Advice/techniques on witnessing to millennials.

[Galil7.62x51]

I’m not familiar with all the philosophy and indoctrination these kids are receiving now a days and am having a hard time witnessing to them. They have apparently been taught that the Bible is a null and void fairytale along with the idea that nothing can be defined as right or wrong because everyone sees things differently. The college educated people are the most difficult group of people to witness to in my opinion. I was wondering what your best approach was to getting through to these individuals.

 

[AlexDTX]

I’m not familiar with all the philosophy and indoctrination these kids are receiving now a days and am having a hard time witnessing to them. They have apparently been taught that the Bible is a null and void fairytale along with the idea that nothing can be defined as right or wrong because everyone sees things differently. The college educated people are the most difficult group of people to witness to in my opinion. I was wondering what your best approach was to getting through to these individuals.

I never use the Bible to begin sharing the Gospel to anyone. It is a potential turn off in the beginning. Nor do I quote chapter and verse. Another turn off. But I do state the verses in a paraphrase that flows with the conversation.

My first interest is knowing how they feel about God. Not the God of the Bible, but just God. I want to know where they stand first. Asking questions without telling them, allows them to think for themselves and lets them feel like they are in control of the conversation. Everyone wants to be heard more than to hear.

 

[Tolworth John]

I’m not familiar with all the philosophy and indoctrination these kids are receiving now a days and am having a hard time witnessing to them. They have apparently been taught that the Bible is a null and void fairytale along with the idea that nothing can be defined as right or wrong because everyone sees things differently. The college educated people are the most difficult group of people to witness to in my opinion. I was wondering what your best approach was to getting through to these individuals.

Remember columbo the bumbling detective always asking questions:-
Why do you believe that?
What evidence do you have for that view?
People like talking about themselves and there believes.
Just besure that when they realise they cannot answer these questions, that you can answer them about your beliefs.
look up sites like coldcasechristianity for a detectives view on the accuracy and reliability of the gospels.

 

[Daniel C]

The feedback Christian soulwinners generally relay is old people are the most stubborn group to convert to Christ and a new generation of young people without an identity are more receptive to the Gospel.

We were commissioned by Christ to preach the Gospel,the Apostles preached the Gospel and so it's clear how to reach out to people-bring them the good news.

 

[Galil7.62x51]

I never use the Bible to begin sharing the Gospel to anyone. It is a potential turn off in the beginning. Nor do I quote chapter and verse. Another turn off. But I do state the verses in a paraphrase that flows with the conversation.

My first interest is knowing how they feel about God. Not the God of the Bible, but just God. I want to know where they stand first. Asking questions without telling them, allows them to think for themselves and lets them feel like they are in control of the conversation. Everyone wants to be heard more than to hear.

Thank You for your response. Its hard for me to refrain from preaching the word of God, or quoting scripture, when talking with someone. I try to plant seeds and water them with prayer. I think I may need to get another planter because the one I’m using is having difficulty getting through to the younger generation. It seems to always end in some discussion about carbon dating or false doctrine they have their faith in. They will say things like “The Jews stole the story of the Woman giving birth to a god child from ancient Sumerian writings that pre-dates the Old Testament.” They say the same thing about the flood, referring to many civilization’s writings they say pre dates the Bible, mentioning a great flood.

I never use the Bible to begin sharing the Gospel to anyone. It is a potential turn off in the beginning. Nor do I quote chapter and verse. Another turn off. But I do state the verses in a paraphrase that flows with the conversation.

My first interest is knowing how they feel about God. Not the God of the Bible, but just God. I want to know where they stand first. Asking questions without telling them, allows them to think for themselves and lets them feel like they are in control of the conversation. Everyone wants to be heard more than to hear.

 

[AlexDTX]

Thank You for your response. Its hard for me to refrain from preaching the word of God, or quoting scripture, when talking with someone. I try to plant seeds and water them with prayer. I think I may need to get another planter because the one I’m using is having difficulty getting through to the younger generation. It seems to always end in some discussion about carbon dating or false doctrine they have their faith in. They will say things like “The Jews stole the story of the Woman giving birth to a god child from ancient Sumerian writings that pre-dates the Old Testament.” They say the same thing about the flood, referring to many civilization’s writings they say pre dates the Bible, mentioning a great flood.

