1. Can we predict in advance who will be interested in the Church?
We have been counseled to refrain from judging and to share the gospel freely with all people, allowing them to decide for themselves if they are interested in accepting a gospel invitation. When we determine that someone would not be interested and consequently do not approach them about the gospel, we undermine their ability to exercise their own free agency, having in essence made the decision for them.
Principle 2: We must refrain from judging others’ receptivity and share the gospel freely “without any respect of persons” (Alma 16:14)
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
I Samuel 16:7 Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Consider these examples: a tough sergeant; a dirty drug using hippy, a playboy
2 Nephi 26:33 Christ invites all to come unto him…and denieth none… all are alike unto God.
Invitation: Seek opportunities to speak about our faith in an honest and open way with everyone.
2. We can share the gospel with anyone, not just friends.
Principle 3: We need not and should not alter our relationship with someone before making a gospel invitation.
It is a misconception to think that we must invest large amounts of time and energy building close friendships with people before we can share the gospel with them.
We can launch an invitation to learn about the gospel from any natural relationship, such as a Stranger, an Acquaintance, a Neighbor, a Work Associate, or a Friend.
(See Elder M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 2006, 84)
Invitation: Seek opportunities to speak about our faith in an honest and open way with many, many people.
3. How to invite people in ways that do not offend.
I. Be straightforward and sincere.
Our invitations run the risk of creating offense if we approach people in an evasive way. If we are straightforward and sincere, and people feel our love for them, and God’s love for them through us, then they will be touched and grateful and not offended—even when they say no.
(See Elder M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 2003, 37)
Principle 4: Be honest, straightforward and sincere in making invitations to learn about the gospel.
II. “Decouple” the relationship from the invitation. (Verbally separate the two.)
III. Open doors in everyday conversations.
Use “Mormon words” like “Ward, Stake, BYU, our mission, our children’s church activities,” or “our church callings” in everyday conversations to signal our affiliation with the Church. This will “open the door” to a conversation about the Church that people may choose to walk through.