How to Bring Parents to Christ?

[shawntc]

My mother went to church even into her teens but her parents didn't display much in the way of Christian habits (both were smokers and drinkers). She eventually quit going to church. I don't think she believes in God, but she seems to identify herself as Wiccan - going so far as to have a pentacle tattoo on her arm. My father believe in God and considers himself Christian. But many years ago when he was going through divorce, he was offended by the church and has since left it, saying it's full of hypocrites. I was raised basically non-religious in my mother's previous marriage and this one (my biological parents only married a few years ago).

When I became a Christian and started attending church, they basically said to me, "We don't want you preaching to us," which I've always interpreted as, "keep it to yourself."

How do I go about bringing my parents back to Christ when it seems like they are neutral at best about it? I feel like one of the things I would have to do is "be on my best behavior" around them. I'm not perfect and they obviously know that, which would dissuade them. I know I could also invite them to special church events (I doubt they would want to come to church on a Sunday morning or evening.)

 

[JimJimmers]

Shawn, those are both very good ideas. I think you have the right idea. And of course, pray for them and be open to The Spirit prompting you to say something at the perfect time. I'm praying for you, bro!

 

[SpaceCowboy]

Pray for them always and show Christ in your life. Show the reliance you have on him. Live your faith. They won't be able to deny truth in action.

 

[Lucy68]

I admire your desire for your parents to have a relationship with Christ. You obviously love them very much

It's definitely harder to witness to people who have heard the gospel and pretty much rejected it. Since they hold the view that 'most Christians are hypocrites' I suggest just living your life like you think Christ wants you to and pray that they will crave what they see happening in you.

Your love, openness, and nonjudgmental attitude toward them will say a lot.

Don't be so certain that they will turn down invitations to Church events. Pray for the Spirit's leading in this....you will be amazed at what happens

Also, don't feel like their salvation depends completely on you...they have free will like everybody else and the choosing is entirely up to them. You shouldn't feel guilty if they choose differently than you want them to. This is a crude phrase but seems to fit since it involves water ....'you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink'.

Praying for the Spirit to lead you in your relationship with your parents and that their hearts and minds are opened to His Presence

 

[silverblueray]

Have you ever thought about asking them if they know where they expect to go when they die.

you might want to try this method of evangelism. The Good Test

check it out for yourself and then if you feel comfortable enough you can show it to them


These are some other good evangelism sites that i use.

livingwaters.com

wayofthemaster.com

 

[wwjd_kilden]

Agree with what has been said, the best you can do is pray and "preach" by actions. Sadly, many christians are hyporcrites, but maybe they will realize not all Christians are, and that it is people who choose to do or not do things, it is not Gods fault his children do bad things. Do what you can do, and leave the rest to God

 

[shawntc]

Have you ever thought about asking them if they know where they expect to go when they die.

you might want to try this method of evangelism. The Good Test

check it out for yourself and then if you feel comfortable enough you can show it to them


These are some other good evangelism sites that i use.

livingwaters.com

wayofthemaster.com

This would qualify as preaching, which they outright said they want to hear none of.

 

[shawntc]

I'd also like to note that my mother has made it sort of known that she doesn't exactly support my faith. She's made fun of it a few times, usually taking advantage of when I slip up and use a cuss word.

 

[wwjd_kilden]

Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you

Pepole tend to attack what they do not understand. It must hurt to have your mother do that, but remember that that is how the world is.
Saul spent a long time chasing christians, but ended up being one of the most active of them himself

 

[psychomom]

shawntc, I feel for you! My oldest child, once a professing Christian, is now a self proclaimed pagan, and wiccan, and homosexual.
I have NO idea how to reach her, but here are a few verses God used to help me...

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:5-6 NASB

In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives. 1 Peter 3:1 NASB (with a change from "wives" obviously.)

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For,“ The one who desires life, to love and see good days,
Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
“ He must turn away from evil and do good;
He must seek peace and pursue it.
“ For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:8-17 NASB



I'm not trying to say you should be zealous in "evangelizing" them, only in the way you obey Jesus in your own life (though your desire to do so shines in your words!) My daughter mocks what I believe, and is even better at doing it as she knows the Bible so well, and has so much scripture in her memory. I have found strength in the verses above, and hope you might, too. <3


Finally, Colossians 3, esp v. 23- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (!) (NIV)


I'll pray for you all !


~ellie

 

[TheKringledOne]

How old are you? The advice I would give depends on me having this information.

 

[jack4022]

shawntc, I feel for you! My oldest child, once a professing Christian, is now a self proclaimed pagan, and wiccan, and homosexual.

1) shawntc, I feel that if u behave and act as a christian around your parents you'll have a better chance of converting them. Also try and understand why they left in the first place and try and address those issues from a christian perspective

2) psychomom please tell me u didn't dis-own or kick your daughter out

 

[psychomom]

jack, I understand your worry! I love my daughter with all my heart, and as far as I'm concerned, she will always be "mine".
She had already left home when she took this stance. (she's 31) And it isn't that we don't want her...more a case of vice-versa. My husband thinks she may be uncomfortable with the Spirit of Truth in us. We're not preachy at her AT ALL, but she knows we disagree with the stand she takes, just from what we taught her as a child. (she's pretty militantly gay...) We just love her and try to see her without reference to either set of beliefs. We hope one day the Lord will lead her Home.

And shawn- I aopolgize for hijacking your thread! It was unintended, I promise you. Your love for your parents is clear, and your hope for their eternal future admirable. And that wish is shared by the living God! So I will keep praying for them, and for you, beloved of the Father! <3

~ellie

 

[Lucy68]

I'd also like to note that my mother has made it sort of known that she doesn't exactly support my faith. She's made fun of it a few times, usually taking advantage of when I slip up and use a cuss word.

Yes, a non-believer would jump on this with glee. Just say, 'you're right...I need to stop saying that'. Confessing an error and apologizing for it will eventually put a stop to her criticism. It's also good for us to practice this.

I accidentally cut my finger the other day and instead of the usual 4-letter word coming out of my mouth, I only said 'ouch'. I was so proud

We (Christians) are working on becoming sanctified. It doesn't happen all at once. Again, don't feel like your parent's salvation depends completely on you. They have that responsibility for themselves

 

[shawntc]

How old are you? The advice I would give depends on me having this information.

I am 20.

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