Herb Stoneman
Sandy, Utah

Stoneman advises Christians who want to be more at ease sharing the gospel to find what works for them and not to worry about being super-Christians. "We need to remember that we are empowered. It's not necessary to know every biblical fact but to be ready to share what you do know when the opportunity arises. When you carry the word in your heart, it's easy to share it from your mouth."

Like many Christians, Stoneman believes that building relationships is essential to sharing Christ. However, Stoneman believes a relationship can be built in minutes if a person is attentive and interested. "Everybody wears a name tag these days," he says, "but not many people hear their names said in a positive way. Simple friendship and kind words to a stranger can be enough of a relationship to share Christ."

While a pastor, Stoneman frequently used this relationship technique with strangers. He calls it "supermarket ministry." As a result, nine people at his local grocery store accepted Christ after encountering this on mission customer. "You don't need a long-term relationship. If you really listen, you can build relationships quickly."

Stoneman uses an effective method for getting to know waiters in restaurants. He asks them for prayer requests before he bows his head and prays before his meal. Offering to pray for someone is the most powerful tool for witnessing, he says.

Stoneman is sensitive to the fact that everyone is hurting in some way. He also knows the value of a sympathetic ear. Citing Jesus' relationship with the woman at the well, Stoneman calls his technique "casual confrontation."
"Jesus first put the woman at the well at ease and befriended her. Then He addressed her pain and offered help. Witnessing today is the same," says Stoneman.

"People are hungry to share their hurts and doubts." They also want to know there is hope for a better future.

Stoneman grew up in a turbulent home. He admits that he wasn't sure Christ was the answer to life's problems the first time he heard the gospel at the age of 9. His parents attended a revival and both became Christians.

Young Stoneman, however, wasn't convinced that any real good would come of his parents' salvation. Three years later, Stoneman began to believe that Jesus did change lives. Seeing how his parents' language, demeanor and interests were altered convinced him that God did make a difference. At 13 Stoneman gave his life to Christ.

Since then he has spent his life offering hope to others. A pastor for 30 years, Stoneman has been an evangelism consultant for Utah and Idaho in Sandy, Utah, where he and his wife, Jeanette, have lived for three years.

During a visit to Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center, Stoneman continued his one-on-one encounters asking those he met if they had built a relationship with Christ. One man, who assured Stoneman that he was on good terms with Jesus, later appeared as a speaker for the conference. It was North American Mission Board President Bob Reccord. The encounter shows that Stoneman routinely shares his love for Christ with everyone he meets.

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