. It’s not that the principles were really new; we just needed a way to deliver relevant content in a nimble, easyto-pass-on format. Also, it seemed that most instruction about sharing your faith—telling your story—made people feel like they were delivering a rehearsed monologue in front of a group. That just doesn’t match the reality most of us experience when we share our stories with others. We need to help people tell their stories in a conversational way rather than a way that feels like a program. D!: In the booklet you talk about needing the ability to articulate the facts and “objective reality” of the Gospel. Why is that important? Joe: Telling our story isn’t just about us. There are certain facts about the Gospel—
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such as who Jesus is and what He did on the cross—that are true regardless of my personal story. It’s essential to get those facts across. But the story is important as well. People can argue with the facts. They really can’t argue with your experience. That’s very powerful. D!: Why do you think so many believers are hesitant to tell their stories?
Joe: Sometimes I’m hesitant, too. I think the biggest reason is fear. We’re afraid we’ll be rejected. We’re afraid we’ll say the wrong thing. Don’t forget that fear is a powerful tool of the enemy. He’ll use any form of fear to keep us quiet. Beyond that, there is also a strange “evangelical guilt.” Giving your testimony has been built up to be this almost unattainable achievement. In fact, it’s actually easy. You simply tell your story—or even part of your story. D!: In your experience, what are the biggest missteps people make when trying to tell their stories? Joe: The first (and biggest) is that they don’t try. Beyond that, I think a lot of people feel that they have to communicate everything about the Gospel at once. That’s just not the case. Often you only have time to share part of your story. Then
maybe at another time, you come back and share another part. People don’t want to hear a lecture. They want conversation. We have to learn to clearly articulate parts of our story. If the opportunity is there to share more, that’s great, but most of the time what we share is only a partial disclosure of the truth. That’s just the way people converse. Another big issue is that often we don’t see ourselves as image-bearers of Christ and as partners God has chosen and placed where we are so that we can relate our stories. D!: What kind of reaction have you gotten as you’ve shared these practical steps with young adults? Joe: As I’ve worked through this material with a number of young adults, there has been a lot of genuine enthusiasm. People start to realize that they can do this! They develop a sense that God can actually use them to be part of bringing others into relationship with Him. D! For more information on the 20’s ministry visit navs20s.org
When Navigators talk about advancing the Kingdom of God into the nations, it’s not unusual to hear them talk about “being next door to everywhere.” We want to be able to live out the Gospel and share it regardless of where in the world we are, or with whom we’re interacting. But what does that really look like—even in our own country? The social and ethnic makeup of the United States has been changing for some time. It’s projected that by the year 2042 the people traditionally considered the minority in the United States will actually be the majority. Does the staff of The Navigators reflect that change? This kind of change doesn’t happen quickly, and yet, we’ve seen some encouraging things happening within our Navigator culture recently. Eight new ethnic minority staff joined us last year. We also connected with 50 new African-American laborers this past year. We are serving a growing network of young, gifted Asian American professionals carrying the Gospel to their friends and family. In the Miami area we’ve been blessed to see a group of Hispanic followers of Jesus laboring with us. And we’re please to see a new Native American leader emerging. It’s particularly encouraging to see this kind of development in regions that are home to a wide variety of ethnic groups. The Metro ministry in Chicago is a great example of what that looks like, according to Eddie Broussard of The Navigators National Leadership Team. “The level of diversity in Chicago is incredible,” Eddie recalls. “I was invited to speak at their annual retreat in September of 2012, and I saw that there were black, white, Asian, and Hispanic men and women of all socioeconomic backgrounds. At the same time, there was such unity. It was a great portrait of what it means when we say we want to
be next door to everywhere.” There is still a lot to do, however, if we want to make sure that we will be able to live and labor “next door to everywhere. That’s why we’re continuing to take specific steps. We’re strengthening the Bowie State ministry among African-American students that was established three years ago. We’re building a closer relationship between African and African-American Navigators. We’re continuing to strengthen NavVida, The Navigators U.S. Hispanic network, and are opening a new Hispanic Collegiate ministry. We are serving 27 Asian American local communities where the gospel is growing and bearing fruit. We’re also strengthening our Native-American ministry and launching our first Native American Collegiate ministry. And we’re developing cross-cultural training for Navigator staff members. As the face of the United States changes, you’ll see the faces of The Navigators change as we work to advance God’s Kingdom next door to everywhere.D!
my. n av i gato r s .o rg/ d i s c i pl e
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5/30/13 12:11 PM
TELLING YOURS:
nav update
TELLING HIS STORY BY
“Next Door to Everywhere”: What Does That Look Like?
