WITNESSING TO MORMONS - KEY ELEMENTS The following outline is in response to the many requests we have received for a brief summary of "how to witness to Mormons." Unfortunately, there is no set formula. Each witnessing opportunity is unique and different. You must depend on the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you. But there are some basic principles you can apply, things you should or should not do, and knowledge you should have. It will not be easy, and indeed, may be very frustrating, but you should do it anyway, because the Lord has commanded it.
Our ultimate goal is to lead Mormons to a personal relationship with the one true God of the Bible. Keep in mind, they think they are worshiping him already. It's up to you to show they have a different God, a different Jesus (2 Cor. 11:3-4), another gospel (Gal 1:8-9), and that they are breaking the first commandment. My first approach is usually to use the Bible, see the article on the web page, "Key Verses On What the Bible Says About the Father and Son" under the main heading, "Miscellaneous Topics". If I see that this has led to Scripture bing-pong then I will abandon it for the short term. My next strategy usually is to undermine the Mormon's testimony and confidence in the Mormon organization, it's teachings, official history, unique scriptures (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price), and biblical misinterpretations. Your skills in selecting and presenting the information is important. They must become teachable before you will make any progress. Keep in mind, you cannot make it happen. You may only facilitate it by the information you share. The recent convert or the ignorant long time member sometimes becomes teachable when they learn about the very unique LDS teachings. Use the big question when appropriate: "If you are wrong would you like to know it?" If the answer is a clear no, even after you test for understanding, then stop witnessing.
Do not let all the information below "throw you" and keep you from witnessing. If, as a minimum you understand the first two major categories just below, then start witnessing and learn as you do it.Know What The Bible Says About Witnessing.
See Ezekiel 3:18-19; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Hebrews 5:14; Jude 1:3; Acts 17: 1-2, 17, 18:4, 19:8-9.Know What The Bible Says About a Different Jesus and Gospel.
See Galatians 1:8-9; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4.Know What You Need.
a. Have a desire born of God, see Zechariah 4:6.
b. Know your own beliefs, have a solid Christian foundation based on the Bible. Do NOT witness if you are a baby Christian or are a spiritual baby.
c. Do NOT witness alone unless you have a great deal of experience. Even then, under some circumstances it never should be done. You should also consider using the occasion to train another. If possible have others praying for you.
d. Know enough about the false teachings of Mormonism to get started.In Your Use Of The Bible:
a. Do not throw out the many clear verses on a subject for the few that seem to say just the opposite but really are difficult to understand.
b. Try to understand difficult verses in context, for example: 1 Cor 15:29; Amos 3:7; Ezek 37:16-17.
c. The Bible repeats the important teachings for us many times. Be very cautious of isolated verses, such as 1 Corinthians 15:29.
d. ALWAYS look up Biblical verses you are given by a Mormon, even if you think you remember what they say.How To And How Not To Witness:
1. Know the role of "feelings" (testimony) and how "feelings" for some can be a substitute for facts, knowledge and wisdom.
2. Know the subject! There is no substitute for factual, detailed knowledge. It will keep you from looking foolish and losing credibility. Try to have information organized for easy quick access. Being able to show full page copies from Mormon references is a powerful tool. Do not use rumor or folk tales. The articles off the main web page will give you a good base.
3. Never be rude or ridicule their beliefs. ALWAYS keep in mind the five Ps: Prayer, Politeness, Patience, Perseverance and Power.
4. Be ready to "turn the other cheek", when you are abused verbally.
5. Pray before and after a discussion. You lead the prayer, and use it to teach Christian principles.
6. Do give your conversion story. Tell what Jesus Christ has done for you and your Christian joy.
7. Primarily only use the King James Version of the Bible.
8. Know the meaning of Mormon terms. They sound Christian, but have different meanings. See the article off the main web page, "Mormon Terminology" under the main heading, "Background on Mormonism."
9. Know and understand that not all new and old Mormon references and authors are of equal authority and some should not be used. High status is given to statements by Mormon prophets and apostles speaking at official Mormon Church functions (especially Conferences) and/or published in Church manuals. The highest authority are the Mormon scriptures, but these are not always the clearest.
10. Don't assume that Mormons know Mormon doctrine. Expect a broad spectrum of beliefs. Many have very little knowledge and understanding. Others will know it all. Still others may know it all, but try to hide it. This is another reason why #2 above is important. It is best to say: "The Mormon Church teaches........." Do NOT say: "Mormons believe........."
11. Take the leadership of discussions, and don't let them change the subject. If they try, bring it back, "We were talking about....", or "You didn't answer my question about...". Be bold but polite.
12. Don't argue or get angry. Walk away from an irrational or heated discussion.
13. Use a questioning technique. Generally, only ask questions that you know the answer to! Ask questions that will not be easy to answer and require thought: those that may challenge basic beliefs.
14. Be prepared for the case where you are divulging information never before heard or understood by the Mormon. This is where copies of the key pages from Mormon references is helpful.
15. The person you are witnessing to should provide documentation and references for their position.
16. Do not accept general statements like: "The Bible is all wrong"; "You people only deal in half truths and misrepresentations" etc. Insist on specifics and references for their objections.
17. Use a low keyed, soft, friendly approach. You don't want to intimidate your contacts. Don't cover too many subjects at one time if you will have more witnessing opportunities. It is better to cover a few subject thoroughly. But, if you will only have one meeting, be bolder and cover more subjects.
18. The most important subjects to cover are the attributes of God and the plan of salvation. Do not waste time with trivia, like men on the moon.
19. Know that certain things are stumbling blocks to Mormons; i.e. tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, and discussion of temple activities.
20. One possible technique with the Mormon missionaries, is to invite them to your home for a meal. Ask them to come an hour or two early, and use this time for discussion. With the meal as an enticement they are less likely to suddenly have another appointment. Be sure they know the time you plan to eat.
21. NEVER pray about the Book of Mormon. We should follow 1 Thess 5:21 and "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good"; it doesn't say anything about prayer. Do what the Bereans did in Acts 17:10-11.
22. When witnessing, do it with another person, but, one leads, the other's job is to ONLY help and not interrupt or change the subject.
23. Know the historical evolution of the key teachings of Mormonism. See the main heading, "Changes In Mormon Teachings" off the main web page.
24. Test the prophets of Mormonism, as in Deut 13:1-5. Off the web page, under the main heading, "Miscellaneous Topics" see the article "False Prophecies of Joseph Smith."
25. Become familiar with the LDS Scriptures and know what changes have been made to them. See the main heading, "Changes In Mormon Teachings" off the main page for several article.
26. Know Mormon history. See the article, "Chronological History of Mormonism" under the main heading, "Background on Mormonism" off the main web page.What Can You Do If You Are Not Well Trained Or Have Problems With Face To Face Discussions?
Setup your goals and read everything that moves you toward your goal. Watch and listen to experienced people witness to Mormons. Leave tracts in library books about Mormons. Tell your friends, relatives and co-workers what you know. Respond to articles on Mormonism with an appropriate "letter to the editor." Make sure you are loving, tactful and accurate in comparing doctrine and do not attack the Mormon people. Send copies of key pages from the references along with your letter.John R. Farkas
Berean Christian Ministries
P.O. Box 1091
Webster, N.Y. 14580E-mail: bcmmin@frontiernet.net
Web page: http://www.frontiernet.net/~bcmminart/witness.1
1-43-97