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FIRST-PERSON: Sharing Jesus, 10 seconds at a time


INDIANAPOLIS (BP) — I’m learning to Tweet. It’s amazing what can be said in 140 characters — just a sentence or two. Snippets of info can be motivating. Informative. Inspiring. Captivating!

Now imagine what would happen if you decide to speak a Tweet-sized sentence about God in everyday conversations with people around you. Just a sentence or two about God’s greatness, the joy He gives, or what He’s doing in your life.

I once worked in a high-rise building. I decided to share a word about Jesus each time I had an elevator conversation. It was surprisingly easy. With just a little forethought, it became a natural part of every chat. I’d become an elevator evangelist!

Webster defines an evangelist as an “enthusiastic advocate.” In Greek, evangelism means, “to tell the Good News.” God has called every Christian to enthusiastically advocate His Good News. You can do that.

Step No. 1: Read the idea-starters below. Where does life take you that you can be an enthusiastic advocate for Jesus? Check one below or create your own unique title.

I could be a …

— Dog-walking evangelist to other dog-lovers and neighbors

— Water cooler evangelist to co-workers

— Jogger evangelist to other runners.

— Airplane evangelist to seatmates and flight attendants.

— Mall evangelist to salespeople and shoppers.

— Foodie evangelist to servers and fellow eaters.

— PTA evangelist to teachers and other moms.

— Social media evangelist to followers and friends on Facebook, Twitter, blog.

— Bleacher evangelist to fans and team parents.

— Book club evangelist to other readers.

— Golfing evangelist to teammates.

— Stroller evangelist to moms and neighbors.

— Homebound evangelist to postal carrier, medical team, visitors.

— Subway evangelist to fellow riders.

— Carpool evangelist to my kids’ friends.

— Salon evangelist to my stylist.

— Waiting room evangelist to the person nearby.

— Stair-stepper evangelist to an adjacent exerciser.

Step No. 2: Ponder. Write a sentence (140 characters or less) that you may use. Example: Asked about your weekend, you say, “The worship service at church was awesome,” or “Without God, I couldn’t have made it!”

Step No. 3: Commit to God that you’ll be His verbal witness every day, beginning today.

For a small group discussion of this idea, individuals could make their own evangelist nametag, i.e. “I’m a skateboard evangelist,” to wear while brainstorming ways to share Christ.

People you see every day are waiting to hear how God impacts your life. Intentionally talk about Him — even in “Tweetish” snippets. You’ll be amazed how often your faith in God fits into ordinary conversation. So, where are you going today? That’s where God has assigned you as His enthusiastic advocate.

“Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you” (2 Timothy 4:5b).
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Diana Davis (www.keeponshining.com) is an author, speaker and wife of the North American Mission Board’s vice president for the Midwest region, Steve Davis. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).

    About the Author

  • Diana Davis