A Conversation with Joe Maschhoff
J
oe Maschhoff leads The Navigators 20s ministry that works with young adults in more than 20 metropolitan areas around the country.
Although he has never
viewed himself as an author, Joe developed Telling His Story by Telling Yours because he saw a need for practical and useable tools that people— especially those in their 20s—could use to share the Gospel.
DISCIPLE!: How did the idea for this booklet come about?
Joe Maschhoff: I’ve been working with young adults for some time and I wasn’t aware of tools anywhere designed for those in their 20s. There was a need for tools that were useful, practical, and reproducible. We needed something that we could share with a 25-year old that he or she could take—right away—and share with someone else. It’s not that the principles were really new; we just needed a way to deliver relevant content in a nimble, easyto-pass-on format. Also, it seemed that most instruction about sharing your faith—telling your story—made people feel like they were delivering a rehearsed monologue in front of a group. That just doesn’t match the reality most of us experience when we share our stories with others. We need to help people tell their stories in a conversational way rather than a way that feels like a program. D!: In the booklet you talk about needing the ability to articulate the facts and “objective reality” of the Gospel. Why is that important? Joe: Telling our story isn’t just about us. There are certain facts about the Gospel—
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such as who Jesus is and what He did on the cross—that are true regardless of my personal story. It’s essential to get those facts across. But the story is important as well. People can argue with the facts. They really can’t argue with your experience. That’s very powerful. D!: Why do you think so many believers are hesitant to tell their stories?
Joe: Sometimes I’m hesitant, too. I think the biggest reason is fear. We’re afraid we’ll be rejected. We’re afraid we’ll say the wrong thing. Don’t forget that fear is a powerful tool of the enemy. He’ll use any form of fear to keep us quiet. Beyond that, there is also a strange “evangelical guilt.” Giving your testimony has been built up to be this almost unattainable achievement. In fact, it’s actually easy. You simply tell your story—or even part of your story. D!: In your experience, what are the biggest missteps people make when trying to tell their stories? Joe: The first (and biggest) is that they don’t try. Beyond that, I think a lot of people feel that they have to communicate everything about the Gospel at once. That’s just not the case. Often you only have time to share part of your story. Then
maybe at another time, you come back and share another part. People don’t want to hear a lecture. They want conversation. We have to learn to clearly articulate parts of our story. If the opportunity is there to share more, that’s great, but most of the time what we share is only a partial disclosure of the truth. That’s just the way people converse. Another big issue is that often we don’t see ourselves as image-bearers of Christ and as partners God has chosen and placed where we are so that we can relate our stories. D!: What kind of reaction have you gotten as you’ve shared these practical steps with young adults? Joe: As I’ve worked through this material with a number of young adults, there has been a lot of genuine enthusiasm. People start to realize that they can do this! They develop a sense that God can actually use them to be part of bringing others into relationship with Him. D! For more information on the 20’s ministry visit navs20s.org
When Navigators talk about advancing the Kingdom of God into the nations, it’s not unusual to hear them talk about “being next door to everywhere.” We want to be able to live out the Gospel and share it regardless of where in the world we are, or with whom we’re interacting. But what does that really look like—even in our own country? The social and ethnic makeup of the United States has been changing for some time. It’s projected that by the year 2042 the people traditionally considered the minority in the United States will actually be the majority. Does the staff of The Navigators reflect that change? This kind of change doesn’t happen quickly, and yet, we’ve seen some encouraging things happening within our Navigator culture recently. Eight new ethnic minority staff joined us last year. We also connected with 50 new African-American laborers this past year. We are serving a growing network of young, gifted Asian American professionals carrying the Gospel to their friends and family. In the Miami area we’ve been blessed to see a group of Hispanic followers of Jesus laboring with us. And we’re please to see a new Native American leader emerging. It’s particularly encouraging to see this kind of development in regions that are home to a wide variety of ethnic groups. The Metro ministry in Chicago is a great example of what that looks like, according to Eddie Broussard of The Navigators National Leadership Team. “The level of diversity in Chicago is incredible,” Eddie recalls. “I was invited to speak at their annual retreat in September of 2012, and I saw that there were black, white, Asian, and Hispanic men and women of all socioeconomic backgrounds. At the same time, there was such unity. It was a great portrait of what it means when we say we want to
be next door to everywhere.” There is still a lot to do, however, if we want to make sure that we will be able to live and labor “next door to everywhere. That’s why we’re continuing to take specific steps. We’re strengthening the Bowie State ministry among African-American students that was established three years ago. We’re building a closer relationship between African and African-American Navigators. We’re continuing to strengthen NavVida, The Navigators U.S. Hispanic network, and are opening a new Hispanic Collegiate ministry. We are serving 27 Asian American local communities where the gospel is growing and bearing fruit. We’re also strengthening our Native-American ministry and launching our first Native American Collegiate ministry. And we’re developing cross-cultural training for Navigator staff members. As the face of the United States changes, you’ll see the faces of The Navigators change as we work to advance God’s Kingdom next door to everywhere.D!
