Jesus said, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." This implies two truths: First, a lost humanity needs to be caught, and second, "fishing for people" is the mission of every disciple. So let's look at some fishing tips. First, keep it simple. Second, use the right bait.
Talk to a good fly fisherman. They study the water to discover what the fish are eating and not eating. Then they find the right fly in their tackle box that best simulates what the fish are enjoying. Fishing for people is just as simple.
Have you ever passed someone shouting their faith while standing on a box, yelling through a distorted PA system? I've been told there's a website that explains how to mount a large speaker on your car so you can shout the Gospel at people on the street while you drive by. (You've heard of drive-by shootings - how about drive-by "shoutings"?) People don't respond to shouting. The only people Jesus shouted at were religious people who didn't think they needed a savior.
Imagine conversing around the water cooler at work and someone says, "Hey, I'm starting an in-depth, verse by verse, word by word exposition on 'Who were the Rechabites in the Old Testament and Their Influence on the Church Doctrine of Eschatology.' Are you interested?" The silence is deafening. Rejected, he mutters under his breath, "Lord, people just aren't interested in spiritual things." Wrong conclusion based on the wrong bait.
There was a scene in a movie where a fisherman threw a stick of dynamite into a pond and in seconds, scores of dead fish floated to the surface. I've also seen well-meaning Christians use the same approach in sharing their faith. They slam people with condemning Bible verses, pronouncing that they are doomed sinners going to hell. Again, that's terrible bait. Jesus said he didn't come to condemn the world, but to save it. Jesus always invited people to experience something far better than what their lives offered them now: rivers of living water, the bread of life, no more hunger or thirst, abundant life and a relationship with God as father.
Want to fish like Jesus? You have a group from church who ride motorcycles together. Next trip - invite that biker you know in your neighborhood who doesn't go to a church anywhere to come with you.
On your next fishing trip - ask a friend that you are sharing with at work to come along. Host a study inviting next-door neighbors to simply ask questions about faith and life. Start a new community book club at the nearest coffee shop using some good Christian books and novels. Invite a co-worker to come with you to your small group and let her experience Christian community. Invite your hairdresser to come to church with you.
Intentionally expose "yet-to-be Christ followers" to contagious disciples who are living out their faith in the daily routines of life. Caught is often better than taught. The bait: invite.
