Like most things in life, witnessing has guidelines. Following is a list of 20 Do's and 12 Don't's. They should aid you while witnessing and help prevent serious errors. If, however, you choose to ignore them, witnessing will be difficult and awkward.
Things that you should do include:
- Pray before & after witnessing.
- Speak so that you please God.
- Have a Bible or small New Testament with you.
- Start with a positive witness for Jesus Christ (practice).
- Keep things simple.
- Share your salvation experience with them.
- KNOW what you believe (see 4 above).
- Have a genuine love in your heart.
- Be simple and define your terms.
- Memorize appropriate Scripture Verses.
- Be ready to learn from the people you witness to.
- Be patient and gentle.
- Listen to them attentively.
- Answer their questions.
- Ask them questions.
- Let them save face.
- Bring them, if possible, to a decision about Jesus Christ.
- Encourage them to study the Bible.
- Use Scriptures that are in context.
- Remember who you are witnessing for, Jesus Christ.
Things that you should "not" do include:
- Don't attack directly or make fun of someone.
- Don't jump from one subject to another.
- Don't expect too much from him.
- Don't have a spiritual chip on your shoulder.
- Don't lose patience.
- Don't come on too strong.
- Don't debate peripheral issues or doctrines.
- Don't get sidetracked defending your denomination.
- Don't be uptight.
- Don't assume.
- Don't argue.
- Don't speak too fast or unclearly.
I hope these do's and don't's have brought to your attention areas that would improve your witnessing. If some of them have struck you as being particularly applicable then I would suggest you think them over and in prayer ask God to work on your heart and teach you the right way to witness. He will bless you. All you need is to trust Him and go witness.
