The Do/Done Technique
This week I want to share some easy ways for you to share your faith. For many Christians this is a daunting thing, but I hope that these techniques will take the fear out of it for you.
One of the most effective yet simple ways to share your faith comes from Bill Hybels, and it's called the "Do/Done" technique. It starts with asking someone a simple question: "What do you think qualifies you to go to heaven?"
A Simple Question
It’s a great question because it reveals what most people believe deep down - that salvation is about performance. It's non-threatening because you're simply asking for their opinion, not challenging their beliefs or pushing your agenda. It gets them thinking about spiritual things without feeling attacked or pressured. And it opens the door for you to share the gospel.
Most people will give you answers like "being a good person," "helping others," "going to church," or "following the Ten Commandments." They're thinking in terms of doing something to earn their way to God.
After they share their answer, you might say something like: "You’re thinking of what you can DO.” On a piece of paper you write “DO”. Then you’ll say “Jesus actually said it's already DONE. He paid the price on the cross so we don't have to earn our way to heaven." So you draw a line under the word “DO” and under that write “DONE”.
From Works to Grace
You see, most religions of the world are do religions. Do this, don't do that, perform these rituals, follow these rules, and maybe you'll be accepted by God. But Christianity is different - it's a done religion. Jesus has already done that which is necessary for our salvation.
Paul wrote about this clearly: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). This flies in the face of human nature, which wants to earn approval and prove worthiness.
Making It Personal
Being a Christian, then, is simply accepting the gift of Jesus that He already paid for. Yes, there is a Christian lifestyle that Jesus calls us to follow. But we follow Him not to try and do enough to receive approval. We receive His approval freely because of what Christ has done, and then we live for Him as a result of this.
The beauty of this approach is that it's conversational, not confrontational. You're not preaching at someone - you're asking them what they think, listening to their answer, and then gently sharing the good news that Jesus has already done the work.
Try this technique this week. Ask someone the question and see where the conversation leads. You might be surprised how open people are to hearing about God's grace when you approach it this way. And remember, your job isn't to convert anyone - that's the Holy Spirit's work. Your job is simply to plant seeds of truth in love.