my. n av i gato r s .o rg/ d i s c i pl e
| 7
5/30/13 12:11 PM
Money Matters An Irrational
Financial Act by Matt Bell
Forbes magazine may seem an unlikely place for an article about charitable giving. But there it was. Under the headline, “Irrational Act,” publisher Rich Karlgaard wrote not just about giving, but the biblical principle of giving 10 percent of one’s income. He told about a friend who was “educated and rational,” who earned a high income, but could never save any of it. Raised in a strict church that required payment of the tithe with the same level of humor and grace the IRS uses in requiring payment of our taxes, not surprisingly, his friend had drifted away from the church. Years later, with two degrees from prestigious universities and a thriving career, Karlgaard’s friend found himself in church once more. There he heard another message about tithing. But this time it wasn’t a finger-wagging lecture; it was a simple, compelling challenge: give God 10 percent and you will be free from financial worry. That day he and his wife decided to take the minister up on his challenge. “Almost immediately,” Karlgaard wrote, “a mysterious transformation took place.” Besides giving 10 percent of their income to charity, the couple found they were able to start saving 10 percent as well—they call it “the 10-10-80 rule”: give 10 percent, save 10 percent, and live on the rest. Karlgaard also wrote about another friend who said tithing helped turn down “the decibel level” of his life. “Every possession speaks to you,” he explained. “Everything you own wants attention. When I began to tithe, I found a freedom from my possessions. I don’t hold on to things as tightly any more.” Of all the things we can do with money, giving it away seems completely, utterly irrational, doesn’t it? It just doesn’t compute that increased giving would somehow make it easier to save money, right?
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Here are three reasons why generosity actually makes sense. Generosity is Part of Our Design. The Bible says we were each made in God’s image, and since God is infinitely generous, that means generosity is woven into the fabric of our spiritual DNA. When we give generously with grateful hearts, we live in concert with our design. Generosity Reminds Us of Our Priorities. The Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). I remember a time when my wife, Jude, wanted to give some money to a friend doing missionary work in a country that I wasn’t sure I could find it on a map. I’d never thought of that country. However, after we started sending some money there, I noticed every time the country was in the news. My heart went there because some of our money was going there.
Generosity Leads to Blessings. I am very confident that giving in order to get something from God is nothing less than an affront to God. I want nothing to do with the prosperity Gospel. Still, many passages of Scripture (such as Proverbs 11:24) state that there are blessings that flow from generosity. Some people trace material blessings to their giving. Others experience blessings related to their health, relationships, sense of peace, and more. Still others, such as Rich Karlgaard’s friends, find it easier to live within their means and experience financial freedom when they start giving. It seems irrational. It doesn’t make sense on a spreadsheet. It’s one of those hard-to-explain but impossible-to-deny realities that there is a link between generosity fueled by a grateful heart and blessings. D! Matt Bell is the author of Money, Purpose, Joy (my.navigators.org/moneypurposejoy) and is the Associate Editor at Sound Mind Investing, a Christian company that helps do-it-yourself investors invest well (soundmindinvesting.com).