Don't be concerned. We are all laborers in the Lord's harvest. Planting seeds is a good thing. Let the conversations be without pressure. If carbon dating is the topic, you can respond to it, but don't try to convince them. Just tell the facts that you know.

However, if it is a one time conversation and I doubt that I will ever see that person again, at the end of the conversation I will stop the questions and lay the truth out plainly. They can reject it if they want, but at least I know I told them the Gospel truth.

 

[Galil7.62x51]

Thank You for your response. Its hard for me to refrain from preaching the word of God, or quoting scripture, when talking with someone. I try to plant seeds and water them with prayer. I think I may need to get another planter because the one I’m using is having difficulty getting through to the younger generation. It seems to always end in some discussion about carbon dating or false doctrine they have their faith in. They will say things like “The Jews stole the story of the Woman giving birth to a god child from ancient Sumerian writings that pre-dates the Old Testament.” They say the same thing about the flood, referring to many civilization’s writings they say pre dates the Bible. I will try to shut up and listen more and explore that ave.

 

[Galil7.62x51]

Remember columbo the bumbling detective always asking questions:-
Why do you believe that?
What evidence do you have for that view?
People like talking about themselves and there believes.
Just besure that when they realise they cannot answer these questions, that you can answer them about your beliefs.
look up sites like coldcasechristianity for a detectives view on the accuracy and reliability of the gospels.

I always liked watching Colombo, I will try to not be as annoying as he was though, excellent advise, Thanks

 

[Galil7.62x51]

Don't be concerned. We are all laborers in the Lord's harvest. Planting seeds is a good thing. Let the conversations be without pressure. If carbon dating is the topic, you can respond to it, but don't try to convince them. Just tell the facts that you know.

However, if it is a one time conversation and I doubt that I will ever see that person again, at the end of the conversation I will stop the questions and lay the truth out plainly. They can reject it if they want, but at least I know I told them the Gospel truth.

I think that has been part of my problem, in that I always try to convince them of the truth. I have witnessed to some using nothing but scripture and they gave their lives to Jesus, while others have came around through the grace of God over time. But some of these younger college educated rascals offer up a whole new challenge for me.

 

[AlexDTX]

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to the heart, not the mind. Although the entrance to the heart is the mind. My point is that many times God will use words that we did not think important when we are speaking that clicks with the listener's heart. Use conversation, but don't think of the arguments, watch their faces and body language. The heart speaks more from body language and tone of voice than with words.

Post Script
Thinking about this, isn't it interesting that Jesus said from the abundance of the heart the MOUTH speaks? He could have said, from the abundance of the hear we speak. It may be nothing, but he is saying a part of the body speaks. Could this be an allusion to body language, too? Just thinking out loud.

 

[PloverWing]

I’m not familiar with all the philosophy and indoctrination these kids are receiving now a days and am having a hard time witnessing to them. They have apparently been taught that the Bible is a null and void fairytale along with the idea that nothing can be defined as right or wrong because everyone sees things differently. The college educated people are the most difficult group of people to witness to in my opinion. I was wondering what your best approach was to getting through to these individuals.

I think I may need to get another planter because the one I’m using is having difficulty getting through to the younger generation. It seems to always end in some discussion about carbon dating or false doctrine they have their faith in. They will say things like “The Jews stole the story of the Woman giving birth to a god child from ancient Sumerian writings that pre-dates the Old Testament.” They say the same thing about the flood, referring to many civilization’s writings they say pre dates the Bible, mentioning a great flood.

I think your best bet may be to "witness" in the sense of "bear witness to". That is, in talking to people, talk about how your daily practice of Christianity has helped you to experience God, and how it has made you a better person -- how it has made you kind, compassionate, forgiving, etc., toward other people. You might then ask the other person if they have spiritual practices that help them encounter the divine or that help guide them through life, and then you can have a conversation. Maybe you'll find you have some elements in common, even if they don't use Christian language for their spirituality.

I don't think I'd engage the biblical criticism question at length, unless it's something they're truly wrestling with. You can tell them that these are questions that Christians disagree about, and that Christian scholars study, but that even if stories like the flood are mythological rather than literal history, they still tell us about how God takes care of us, and then talk about the ways you see God's love in the Bible.

