How to Handle Objections in Evangelism – AIM at the Heart!
When you share the Gospel, you need to know how to handle objections in evangelism. But you also need to know how to not fall for smokescreens and needless diversions. How can you get to the heart of the situation?
People Are Funny
People truly are funny. Oftentimes, when we come across an idea that is new, different, or even scary, we bring up objections. Most of us do this almost automatically, as if by instinct. And what’s really interesting is that, most of the time, our first objection is not the real objection. So if someone brings up an objection to the Gospel, it’s often necessary to dig deeper.
But it’s extremely presumptuous to tell people: “That’s not your real objection! This is just a smokescreen!” I’ve seen people take this tact, and it never works.
So what can you do? Remember the word AIM.
How to Handle Objections in Evangelism: AIM!
1. Acknowledge.
The first step is to simply recognize that the person’s objection or concern is valid.
So if they say “I just can’t worship a God I can’t see,” you can respond by saying “Yeah, I see what you mean: almost everything we experience is visual, so it can feel weird to try to have a relationship with someone invisible.”
This builds respect and honors the image of God in one another.
2. Isolate
At this point, you need to figure out whether this is their real objection. Ask them: “But let me just clarify: is your main problem with Christianity the fact that God is invisible? If this weren’t a problem, would you seriously consider becoming a Christian? Or is it something else?”
Nine times out of ten, the first objection is not the real objection.
“Well, actually, no I wouldn’t. Even if God were visible, I doubt I’d worship Him. How could you worship someone who would condemn people to hell?”
3. Move On!
Once you’ve isolated the real objection, move on to that one! Don’t waste your time talking about whether God is invisible or not. Focus on the real problem for them, which they say is the question of hell’s justice.
And there you go! In three easy steps, you were able to move from the surface level objection and get straight to the heart. Our evangelistic conversations are often not as long as we’d like them to be. So it’s important to know how to handle objections and AIM at the heart!