Using Questions in Evangelism and CE Courses: Randy Newman (full)

Summary

In this engaging seminar, Randy Newman, a senior teaching fellow and author, discusses the art of using questions in evangelism. He emphasizes the power of questions to draw people into meaningful conversations, citing examples from Jesus's interactions in the Bible. Newman guides participants through exercises to practice active listening and asking questions that foster deeper understanding and spiritual dialogue. His insights aim to equip attendees with the skills to engage in profound conversations that can lead to spiritual awakening and growth.

Takeaways

• 📚 Randy Newman is a senior teaching fellow with the C.S. Lewis Institute and an author with a background in Campus Crusade for Christ.
• 📖 There's an emphasis on the importance of using questions in discussions to make them more interactive and effective, drawing from the frequent use of questions in the Bible.
• 🤔 Jesus often answered questions with other questions, a method that engages people in the thought process and is rooted in Jewish tradition.
• 💡 Questions can be powerful tools for drawing people out, eliciting involvement, and stimulating thought, which is especially important in evangelism.
• 📈 The speaker conducted a study on how Jesus answered questions, noting that He frequently did not provide direct answers but instead prompted further reflection.
• 🗣️ The session included interactive exercises to practice listening and asking questions, highlighting the value of truly hearing what others are saying.
• 👂 Active listening and asking follow-up questions can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations that can be transformative for individuals.
• 🌟 The speaker's book 'Questioning Evangelism' was mentioned, suggesting the use of questions in guiding people toward faith in a non-confrontational manner.
• 💬 The importance of asking clarifying questions was stressed to ensure a clear understanding of what the other person means, which is crucial in discussions about faith.
• 🔑 Challenging questions can be used to probe deeper into someone's beliefs and encourage critical thinking about their spiritual views.
• 🚪 The session concluded with the idea that asking questions can open doors for deeper spiritual conversations and potentially lead people to become Christians.

Q & A

What is the significance of using questions in discussions as mentioned by Randy Newman?

Randy Newman emphasizes that questions are powerful tools in discussions as they engage people in the thinking process, draw them out, and involve them in the answering process, making conversations more interactive and effective.

How does Randy Newman connect the use of questions to the teachings of Jesus?

Randy Newman points out that Jesus often answered questions with other questions, a method that engages people in the process of seeking answers and encourages them to think deeply about what they believe.

What role does Randy Newman play at the CS Lewis Institute?

Randy Newman serves as a senior teaching fellow with the CS Lewis Institute, utilizing his experience to guide and educate others on the use of questions in evangelism and conversation.

How does Randy Newman's background influence his perspective on using questions in evangelism?

Randy Newman's background growing up in a Jewish family, where answering questions with questions was common, influenced his understanding of the power of questions in drawing people into deeper conversations about faith.

What is the importance of practicing active listening in conversations as suggested by Randy Newman?

Active listening is crucial as it allows for deeper, more meaningful conversations. By asking questions and focusing on the other person's responses, one can draw them out and foster a more profound connection and understanding.

Why did Randy Newman conduct a study on how Jesus answered people's questions?

Randy Newman conducted the study to understand Jesus' method of communication better, particularly His frequent use of counter-questions, which he found to be a very Jewish way of engaging people in dialogue.

What is the 'dynamic dilemma' of CS Lewis mentioned by Randy Newman?

The 'dynamic dilemma' of CS Lewis refers to the idea that a person who claims to be God, as Jesus did, must either be a lunatic, a liar, or actually be God, prompting a response of belief and devotion.

How does Randy Newman suggest using questions to defuse hostility in a conversation?

Randy Newman suggests that by asking questions in response to hostile or accusatory questions, one can shift the conversation from an attack to a more meaningful dialogue, allowing for better understanding and engagement.

What is the purpose of the exercise Randy Newman leads to practice listening and asking questions?

The exercise is designed to develop conversation skills, particularly active listening and the ability to ask questions that draw people out, which can lead to deeper and more meaningful interactions.

How does Randy Newman relate the art of asking questions to the broader culture's need for meaningful conversation?

Randy Newman posits that in a culture starved for deep, personal conversations due to increased device usage and decreased face-to-face interaction, the skill of asking questions can help foster a sense of care and connection that many people are longing for.

What advice does Randy Newman give for asking challenging questions without appearing confrontational?

Randy Newman advises to use questions like 'Can you explain that to me?' or 'How did you come to that position?' to challenge someone's beliefs in a respectful way. He also emphasizes the importance of tone and delivery, suggesting practice and prayer for guidance on how to communicate compassionately.