Disciple a Stranger Through Chicken Evangelism

Disciple a Stranger? Is it Possible?

Yes, if we do what Jesus did! Here’s how I initiated some discipleship encouragement with a stranger today. (We all know this is merely one step along the way, not the complete job of bringing anyone to maturity in Christ. But it is a step in the process and something to be welcomed.)

I went to the hardware store to buy some heating ducts. I flagged down a store employee to help locate the proper connections. He turned out to be a great helper, fitting the pieces together for me. I commended him and then asked, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” Roger paused, then quietly stated, “Yes, and no. I did receive Him some years ago, but . . . .”

He hesitated. I have talked to so many men who are unsure of their relationship, if any, with Christ. He didn’t know what to say. So I said, “You just need some encouragement.”

That got him started, and I must say, once started, he didn’t want to stop. Roger began pouring out his heart, one event after another. He told of three traumas in his life, one of which was beating cancer. I listened. He kept talking. His wife died about ten years ago and she had been his spiritual leader. Now he was on his own and it wasn’t going all that well spiritually.

I Came to Buy Ducts

When I entered the store I had no idea that I would disciple a stranger. But here I was, listening, listening, listening. As everyone knows, listening is an integral part of the discipleship process. In front of me was a seventy-six year old man happily telling me, a complete stranger, about some of the deepest events of his life.

No other customers came around so I was thankful. (When I witness with employees I try to be very mindful of a workers time and respectful of his employer who’s paying him.)

We were experiencing warm fellowship, mutually enjoyable. I shared some of my life, how I was diagnosed with cancer. I asked “How did you beat cancer?” and he told me that part of his story.

In the end I asked, “Do you read your Bible?” Roger admitted, “No. . .but I pray every day.” That encouraged me. I suggested, “My name is Mark. Start with the gospel of Mark and read something every day.” “I will,” he promised. Then he began confessing Christ and his faith. Rather excitedly, Roger announced, “God brought me through three crises. I know He’s looking out for me.”

Did I enjoy this time to disciple a stranger? You bet! To disciple a stranger is satisfying. I was able to meet his need and encourage him on his way. And that’s how Jesus did it too. The Law of First Encounter is an eye-opener. Check it out.

My conversation with Roger ended when he stretched out his hand and stated, “I enjoyed talking with you.” Of course, the gesture was mutual.

How Does Anyone Disciple a Stranger?

This all started when I stuck my neck out and asked my favorite Chicken Evangelism question: Have you received Jesus Christ into your life? (Chicken Evangelism means we bring up God before we chicken out.)  Sometimes a man or woman is ready to receive the Savior on the spot. Sometimes other scenarios develop, but invariably, the Chicken Evangelism question opens up doors to build a friendship and lead a person deeper into relationship with Christ.