Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

A Conversation with a New Convert

By Dr. Richard P. Bucher

Recently I was pleasantly surprised to find myself in a conversation with a newly converted Christian man. My conversation with Jeff took place at a Cub Scout Den meeting. Both he and I were there with our sons. Two things deeply impressed me about this talk that I would like to share with you.

The first thing that impressed me was the "how" of his conversion. As I listened, Jeff enthusiastically shared his former life, that he had had practically no religious background, had clearly been a non-Christian, had been living together with someone outside of marriage. Then about nine months ago, a missionary family on furlough moved into the house next to his. In the months that followed, Jeff got to know the missionary through short talks "over the fence," and came to view him as a friend. When I asked him what the turning point in his conversion was, Jeff answered without hesitation. Apparently, soon after Princess Diana had died, Jeff and the missionary were talking and Jeff mentioned to the missionary that as sad as the accident was, at least Diana was in a better place. The missionary responded that that was not necessarily true, that Diana was in heaven only if she had repented and believed in Jesus Christ as personal Savior, that her good works and charity would not save her, etc. In other words, the missionary did nothing but briefly share the message of salvation with Jeff. Jeff told me that the words of the missionary hit him hard. He lay awake that night fearful about where he would spend eternity. For the first time he saw his need for a Savior. Soon after, he repented and received Jesus as His Savior.

What impressed me about all this is that Jeff's conversion happened just as it is supposed to. The missionary formed a friendship with Jeff. The Biblical Gospel was shared simply in an innocent conversation. The Holy Spirit worked faith in Jeff's heart. No complex evangelism program, no clever marketing strategy had won Jeff for Christ. Friendship made a connection and the Gospel of justification by faith converted him. Period. I was forcefully reminded by this that the Gospel IS the power of God for salvation for those who believe (Romans 1:16), a reminder I needed since such conversions are so rare in New England.

The second thing that impressed me about my talk was Jeff's infectious enthusiasm. The joy radiated from him as He described the happiness he felt from knowing that his sins were forgiven through Christ. The excitement was contagious as he described the home Bible study he had been attending, led by the missionary. This new convert truly loved God's Word, it was the most exciting thing in his life. Several times he invited me (me, a Pastor!) to join them for the study. His life was changed through Christ (he is now married, also) and he wanted to share with everyone what he now had. Though I remain convinced that the preaching of the Gospel remains the main way that the Holy Spirit fulfills the Great Commission, it is clearer to me that excited and inviting lay people are also mighty instruments in the hands of the Lord (Acts 8:4!).

February 1999