04.09. Dealing With Strangers
9. DEALING WITH STRANGERS Do not be too urgent with strangers who may be in the audience for the first time. It is all right to approach them and courteously inquire if they are saved or if they would like to go forward for prayer. However, if they decline, tell them you are glad to have them in the service. Urge them to return and courteously promise to pray for them. This will usually help and it will not offend. On the other hand, to put pressure on them in the first service may drive them away. I know there are exceptions, but in most instances you will find that caution at this point is worth while. Are You Saved? It is seldom wise for a worker to ask, "Are you a Christian?" There are several denominations that have the word "Christian" attached to their names, and to people who are not used to revivals it is often confusing.
Illustration
I once asked a young man in Dallas, "Is your mother a Christian?" He answered, "No. She is a Methodist." I said, "Wouldn’t she be glad for you to be a Christian?" He replied, "No. But she would like for me to be a Methodist." The young man was confused and thinking only of the Christian church. A better way of putting it would be, "Are you saved?" or, "Have you been born again?" Accept Testimony If you ask a person, "Are you saved?" and he answers in the affirmative, always accept his testimony. Even if you feel sure he has not been converted, it is not best to act as if you doubt him or question his statement. I have often said, "I am glad that you are saved and I wonder if you have a deeper need and would like to go forward and let us talk and pray with you." Oftentimes, after such an approach people have stepped out and definitely settled things with God. A Church Member
You will find many people who will answer your question, "Are you saved?" with the reply, "I am a church member." Often they will mention the name of their church. Never cast reflections on any denomination whether you think the doctrine is straight or not. We never know what strong ties of friends or loved ones may center in a denomination. To criticize that church may do serious damage. A better way would be to say, "We are not asking you to join our church, but wouldn’t you like to let us pray with you that you might find a closer walk with God?" This is an age-old method, but it has its appeal and thousands of members of formal churches have been swept into the Kingdom by it.