So, who’s going to sell the most Toyotas? The salesman who’s been driving a Toyota for 15 years or the guy who buys a Ford every three to five years? The best Apple employees at their retail stores are die-hard, long-time Apple fanatics. Regardless of the product, the best salespeople will typically also be satisfied customers. The more belief in the product, the better the sales.
For Christianity to grow and flourish, there must be “satisfied customers.” The more we see our deep need for Christ, the more we desire others to find Him as well. Christians who think they have life figured out, but just need a ticket to Heaven, won’t win very many people to the Kingdom. The more mature a believer becomes, then the better example and role model they become, thereby they are more likely to attract people to the Savior.
Sure, a brand-new Christian can be so excited that he or she can win people, but isn’t that just another satisfied customer letting people know that satisfaction has been found? But, actually over years of service, the best evangelists are also the deepest disciples.
One of the best ways you can teach your students to be great evangelists is to disciple them into deep, mature believers in Jesus. The more belief they have and the more believable they are, the more likely they will attract others into the fold.
So when people ask you what you’re doing to win students to Christ, tell them you are making disciples. The best witness to a 14-year-old middle school boy is another 14-year-old boy who loves Jesus. The best witness to a 17-year-old high school girl is another 17-year-old girl who loves Jesus.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. —Colossians 4:6 NIV
Who should we be ready to answer? . . . Everyone.
When will everyone ask or talk to you? . . . Anytime.
So when should we be ready? . . . Always.