Follow Our Weather Update

Open to Change

The five thresholds of postmodern conversion are concepts developed by Don Everts and Doug Schaupp in their book, I Once Was Lost.  The thresholds were derived from the stories of postmodern skeptics who shared their stories of coming to faith. All of them seemed to pass through the same five distinct stages: from distrust to trust, from complacent to curious, from being closed to change in their lives to being open, from meandering to seeking, and becoming a believer…

THRESHOLD 3: Opening to Change
This is the hardest threshold to cross and where a lot of people turn back or stay where they are without moving forward. However, this is the stage where the Holy Spirit is especially at work, and when a person can finally become willing to make changes in their lifestyle.

How to Encourage Openness

1. Be Patient
Choosing to make Christ the Lord of your life is a really big decision and the person is more than likely considering the cost.

2. Pray
This is a very vulnerable and scary place to be; it involves dying to oneself. The secret prayers of friends like you matter immensely at this threshold.

3. Challenge Like Jesus Did
Affirm with Gentle Honesty: “You are right in saying…you have had five husbands.” (John 4:18)
Give an Empowering Nudge: “Take up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8)
Be a Mirror for Their Logic: “You are a teacher of Israel, yet you do not understand.” (John 3:10)
Connect the Dots: “Truly, truly I say to you…” (John 12:24)
Posted in