The Passion – A Preaching Opportunity – Part 2
February 22, 2004
Dear Friends,
The movie The Passion of the Christ opens this Wednesday. Last week we addressed the marvelous preaching opportunity this presents for everyone. For once, everyone will be talking about the crucifixion of Christ. We offered last week to share ideas people had on how to use the movie release as a preaching tool.
It has been said that the best solutions are often the simplest. Several people offered the suggestion of simply going to the movie with a friend. Michelle Parker from Garfield, New Jersey wrote “Here is a simple suggestion concerning preaching and The Passion: if you are planning to go see it, ask others to go with you! This is a great opportunity to spark interest in old contacts, and it also serves as a way to begin a relationship with new contacts. When the movie is over, you’ll definitely have topics for discussion that may (Lord Willing) lead someone to the Truth.” Al Hussey from Niagara, Ontario is going with the members of his Learn the Read the Bible Effectively class. Al wrote “Some of our interested friends from our LTRTBE Seminar want to go to see the movie with us as a group.” Perhaps one thing you might do to insure that you have ample time to discuss it is go to see the movie in the afternoon and schedule dinner afterward.
Several people wrote in asking for ideas about conversation starters. Much of that depends upon your personality as well as the personality of the person to whom you are speaking. However, here are a few ideas.
Just Getting It Started: Sometimes you don’t know a person well enough or the situation is such (e.g.. Work) that you can’t easily bring up a religious topic. Just get the ball rolling and see where it goes. Ask “Did you see the movie, the Passion? What did you think?” If they didn’t, ask if they plan on going. See where the conversation goes from there.
Open-ended Questions: An easy and non-threatening way to start the conversation is the open-ended question (a question that can’t be answered with a “yes” or a “no”). This is very good for the analytical types of people that you know. Examples: “When Jesus said ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’ on the cross, what do you think he meant?” “Why would God, the loving Father, have His son die in such a horrible, bloody manner?” “What relationship do you think exists between the Passover lamb and Jesus being crucified?” Peter Clausen wrote in an open-ended question he was asked. Some “asked me about my WWJD bracelet that I have been wearing and I was taken by surprise when he asked what it meant. I thought surely he would know. He indeed did know but was suggesting that it also could mean, ‘Why would Jesus die?’. I think that he has a great point.” Of course, if you ask an open-ended question, you better be prepared with a solid response to the question yourself when they turn the question back on you.
The Personal Response: The saying goes that everyone is entitled to an opinion. Share your own personal response to the crucifixion.. This is very good for the more emotional, sympathetic type of people. Finish the following sentences: “When I left the movie I felt like…”, “When I think about the things that Jesus suffered it makes me…”, “The crucifixion has most effected my life by….” All these are very personal to you. There is no right or wrong answer here as it is how you feel. If you plan to take this approach with someone, you have to feel comfortable opening up yourself in a very personal way to an individual. However, this can be very effective.
Thanks to all who responded to the call for ideas. Our prayers are with you all to give an effective, personal witness of the Gospel.
Have a great week!
