One-on-One Outreach

Perhaps you know people who are interested in Jesus but who aren't sure if the really believe in him or not. That's another excellent context for taking The Essential Jesus Challenge, one-on-one with a friend, work colleague or loved one. Together you can explore what the Bible says about Jesus and have plenty of time to answer questions and deal with issues in a non-threatening way.

Begin by praying for God to show you who to invite to join you in this adventure. Then, you'll want to find a time and place to offer the invitation. Be positive and gently enthusiastic. You might say something like this: "Jesus is perhaps the single most influential person in history. I want to get to know more about him. A program called The Essential Jesus Challenge helps you see what the Bible says about Jesus so you can make up your own mind about him. Would you be interested in taking The Essential Jesus Challenge with me? We'd both learn a lot and it's more fun doing it with someone else."

Then, you're ready to discuss with your "Challenge Partner" a convenient time and place to meet—one that is comfortable and free of distractions. You'll both want an easy to read translation of the Bible, such as the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT) or the Contemporary English Version (CEV), and a copy of The Essential Jesus. Then, you can decide when you want to complete The Challenge. Meeting once a week for 20 weeks might be a good time frame.

And begin now to pray and ask God what he might have you and your friend or loved one do when The Challenge is over. Visit www.ScriptureUnion.org for more good Bible related resources to use.

SOME TIPS TO HELP GET YOU STARTED:

Be Prepared

Pray before each meeting, asking God to help you and your friend explore the Bible's story of Jesus together. Then, be sure to read the passages and the comments in The Essential Jesus (and review the discussion questions) before you meet. Also, it will be helpful to read the "For Small Groups" section of this guide for tips on having fruitful discussions with your friend.

Be Ready with Your Resources

You may want to get a notebook or journal to jot down any particularly meaningful insights about Jesus as you go along. And be sure to get a copy of The Essential Jesus book for you and your friend. They can be ordered at www.EssentialJesusChallenge.com or by calling 1-800-621-LAMP (5267).

Be Consistent, But Flexible

It helps if you and your friend can count on meeting at the same time and place each session. Then, it becomes part of your schedule. But be flexible, too. Sometimes conflicts are unavoidable.

Be Open and Honest

Share any unresolved questions you have about Jesus and admit it when you don't know the answer your friend is asking. That will encourage them to be open and honest in their own seeking to know more about Jesus.

Be Accepting

Don't be put off by honest questions, doubts or comments that may make you uncomfortable. Let the Bible speak for itself about Jesus. Your acceptance will help your friend be willing to listen and discuss. Keep focused on the topic and passages for that session, but be willing to discuss other questions over lunch or a cup of coffee after work, for example.

Be Gentle

Keep your goal in mind. It's not to give your friend as much Bible knowledge as possible or just get through the 100 passages; your goal is that you both might get to know Jesus, the one loves you both and wants you both to have a relationship with him.