In recent weeks and months, I have had lots of conversations about COVID vaccines. For a whole host of reasons, I am a vaccine believer (I said from day one I would get a vaccine as soon as possible because I believed it to be the fastest and safest way for me to return to personally ministering to hurting people in hospitals and nursing homes). I even did a podcast with a doctor friend of mine to discuss the safety and efficacy of the COVID vaccines. However, I have friends and family members who have not been as anxious to be vaccinated as I was. I have had lots of conversations, and in the end, I have always encouraged those who are unsure about the COVID vaccine to just contact their doctor.
For reasons that I don’t understand, people didn’t want to hear what their doctor said. They wanted to hear from their friends, relatives, and co-workers. But, over the past couple of weeks, several of my friends who had been leaning in the anti-vax camp suddenly altered course and rolled up their sleeve for the shot.
What changed?
COVID hit close to home. Someone they knew had COVID and urged them to do everything they could to avoid it. Someone they knew got really sick from COVID or, sadly, someone they knew died from COVID.
We like to believe that we are all 100% logical, but the truth is that we are heavily influenced by our experiences and emotions–Which is why I have some friends who don’t want to be vaccinated simply because they don’t like being told what to do. It is also why a person’s positive or negative experiences with other Christians can influence their decision to trust Christ.
In fact, if I am honest with myself, I suspect that a large part of the reason that I trust in the vaccines is because I am friends with a number of medical professionals who have given me great advice. Yes, like everyone else, I want to believe I am 100% logical, but in all honesty, people I trusted told me why they trusted the vaccines and that gave me confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.
Why am I writing about COVID vaccines? Because it serves as a reminder that evangelism is relational and personal. People are interested in what the expert (pastor) has to say about Christianity. But, they are more interested in what YOU have to say about your relationship with Christ. It seems like lots of people get vaccines because of their interaction with someone close to them. Most people who come to Christ do so because of a friend, relative, neighbor, or co-worker.
Who are you praying would become a Christian? You’re tempted to try to get your pastor or someone else to share the gospel with that person because they are the experts. But, most likely, that person for whom you are praying is more interested in what you have to say. They want to know how Christ has changed your life. They are curious to know how a local church has impacted you. They want to know why you think they should become a Christian.
Logic is certainly an aspect of our humanity, but relationships drive us. Never underestimate the power of a good relationship. Those people you love the most are interested in what you love. Don’t waste your relationships. Share hope with the people you love. You have the greatest chance of introducing them to Jesus.
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