Sometimes IT TAKES
a Network By Travis Parks,
Collegiate Ministry, Michigan State University
The apostle Paul talked about how he planted a seed, and how his fellow disciple, Apollos, watered that seed, but how it was God who made things grow. Recently at Michigan State University, we had a taste of what that’s like. There was a young man named Troy* who I’d seen around campus. I thought his heart was hardened toward Jesus, so I was surprised to see him at our Navigator Christmas party. Troy grew up in the church and was familiar with the Bible, but he was rejecting God and living his own way. Almost two years ago, however, he met Alyssa, a student involved in our ministry. Troy couldn’t help but notice her transformed life, her unconditional love, and her passion for God. Alyssa had even shared the Gospel with Troy and some others while they were watching a show about demons. In January, Troy told Alyssa, “I just don’t get it. You have a peace in your life that I don’t have. What makes your life different?” She responded that Jesus’ love for her is the one thing that makes her life different. Later Troy told her, “I don’t have a close relationship with Jesus. I don’t understand how a perfect entity can love me.” I tried to meet with Troy to share the Gospel with him again, but he seemed hesitant. Then, after a period of time, God opened the door! I had a lunch appointment
with Jake who just happened to be sitting with Alyssa, who just happened to be sitting with Troy. It seemed like a perfect opportunity, so I asked Troy, “How would you describe your spiritual life right now?” “Well, it’s complicated,” he replied. The hard heart toward God I’d sensed before was gone, and for the next two hours, we read portions of the Bible and discussed the parable of the lost sons, sin, Jesus’ forgiveness, and how God’s grace radically changes us. Later that night, Alyssa texted me: “I’m pretty sure Troy accepted Christ and His forgiveness tonight. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life!” Because he’s never experienced this kind of love before, Troy is in awe of how much Christ loves him, and has even joined our group studying 1 Thessalonians. And I’m in awe of how God uses a network of His followers to reach out to those who need Him. One plants, one waters, but God makes things grow! D!
N
avigators at Michgan State University had a first-hand look at how God sometimes uses one
person to plant the seeds of the Gospel and another to water that seed.
For more information about Travis and the Navigator ministry at Michigan State visit navigators.org/us/staff/parks
*Not his real name
Travis and his family.
my. n av i gato r s .o rg/ d i s c i pl e
| 9
5/30/13 12:11 PM
Money Matters An Irrational
Financial Act by Matt Bell
Forbes magazine may seem an unlikely place for an article about charitable giving. But there it was. Under the headline, “Irrational Act,” publisher Rich Karlgaard wrote not just about giving, but the biblical principle of giving 10 percent of one’s income. He told about a friend who was “educated and rational,” who earned a high income, but could never save any of it. Raised in a strict church that required payment of the tithe with the same level of humor and grace the IRS uses in requiring payment of our taxes, not surprisingly, his friend had drifted away from the church. Years later, with two degrees from prestigious universities and a thriving career, Karlgaard’s friend found himself in church once more. There he heard another message about tithing. But this time it wasn’t a finger-wagging lecture; it was a simple, compelling challenge: give God 10 percent and you will be free from financial worry. That day he and his wife decided to take the minister up on his challenge. “Almost immediately,” Karlgaard wrote, “a mysterious transformation took place.” Besides giving 10 percent of their income to charity, the couple found they were able to start saving 10 percent as well—they call it “the 10-10-80 rule”: give 10 percent, save 10 percent, and live on the rest. Karlgaard also wrote about another friend who said tithing helped turn down “the decibel level” of his life. “Every possession speaks to you,” he explained. “Everything you own wants attention. When I began to tithe, I found a freedom from my possessions. I don’t hold on to things as tightly any more.” Of all the things we can do with money, giving it away seems completely, utterly irrational, doesn’t it? It just doesn’t compute that increased giving would somehow make it easier to save money, right?
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Here are three reasons why generosity actually makes sense. Generosity is Part of Our Design. The Bible says we were each made in God’s image, and since God is infinitely generous, that means generosity is woven into the fabric of our spiritual DNA. When we give generously with grateful hearts, we live in concert with our design. Generosity Reminds Us of Our Priorities. The Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). I remember a time when my wife, Jude, wanted to give some money to a friend doing missionary work in a country that I wasn’t sure I could find it on a map. I’d never thought of that country. However, after we started sending some money there, I noticed every time the country was in the news. My heart went there because some of our money was going there.
