Preparing to be a Witness

Have you ever been asked to be a witness?

“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15b).

Recently my SAT-7 US colleagues and I visited the Billy Graham Library (BGL), located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The BGL offers a profound and immersive experience honoring the life and legacy of the renowned evangelist Billy Graham. The library seamlessly combined multimedia presentations, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that provided us with a comprehensive insight into Graham’s impactful journey and global influence in the realm of Christianity. Overall, the BGL stands as a fitting tribute to a man whose influence extended far beyond the pulpit, leaving an enduring mark on the world of religious discourse.

One observation … and if you ever heard Billy Graham either in person, on TV, or on the radio, you would probably also conclude … is he was always talking about Jesus. Now you might expect that of a self-proclaimed evangelist of Jesus Christ. But what about the rest of us, those who might not have the spiritual gift of evangelism, should we always be talking about Jesus?

It seems to me that there is a distinction between exercising the gift of evangelism and being a witness; that is, some have a spiritual gift, but all are called to be a witness. And as a follower of Jesus, we are commanded to be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you and do it with gentleness and reverence (1 Pet. 3:15).

As I look at this verse, I see three things that are prescribed for those who claim to be followers of Jesus. The first is to be prepared, meaning some preparation is required in advance. When it comes to preparing to be a witness for Jesus and giving a defense of your faith, let me suggest that you follow this three part pattern in putting your story together: share how your life was before you surrendered to Jesus; how you came to meet Jesus; and how Jesus has made a difference in your life. You might want to write out your testimony and rehearse it a time or two … this is what it means to be prepared.

The next thing that pops out to me in this verse is the comment to anyone who calls. The point here is that the person doing the calling is wanting more information. What is it that prompts people to want more information? It is often because they have seen Christ-like behavior being demonstrated in the ordinary course of just living life every day. It might be captured by observing our attitudes towards others in difficult circumstances, or the heart of gratitude and generosity that is being expressed or seeing our willingness to forgive and stand for God’s justice. When people see the character of Christ being lived out, it is attractive. In essence, we are to be God’s Costco sample ladies.

The final observation is that we are to share with gentleness and reverence. Remember, you are in marketing; it is the Holy Spirit that is responsible for sales. I have observed too often how one’s message is not heard due to something lacking in the presenter’s communication style. This does not mean compromising the truth, but it means you are telling your story and not judging others. You are just one beggar who found bread, telling another beggar where they can find bread also.

I am reminded that faith is not about going to church or even reading the Bible, but it is believing that Jesus is the answer, no matter the question. Thank you for your partnership in ministry through SAT-7 that continues to make Jesus known as the answer for all those who live in the Middle East and North Africa.

Blessings,

John Frick

John Frick, M.B.A., M.A.C.M., C.F.R.E. is the Vice President of Development at SAT-7 USA. He is a gifted speaker and has had many opportunities to address civic, political, and church groups regarding various current events and issues. He is passionate about the cause of the poor both in spirit and in body, as well as giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. His full leadership bio is available here.