Dialogue, Not Monologue

Our world today is full of religious people, but they don’t use that word to describe themselves. They use a different word: spiritual. They will describe themselves as very spiritual and then will add, "But I’m not into organized religion."

Statements like this can become a segue for sharing the gospel. As believers we can say, "Really? I am a spiritual person too. In fact, I am really into spiritual things, and I want to talk to you a little bit about some really important spiritual truth I have discovered."

This isn’t compromising. Rather, it is simply using understandable language to build a bridge so you can talk about your relationship with Jesus Christ.

When the apostle Paul addressed the men of Athens, he said, "I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about" (Acts 17:22–23).

Paul didn’t say, "Hey, what you are doing is legit." He simply used language they could understand to connect with them about the most important message. Evangelism is a dialogue, not a monologue. You ask a question, and they give you an answer. Then you respond to what they said. They say something, and you say something.

This is what Paul was talking about when he said, "Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). One of the best ways to reach someone is to just listen.

However, we must never lower our standards to extend our reach. Don’t compromise your message, but try to establish a dialogue.