As promised in Briefing #367, here’s another example of how to speak God’s life-changing word in any and every situation—this time, from Simon Manchester, who writes about what to say when you’re in a taxi and the driver seems talkative.
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I’m not often in a taxi, but if I am, it’s surprising how often I’m going to (or coming from) a Christian event. This means I’m usually enthusiastic about the event, as well as the gospel, and the event gives me a lead-in to the gospel.
Having said that, there are some taxi drivers who do not like to talk, there are some who play ‘interested’ to increase their tip, and there are others who view you as their captive audience and try to evangelize you with their views and expertise.
Here are some things I have tried.
1. From A to B
Here’s an approach if your taxi driver comes from overseas:
Simon Manchester: Has anybody been friendly to you today?
Taxi driver: Yeah, it hasn’t been too bad.
SM: Where is home for you originally?
TD: [Ghana/Lebannon/Iraq/Malta, etc.]
SM: Do you miss it?
TD: A bit. I go back every few years.
SM: What are the main religions there?
TD: [Islam/Roman Catholicism/Judaism/Greek Orthodox, etc.]
SM: What’s their message [Where do they take you? What’s their proof?]
TD: [Answers.]
SM: Do you know what a religious leader and a taxi driver should have in common?
TD: No.
SM: They can get you from A to B. Do you know any religious leader who can go through the grave? [Introduce Jesus.] Do you know the proof of his life, death and resurrection? Are you in his cab? Have you put yourself in his capable hands?
2. Fair hearing
Here is another approach for the pagan Australian driver:
SM: I’m just going to/back from [Men’s Katoomba Christian Convention/MTS Spur Challenge conference, etc.] There are hundreds and thousands of friendly, normal Christians; why has the media never picked this up?
TD: They just report what they like.
SM: Do you think Australians would give Christianity a fair hearing if the media reported it?
TD: Probably not.
SM: Why are people like that to Christianity and to the best person who has ever lived? What don’t they like?
TD: Dunno.
SM: Anyone who can take care of the past, the present and the future has to be worth reading about. Ever given Jesus a fair hearing?
3. Famous people
Here’s an approach that starts with celebrities:
SM: Has anyone famous been in your cab?
TD: [Answers.]
SM: Well, I’m not famous, but my boss is more famous than him/her/them.
TD: Who’s that?
SM: I’ll give you three clues [slowly, one by one]: he was loved and hated; he came and went; he died and rose.
TD: Jesus.
SM: Do you agree?
4. Front and back problems
Lastly, here’s an approach that taps into the taxi driver’s experience:
SM: You must see the best and worst in drivers. Who are the drivers who drive you crazy?
TD: Oh, you see them all. I try not to let it bother me.
SM: What about bad passengers? Which ones are the most difficult?
TD: Oh, the ones who are drunk or violent—or both. They’re not much fun!
SM: So there are problems in both the front seat and the back seat. People live like there are no road rules.
TD: They sure do.
SM: I guess that’s what happens if you think God has nothing to say.
TD: Maybe.
SM: Ever read the answers to crazy people like you and me?
