Outreach 101

Rhordan Wicks

INTRODUCTION

Based on census data, the proportion of Christian Singaporean residents has increased from 14.6% to 18.9% between 2000 and 2020. This means that for every group of 100 people, the number of people who claim to be Christian has risen from around 15 to 19 over the past 20 years.

Still, during these two decades, there has been a continuous strand of discomfort over the Christian faith. Part of it has been in relation to scandals where Christians were prominent, such as the 2009 AWARE saga or the 2010 City Harvest Church Criminal Breach of Trust case. Other reasons include the (sometimes justifiable) sense that Christians are disrespectful of other religions amongst some, or that Christians are old-fashioned, backward, and irrational amongst others.

In this context, what then does it mean to share our faith, given the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20? How do we tell others about the Christian reality, with our broken selves and in this broken world?

DISCUSSION

What holds you back from sharing your faith? Why?

a. Internal factors e.g. doubts; personal failings; perceived lack of ability

b. External factors e.g. official policies; hostile environment
Read John 4:1-26.

a. At the end of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, He reveals Himself to be the Messiah. What does this mean?
b. How did He convince her of His identity? Look at what He does or says in vv6-7, 10, 13-14, 16-18, and 21-24.
c. What can we learn from Jesus’ technique in engaging with the Samaritan woman? How did He move from “Please give me a drink” (v7) to “I am the Messiah” (v26)?
d. Why do you think He chose to reveal Himself as the Messiah at this time to this woman? What does it tell us (if at all) about the role of timing?
Compare Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman with His conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:1-15.
a. How are these conversations different, and how are they similar?
b. What did Jesus offer to both Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman? What was the central message in His conversations with “righteous” and “unrighteous” people?
Read John 4:28-30, 39-42. After her encounter with Jesus, the woman at the well went to her neighbours and enthusiastically told them about Him.
a. How did her neighbours respond?
b. Pay attention to v42. What does this tell us about the role of personal encounter and testimony in Christian witness?
c. Have I experienced God for myself? Am I able and willing to share these experiences with others? What do I want others to know about Jesus?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO

God used the Samaritan woman exactly where she was, in her town. God can also use you where you are. God has ordered your steps.

Together with the guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit, take up the challenge to share HIM with someone close to you. Let us stop hiding and start pointing others to Jesus. Your story and testimony can change people and lead them to Christ.

YOU are the PERSON
YOU have been PLACED
YOU have a TESTIMONY
YOU can STEP OUT of hiding
YOU can POINT someone to Christ
YOU CAN DO IT!

MEMORY VERSE

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” – John 4:39 NKJV