Generosity Leads to Blessings. I am very confident that giving in order to get something from God is nothing less than an affront to God. I want nothing to do with the prosperity Gospel. Still, many passages of Scripture (such as Proverbs 11:24) state that there are blessings that flow from generosity. Some people trace material blessings to their giving. Others experience blessings related to their health, relationships, sense of peace, and more. Still others, such as Rich Karlgaard’s friends, find it easier to live within their means and experience financial freedom when they start giving. It seems irrational. It doesn’t make sense on a spreadsheet. It’s one of those hard-to-explain but impossible-to-deny realities that there is a link between generosity fueled by a grateful heart and blessings. D! Matt Bell is the author of Money, Purpose, Joy (my.navigators.org/moneypurposejoy) and is the Associate Editor at Sound Mind Investing, a Christian company that helps do-it-yourself investors invest well (soundmindinvesting.com).
Sometimes IT TAKES
a Network By Travis Parks,
Collegiate Ministry, Michigan State University
The apostle Paul talked about how he planted a seed, and how his fellow disciple, Apollos, watered that seed, but how it was God who made things grow. Recently at Michigan State University, we had a taste of what that’s like. There was a young man named Troy* who I’d seen around campus. I thought his heart was hardened toward Jesus, so I was surprised to see him at our Navigator Christmas party. Troy grew up in the church and was familiar with the Bible, but he was rejecting God and living his own way. Almost two years ago, however, he met Alyssa, a student involved in our ministry. Troy couldn’t help but notice her transformed life, her unconditional love, and her passion for God. Alyssa had even shared the Gospel with Troy and some others while they were watching a show about demons. In January, Troy told Alyssa, “I just don’t get it. You have a peace in your life that I don’t have. What makes your life different?” She responded that Jesus’ love for her is the one thing that makes her life different. Later Troy told her, “I don’t have a close relationship with Jesus. I don’t understand how a perfect entity can love me.” I tried to meet with Troy to share the Gospel with him again, but he seemed hesitant. Then, after a period of time, God opened the door! I had a lunch appointment
with Jake who just happened to be sitting with Alyssa, who just happened to be sitting with Troy. It seemed like a perfect opportunity, so I asked Troy, “How would you describe your spiritual life right now?” “Well, it’s complicated,” he replied. The hard heart toward God I’d sensed before was gone, and for the next two hours, we read portions of the Bible and discussed the parable of the lost sons, sin, Jesus’ forgiveness, and how God’s grace radically changes us. Later that night, Alyssa texted me: “I’m pretty sure Troy accepted Christ and His forgiveness tonight. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life!” Because he’s never experienced this kind of love before, Troy is in awe of how much Christ loves him, and has even joined our group studying 1 Thessalonians. And I’m in awe of how God uses a network of His followers to reach out to those who need Him. One plants, one waters, but God makes things grow! D!
N
avigators at Michgan State University had a first-hand look at how God sometimes uses one
person to plant the seeds of the Gospel and another to water that seed.
For more information about Travis and the Navigator ministry at Michigan State visit navigators.org/us/staff/parks
*Not his real name
Travis and his family.
my. n av i gato r s .o rg/ d i s c i pl e
| 9
5/30/13 12:11 PM
Let Me Ask You
J
esus was a master at asking questions. He used questions to help people articulate what they wanted from Him. He answered questions with
questions. Here are
four types of questions that enhance our effectiveness in getting to the real issues people have.
