Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. (Colossians 4:2-6)
This passage has become foundational in my LDS evangelism. In it, Paul shares four characteristics about evangelism that can help you share the gospel with a Latter-day Saint.
Prayerful Evangelism
Paul says we should be devoted to alert, grateful prayer. “Devoted” is literally the idea of setting something apart for a specific purpose. Do you view yourself as set apart for the purpose of prayer? Do you set aside specific times to pray about evangelism?
As you pray, be alert and grateful. Like a watchman stationed at his post, you can’t neglect your duty, but the seriousness of this topic shouldn’t diminish your joyful gratitude. There is much to thank God for in evangelism: the gospel, that he is a God who saves sinners, that he has saved you, that his Spirit empowers you for evangelism, and more.
Paul also mentions two requests: open doors and clarity. Ask God for opportunities to share the gospel, and ask him for the ability to make it known clearly. Clarity is especially important with the LDS. They use many of the same theological terms we do, but with different meanings. Pray that God grants you clarity and your friend’s understanding.
Christ-Centered Evangelism
Paul’s message was “the mystery of Christ.” To proclaim this, you must know the truth about Christ, and, again, you must speak it clearly so that your LDS friend understands.
Also, our goal must be to win them to Christ. I once had an ex-LDS coworker criticize the LDS Church because “they’re just trying to get you into their thing.” The LDS are sensitive to disingenuous motives, and they will pick up on them.
So, when the LDS missionaries knock on your door, what should your goal be? Not to win an argument, bolster your numbers, or make yourself look good. You should love them as the people they are and desire for them to come to a genuine, saving relationship with Jesus.
Wise Evangelism
When the opportunity presents itself, “act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.” How can you wisely evangelize the LDS? For starters, know your audience. You can research LDS culture and theology,1 but the best way to learn these things is by getting to know the person you’re trying to evangelize. They’ll have unique interests, experiences, hopes, beliefs, values, questions, doubts, and so on. There is no standard, cookie-cutter Mormon, so getting to know them personally is the best way to win them to Christ. Build a bridge of trust before trying to drive a truckload of gospel truth into their lives.
Then, consider those personal factors when you talk with them. For example, don’t offer the missionary coffee or tea because he’s not allowed to drink it, but offer him another drink, like lemonade. Don’t immediately pull out your Bible and tell them what’s right and wrong. The LDS call this “Mormon bashing” or “Bible thumping,” and they are taught that it’s motivated by a Satanic “spirit of contention.” I have an LDS friend who was terrified of doing a Bible study simply because she knew Galatians 1:8-9 are in the Bible, and she was afraid people would attack her.
The best way to share the gospel with an LDS person is to ask thoughtful questions that lead to the Bible. But be genuine. Don’t pull out unrelated surprise questions, and don’t ask trap questions, thinking, “I’ve got you now! You can’t answer this one!” Sincerely ask them about their beliefs, go to a Bible passage, and then kindly ask them to explain how their belief aligns with the Bible.
Winsome Evangelism
In all of this, you should be gracious and “salty.” Not “salty” as in sassy, but flavorful and interesting. This comes from an overflow of your own relationship with Christ. As you experience his grace, you are eager to show grace. As you delight in Christ, others are attracted to something that is obviously desirable.
Again, the LDS are overly sensitive to any sort of hostility. So be kind. Don’t run the missionaries out of your neighborhood. Have a pleasant conversation with them. Give them cookies and lemonade. Get to know them personally.
If you have a long-term friendship with a Latter-day Saint, be a true friend. Take time just to hang out with them. Celebrate their birthday or other important days with them. Give them a Christmas present. This goes a long way in opening doors, ears, and hearts for the gospel. As one Utah pastor says, “Almost every story I’ve heard about a Mormon who came to Christ begins with something like, ‘I met a Christian who was nice to me.’”
I used the above approach when LDS missionaries came to our house once. They found out I am a pastor, so I didn’t expect them to return. However, after they came about eight times, I asked, “Why do you keep coming back? You know I disagree with you.” They looked at each other, then at me, and then said, “You’re nice to us.” They ended up coming for fourteen weeks total, hearing the true gospel from the Bible each time.
Pray. Keep Christ central. Be wise and winsome. You never know what God will do.
