You rarely hear anything good about Christianity, let alone someone saying it can save someone’s life. Well Bret Hume did just this on a recent Fox news message. Now I’m sure this will set off a bunch of scoffing by the media, but it was inspiring to see someone in such a public place stand up for their faith.

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The Courage to Stand Up is a post from: Grow Your Church Show

Today I talk about the Book Just Walk Across the Room By Bill Hybels. It’s a great book, and I’ve already started to put some of the ideas into practice.  Here are some of my favorite points.

The Zone of the Unknown

Christ spoke with prostitutes, tax collectors (who were considered the lowest of the low), and strangers.  If Christ was here today, think of him starting up a conversation with Bernie Madoff.
If we just listen to our christian music, and hang out with out christian friends and attend our christian events, the church will die.

We Need To Be Prepared

Right now I’m getting ready to graduate college for the second time. I will be preparing answers that I’m sure I will be asked in job interviews. In the same way we need to think of the questions that the unchurched are going to ask us and be prepared. Bill points out that many times when we get asked about our faith we unleash an answer that is 45 minutes long and during which we take a total of two breaths.

The Jesus Christ Elevator Pitch

Thomas Edison has to sell the concept of the telephone. Not everyone got the idea. Likewise, there are times we will need to explain the benefits (“sell”) the idea of Christ. Bill says to get this ready in 100 words or less. This is as easy as thinking about your life before knowing Christ and after knowing Christ.  For me this is different ans I was raised in the church from day one. But none the less here is my answer to “Why do you follow Jesus?”

“I was raised in the church, so I’m not sure what life without Christ would be like, but I know that when times are hard, like when my Mom died at an early age, when I went through my divorce, my bankruptcy, and now getting my second degree at age 44, I never would it made it through any of these without the hope that Christ provides. I know God has a plan for me if I stay alert I will see his guidance. I’ve never known life without Christ, and I can’t imagine a life without him. ” (98 words).

Throw a “Matthew Party”

This is a part where you invite your unchurched friends, and your friends from church and you have fun. You get to know them. You understand them before trying to be understood. We just did this at my church. We had a “Remembering the 50′s” night where we listened to old music, had a pie throwing contest (poor pastor), and drank malts, and had french fires.  We had a fair number of people who had never graced our church show up. Using the techniques from the book, I was able to walk across the room and say “Hi, my name is Dave.”

Buy Just Walk Across the Room

You can get the Curriculum Kit for $66 at Amazon.com

You can get the book for $13 at Amazon.com

You can get the audio book at Audible for $17 (get the unabridged version)

This show originates from www.growyourhcurchshow.com

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Just Walk Across the Room Reviewed is a post from: Grow Your Church Show