Words & The Lay Witness Talk

Words always words!  Everywhere we go we are bombarded with sound and especially the sound of conversation.  Words are exchanged as easily and naturally as the air we breathe.  Friends, strangers, workers, TVs, radios, preachers and teachers all contribute to the constant symphony.  Sometimes we listen spellbound while at other time we tune the cacophony out. What makes the difference is the passion of the speaker.  Passionate speakers enable us to witness the beauty of a sunset, the miracle of birth, the importance of education or the reality of the resurrection! 

I am always moved by the resurrection appearances in the Gospels—especially in the Gospel of Luke.  Luke’s Gospel is full of passion because he wishes to convince the reader that Jesus is the Christ who is the incarnate presence of God.  Every aspect of Luke’s portrayal convinces the reader that the Jesus who walked with the disciples is the resurrected Jesus of the Cross.

Think about Luke’s portrayal as you prepare your Lay Witness talk.  How are you passionate about the Risen Christ in your life?  Once you identify this passion, your talk will reflect the Risen Christ who is at work in your world today!

Here are some quick tips.

• Keep the talk short!  Speak no more than 10 minutes and aim for 7!  Reread one of Jesus’ parables and note that the shortness of the scene actually heightens the message.
• Speak from your heart!  Talk about an experience that you had on your Christian journey.  You can speak about prayer, witnessing, study or grouping.
• Be real!  Perfect stained-glass saints are fine for windows but they shatter easily in the real world.  Not every aspect of the Christian journey is fun for there is hardship and sacrifice.  Remember the significance of the cross for Christians.
• Have fun!  Christ enjoyed his ministry!  Remember that it is God who is the messenger and you are just the means to convey God’s message.  Don’t take yourself too seriously.
• Pray!  Pray that God’s kingdom will be renewed and refreshed through your endeavor.
• Seek help!  All of us need the help of friends and/or a spiritual advisor.  Share your talk with someone you trust and respect the advice that you receive.  Remember that we live in Christian community for support, encouragement, and correction.

Ultreya!
Rev. David F. O. Thompson, St. Bartholemew's, North Augusta

1115 Marion Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201 | 803-771-7800