What Climbing Taught Me About Evangelism
I was going through a difficult time. My friend came into my room, asking if I wanted to go bouldering at the local climbing gym. As I was desperate for a distraction, I nodded. I had climbed a few times in the past but never with much intentionality. It had never been much else to me than a couple of laughs and some good times with other Christian friends, but for some reason … this time was different.
That particular night was an illuminating experience. It’s difficult to think about anything else when you’re climbing, and if you are you’re probably not climbing very well. The gym, at that time in my life, was a welcome therapy that felt like the soothing balm I had been needing. I was hooked.
Branching out
Eventually, I became familiarized with climbing culture. There are different reasons people climb, but largely the reason is to be social. This is certainly true across the board at most gyms and outdoor crags.
The next big reason is for personal challenge. Climbing is a very solo sport, in that if you don’t perform well or don’t advance in skill you have only yourself to “blame.” So, as in many sports, there are casuals, the obsessed, and pros.
At the time, I found myself largely interested in the social aspect of climbing, which eventually morphed into obsession. As someone who had grown up in the church, and continued to be an active participant of all things worship, devotionals, and Bible studies, my time at the climbing gym quickly taught me that I had not spent much time beyond my Christian circles.
Perhaps I’m not the only one?
The bridge
If you’re like me, maybe you’ve found sharing your faith difficult. Difficult because — let’s be honest — striking up a conversation with a stranger or acquaintance about the gospel is not one of the easier things you can do.
This is where I found myself, desperately wanting to share my faith but unsure how to do it. Where can you share your faith if your only friendships are with other Christians? Surely you don’t want to “preach to the choir” or “preach to the converted.”
Climbing became the bridge. The bridge between two worlds, of the Christian and non-Christian. When I realized how easy it was to come alongside other individuals who shared the same passion and interest in the sport, it was far easier to grow friendships.
A lot of sitting together while waiting for your turn on the wall. The ample amounts of road trips to surrounding cliffs and boulders with groups of people. This is when I truly learned that one of the keys to effective evangelism is building relationships.
Love
Some time ago, I learned that the way I used to do evangelism was, in a word, selfish. I would waltz into my workplace (or wherever that one unbeliever was), share my faith, get rejected, and have the “whatever” attitude that must have been a coping mechanism to the rejection. There was no relationship. It was simply me wanting to share my faith, and if I didn’t get what I wanted out of the person, I cared for them less.
I can’t be the only one. Sometimes we want to share our faith because we know it is the Great Commission, but at the same time we have an aversion to investing too long into it, putting real work in, or possibly getting our figurative hands dirty.
Don’t get me wrong! I believe God can do whatever He wants— and sometimes these small exchanges are what bring people to Christ! I want to be clear that I am not claiming the Lord cannot use these moments, even in our smallest attempts. Please just don’t be like I was, and have your heart closed to some dirty work. Christ loves people. He lived among them.
Utilize your passion
The need for relationship is not exclusive to climbers — people everywhere are searching. Climbing simply taught me that some people just want someone to listen, without an ulterior motive. Some people need a genuine friend that genuinely cares for them.
For me, it was the tool and bridge God used to open opportunities and make myself and others more comfortable. A common ground. Eventually, those surface conversations become deep ones where the gospel can enter in, but sometimes you just need to be patient.
If you’re looking for ways to share your faith, I would encourage you to find your version of climbing. Find an activity you enjoy, and join a group. Find that place that goes beyond your comfort zone, and bring the light of Christ into the darkness. People are always searching for Him; they just don’t know it — yet.
