Getting a sense of how one is listening to us, will enable us to determine if more time should be given to this one. The person we are talking with may very well be what is known as a judgmental listener. They are listening to us to ascertain whether we are right or wrong and are labeling us in their mind (‘that was foolish’), as opposed to hearing what we are saying. Then, there is what is known as the distorted listener. In other words, this one does not hear us clearly because he is viewing us in a biased and prejudiced way (‘Christians are such fools!’). There is the stereotype listener, who also fails to hear our real message because they are labeling us in their mind as “just a woman,” “Bible thumper,” “so naïve,” and so on.

Then, there is the resistive listener, who will not be receptive to anything that is not a part of his worldview. Moreover, anyone in opposition to their worldview is viewed as the enemy, and they resist anything they say, no matter how reasonable it may be. They think things like, ‘Why do these people not see that science has displaced the Bible as a book by man.” We also have the interpretive listener. These view everything through their preconceptions and ideas based on little or no information, just personal bias. They incorporate their life experience into what they are hearing, making snap interpretations of our every word. They filter everything through their worldview, their knowledge, and understanding.

Then, there is the association listener, who evaluates our Christian visit with everything bad they have ever heard of Christianity and the Bible, and we are guilty by association. No matter what we say, it is ignored, because they see us as a member of a group that they perceive a certain way. Of course, this could go the other way if they have a favorable view of Christianity. While these are the negative side of listening, it can give us an idea of why and how we could be shut out, before we ever get started. If we feel that we are unfairly dismissed, we could ask some open-ended questions such as ‘how do you feel,’ ‘what do you think,’ ‘what do you believe,’ or ‘how do you see these questions.’ Open-ended questions enable us to get to their heart condition, enabling us to formulate our arguments better.

Lastly, there are persons that all Christian evangelizers are looking for, which is the receptive heart listener. One who has a receptive heart will let reasoning from the Scriptures in receptively, which will build confidence in what we are saying is true. We will be able to plant seeds of truth within this person’s heart, which God will make grow. In writing to the Corinthians, who were caught up in arguing over who was greater (Paul or Apollos); Paul made the comparison of a Christian evangelist with that of a farmer. The Apostle Paul planted the Corinthian congregation. Apollos came later on the scene and watered the Bible truths that Paul had already planted. Apollos with his passion and force, as well as his authoritative Scriptural refutations of the arguments that had been raised by the unbelieving Jews, was very beneficial to the Corinthian Christians. However, it was God, who made those truths grow.

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

3 And I, brothers, was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men, as to infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, for you were not yet ready. But now you are still not able, ³ for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? ⁴ For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?

God Makes It Grow

⁵ What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. ⁶ I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. ⁷ So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. ⁸ Now he who plants, and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. ⁹ For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Keep in mind, that the receptive heart listener is not just the person, who shakes his head yes, as he agrees with your every word. Peter was sent to the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-38), who had rapid spiritual progress, while the Apostle Paul was sent to the Greek philosophers on Mars Hill.

Mars Hill (Areopagus) was a “prominent rise overlooking the city of Athens where the philosophers of the city gathered to discuss their ideas, some of which revolutionized modern thought. Paul discussed religion with the leading minds of Athens on Mars Hill. He used the altar to an ‘unknown god’ to present Jesus to them (Acts 17:22).”^[1]

The point is that the Apostle Paul was sent to people who were very knowledgeable, intelligent, and wise, people who only lacked the light to see where the real truth lie. This was no easy assignment, but in the end, “some men joined [Paul] and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.” (Acts 17:34) Yes, Paul reasoned from the Scriptures in the synagogue with the Jews, and he reasoned with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, who also conversed with him. It says that he was “explaining and proving.” This illustrates that a receptive heart listener also includes those who require us to reason from the Scriptures; therefore, we have to have the ability to reason from the Scriptures. – Acts 17: 2-3, 17-18.

[1] “Mars Hill”, in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England et al., 1084 (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003).

Recognizing Listening Barriers in Unbelievers

Understanding how unbelievers listen to the gospel message is crucial for effective evangelism. Many unbelievers come with preconceived notions and barriers that can influence their reception of the message. These barriers may be intellectual, emotional, cultural, or spiritual. Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians, highlights one such barrier: “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). This scripture underscores the challenge of communicating spiritual truths to those who do not yet have the Spirit to enlighten them.

The Intellectual Challenge

Unbelievers often listen through a filter of skepticism and doubt, particularly in a culture that values empirical evidence and logical reasoning above spiritual insights. The intellectual challenge is not just about disbelief in the supernatural but also includes philosophical questions about the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the reliability of the Bible. When Paul spoke in Athens, he addressed a group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers by connecting the gospel to their own cultural touchpoints and philosophical backgrounds, thus bridging the gap between their beliefs and the Christian message (Acts 17:22-31).

The Emotional and Cultural Filters

Emotional baggage can heavily color how an unbeliever listens to the gospel. Negative experiences with religious institutions or personal traumas can lead to strong emotional defenses against anything perceived as religious or spiritual. Additionally, cultural background plays a significant role in how messages are perceived and understood. For example, individualistic cultures may struggle with the biblical concept of community and collective responsibility, whereas collectivist cultures might find the personal accountability for sin a challenging idea.

Spiritual Blindness and Resistance

Spiritual blindness is a significant factor affecting how unbelievers perceive the gospel. The apostle Paul describes the condition of unbelievers as being blinded by the god of this world, preventing them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). This spiritual blindness necessitates a reliance on the Holy Spirit in evangelism, not merely human persuasion or eloquence.

Strategies for Effective Communication

To communicate effectively with unbelievers, evangelists must employ strategies that go beyond mere presentation of facts:

• Contextualization: Adapting the presentation of the gospel to align with the listener’s cultural and philosophical background without compromising the truth of the message.
• Empathy and Understanding: Demonstrating genuine care and effort to understand the unbeliever’s viewpoint can help lower defenses and build trust.
• Use of Common Ground: Starting with agreed-upon truths or shared experiences can be an effective way to introduce gospel truths.
• Prayer: Evangelism must be soaked in prayer, asking Jehovah to open the hearts and minds of the listeners, as only He can overcome spiritual resistance and blindness.

The Role of Testimony and Personal Story

Sharing personal testimonies and stories can be particularly powerful. Personal stories of transformation can bypass intellectual defenses by appealing directly to the listener’s heart and emotions. As believers share how their lives have been changed by Christ, they offer a compelling and authentic witness that is hard to dismiss purely on intellectual grounds.

In apologetic evangelism, understanding how an unbeliever listens is crucial to tailor our approach effectively. By recognizing the various filters—intellectual, emotional, cultural, and spiritual—evangelists can better prepare to present the gospel in a way that not only informs but also invites the listener into a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. This strategic, empathetic, and prayerful approach aims not merely to win arguments but to win souls for Christ.

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