In the natural order of things, mature people reproduce. Children don't reproduce, but as they grow older in body in mind, changes occur, they pair off, and couples fall in love and eventually have children together.

It's no different in the spiritual realm. Baby Christians are initially fed on the milk of the Word of God, but at a certain point they began taking an interest in things beyond their own nourishment. They have an urge to see some fruit in their lives in the form of new people being born into the family of God. There is often an awkward adolescent stage for most believers; they want to see others experience the new birth, but don't know how to go about doing it. Simple training is needed.

There are many ways a person can share their faith. You can preach on a street corner, or create a web site. You may wish to write tracts or distribute printed ones to others. You may want to go door-to-door in your neighborhood, or you may want to go on an overseas mission. All of these methods are acceptable, but may not be desirable for one reason or another. There is, however, a way to build the family of God that is available to everyone and cuts across age groups and cultures.

1. Build a relationship with another person. You can do this in many ways. One is simply by being a listening ear to people. Even very social people often feel alone, and believe no one is interested in hearing about their needs or concerns. One of the easiest ways to build a relationship is to be a good listener. Another excellent way to build relationships is to do something nice for someone. Any practical act will do, whether it's giving a gift or helping with a problem or chore.

2. Pray that the Holy Spirit and will give you the opportunity to share your faith. The Holy Spirit is the midwife in the New Birth and automatically provides many opportunities for sharing in a relationship, opportunities that are often missed. Therefore, you should pray for two things: one that the Holy Spirit will provide openings to share your faith, and the second that you are sensitive enough to be aware of them when they occur. You may also wish to pray for boldness. It is easy to “wimp out" even when you are aware that the Holy Spirit has provided you with a golden moment to share your faith.

3. Focus on the needs of the other person, not your own needs. Listen to their views and needs. Sometimes people have startling things to say about their lives or their views of Christianity. It is not your role to react, judge or argue. Your role is to apply the gospel as if it were healing lotion. Never be self-righteous, never be overbearing, and never force your belief. Instead share the Bible and your own testimony in such a way that people are gently drawn to Jesus.

Sadly, there are people who have been Christians a long time, but who are still immature and have never reproduced. They think the work of evangelism belongs to a pastor, missionary or committee. They don’t realize that when a regular Christian is mature in their faith, and has totally fallen in love with Jesus, that spiritual reproduction is the natural outcome.

Do you have spiritual children? If not, you’re missing one of the greatest parts of being a Christian. The Lord wants you to grow to a new level of maturity so that you can reproduce, and have many sons and daughters in the faith -- and spiritual grandchildren someday too!

- Donald L. Hughes