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Something When most of us learn the basics of sharing our faith, we learn to articulate information, to explain the key elements of the Gospel or even learn to anticipate common objections and memorize verses to counter opposition. We rarely spend much time learning how to create a conversation within which we can hear what the other person is thinking and feeling. Jesus was a master at asking questions. He used questions to help people articulate what they wanted from Him. He answered questions with questions. Here are four types of questions that enhance our effectiveness in getting to the real issues people have. Probing questions go after more information. Jesus encountered a man with a withered hand, who was probably unable to work and provide for himself. Jesus, sensing the Pharisees were waiting for Him to break the Sabbath by healing the man, probed, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save a life or to kill?” (Mark 3:1–6). Jesus wanted to probe their hearts, to expose their stubbornness, and to appeal to a higher sense of mercy. By asking rather than accusing, He exposed the hardness of their hearts. Personal questions help people reveal their inner feelings. Because of the potential for personal questions to expose people, it’s a good idea to word personal questions in a way that asks permission. Mark 8:27–33 records Jesus talking with His disciples as they walked between villages. Jesus asked, “Who do people say I am?” Then Jesus went deeper, asking, “But what about you? Who do you say that I am?” Jesus wanted them to disclose what they personally thought. Process questions give the questioner insight into how another person is handling a situation. An 85-year-old woman was informed that she needed dialysis to stay alive. This woman asked her daughter what to do. The daughter gently responded, “Mom, I can’t tell you what to do. The decision needs to be yours.” The mother decided to let nature takes its course.
A friend of mine helped the daughter process these events by asking, “What is it like for you to know your mother is choosing to die?” That helped the daughter process her feelings, by telling someone about the weight she was carrying. Provocative questions generate thoughtful conversations. One time I said to a group of colleagues, “You all mention the name of Jesus freely. What do you really think about Him?” After the snickers died down, my question provoked a lively conversation. No one had ever asked them before. Over the next several days, conversations about the Lord grew out of this discussion. Jesus excelled at provocative questions. He sparred with those who tested Him, with those who refused to believe. When the teachers of the law and the elders approached Him and asked, “By what authority are you doing these things?” Jesus answered them with a provocative question: “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!” (Mark 11:27–33). Jesus’ provocative question put them on the defensive. Provocative questions create conversation and discussion because opinions reside behind statements. And behind statements reside feelings. An energized discussion can allow hidden feelings and opinions to emerge. Questions open doors into another person’s life, but asking questions requires us to focus on the other person—and implies that we need to listen to and value what the other person has to say. D! Excerpted from Let Me Ask You Something by Becky Brodin in the September-October 1997 issue of Discipleship Journal. Used by permission of NavPress.
Resources for Today’s Disciple
When it comes to living out our faith, we all need a little extra help at times. Here are some resources to help you pursue a deeper walk with God.
books
video
Living Proof: Sharing the Gospel Naturally
Sharing the love of Christ from one generation to the next—in all seasons of life.
by Jim Petersen Navigator, Jim Peterson shares what he’s learned from decades of working with the unchurched. Learn how to develop relationships with the those who don’t have a relationship with Christ, model the Christian message, and eventually present the Bible’s claims in a non-threatening manner.
101 Ways to Reach Your Community
by Steve Sjogren Discover 101 simple, effective ways your church or small group can demonstrate the love of God to your community. Learn to share God’s love with others through these practical, easy-to-implement ideas.
As You Go: Creating a Missional Culture of GospelCentered Students
by Alvin L. Reid Speaker, author, and evangelism professor Alvin L. Reid reveals a key to capturing students’ hearts for life. Discover how creating a missional youth ministry can give teens a grander purpose and vision and encourage them to see all of life as a mission field. It’s a vision that will transform their faith, their lives, and the world.
booklets One-Verse Evangelism
by Randy Raysbrook This easy-to-use booklet explains step-bystep how to share the Gospel using Romans 6:23 and the classic Bridge illustration. The wallet-size cards make it even simpler to use One-Verse Evangelism to introduce people to Jesus. Kit contains one booklet and 15 leavebehind cards.
For You, My Friend
by Scott Morton Scott Morton wrote this book so believers can have an attractive, humorous but substantive resource to give to their skeptical friends to launch or continue spiritual conversations. It’s a great discussion-starter when you’re at a loss to discuss spiritual things with friends who would never think about attending a Bible study or going to church.
Watch the story of a stay-at-home mom who God used to influence her kid’s babysitter because she was available to His plan. And see how her husband—a businessman—took time to mentor a college football player and become a spiritual coach during the ups and downs of marriage, raising a family and running a business.
bible studies Acts 29 Kit
by Chris Kovac The Acts 29 Kit includes a workbook with discussion questions, a companion DVD and Scripture memory tools. It is an effective outreach-equipping resource that’s great for church leaders and small groups.
