8 ways to make the Christian message more relatable

There’s a significant distinction between preaching and relating.

Preaching can often feel one-sided, like you’re talking at people rather than with them. Relating, however, is about connecting and resonating with others.

As a Christian, making the message of Christ more relatable isn’t about watering it down. It’s about presenting it in a way that’s accessible and meaningful to people’s everyday lives.

I’ve found 8 ways to do just that. So let’s dive into how we can share our faith in a way that truly hits home for others.

1) Shared experiences

There’s no denying the power of a shared experience.

As Christians, we often find ourselves in situations where we’re trying to explain the complexities of faith to someone who may not fully grasp it. This is where the concept of shared experiences comes into play.

Shared experiences are like a common language. They allow us to connect with others on a deeper level, even if our beliefs aren’t exactly the same.

Think about it. When you share a relatable story or experience, it can help others better understand your perspective and beliefs. It makes the abstract tangible and the complex simple.

So, when talking about faith, don’t shy away from sharing your personal experiences. Show how Christianity has impacted your life in ways that others can relate to. But remember, authenticity is key. Don’t embellish or exaggerate for effect – keep it real and relatable.

2) Everyday applications

I’ve often found that faith becomes more relatable when it’s applied to everyday situations.

One day, a good friend of mine was struggling with the concept of forgiveness. She just couldn’t seem to let go of a wrong that had been done to her. So, I shared with her how I used my faith in a similar situation.

I told her about the time when someone close to me did something that hurt me deeply. It was hard, and for a while, I held onto the pain and resentment. But then, I remembered the teachings of Christ on forgiveness.

I explained to her how I prayed about it, asking God for the grace to forgive. And gradually, I found myself letting go of the bitterness. It wasn’t easy, but my faith helped me navigate through it.

Sharing this personal story allowed my friend to see how the Christian message could be applied in a real-life situation. And that made it more relatable to her.

3) Historical context

While the teachings of Christianity may seem timeless, they were delivered in a specific historical context. Understanding this context can make the message more relatable.

For instance, let’s consider the parable of the Good Samaritan. At surface level, it’s a simple tale about showing kindness to others. But when we understand the deep animosity that existed between the Jews and Samaritans during Christ’s time, the parable takes on a new level of significance.

It becomes not just a call to be kind, but a radical challenge to love and help even those we consider our enemies. This context makes the story more compelling and its message more relevant, especially in our divisive times.

4) Use relatable language

Words matter. The way we communicate the Christian message can either draw people in or push them away.

For instance, using theological jargon or complex biblical terms may alienate those unfamiliar with them. Instead, aim to use simple and relatable language.

Just as Jesus used parables filled with everyday scenarios to teach profound truths, we can make the gospel message more digestible by breaking it down into concepts that are easy to understand.

So instead of saying “Salvation is attained through faith in Jesus Christ’s atonement for our sins”, you might say “Believing that Jesus has made up for our mistakes is how we find peace with God”. This approach makes the message more approachable and easier to grasp.

5) Show compassion

At its core, Christianity is a message of love and compassion. And often, the most effective way to make this message relatable is by living it out.

People may not always remember what you tell them about your faith, but they will remember how you made them feel.

When we approach others with genuine love, respect, and understanding, it speaks volumes about the transformative power of Christ’s teachings. It’s not about preaching at them, but showing them through our actions what the love of God looks like.

So, whether you’re offering a listening ear to a friend in need or lending a helping hand to a stranger, remember that these acts of love are powerful ways to make the Christian message more relatable.

6) Embrace doubts

Doubt is a part of the journey, and it’s okay.

There was a time when I grappled with serious doubts about my faith. Questions about the existence of God and the problem of evil kept me up at night. Rather than pushing these doubts away, I embraced them.

I dove into scriptures, sought counsel from trusted mentors, and spent countless hours in prayer and reflection. To my surprise, this period of doubt didn’t weaken my faith but strengthened it. It forced me to examine why I believed what I did and deepened my understanding of God.

People are more likely to relate to faith that’s been tested and questioned than one that’s simply accepted without scrutiny. It’s okay to share your struggles and doubts with others; it makes the journey of faith feel more real and authentic.

7) Use modern analogies

One of the most effective ways to make the Christian message relatable is to translate it into modern terms.

Just as Jesus used parables that were relevant to life in his time, we can use analogies that resonate with life today.

For example, explaining the concept of the Holy Trinity can be tricky. But what if you related it to something like water? Water can exist in three forms – solid, liquid, and gas – yet it’s all still water. Similarly, God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – different forms, but all still God.

Using modern analogies can help make complex theological concepts easier to understand and relate to.

8) Be genuine

At the end of the day, the most crucial aspect in making the Christian message relatable is authenticity.

People can sense when you’re being genuine and when you’re not. If you truly believe in what you’re sharing and live it out in your daily life, people are more likely to connect with your message.

Remember, it’s not about putting on a show or trying to appear holier-than-thou. It’s about letting the love of Christ shine through you in all that you do and say. Authenticity speaks louder than any sermon or scripture verse ever could.

Final reflection: It’s about connection

The crux of making the Christian message more relatable lies in fostering genuine connections.

As Christians, we’re called to be ambassadors of Christ’s love. This goes beyond simply sharing verses or doctrines; it’s about reflecting His love in our interactions and relationships.

Consider the Apostle Paul, who said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). He understood the need to connect with people where they were, using language and methods they could understand.

When we make the effort to connect authentically, to understand others’ experiences and perspectives, we can share the Christian message in a way that resonates deeply.

So as you go about making the Christian message more relatable, remember that it’s not about changing the message but changing how we deliver it. It’s about connecting heart to heart, and showing others the transformative power of Christ’s love in a way that speaks directly to their lives.