Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
Elijah says the prime places for evangelism are existing relationships—neighbors, coworkers, relatives—and that most people entering Mennonite circles come through those ties; which of your real relationships with non-believers have you quietly agreed to keep “unchanged,” and what fears or loyalties maintain that agreement?
Another way to ask: Which relationships you have with non-believers have you chosen to keep the same and never bring faith into? What fears, pressures, or loyalties keep you doing that?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, the “unchanged” relationships are often the ones closest to us—neighbors, coworkers, relatives—where we already have contact but avoid spiritual initiative. The speaker implies the barrier is not lack of opportunity but fear, discomfort, and the ease of doing nothing within familiar relationships.
- He says “most of the people…coming to Mennonite circles are neighbors or people that you work with.”
- He admits the hardest part: “It’s most difficult to share Christ on an everyday basis.”
- He contrasts it with easier, less personal methods: it’s “much easier to go out with a group and pass out tracts.”
- He notes we already have connections we neglect: “Most of us have relationships with non-believers in our daily lives that we don’t really do very much about.”
- He lists the “prime places”: “neighbors…people that we work with…relatives.”