The Everyday Club

01/11/10 Douglas, about 40
Don't let church affiliation fool you. Marty and I went to Dominicks grocery store and used a million dollar tract to start a conversation with Douglas, a black postman very similar in looks and mannerisms to the character played by Sinbad on "Jingle All the Way". I pointed out the gospel message on the back of the tract and asked if he had a religious affiliation. He attends a well known and respected black Baptist church in Chicago and I was tempted to just assume he is a fellow believer, but I am learning that all too many people hide behind their church attendance or affiliation as the basis for their salvation. He believes he will go to heaven and I asked him what he bases this belief on. Douglas seems to rely on everything but Jesus - church affiliation, following the Ten Commandments, good works, confession, having two brothers who are ministers, even association with Nation of Islam leader Lois Farrakhan, but when I began to speak of our need for salvation through faith in Jesus he almost seemed offended. Douglas is very critical of the hypocrisy of church attendees, yet didn't realize that as he talked in circles he displayed the same inconsistencies himself. I'm not sure if any seeds of truth will take root in Douglas, but Marty observed that many passersby there in the frozen food isle showed a mixture of curiosity and feigned disinterest. Maybe a few seeds were planted after all.

Note: I've added some practical tips on how to initate witnessing conversations with people in grocery stores and other places of business.  Just scroll all the way down to the end of the FAQ's section...