How to be a contagious Christian (part 1)

Here are some of the notes I took at the 2nd part of the workshop I attended at AFC last Saturday about evangelism, especially to people our age.

The point about this workshop is that, to share our faith, it's not just talk, it's not "hard sell" our faith (which to be honest is how many people I know perceive Christians), but to be a contagious Christian whom other people want to hang around with because of what they see through our changed life. We are called to be Salt and Light, one to make people thirsty, the other to be the guide in darkness, so that people can taste and see what following Jesus means. We are not called to be annoying telemarketers, but also beware not to be a candle hiding under the basket.

This is relational evangelism: sharing our faith through our life. To let others see our life, the first requirement, then, obviously is to have a transparent life. It might be hard to do this, because we are sometimes afraid to share too much of our life, not to mention to strangers. But this is an act of faith that we must take, because opening up is the only way to build any relationship. We must have the wisdom to know when and what to share, but we must also trust that God will keep us from harm. When we open up our life, we build trust with people around us, and we give them the opportunity to open up. Not only do we gain a stronger friendship, but we will be able to more intimately share what God has done in our lives.

I like the analogy they used to illustrate the Christian Life. Is your Christianity just a computer software that you open on Sundays and when you need it, like Office, and close it when you are done? If so, then nothing repels more than an inconsistent Christian. Let your Christianity be the Operating System (Windows) that runs the computer itself, controlling every single functioning component. Be a consistent Christian.

OK, so here are a few characteristics/requirements that marks a contagious Christian:

1. Good relationship with God, obviously. You'll see why in a moment.

2. Authenticity (no hypocrisy nor wearing masks)

2.1 Authentic identity - you are who you really are, not what you think a Christian should be like. Having the right relationship with God is crucial here. If your life has not even been changed by God, you are just preaching something you are not.

2.2 Authentic emotional life - Be true to your emotions. A Christian is not perfect, he/she still has moments of weakness, sadness, anger. Don't hide them. Who wants to be a Christian who is not allowed to be weak, sad or angry.

2.3 Authentic confession - A Christian is not perfect, and don't be afraid to admit our mistakes. It takes a lot of courage and character to admit we are wrong.

2.4 Living by genuine conviction - Stand firm on what you believe in. Who likes a person who is 沒腰骨 ?

3. Compassion
A contagious Christian is marked by compassion for other people, thinking about others first before herself. Sometimes it is hard for us to be compassionate for other people, because we are constantly in an environment devoid of compassion; others are not compassionate to me, why should I be? But love is a decision, not a feeling. Love authentically, not out of duty, so it is important that you are first filled with God's love. That's why the right relationship with God is the utmost important point, everything else flows from there.

4. Sacrifice
Nothing touches hearts more than a sacrificial love. “There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend". Practically, we can sacrifice 3 things:

4.1 Time - Spending time with a person is the best way to build a relationship.

4.2 Money, or material things - Helping someone financially, giving cards or gifts, are you willing to do this?

4.3 Lifestyle - Are you willing to give up certain aspects of your own lifestyle (e.g not using downloaded software) for God? (This one is hard...)


The more I write, the more I would like to be around a Christian like that. I have met some people before that truly embody all of the above, and I cannot describe how much respect I had for them, and how comfortable and fun it was to be around them. May we also bear these fruits.

I will attend part 2 in two weeks, I'll share more after that.

Any thoughts?