Advancing the Gospel DVD and Study Guide Set: How the Gospel Bears Fruit and Grows
Check out any of these resources at
by Mike Treneer In this five-part DVD series, designed for small groups, The Navigators International President Mike Treneer uses Paul’s letter to the Colossians to show us what it means to advance the Gospel today. Study guide included.
Visit my.navigators.org/brodin to read Becky Brodin’s complete article.
my.navigators.org/discipleresources
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5/30/13 12:11 PM
Let Me Ask You
J
esus was a master at asking questions. He used questions to help people articulate what they wanted from Him. He answered questions with
questions. Here are
four types of questions that enhance our effectiveness in getting to the real issues people have.
10 | d i s c i pl e! | S U M M ER 2 013
DISCIPLE_Summer_May2013_Disk Art for Print.indd 10-11
Something When most of us learn the basics of sharing our faith, we learn to articulate information, to explain the key elements of the Gospel or even learn to anticipate common objections and memorize verses to counter opposition. We rarely spend much time learning how to create a conversation within which we can hear what the other person is thinking and feeling. Jesus was a master at asking questions. He used questions to help people articulate what they wanted from Him. He answered questions with questions. Here are four types of questions that enhance our effectiveness in getting to the real issues people have. Probing questions go after more information. Jesus encountered a man with a withered hand, who was probably unable to work and provide for himself. Jesus, sensing the Pharisees were waiting for Him to break the Sabbath by healing the man, probed, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save a life or to kill?” (Mark 3:1–6). Jesus wanted to probe their hearts, to expose their stubbornness, and to appeal to a higher sense of mercy. By asking rather than accusing, He exposed the hardness of their hearts. Personal questions help people reveal their inner feelings. Because of the potential for personal questions to expose people, it’s a good idea to word personal questions in a way that asks permission. Mark 8:27–33 records Jesus talking with His disciples as they walked between villages. Jesus asked, “Who do people say I am?” Then Jesus went deeper, asking, “But what about you? Who do you say that I am?” Jesus wanted them to disclose what they personally thought. Process questions give the questioner insight into how another person is handling a situation. An 85-year-old woman was informed that she needed dialysis to stay alive. This woman asked her daughter what to do. The daughter gently responded, “Mom, I can’t tell you what to do. The decision needs to be yours.” The mother decided to let nature takes its course.
A friend of mine helped the daughter process these events by asking, “What is it like for you to know your mother is choosing to die?” That helped the daughter process her feelings, by telling someone about the weight she was carrying. Provocative questions generate thoughtful conversations. One time I said to a group of colleagues, “You all mention the name of Jesus freely. What do you really think about Him?” After the snickers died down, my question provoked a lively conversation. No one had ever asked them before. Over the next several days, conversations about the Lord grew out of this discussion. Jesus excelled at provocative questions. He sparred with those who tested Him, with those who refused to believe. When the teachers of the law and the elders approached Him and asked, “By what authority are you doing these things?” Jesus answered them with a provocative question: “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!” (Mark 11:27–33). Jesus’ provocative question put them on the defensive. Provocative questions create conversation and discussion because opinions reside behind statements. And behind statements reside feelings. An energized discussion can allow hidden feelings and opinions to emerge. Questions open doors into another person’s life, but asking questions requires us to focus on the other person—and implies that we need to listen to and value what the other person has to say. D! Excerpted from Let Me Ask You Something by Becky Brodin in the September-October 1997 issue of Discipleship Journal. Used by permission of NavPress.
Resources for Today’s Disciple
When it comes to living out our faith, we all need a little extra help at times. Here are some resources to help you pursue a deeper walk with God.
books
video
Living Proof: Sharing the Gospel Naturally
Sharing the love of Christ from one generation to the next—in all seasons of life.
by Jim Petersen Navigator, Jim Peterson shares what he’s learned from decades of working with the unchurched. Learn how to develop relationships with the those who don’t have a relationship with Christ, model the Christian message, and eventually present the Bible’s claims in a non-threatening manner.
101 Ways to Reach Your Community
by Steve Sjogren Discover 101 simple, effective ways your church or small group can demonstrate the love of God to your community. Learn to share God’s love with others through these practical, easy-to-implement ideas.
