Sharing the Gospel the Old Fashion Way: One Person at a Time

Publisher’s note: Dr. Jerry Root posted his story “Sharing the Gospel the Old Fashion Way: One Person at a Time” in an email requesting donations. Dr. Root directs the Evangelism Initiative at the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Used with permission from Dr. Root.

Last week I found myself in a conversation with a man who asked me what I did for a living. I told him I was a professor. He responded by wanting to know what I taught. I told him my Ph.D. was in Philosophy of Religion and he immediately asked me what my religion was. I told him that I was a Christian and then reciprocated and asked him if he was a religious person. He said that he was, and that he was a Muslim.

We had a great conversation, which included a discussion of the differences and similarities in Islam and Christianity. At each point I made, he simply replied, “I am tracking with you.” When I told him that Christians believe that God is a God of love, and that this love is essential to His being, he seemed very intent. As I shared about how there is in fact a way to God and to true forgiveness, he responded again, “I’m tracking with you. This is very meaningful.”

I paused only a second and then asked him, “Is there any reason why you wouldn’t want to trust Christ right now”? He said, “No” and gave his heart to Christ in prayer, trusting in His provision to love him and forgive him. I am now beginning a process of following up on this new brother in Christ.

The whole witnessing experience was fun. It is also the kind of thing that we at the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism (BGCE) are seeking to instill in all those we train, from college-age students to church leaders to marketplace leaders to lay Christians in all situations. (See here and here for resources)

Dr. Jerry Root
Director, Evangelism Initiative