\u201cPutting a table and chairs in our front yard has helped create an environment of connection,\u201d Ann shared. \u201cWe started with the front porch, but I read about how a turquoise table on the lawn can draw attention and offer a place to linger, so we took that step, rather than always being in our backyard.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"front](\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/inside-story_new_pic_4-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Tom will often sit in the front yard in the morning, reading his Bible and praying for neighbors. If someone stops by and asks what he is doing, he tells them. The reaction is always positive.<\/p>\n
Going Deeper<\/h3>\n
Engaging with their neighbors has been a learning process for the Bourkes. They coach others in all walks of life on how to intentionally share their faith. Tom and Ann wanted to connect more deeply with their neighbors, looking for people within their sphere of relationships who might be interested in exploring the teaching of Jesus. They want everything they coach others to do to be something they are practicing in their own lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t consider myself a gifted evangelist,\u201d shares Tom. \u201cI do know that an authentic relationship is key. As we get to know people and build relationships, we go deeper with those who seem open to reading the Bible and interacting with Jesus. We keep it simple. Our Bible reading group started with three young couples, then another couple asked to join after they heard what we were doing. We read a section of Scripture that deals with a common life issue, such as stress (Matthew 6:25-34<\/a>), then we ask questions and discuss openly.\u201d<\/p>\n Others on the Detroit Navigators city team also use this Bible reading approach. Tom and Roger VanNoord<\/a> (who, along with Bob Adgate<\/a> and Denny Williams<\/a>, developed The Life Issues Series<\/em><\/a>) were on a panel discussion and someone asked, \u201cHow many people who read the Bible with a Christian friend will come to faith?\u201d They answered simultaneously, \u201cAll of them!\u201d It has been their experience that those who are truly engaged in reading the Bible with a Christian friend will eventually find faith in Jesus, though it might be a process that takes years.<\/p>\n When Tom first starting discipling others in how to intentionally share their faith in the workplace, an executive with a large automobile company who was a Christian said, \u201cI\u2019m an introvert, I don\u2019t do evangelism.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPeople often make the erroneous assumption that evangelism is only for extroverts,\u201d Tom says. \u201cIt isn\u2019t about being a salesperson, it\u2019s about gentle intentionality and prayerfulness.\u201d He is committed to speaking truth and praying that God will work in others\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n Tom shares the coaching process: \u201cMany people have notebooks full of information they learned at workshops on evangelism and discipleship. In coaching a group of committed disciples, we\u2019re always talking about the very next step<\/em> that someone is taking, rather than imparting lots of information. One man I\u2019m coaching realized his coworker is ready to hear more specifics about the Good News of Jesus, so during our time together we talked about ways to make the gospel clear. This just-in-time approach makes our coaching relationships relevant and timely. Ultimately, we want those we disciple to be disciplemakers who will then disciple others.\u201d<\/p>\nNot Just for Extroverts<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/01.10.23-Resource-Email-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n