By Megan Wilczek

Recently, I was talking to a new Christian who was sharing how she doesn’t understand much about Christianity. She wants to. She believes in Jesus. She has the desire to dig deeper into her faith, but there’s a roadblock to her understanding.

This struck me because the message of Jesus is simple. The message of Jesus should be accessible to everyone, no matter their level of education. However, here she was, an intelligent woman struggling to understand the sermons at church, struggling to understand Christian customs and behavior, and, as a result, struggling to live out her faith.

She is surrounded by people who are mature Christians who live out their faith. I asked her if having those people in her life has been helpful. Surprisingly, she said no. She said they had been Christians so long that, in her eyes, it seemed they had it all figured out. They were intimidating. Then, when she worked up the courage to ask questions, their answers didn’t make sense to her. They were speaking at a higher level than her current understanding. She was further intimidated.

Do these Christians try to intimidate newcomers? Absolutely not. They would love nothing more than to see others have the same deep relationship with Jesus as them. They are not aware of how they are coming across.

In Adam Grant’s new book Hidden Potential, he talks about how people who are experts on a topic are actually less effective at teaching the topic to beginners. Studies show that students learn less in an introductory class that is taught by an expert. The reasoning is that they are so far removed from being a beginner at the topic themselves that they forget what it’s like to not know what they know now. The result is that they don’t know how to convey the information in a way that a beginner will understand.

I have a great passion for teaching new believers how to follow Jesus. I am also passionate about continuously learning more about the Word of God. I yearn to study the intricacies of who Jesus is while also being able to share my knowledge with new believers in language that will not be a barrier to their understanding.

So, are we each doomed as we learn more about Jesus to lose our ability to share Jesus with new believers? I would argue no, but it is harder. It takes more conscious effort. Dare I say it takes practice? Here are two ways we can more effectively share with new believers, even if it’s been a while since we were new believers.

1.     Immerse yourself in their world.

Make a regular practice of befriending and talking to unbelievers and new Christians. Try to understand their worldview. Be like a missionary. Learn how they talk. Become a student of their culture. Get to know them. Spend time with them.

Use Paul as an example:

In 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 Paul says, “When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”

2.     Use simple language.

Know your audience. If you’re talking to a pastor, go ahead and use all the Christianese. Talk deeply about theology. Enjoy. However, if you’re talking to someone who is like me when I first started out, someone who doesn’t even know what the “Good News” is…take it down a notch. No Christianese allowed. Do not use words and phrases that people only understand if they’ve attended church for a long time. Do not dig deep into theological arguments with someone who doesn’t yet understand the basics. This doesn’t make you sound smart. It alienates people.

Let’s take another look at how Paul talked to new Christians:

In 1 Corinthians 2:1-6 Paul said, “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.”

Disclaimer: Do NOT treat people like a project. People can sense that. It feels fake. When you truly care about someone, they will be able to sense that, too. We aren’t converting people and then ditching them. The goal is to disciple people, which is a long-term relationship. These are real people with real feelings and real souls. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Don’t get so focused on the process that you forget to see the person in front of you.

What barriers have you experienced in deepening your relationship with Jesus?

Comment below!

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