British Pastor's Six Steps for Converting Hindus to Christianity 

UNITED KINGDOM: In this article, Juge Ram, a Christian convert from Hinduism and Pastor of Emmanuel Church in Birmingham, England, answers questions on Hinduism and explains how to reach Hindus with the Bible. After giving a detailed background of Hindu beliefs and culture, he suggests a few methods which Christians can use to reach out to Hindus. Firstly, Hindus arriving from India generally feel isolated or have difficulties knowing how things operate. Christians can use these opportunities to offer them assistance, establish friendships and win their trust. Christians can befriend and help the Hindu wife who is often at home all day alone with the children and may need friendship and assistance adjusting to a new culture. Christians should help them as much as possible and try to get into their homes. It may be a long and slow process, but it is one of the most successful ways of bringing Hindus to Christianity. Secondly, the local churches need to demonstrate a concern for the Hindus in their communities. If there is a large Asian community and many members cannot speak English, they need to hear the religious teachings in their own language. This can be done by having Christian literature in appropriate languages. The church may consider including books in Asian languages in Christian bookshops or bookstalls at local events. From time to time churches can have a bilingual service or an Asian evening. In addition, a bilingual sermon or a recording of the Bible in their own language can be a powerful tool for communicating with non-English speaking Hindus. Thirdly, Christians must be aware of cultural differences when approaching Hindus or risk offending them. For example, a woman who wants to be a witness to her Asian friends should not wear miniskirts or other revealing clothing. Men should approach men only. Fourthly, Christians should not attack Hinduism or risk alienating the Hindus. Rather, it is suggested that Christians ask questions about their religion and let Hindus see the "folly" of it themselves. Fifthly, Hindus are very polite and may give the impression that they are listening and interested. Christians must not be fooled by this and think that because they agree with them they are genuinely interested. Many Hindus will say they believe in Christ and they may even speak of repentance, but they will continue to worship Hindu Gods. Therefore, Christians must make it clear to Hindus that they need to make a clean break from Hinduism. Lastly, Christians should use the Bible when witnessing. They can read the Bible with Hindus and point out how relevant it is to their lives. Christians must treat the Bible with respect and never put it on the floor. Hindus can be given copies of the New Testament in their own language if they cannot read English. Christians should explain biblical terms through a simple biblical framework and use biblical or other illustrations to assist them in conveying their message. The pastor concludes by saying that Hindus are lost, spiritually blind and are without hope in this world and in the next. He says that only Christ can release them and exhorts Christians to share the gospel with them with great humility and great confidence. The number of practicing Christians in England drops at a rate of 1,000 per day.

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2002/12/15.html#3

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