As You Go: Creating a Missional Culture of GospelCentered Students
by Alvin L. Reid Speaker, author, and evangelism professor Alvin L. Reid reveals a key to capturing students’ hearts for life. Discover how creating a missional youth ministry can give teens a grander purpose and vision and encourage them to see all of life as a mission field. It’s a vision that will transform their faith, their lives, and the world.
booklets One-Verse Evangelism
by Randy Raysbrook This easy-to-use booklet explains step-bystep how to share the Gospel using Romans 6:23 and the classic Bridge illustration. The wallet-size cards make it even simpler to use One-Verse Evangelism to introduce people to Jesus. Kit contains one booklet and 15 leavebehind cards.
For You, My Friend
by Scott Morton Scott Morton wrote this book so believers can have an attractive, humorous but substantive resource to give to their skeptical friends to launch or continue spiritual conversations. It’s a great discussion-starter when you’re at a loss to discuss spiritual things with friends who would never think about attending a Bible study or going to church.
Watch the story of a stay-at-home mom who God used to influence her kid’s babysitter because she was available to His plan. And see how her husband—a businessman—took time to mentor a college football player and become a spiritual coach during the ups and downs of marriage, raising a family and running a business.
bible studies Acts 29 Kit
by Chris Kovac The Acts 29 Kit includes a workbook with discussion questions, a companion DVD and Scripture memory tools. It is an effective outreach-equipping resource that’s great for church leaders and small groups.
Advancing the Gospel DVD and Study Guide Set: How the Gospel Bears Fruit and Grows
Check out any of these resources at
by Mike Treneer In this five-part DVD series, designed for small groups, The Navigators International President Mike Treneer uses Paul’s letter to the Colossians to show us what it means to advance the Gospel today. Study guide included.
Visit my.navigators.org/brodin to read Becky Brodin’s complete article.
my.navigators.org/discipleresources
my. n av i gato r s .o rg/ d i s c i pl e
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Take it and Use It When sharing your faith with others, a simple visual aid can make a big difference in helping people get the picture of what the Gospel is really about.
WHERE DO I STAND WITH GOD?
D!2GO
Answer the questions in order
SUMMER 2013
5.
2.
What are some ways man attempts to bridge the gap between himself and God? Why won’t they work? Ephesians 2:8,9 ___________________ ________________________________ Titus 3:5 _________________________ ________________________________
3.
Because God is just, what awaits man after physical death? Hebrews 9:27 _____________________
to use on your own or
6.
What is “the Bridge” between man and God? How do I “get across”? John 3:16 _____________________ _____________________________
Even though man is made in God’s image, he has moral flaws...(sin). How does the Bible describe this? John 3:19,20 _____________________ ________________________________ Luke 18:9-14 _____________________ ________________________________ Romans 3:23 _____________________ ________________________________
4.
Ministry materials in your small group
What did Jesus claim to be able to do about man’s “moral flaws?” Matthew 26:26-28 ______________ _____________________________
What separates man and God? Isaiah 53:6 ______________ _______________________
7.
What does it mean to believe? John 1:12 _____________________ _____________________________ John 6:54-57 __________________ _____________________________
8.
How could a person “receive” Jesus Christ? Revelation 3:20 ________________ _____________________________ ____________________________
1.
What kind of life does Jesus promise? (Describe what you think Jesus means) John 10:10 ______________________ ______________________________ John 5:24 _______________________ ______________________________ John 6:35 _______________________ ______________________________
9.
Which figure on the diagram best depicts you? A. Bah. Humbug. Not relevant to me. B. I have questions. C. I’m ready to receive Jesus Christ. D. I’m finding my own way to God. E. I have received Christ. (How do you know?) ______________________ F. Other.
Copy this discussion guide for your own use or share with your small group. The page is set to fit on letter sized paper. Or download a FREE PDF from online at my.navigators.org/d2go.
Copyright © 2013. Chief Development Officer: Jim Young; Donor Stewardship Director: Stephanie Rich; Editor: Mike Smith; Art Director: Efrain Garcia; Memberships: Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and Evangelical Fellowship of Missions Agencies. The Navigators • P.O. Box 6000, Colorado Springs, CO 80934. www.navigators.org Feedback or Story Ideas? Email us at info@navigators.org. 12 | d i s c i pl e! | S U M M ER 2 013
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