Starting June 14th we are currently offering a socially-distanced Divine Service with Holy Communion at 8:00am, 9:30am, and 11:00am every Sunday.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Study Classes are cancelled until further notice.
Are You Shy and Wondering How and If You Can Share Your Faith? Read the following article from a recent Equipping to Share Newsletter:
God has given each one of us a unique personality with specific talents, weaknesses and quirks. I am a garrulous person, finding it easy to strike up conversation with strangers or filling lulls in conversation. My husband, on the other hand, is reserved, verging on the edge of shyness when first meeting someone. In fact, it not only takes him awhile to formulate meaningful relationships but to even engage in light conversation. However, once he is your friend, you can expect him to be one of the most genuine and supportive friends, whose loyalty will last a lifetime.
When it comes to witnessing, many suspect that the more garrulous ones are the more effective witnesses — that witnessing only has a place in the lives of the outgoing. However, God has assigned each one of us to be His ambassador and, in fact, utilizes our gifts and weaknesses for His glory.
Recall 1 Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” Although His children are all His ambassadors, God will use each one of us as uniquely as He has created us.
If you are afraid of striking up conversations with strangers, knocking on doors or asking others questions, you can still be an incredibly effective witness. When you reflect your faith through the way you live your life, the bridge to faith-sharing will often come from the unbeliever in the form of asking questions.
St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Although this statement is an exaggeration – we obviously need to share the Gospel in words – it makes the point that our lives can be a witness of Christ to others, causing them to ask about the reason for the hope that we have. As 1 Peter 3:15 tells us, we really just need to be ready to explain our reason for our hope.
If you are a more reserved or even shy person, do not discount yourself as an effective witness. By bearing the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – your life will be an example to others, causing them to ask, “Why are you so different?” Within this relationship, full of gentleness and respect, your friends, family members and co-workers will find a safe place where questions can be asked and answers found.
Provided by Sarah Guldalian
Coordinator, Equipping to Share