What We Tell Ourselves
Donohue kids in DC, 2022 | Matt, Molly, Macie, Micheal and Katie Beth
Merry Christmas!
“People don't believe what you tell them.
They rarely believe what you show them.
They often believe what their friends tell them.
They always believe what they tell themselves.”
- Seth Godine
33 years of professional ministry to adults has proved the wisdom of that quote. When I think it is up to me to convince people, talking to someone about Jesus becomes a burden. But when I become their friend and allow them the space to ask their own questions and explore their own answers, ministry feels different.
One essential tool in helping people “believe it for themselves” is the Bible. The Bible provides content to faith. Faith moves from abstract wishing to an informed confidence as we take in God’s Word. You cannot force the Scripture on people but finding thoughtful ways to help people engage with it is easier than you think. I am always surprised how most adults, if they are in a supportive and open atmosphere, like discussing a passage or thought from Scripture.
Leadline currently has six active groups of adults at all levels of faith that meet and interact with the Bible. Most of the time, it is a relationally driven discussion-based experience. The goal is not to convince, but to help people start to “tell themselves” what God is saying about Himself in Scripture.
The second essential element is friendship. As Seth Godine says above, what our friends say goes a long way with us. One of the challenges we all have is developing meaningful friendships with people that believe different things from us. When we try too hard to convince, people become projects.
I had a conversation recently with a non-believing friend of mine. He shared with me that he asked a Christian friend some questions about faith. The Christian was excited to meet and talk. The believer suggested some books and podcasts to listen to. When my friend, the non-believer, did not engage with the material, the friendship seemed to dry up. The non-believer shared he felt more like a project than a friend.
The Gospel of John does not have a traditional Christmas story. Instead, it puts Christmas in a theological context. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) God becoming vulnerable, living among us. Why would He do that? Maybe He knew the best way to convince the world was to befriend the world. And in encountering His love, they might start telling themselves something different about who God is. It worked then, and still works now.
Leadline exists to help adults share God’s Word with their friends. The reason we are able to do it is because of people like you. Thanks for investing in this ministry. We typically raise over 40% of our budget in year-end giving. Would you prayerfully consider a year-end gift this year?
God bless,
The Donohues
