I will share 5 principles built upon Ephesians 6:12 and Romans 1:16, 17 (see part 22), to help you understand how you can love the Mormons at our door.
Five Principles for sharing with a Mormon:
- Be relational
- Be patient
- Be courageous
- Be prepared
- Be dependent on the Holy Spirit
- Be Relational:
Most Mormons who leave their church do so through friends and close relatives. The most effective means of sharing with Mormons is through establishing a relationship. It is vital to see Mormons as individuals, made in the image of God. We need to see them as people we want as friends; individuals we want to hang out with. As we meet with them we can love them through kind words and actions. Here are some ways to do that.
Relax: With Mormons at your door keep in mind they are coming to you to talk about Jesus; you don’t have to work to get into a spiritual conversation. Remember these individuals are taking time out their busy schedules to talk with you because they love you and are concerned about your eternal destiny. Love them back! Keep in the back of your mind who the battle is against and who saves (Ephesians 6:12, Romans 1:16, 17).
Share an effective non-confrontational opener
– Where is your hometown?
– (With young missionaries) Are you in college? Which one do you attend? What is your major?
– If they ask me if I want to discuss spiritual issues, here is what I say: I have strong religious beliefs but if you can prove me wrong in what I believe, I am willing to change my beliefs.
Ask questions about what they believe
– Why did you become a Mormon? They will tell their story and guaranteed they will talk about feelings in their heart.
– How do you know the feeling in your heart is true?
– What is your definition of faith? Biblical faith is Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
- Assurance is a strong word that means we have solid knowledge our beliefs are true.
- Conviction means our faith is evidence based and not wishful thinking. KJV says, “…the evidence of things not seen.”
- Many Mormons don’t think evidence is important for faith. You have to help them understand Biblical faith is not blind but built upon the foundation evidence based knowledge.
Utilize inclusive and non-threatening language
– When you finish a statement ask, what do you think? Does this make sense? Ending statements with a question is powerful.
– Once they give a response you can say, that’s a great answer, have you ever thought of this?
