Have you ever been clubbed by someone regarding their opinion? They come out of no where and club you over the head (aka aggressively share their thoughts) regarding some controversial subject like vaccines, wearing masks, abortions, global warming, and any other topic that polarizes society. Has anyone who has argued with you over an issue ever won you to the other side? Probably not.

When you club someone over the head with Jesus, they tend to not respond well. How can you master the art of persuasion?

From a secular standpoint, Harvard Business Review posted an article by Jay A. Conger titled The Necessary Art of Persuasion, where Jay states:

Effective persuasion involves four distinct and essential steps. First, effective persuaders establish credibility. Second, they frame their goals in a way that identifies common ground with those they intend to persuade. Third, they reinforce their positions using vivid language and compelling evidence. And fourth, they connect emotionally with their audience. As one of the most effective executives in our research commented, “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned about persuasion over the years is that there’s just as much strategy in how you present your position as in the position itself. In fact, I’d say the strategy of presentation is the more critical.”

How do we translate this to a Biblical world view?

1. Establish Credibility
   Do you know the gospel message?
   Are you well versed in understanding the Bible?
   Does the person you are talking to see your life in light of Christian values?
   Does the person know, like, and trust you before you try to persuade them?
2. Common Ground
   Have you asked them what they believe?
   Can you identify with their concerns and objectives?
   Did you, at one point, feel the same way?
3. Use Stories
   People connect with stories rather than data and facts.
   Share your testimony.
   Share other’s testimonies.
   Relate the gospel message with storytelling in mind.
4. Connect Emotionally
   Your ability to match the emotional state of the person you are talking to is crucial.
   How empathetic are you? (Can you share the feelings of the other person?)
   What are their fears that you can connect with?
   People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.
   

No one is naturally great at sharing the gospel perfectly. Some may be great at debating, others amazing at simply talking to people, while most of us flounder our way through the gospel once or twice only to give up and use the excuse that you will leave gospel-sharing to those who are gifted in that area, like pastors. Gospel-sharing is not a gift. Gospel-sharing is quite literally non-negotiable if you are a Christian. It is THE one thing Jesus commissioned us with. We are to go and make disciples.

We must practice if we are to get better. No one learned how to play the piano in a day. It takes time, repetition, and commitment. You must DECIDE you are going to practice. You must KNOW the gospel message inside and out. You must PRACTICE sharing the gospel. You must COMMIT to this practice without fear. Remember, this will take time and effort. John Maxwell said it best: “Everything worthwhile in life is all uphill.” This, my friend, is the MOST worthwhile endeavor you can embark upon!