Why is it so important to be a good listener? Because lost people are searching for answers and they are waiting for their chance to ask questions.
Many unbelievers are curious about the Bible and what it means to have a relationship with Jesus, so they need to have an environment where they can ask questions.
If you are in a class/group always allow time for questions and practice being a good listener. Listening is a skill that some people are better than others at but everyone can develop if they are willing to practice. Listening shows that you care about what they have to say.
When your sharing your faith with an unbeliever, think about these three things as you listen.
Listen to hear their questions. Listen to hear what they are asking, if they are not sure how to ask about something you may need to listen for key words and then ask them a question to get clarity. Something like; “I think I hear you saying this… is that what you are asking about?”
Listen to hear where the Spirit is moving. When a person is being led by the Spirit to ask a certain question these promptings are important times, so you will want to be listening for what it is they are trying to say. If you are not sure, ask a clarifying question.
Listen for opportunities to share the gospel. The longer you know a person the more opportunities you might have, but you will always want to be listening for the right time and opportunity to share the gospel with them.
In a world that is filled with noise, make sure you take time to listen to Your One!
David Ludwig is the associate director of healthy churches with the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/ South Jersey and serves Pastors and churches to assist them in becoming healthy, multiplying churches.
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