Becoming a contagious Christian isn’t about pressure or being weird. God wants to use our students’ unique personalities and natural styles to reach their lost friends! What are some of these styles?

Confrontational Style
These people are confident, assertive, and not afraid to approach spiritual matters directly (Peter in Acts 2). These people ask bold questions of others, but must be tactful to avoid unnecessarily offending others.

Intellectual Style
Inquisitive, analytical, and logical are common characteristics here (Paul in Acts 17). These folks enjoy debating, and asking “What do you think?” and “Why?”. They need to be careful of becoming argumentative.

Testimonial Style
Some people excel at telling personal stories about God’s work in their lives. They are clear communicators (blind man in John 9) and good listeners. They must carefully connect their experiences to the other person’s life.

Interpersonal Style
These people are warm, conversational relationship-builders, focusing on people and their needs (Matthew in Luke 5:29). But those with this style must not value friendship over Truth-telling.

Invitational Style
These people are hospitable, relational and persuasive (woman at the well in John 4). They can get others interested in almost anything. But people with this style need to not always let others “do the talking” (1 Peter 3:15).

Serving Style
Some people serve others in ways that bring attention to Christ and the difference He’s made in their lives (Dorcas in Acts 9). These people are others-centered, humble and patient. They reach negative and hardened people through loving service. However, actions are not substitutes for words (Romans 10:14).

SUMMARY

Students find it’s a relief to know they can be themselves while being used by God. You can help them recognize—and then affirm—their natural styles in sharing their faith. In the power of the Holy Spirit, they will experience greater freedom as they reach out to their friends!

(This information is adapted from “Becoming a Contagious Christian,” by Mark Mittelberg, Lee Strobel and Bill Hybels, published by Zondervan.)

Bo Boshers is a 20-year veteran of ministry and directed Willow Creek’s Student Impact ministry for nine years. He has written several books, including Student Ministry for the 21st Century. Bo currently serves as Executive Director of Student Ministries for the Willow Creek Association

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