Want to share your faith with confidence? This book will help

Some of the most intriguing stories in recent times highlight how many people are becoming disillusioned with a purely secular framework for life and are instead showing a renewed curiosity and interest about faith (see reports on Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Nick Cave, for example).

Reflecting on these accounts, I was reminded of the wonderful verse in 1 Chronicles 12 where the Tribe of Issachar: “understood the times and knew what Israel should do”. It prompted me to ask: am I equipped to respond wisely and insightfully to this cultural moment of spiritual curiosity?

With this question in mind, I turned to Glen Scrivener’s latest book How to Speak Life: Sharing Your Faith in 3-2-1 (10Publishing)

Structured to align with the 3-2-1 online video course and accompanying books, Scrivener’s latest offering is designed to encourage and equip Christians who want to share their faith with friends and family but who may lack confidence or struggle to find the right words. 

Drawing on the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, Scrivener explains that his goal is to fill our pockets with seeds, preparing us for when opportunities arise. He encourages that reader that: “It’s all about a day-by-day work: unsung, untidy, undaunted, unhurried. It’s about scattering the word of Jesus near and far, all the while knowing nothing, ultimately, can stop this seed growing.” 

Scrivener is a skilled communicator, making the book highly readable with captivating stories, thought-provoking observations and valuable insights. In each of the eight chapters he guides the reader through reflective exercises, storytelling and a ‘Seed to Scatter’ section, which includes a question or statement to help generate productive conversations about faith.

Scrivener is a skilled communicator, making the book highly readable with captivating stories

A recurring theme throughout the book is the importance of aligning our lives with our words. In a guide focused on speaking about faith, it was both surprising and encouraging to read how few Bible verses tell us to share our faith. Instead, many emphasise actions like ‘sharing your stuff’, loving others and giving generously.

This theme is echoed elsewhere when Scrivener stresses the importance of living differently, so that our lives provoke questions. He explains: “The great challenge in evangelism is not so much to answer our friend’s questions about the faith. The challenge is to live the kinds of lives that provoke them.”  

I was particularly struck by Scrivener’s observation that evangelism is “pastoring the non-Christian”, illustrated by an encounter he had with the cricketer Henry Olonga. Scrivener recalls asking Henry if he found it fruitful to share his faith. Henry replied that he did, but not in the ways he expected. Most of his teammates weren’t interested in spiritual matters - until life took a “left turn”. When they faced injuries, were dropped from the team, or had relationship difficulties, “then they were ready to hear”.

A strength of the book is the ‘Questions for Reflection’ at the end of each chapter which offers space to consider how to apply what had been read. For example: What practical differences does your faith make to your life? How would you explain those differences to friends in as simple and compelling a way as you can? 

While I found much to ponder and apply to my own life and witness, I found the examples of blending actions and words the most helpful when considering how to share faith with my own networks of friends and family. I began to wonder how much we underestimate the appeal to others of Jesus’ teaching for how best to live in the ‘here and now’. Perhaps inviting others to join us in social action initiatives inspired by his life and teaching may lead to broader discussion about eternal matters.

I believe the growing curiosity people have about faith is driven by the increasing visibility of Christians living out the “your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven” part of the prayer in practical, life-changing ways. This naturally leads us back to the earlier point about living lives that provoke questions.

What would the people of Issachar make of the book? My overall impression is that yes, it is a timely contribution helping readers respond to the current day curiosity about faith. It is especially helpful to those already familiar with the 3-2-1 approach, which focuses on questions about life after death and salvation. However, for me, the book’s greatest value lies in the ongoing reminder to consider how our lives contribute to the curiosity about faith that is emerging.  

I’ve got a lot to think and pray about…

How to Speak Life: Sharing Your Faith in 3-2-1 by Glen Scrivener is out now