The Apostle Peter wrote that we should, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) But how do we find opportunities for these types of conversations?
We posed this question to our Connect Newsletter audience: What things do you wear, pray, or do that invite questions and conversations about faith?
They responded with ingenuity, creativity, and intentionality. A selection of their responses are listed below.
Journey H.
Pennyslvania
I don’t run away from conflict. In our world, conflict is often either completely avoided or compounded upon through poor treatment, gossiping, or bullying of the other person.
Instead, I choose to run directly into the conflict. I attempting to tell the truth about the circumstances without insults and apologize when I fall short of this goal. This kind, direct approach has often led to conversations that bend toward Good News.
Karl H.
California
Five years ago, I had a massive stroke that damaged the language part of my brain. Talking, reading, and writing became hard. To practice my writing, I started a blog about my journey through a stroke. I realized how important it was for me: talking about my stroke, talking about my faith, and connecting all of it together. After my stroke happened, my faith grew exponentially. People’s comments on the blog showed me that it was important for those who read it too.
LaDonna B.
Pennsylvania
I like to wear t-shirts and sweatshirts that are encouraging. They say things like “Jesus Loves You!” and “How Can I Pray for You?” I was checking out at a store one day and the cashier looked at me and said “Yes!” Well, I must admit that I forgot I was wearing the “Need Prayer” shirt! We both had a great laugh, and I got to pray for her on my way out of the store.
Robert T.
Europe
I have been living in foreign countries teaching English for the last four and a half years – a young man exploring a big world. Being an outsider who chose to live inside a new place makes people very curious about what my philosophies of life are like. I have found myself in a number of conversations about God and Scripture just by living with a neighborly smile “where I don’t belong.”
Tess C.
Pennsylvania
About nine years ago, I began sharing my art journaling on social media. As someone who grew up in a context of legalism, I have found life and joy in fellowship with Jesus through what I call “recess” or play with him. A huge part of that journey has been learning to respond to Scripture creatively.
I intentionally share my heart and my art online because I knew I didn’t want to experience that joy alone. What started as simply sharing on social media eventually grew into many opportunities to lead workshops and retreats, creating spaces that help others discover their own joy-filled journey with Jesus.
Glenn R.
Ontario, Canada
I serve as the director of ethics and spiritual care at a mental health care hospital in Ontario. It’s a Catholic sponsored facility, but Catholicism does not factor into the day-to-day workings of the hospital.
I write a weekly email to 1,200 employees that is forwarded on to family and friends around the world. Most of my audience isn’t directly interested in faith, and blatantly Christian writing would be less impactful. But my hope is that white I write provides and opportunity to move along in a faith journey. I’m eclectic in my approach to writing, quoting from a variety sources to make a relevant point. How I write these gives me broad opportunity.
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Salynda Hogsett (aka Lindy) is the content editor for Brethren in Christ U.S. and loves to connect with pastors and ministry leaders to tell their stories. She grew up in the BIC and currently attends Mechanicsburg BIC where she is involved in worship and youth ministry and serves on the church board. In her free time you can find her writing in coffee shops, trying new restaurants, or crafting with a favorite show or movie.
