Storm the Dorm?!!
By Susan Klein
“Be shepherds of
God’s flock that is under your care…”
1
Peter 5:2a (NIV)
On some college campuses, Christian organizations will hold
what they term a “Storm the Dorm” event. This evangelistic event involves a
group of organized students converging upon the dorms at a designated time when
many of the residents are in their rooms. Their express purpose is to hand out
information about their organization and to try to share the gospel of Christ
as they quickly “storm through the dorms.” While a noble tradition, its
effectiveness might be somewhat limited due to the immensity of the dorms, the
small amount of time available, and the receptiveness of the students.
A different method of choice for some involves handing out
tracts to passers-by in the park or a venue where major events are taking place.
While intentions are admirable, and may prove effective with some, most people
are not attending the scheduled event to hear about the Lord, thus, may take
offense at this approach. Or, like myself, some may have already placed their
faith in Jesus Christ and are not in need of receiving this message again.
One technique we can all
adopt comes from Peter’s advice to the
dispersed Christians throughout Asia. In his letter to them, he writes, “Always
be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for
the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1Peter 3:15b).
Time spent in God’s Word for the purpose of “being prepared with an answer” is
never time wasted. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts, and prompts, and
instills in people the desire to seek out answers. We are called to be ready to
give them an answer. Gentleness and respect for the recipients is a crucial
element of this process. Jesus “did life” with people. He walked alongside of
them talking and sharing as He went, never badgering or forcing His message.
Occasionally, the crowds got so huge that He had to address a large audience,
but it was mainly because they sought Him out and were hungry for His words.
While away at college the past few years, my daughter participated
in a couple of dorm stormings. What she found even more rewarding, though, was
building relationships with the students she tutored, sharing her own faith
story when appropriate, then, waiting for them to ask her questions…questions
that she was prepared to have an answer for.
Answers tend to be received better when the questions are
asked first!
GOING DEEPER:
1.
How prepared are you if someone asks you to “give a reason for the hope you
have”?
2. Can you be bold, mixed with gentleness and
respect?
FURTHER READING:
Susan is married to
Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing,
and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at
Oakwood.
