Kevin Hendricks has some great thoughts on sharing our faith and beliefs with others. Sounds a lot like me…
I used to think obnoxious but true statements were a great way to tell people about my faith. I’d buy T-shirts plastered with them, bumper stickers proclaiming them, even music centered around them. I was very proud of my boldness.
But I didn’t realize how completely ineffective it was. I didn’t realize that instead of opening a door of conversation, I was kicking in the door and slapping the owner in the face–and expecting them to be grateful.
It’s kind of embarrassing when I think back on it. I’ve since realized (and am continually reminded) that is no way to change minds.
You Need a Connection
Bumper stickers don’t convince anyone. They’re intended to be inspirational–a rallying cry for the troops–not conversional (can I make up that word?). At best they’re confrontational–and how effective is confrontation from a total stranger?If you really want to change someone’s mind, you need a relationship, a connection, a story. And if you really hope to change someone’s mind, you better be prepared to have your own mind changed. Perhaps not your core convictions changed, but your assumptions, your judgments, your impressions will be changed. It has to be a two-way street, otherwise you’re not listening.
comments via email:
“I used to think obnoxious but true statements were a great way to tell people about my faith. I’d buy T-shirts plastered with them, bumper stickers proclaiming them, even music centered around them. I was very proud of my boldness.”
I understand. I have been there too and have moved back away from alot of the kitsch.
“But I didn’t realize how completely ineffective it was. I didn’t realize that instead of opening a door of conversation, I was kicking in the door and slapping the owner in the face–and expecting them to be grateful.”
This is not a nuanced characterization. People respond differently, so I would be reluctant to say that it was all “completely ineffective.”
“It’s kind of embarrassing when I think back on it. I’ve since realized (and am continually reminded) that is no way to change minds.”
I don’t like the billboards that sign God’s name to something He didn’t say. That said, they do get people to think.
A big blind spot of our time is that people think sin is no big deal. Things that point to the law of God can be useful pre-evangelism.
“Bumper stickers don’t convince anyone. They’re intended to be inspirational–a rallying cry for the troops–not conversional (can I make up that word?). At best they’re confrontational–and how effective is confrontation from a total stranger?”
I disagree. The printed word may convince someone– or plant a seed. A bumper sticker may have a place in that.
“…how effective is confrontation from a total stranger?” Jesus and said things to “strangers” that could be seen as provocative or confrontational. So was He ineffective?
“If you really want to change someone’s mind, you need a relationship, a connection, a story.”
This is an complex and ambiguous statement, but I cannot accept the un-nuanced absolutism. Relationships, connections, and stories are all good — and there are continuums, or ranges, of depth that may be useful in different circumstances.
“And if you really hope to change someone’s mind, you better be prepared to have your own mind changed. Perhaps not your core convictions changed, but your assumptions, your judgments, your impressions will be changed. It has to be a two-way street, otherwise you’re not listening.”
That’s what conversation is about. There is give and take. Thoughtful consideration of others ideas should be par for the course.
We need to be knowledgeable and confident in what we believe, and from that foundation be able to engage others in a kind and thoughtful manner.
– nospam