I was trained (Centuries ago. If you don’t believe it, ask my kids!) to be a pastor at a quaint seminary located in France. I was taught apologetics, systematic theology, dogmatics, hermeneutics, Hebrew and Greek and all the other “methods” of effective witnessing and ministering. I also received practical training by taking preaching opportunities, giving Bible studies to possible interests, door-to-door ingathering, and colportoring (going door to door to sell religious books).

Because we had been given all the “latest” and “greatest” techniques in the classroom, my classmates and I felt as if we were “experts” in all these areas, and were anxious to try out our newly acquired skills! Unfortunately, reality set in when we tried to apply what we had learned . . .

My most difficult experiences originated in the area of colportoring. I had so many door slammed in my face that it’s a wonder my nose never got stuck! Some compassionate souls took pity on me and bought some of the items I was offering, but I always left their homes feeling unsure if they would actually READ what they had just purchased!

When it came to giving Bible studies, we were convinced that we were invincible. We all had our Bibles organized in such a way that we could give studies on fifty different topics. Surely that was enough to guarantee that no one could challenge us on a topic not listed among these subjects! Our egos were quickly deflated when the people we studied with asked questions that led in an entirely different direction than what was in the study. As a result, we found ourselves in a constant state of frustration, sweat and tears.

I still vividly remember a lonely man in who had requested Bible Studies. I was in for a surprise when I entered his apartment. He had wallpapered his walls with pictures cut out of adult magazines, and there was absolutely no safe place to look! I had to try to keep my gaze either on the dirty floor or on the disheveled man himself. The worst part was that he was obviously NOT interested in studying God’s Word. It seemed that all he wanted was someone to talk to, and the entire time we were there, he kept up a steady barrage of stories about himself and his endeavors. My partner, although much older and more experienced, didn’t fair any better than I at interesting him in God’s Word, and neither of us could wait to get out of his apartment and breathe some fresh, clean air!

Looking back at all these experiences, I realize how ill-prepared we really were to effectively make a difference in these people’s lives. But when I think about what might have caused our failures, I realize that even our very purpose was tainted. Our training had taught us that our goal was to convince people to join our church, our denomination! It is little wonder we didn’t know how to successfully deal with our given opportunities and were so easily discouraged!

It was only years later that I discovered that Jesus Himself left us guidelines on how to effectively proclaim God’s Kingdom. The 10th chapter of Matthew became my only instruction of how to reach out to others. Strangely enough, Jesus’ instructions did not agree with what I had been taught all those years before . . .

I would like to share with you some of the insights Jesus left for us in this chapter, so that perhaps you, too, might become successful in your witnessing.

“Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matt 10:8 NIV)

Selling religious material is not what Jesus is advocating here. Instead of being motivated by making money on our materials, our motivation should be love! After all, the eternal destiny of these people is at stake. What else could be more important?

“Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matt 10:19-20 NIV)

No human-based training will prepare you for what really lies ahead. No degree or diploma will ensure anyone of becoming a terrific witness for the Lord. The only criterion for this is complete dependence on God’s Spirit. He is the only One who will direct us effectively on how to handle our circumstances. He will guide our words and give us the necessary insights. He is the One who is best equipped to address any opposition, for He is the only one who can really read the human heart.

If I had known Him in the above-mentioned experiences, my approach would have been quite different and glory would have been given to God, our Father. Why? Because with God’s Spirit as my partner, I would have had nothing to worry about. Nor would I have needed time to prepare the Bible study in advance, unless I had been specifically instructed to do so, by Him! Just imagine having Him as our partner! Indeed, we would have nothing to worry about!

“So do not be afraid of them.” (Matt 10:26 NIV)

The fact is, Jesus encourages us to confide completely in Him and to not worry about anything! This means that we don’t need to worry about people slamming the door in our faces. We don’t need to worry about what they might or might not say or think, or even what kind of wallpaper they choose for their walls! We don’t need to worry about transportation, about clothing, about food . . . We don’t need to worry about anything at all! If we put our trust in Him, He will open doors and provide for our necessities.

“Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.” (Matt 10:9-10 NIV)

This was quite different from what we had been taught at the seminary, but it is oh, so true! Jesus is faithful, and you can be assured that He will provide not only the words, but the means as well. In whom should we trust? Money or our Provider? Training or God’s Holy Spirit? Training is good. Don’t get me wrong here. However, God does not require any preparation from us to witness effectively. Remember, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10 NIV)

Let’s go tell our neighbors the special message God has for them. Would you like to come along? Then let’s ask HIM for direction!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Trained to Witness” devotional series, please click here.)