Listen "50. Breaking Through Defenses – Mike Kitajama"
Episode Synopsis
Mike (from Hong Kong) catches up with us again this week. I (Dave) was meeting online with him recently and wanted to record his reflections on his time in Germany with his family.
Compared to the mostly 'non-Christian' population of Hong Kong, Mike found himself engaging with mostly 'post-Christian' Germans on this recent trip. He realised there was a whole different number of barriers to break through in this context when engaging spiritually.
Mike highlights the importance of being ready to overcome the initial defences that almost all post-Christians have towards the gospel. He shares how we can take one page out of the book of apologetics when seeking to spark spiritual conversations that lead to discovery.
He shares one story of finding a household of peace in Germany through his child's birthday party celebration. Through the example of this story and an American football anaolgy, Mike empowers us that we don't have to fear sharing with our 'post-Christian' friends when they bring up those tricky questions. We just need to spend a short period of time addressing these defensive mindsets. This will then allow people the opportunity to start a journey of discovery.
Mike finishes by praying for us to not give up on those closest friends and family members around us who we carry in our hearts. Especially those who might seem antagonistic towards God.
Get ready to allow God to speak to any fears you might have towards reaching out to those around you. Those you can see are walking away from Christianity.
As Paul says to the church in Colossae - 'walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person'.
Compared to the mostly 'non-Christian' population of Hong Kong, Mike found himself engaging with mostly 'post-Christian' Germans on this recent trip. He realised there was a whole different number of barriers to break through in this context when engaging spiritually.
Mike highlights the importance of being ready to overcome the initial defences that almost all post-Christians have towards the gospel. He shares how we can take one page out of the book of apologetics when seeking to spark spiritual conversations that lead to discovery.
He shares one story of finding a household of peace in Germany through his child's birthday party celebration. Through the example of this story and an American football anaolgy, Mike empowers us that we don't have to fear sharing with our 'post-Christian' friends when they bring up those tricky questions. We just need to spend a short period of time addressing these defensive mindsets. This will then allow people the opportunity to start a journey of discovery.
Mike finishes by praying for us to not give up on those closest friends and family members around us who we carry in our hearts. Especially those who might seem antagonistic towards God.
Get ready to allow God to speak to any fears you might have towards reaching out to those around you. Those you can see are walking away from Christianity.
As Paul says to the church in Colossae - 'walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person'.
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