Some of what you describe -- the questions about the Bible -- isn't new; college educated people, including Christians, have been wrestling with these questions for two or three centuries now. What I do sometimes see in today's young adults is a desire to live authentic, meaningful lives. You probably won't catch them with a fast, slick, fake sales pitch. That's why I recommend telling them about your own life, the ways you yourself encounter God and the ways God enables you to serve other people in meaningful ways. It's even better if this conversation can happen in the context of a long-term friendship characterized by mutual respect.

 

[Jonaitis]

I’m not familiar with all the philosophy and indoctrination these kids are receiving now a days and am having a hard time witnessing to them. They have apparently been taught that the Bible is a null and void fairytale along with the idea that nothing can be defined as right or wrong because everyone sees things differently. The college educated people are the most difficult group of people to witness to in my opinion. I was wondering what your best approach was to getting through to these individuals.

I am a millennial, so I would know what they think.

Post-Modernism, as you have mentioned, is one of the hurdles in evangelizing them. It is more than them saying there is no objective morality, they simply don't care about searching for "truth." They are all about the here and now, and what works for them. They don't care if the bible is true, and even if it is they prefer to believe, with full awareness, of something that is false, because it makes them happier. The idea of "truth" is meaningless to this generation, they simply don't care about it. The ends justify the means in their worldview.

They are open and will admit that they are sinners, but they aren't ashamed. Many don't even know basic definitions of words such as "sin," so there needs to be time to teach them these things.

There is plenty of more things, but this ranks at the top.

 

[Emmylouwho]

I am a millennial, so I would know what they think.

Post-Modernism, as you have mentioned, is one of the hurdles in evangelizing them. It is more than them saying there is no objective morality, they simply don't care about searching for "truth." They are all about the here and now, and what works for them. They don't care if the bible is true, and even if it is they prefer to believe, with full awareness, of something that is false, because it makes them happier. The idea of "truth" is meaningless to this generation, they simply don't care about it. The ends justify the means in their worldview.

They are open and will admit that they are sinners, but they aren't ashamed. Many don't even know basic definitions of words such as "sin," so there needs to be time to teach them these things.

There is plenty of more things, but this ranks at the top.

Wow! That is a dismal view of millennials! Speak for yourself, I guess.

I’m not a millennial, but I am a mother of such, and know lots of millennials. Most millennials I know seem to be concerned about things like uncertain job prospects, lack of health insurance, repaying student loans, and housing expenses.

 

[Not David]

I am a millennial, so I would know what they think.

Post-Modernism, as you have mentioned, is one of the hurdles in evangelizing them. It is more than them saying there is no objective morality, they simply don't care about searching for "truth." They are all about the here and now, and what works for them. They don't care if the bible is true, and even if it is they prefer to believe, with full awareness, of something that is false, because it makes them happier. The idea of "truth" is meaningless to this generation, they simply don't care about it. The ends justify the means in their worldview.

They are open and will admit that they are sinners, but they aren't ashamed. Many don't even know basic definitions of words such as "sin," so there needs to be time to teach them these things.

There is plenty of more things, but this ranks at the top.

Are you a young Millennial or an old one? There is a difference, I guess

 

[Jonaitis]

Are you a young Millennial or an old one? There is a difference, I guess

It depends. I'm 24, so I might be on the edge of millennial and closer to post-millennial.

 

[Not David]

It depends. I'm 24, so I might be on the edge of millennial and closer to post-millennial.

It's called a zoomer.

 

[bèlla]

My daughter is a millennial. I’ve mentored and befriended my share. Most appreciate straight talk and people who emulate their words. Don’t talk at them or tell them what they think or feel. Listening and getting their perspective on things outside of faith is pivotal.

In short, be willing to hear their story and don’t allow preconceptions to sway your opinion. Everyone is different.

 

[thecolorsblend]

I’m not familiar with all the philosophy and indoctrination these kids are receiving now a days and am having a hard time witnessing to them. They have apparently been taught that the Bible is a null and void fairytale along with the idea that nothing can be defined as right or wrong because everyone sees things differently. The college educated people are the most difficult group of people to witness to in my opinion. I was wondering what your best approach was to getting through to these individuals.

