You’re convinced about the principle to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). You know, more or less, what you need to do. So, the next step is to find that person to get alongside… 

‘Hey random person I’ve only known for two weeks, would you like to read the Bible with me?’ you say optimistically. 

‘No, you weirdo! Go away!’ 

I worry about that conversation! It could happen. 

Oh, the fear! Let’s face it, asking to get alongside a person or read the Bible with them feels weird. At least it feels that way to me. It makes me not want to ask. I worry about what the other person will think. I worry about the possible rejection.  

So, what does it take to feel the fear and ask anyway? Here are some ideas that can help. 

1. Be secure in Jesus 

When we follow Jesus, we are in a privileged position. 1 John 3:1 says: 

‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!’ 

We are more than loved, we are God’s children. His family. His treasured possession. He is looking out for us. And he has lavished his love on us by sending his son to die on the cross. So, whatever Jesus thinks of us is way more important than what others think of us. Knowing this gives us a sure footing when we step out of our comfort zone. 

This does not mean that we’ll be immune to emotional hurt from others. It means that we can turn to Jesus, whatever the fallout, knowing we are dearly loved. And he will never ever turn us away. 

Also, going back to Matthew 28:18-20, we notice that the Father has given all authority to Jesus, who commands us to go and make disciples. So, even if it feels weird, we are following his directions … which brings us back to our secure relationship with Jesus!  

2. Think about it from their point of view 

I think it’s good to consider getting alongside from the other person’s point of view. Very often, they really appreciate it. They don’t think it’s weird at all. Think back to whoever asked to get alongside you. How did you feel? 

I remember the first time someone offered to read the Bible with me and investigate Jesus. In my final year at university, I was living in a hall of residence. Another girl lived next door but one to me, and she was doing the same course. We used to chat a lot, eat together and so on. After accidently walking in on her reading the Bible, I found out she was a Christian. After our exams had finished, she asked me if I wanted to investigate Christianity. I couldn’t think of a reason not to. So, I said yes. This investigation was the start of my life with Jesus.  

At the time, I wasn’t a Christian and I didn’t think it was weird. She was my friend. Her asking the question made me feel worthwhile.

3. Know the person 

If you want to be more confident in how the other person will react, think and pray about getting alongside someone you already know. This could be anyone who has a heart for Jesus, or who is searching. 

In Antioch, a new and emerging church was being established and the apostles in Jerusalem sent a man, called Barnabas, to help the new Christians. When Barnabas arrived, he could have rolled up his sleeves and carried out the ministry work all by himself. Instead, he dropped everything to go and find Paul (Acts 11:25). Barnabas knew Paul well. He knew Paul was a powerful debater and preacher (Acts 9:20,29). In fact, it was Barnabas who introduced Paul to the apostles in the first place (Acts 9:27). Together, Barnabas and Paul taught the church in Antioch for a whole year. 

Getting alongside someone you already know can feel scary, as if you are putting your friendship at risk. But, if you know them well, you are more likely to anticipate how they will react. You can also help them feel free to say yes or no, knowing you will not turn your back on them. Many of my friendships have deepened because of reading the Bible and praying together. 

Bonus idea: Be in another culture 

My husband and I have lived in Italy for just over two years now. Being in Italy has made me bold. A few months after we had arrived, I struck up a conversation with a teenager after a church meeting. He admitted that he didn’t believe in Jesus. Before I knew it, I blurted out an offer to go over the basics of Christianity with him. And he said yes. Over the course of several months, my husband and I, the teenager and his sister met to read the Bible and look at the evidence for Christ. A few months later, he had decided to follow Jesus. 

Why do I feel bolder in Italy, but less so in the UK? I think it’s because I know less about the Italian culture, so I’m not worrying about breaking the social norms because I’m still learning what they are. And if I have broken any, people are more likely to forgive me because I’m a foreigner. 

I don’t think this means we all need to move overseas to overcome the fear. It can help(!) but being in any cross-cultural setting in your home country can be freeing. 

Let’s reimagine 

With these things in mind, let’s revisit that conversation and imagine how it could go… 

You say, ‘Hey friend! Since you became a Christian two months ago, I’ve noticed that you are really wanting to get into the Bible. If you’d be interested, I’d like to read the Bible with you.’ 

‘Thanks friend. I’ve seen your faith in your life, and how you take the Bible seriously. I’d love to read the Bible with you. Thanks for asking.’