Sharing our Faith
Guest User
Robert Burrow tells us about a course that he recently went on which gave him confidence to share his faith with others…
Recently on World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis reminded us again to become disciples of Jesus Christ saying "the call to mission is not a thing of the past, or a romantic leftover from earlier times." Today too Jesus needs "messengers and agents of compassion."
Whilst we all know deep down it is what we are called to do by Pope Francis, we seem to lack confidence and skills to be able to share our faith, often finding it to be difficult talking to family and friends about our faith, our experience of the Holy Spirit or simply religion in general.
I am no different; I’ve been involved with four different Alpha series of meetings yet still find it difficult and awkward at times inviting people to join the meetings even though I know they would benefit from the whole experience. That is why when I was invited by a friend to take part in the Ananias Training. I was intrigued as to how I would benefit from it.
The Ananias Training has one overall aim to equip people to be an Ananias to other people within the Church and those with little or no faith, using the power of the Holy Spirit. In a similar way as what Ananias did with Saul in Acts 9: 10-19.
The meetings start by exploring how you share your own personal experience with your faith and the Holy Spirit without it being overwhelming or off-putting to another person. The training encourages you to listen more deeply to what another person is saying and gives you the confidence to ask the right questions that will tease out why we are often rebuked when talking about are faith.
I would encourage everyone to take part in the Ananias training, you might think it is not for you but it opens your eyes and mind as to why it can be difficult talking about our faith. It provides you with the confidence to talk freely about your faith and experiences without it coming across in a manner that can intimidate people, allowing them to begin their spiritual journey.