A lot of Millennials have a bit of hostility toward the Christian religion. Whether anyone likes it or not, the Baby Boomers have probably doomed a Christian majority in the US for at least the next few generations. When the Boomers are gone, they're taking America's tradition as a Christian culture with them. But at least they got their tax cuts, which is what matters, I guess.

Anyway. As a Millennial myself, I've noticed that you're right. My cohort typically won't respond well to Sacred Scripture. Racism, sexism, homophobia, the usual.

We do value relationships though. A ridiculously disproportionate number of Millennials report a long term sense of loneliness. A shocking number of us don't even have friends. So making friends with a Millennial is big.

Strangely enough, my greatest successes with my cohort have come from presenting the faith in the context of a shared, relational experience with social outlets available. In the end, people can talk themselves into believing anything if it's presented to them in the right way. A welcoming attitude coupled with real friendship go a long way with a lot of Millennials and can lead to genuine, authentic conversion.

 

[tturt]

Asking Yahweh to remove the blinders from their minds and let tem see the wonderful news of Christ. "...for their minds have been blinded by the god of this age, leaving them in unbelief. Their blindness keeps them from seeing the dayspring light of the wonderful news of the glory of Jesus Christ, who is the divine image of God."
II Cor 4:4

 

[dzheremi]

LaBella and thecolorsblend have the best responses here.

And as Not David pointed out, there is a difference between younger and older millennials. For example, I am an older millennial (b. 1982), and the youngest person I know socially is a decade younger than me (still a millennial, but younger), yet I honestly have no idea what she is talking about 99.9% of the time. And I don't think it's because she is not articulating her ideas clearly or anything...we just grew up in more different worlds than most members of previous generations probably would have, I'm going to guess because of the internet, which was not in everyone's home until I was basically an adult (I myself wasn't on the internet until I was 18, and the people I knew who were on the internet in high school were generally the tech 'nerds' and 'hackers'). So she will post things on Facebook, for instance, that are like little cartoons that show androgynous people and have text on them saying "Some women have (male genitalia), and some men have (female genitalia) -- GET OVER IT!!!", and...yeah...I mean, I was never upset with that idea in the first place...I just plainly don't think that's how it works, so it sounds obviously wrong to me. But I guess the thinking behind such things is to be confrontational towards 'transphobes', which she probably does not realize is not some time-tested, hallowed concept that everyone with the correct politics must therefore automatically subscribe to, because it's probably been like this for most of her life, or at least for as long as she has probably been politically conscious, whereas in my case I was already well out of high school before anyone I personally knew had sex reassignment surgery, and 15+ years later that person is still the only one I know who has had it, so this idea that 'transphobia' has always been everywhere and that there's a huge number of trans people or whatever just doesn't pass the smell test...heck, I knew the person in question from back in high school, when they were just 'regular' gay!

Anyway, the point is not in this particular anecdote, but to point out that the problem among younger people is always pretty much going to be the same: that they don't really have a sense for what the world was like before them (this is not always the case, of course; plenty of people have aunts, grandparents, etc. they can talk to), and when this is combined with the naturally skeptical outlook of many youth who are still trying to figure the world out or their place within it, it's going to present a challenge to anyone who is coming to them with a message that is presented as (or supposed to be) timeless, based on a non-shifting morality, etc (however you want to characterize Christianity). If the millennials or Gen Z are unique in any way, it is that the advancement of technology has made the pace of change so much quicker than it would've been in earlier times, such that 'generations' in the sense of a group of people bound by an age cohort and an assumed background of shared experiences seem to be getting shorter and shorter. I can't relate to my 27/28 year old friend as well as I can to my 30-40 year old friends and family, but I'm not entirely sure that any random friend I could pick out who is in their early 30s could relate to the average person in their late 20s now, either, to say nothing of someone in their early 20s (because I don't personally know anyone in that age group to begin with).

So...things are accelerating, and it's harder and harder to keep up, not even with what's 'hip' in a youth culture sense, but even with what people are trying to say. (Typical 'old person' reply, right? Hahaha. It's true, though!)