We all learn in different ways, and this means we all learn about faith differently too. This ultimately shapes how we share Jesus with others. Mission Styles is a tool designed to help you recognise how you are naturally wired to share Jesus, but it also equips you to share your faith with your friends. It allows you to speak their “language” by deepening your understanding of how they respond to the Gospel.
What is ‘Convince Me’?
A Convince Me person wants to know what the evidence is for something before they can believe it. They are objective and will attempt to rationalise things, processing logically rather than emotionally. Their viewpoint will be well-considered, and they may need to take time reading, thinking and listening before reaching a conclusion. In order to believe Christianity is true and accept Jesus into their hearts, they need to make sense of it all first. They are not afraid to critique or to participate in debate and discussion; this is where faith comes alive for them. Convince Me people thrive when they are given the space to think things through and are presented with information they can analyse. They need opportunities where they are encouraged to explore and ask questions, and where are they are invited to take part in a learning process.
‘Convince Me’ in the Bible
Thomas was deeply sceptical about the resurrection. He claims he will only believe it when he sees the physical evidence – Jesus’ scarred hands and pierced side. Jesus then appears to the disciples a week later and invites Thomas to touch his wounds so he can see for himself, leading him to repent and believe.
In Acts, Philip meets the Ethiopian Eunuch reading Isaiah, and he invites Philip to help him understand the Scripture. Philip teaches him about what he is reading, and uses this to share the Gospel. The Eunuch comes to faith and asks Philip to baptise him.
The Pharisee Nicodemus comes to Jesus as he is drawn to his teachings. He asks logical questions about what it means to be born again and allows Jesus to instruct him.
‘Convince Me’ in a Nutshell
They just want the story of Jesus to make sense.
Faith is primarily exercised cognitively.
They most relate to Jesus when He is teaching the mysteries of the Kingdom.
Your ‘Convince Me’ Friend
*Catherine always has a book or two on the go and is keen for any recommendations! She loves her true crime podcasts or is always trying to solve the mystery before the TV detective can. She rarely watches a film without pointing out a plot hole. If Catherine was a Faithful on the Traitors, the Traitors would be most threatened by her. She is also likely one of the few people who has bought all the recommended text books. Catherine knows why she believes what she believes: she has spent ages considering it. Catherine enjoys research and thinking independently, whether this is for her degree or finding out which company will offer her the best Broadband deal or mobile phone contract. She is passionate about her health and wellbeing, and is quick to tell her friends which diets or fitness programmes actually work and aren’t just social media fads. At a party, Catherine is probably the person in the corner deep in discussion about an important issue, whether its politics, religion, or climate change etc. Catherine currently does not believe there is enough evidence that Jesus is who he said he is. She has said in the past that if she could see it she would believe it. She has asked questions before such as: “How do you know Jesus died and rose again?” and “What proof have you got that God created the World?”
Convince Me Mission Ideas & Top Tips
Want to discover what Mission Style you are?
*Name changed to protect identity.
