Our small group is embarking on a semester to focus on improving our ability and willingness to share our faith with others. If you winced a bit at that last sentence, consider me in your boat. Myself and others in the group are extremely apprehensive.

I’m not exactly sure why that is though. My relationship with God is the most important thing I could have, (even though I don’t always treat it as such) yet I don’t share it with others. It’s strange because if I know of a great restaurant, a new band, or a fun event in town, I tell everyone.

Why are We Apprehensive About Sharing our Faith?

Perhaps it’s a bit of fear of rejection creeping in. The big excuse is that I am too new as a follower of Christ to be effective, wouldn’t know what to say, and that I might turn someone down a wrong path.

This is a very common sentiment amongst new believers. By “new” I’m not talking about the number of years, either. Many people go through their first year of being in the faith, then redo that “year in school” for the next 20 or 30 years of their life. Do you feel like that sometimes? I know I do.

To keep the scale balanced though, we do have to look at the positives, and there certainly have been many in this past calendar year. One of which is that I now am blessed to work out of my house full-time. I have struggled with my schedule, mostly because I am such a spaz sometimes. Also, I am getting out of bed a bit later since I don’t have to beat the rush hour traffic that gets a thick when you live in a town with as many bridges as we do in Charleston, SC.

The Men of Qumran

One area I have been working on my new-and-improved quiet time with God, and I started with the Book of John, Chapter 1. This brings us to that weird part of the title of this post mentioning the “men of Qumran”.

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’” (John 1:23)

In the footnotes of my Bible for John 1:23, there was a reference to the people of Qumran. They were the community that created and stored the Dead Sea Scrolls which provide insight into the spiritual life of Christians in that era.

The people of Qumran applied these prophetic words from God through Isaiah, by isolating themselves from the world to secure their own salvation. You can probably think of some sects of Christianity today that do the same, though I won’t point fingers.

In comparison, John concentrated on helping people come to the Messiah.

Which one have I done lately? Unfortunately, I’d have to say that I follow the men of Qumran. I sequestered myself in my apartment and cubicle for a bit for God to work on my character. Of course that is a good thing, but what about the disciples? It was three years before they received the Holy Spirit, but they were immediately following Christ and supporting the Lord’s work. I’d say this hastens our maturity in Christ, though I know it comes at risk of personal comfort.

Balancing the Scales

My wife says that the blog counts as sharing faith, but I really need to make in impact in my local community. Paul wrote letters to the various churches, but he constantly traveled to see them as well. As much as my flesh would rather not make myself vulnerable to man’s rejection of the hope of Christ, this small group study will help immensely.

If you relate to my reluctance and struggles with sharing my faith in Christ, remember that witnessing isn’t necessarily standing on a street corner with a brochure, or handing out tracts at the shopping mall. Witnessing for Christ is simple interaction with those whom we have relationships with. We share the love of God with them, and hopefully someday they will accept. That is not for us to worry about. I remember a story by Chuck Swindoll about how he shared his faith with one of his bunkmates in the army and 50 years later he got a call that the man and his wife had accepted Christ.

If you are looking for a practical way to learn to share your faith there is a relatively simple channel through which you can learn.

Tackle Fear of Witnessing Through a Small Group

Does your church use the system of small groups to carry out the work of the Lord? Many do nowadays, but if yours doesn’t, you can join one in another church. It is really no problem unless you have some radically rigid beliefs like your denomination is the only one going to heaven, or something like that. (my wife’s church in her teen years did)

A small group ideally brings together members of a community who usually share a common belief (Christ, though those who have not put their faith in Christ are more than welcome!) and perhaps a common societal bond (college students, young married couples, elderly,empty nesters, surfing buddies, etc.) They all have led different lives and bring fresh viewpoints that challenge and encourage our own. There is usually some food involved and fellowship. Before I joined a small group, I did not relish the thought of hanging out with Christians. I knew that socializing in circles that I did before would be destructive, and staying in that middle area left me very lonely and too focused on my own problems.

Apprehensive about hanging out with Christians? I always heard the “judgemental Christian” meme and believed it. Sure, Christians are sinners like anyone else, but I bought into the enemy’s pack o’ lies that Christians on fire for the Lord were some wierdos. I laugh now, but my wife and I used to sit on a row of only two seats in church so we didn’t have to strike up a conversation with anyone.

Boy, was I wrong! The people in my small group are some of the coolest people I’ve met in Charleston. If you’re in a small group, you probably feel the same way.

The best part about joining a small group is that you are there to support each other through difficult times. I’m talking about more than helping each other move, or coming to see each other in the hospital. This principle covers the more day-to-day activities such as being a consistent witness for Christ. In most small groups there are usually a member or two with experience in sharing their faith that can guide you.

If you find a small group appealing in any way, pray that the Lord will lead you to one. Then take some action either at your church or by calling ones in your area. A good bet for finding small groups are non-denominational Christian churches. Remember, small groups are entirely biblical (Acts 2:46, Mark 6:40). Best of all they are a ton of fun and a tremendous support for our maturity and growth in Christ.

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