Page 35 - Finding Jesus with Good News report A5 WEB

What did they do?
What new Christians told us repeatedly about the individuals who helped
them was:
• Time, space and patience.
They regularly described the Christians who journeyed with them
as “patient” and “not pushy”. They gave time in two senses: making
themselves available to spend time together and giving the explorer
time to think and work through issues. There was no sense of
hurriedness. In a busy, driven society, time was seen as a generous gift.
• Answering questions.
These explorers had so many questions, and though they did find
answers in books and YouTube videos, they loved having a real
Christian to talk with. They appreciated it when the Christian could
answer their questions, but didn’t mind if they weren’t able to. Just
having someone to share the question with was helpful. “I think all of
them had this common thing where they never made me feel stupid
for asking the question, whatever the question was.”
• Role modelling.
Participants were impressed by the character of the Christians who
were journeying with them. One was moved when he turned up to the
morning service early and found the pastor sweeping the floor. Another
talked about how kind her boyfriend’s Christian stepbrother was. Even
though she would mock him for his faith, he was always so calm and
kind. “I knew I could trust him,” she said.
• Support.
Several participants shared moving stories about how individual
Christians had helped them – through both the challenges of
exploring faith and also life struggles they were experiencing – with
emotional and practical support.
• Inviting.
One of the things that helped explorers was being invited to
something by a Christian. Some attended Alpha courses because
they were invited by a dental hygienist, Uber driver or holiday club
volunteer. Others attended church after invitations from a friend,
neighbour, mother or tutor.

Evangelical Alliance 35