Four Easy Ways to Witness to Your Faith

Witness usually occurs by simply telling your story to a friend, neighbor, acquaintance, or stranger through a casual conversation. It begins by listening (really listening) to the other and his/her story, without worrying about your response. Listen, smile, be genuine, and simply share your story, when appropriate. If you’re concerned about a family member, pray and trust God to send the right person to share faith with your loved one.

Here are four ways to help reflect on your story (taken from Evangelical Catholic):

1. Who has had the greatest influence on your faith? Why?

What was the character of that person? What words or actions of his/her had an effect on you? How did he or she describe his/her faith? Did he or she invite you to something (Bible Study, Mom Group, Fun Fair, Prayer Service) in the Church? Now, tell someone else about this person and what he or she did for you.

2. Before/After:

Many conversion stories (not all, as many also have known Jesus since they were children) have a before and after:

My life was … before Jesus was in my life.

My life is now … after Jesus is now the center of my life.

3. What has Jesus brought you?
   1. Peace – “I simply worry less knowing Jesus is with me and my loved ones.”
   2. Purpose – “I realize I’m meant to take Christ’s light to the world by using my gifts and talents, especially for the marginalized and outcast.”
   3. Joy – “Even when times are difficult, a joy wells up within me.”

4. Moment/Season (taken from the Evangelical Catholic):
   1. Have you experienced a moment with the Transcendent?
   2. Have you had a season (a season has many moments) in your life when you were especially restless or hungered for more? How did God begin to address those needs in your life?

Tips on Sharing Your Faith (How To Share Your Faith With Anyone: A Practical Manual for Catholic Evangelization by Terry Barber):

1. Keep it simple (present the Gospel simply and with love for the other)
2. Keep him/her saying yes (making statements which the other will naturally agree)
3. Be enthusiastic (God’s Spirit should enthuse you to share)
4. Call him/her by name (we respond more readily when called by name)
5. Show and then tell (88% of everything we learn comes through the eyes)
6. Always agree (remain positive and do not argue)
7. Ask questions (by asking questions you keep his/her attention)
8. Practice virtue (you must walk the talk)

Archdiocese of Dubuque @ 2017