Question: We have a new couple coming to our church. In asking about their background, the husband related the following: "I went to church as a child, became an atheist, then an agnostic, and am now a deist." This is WAY over my head. How can our church relate to them?

Consider asking questions. This conveys your interest and also illuminates his thoughts, what has influenced him, and how open he is to God. Over time, he'll get around to defining "deist" (as he understands the term) and you'll develop an idea of what he means. With this information, you will be able to adequately converse with him. Hopefully, he'll reciprocate and be interested in your thoughts about God.

Ask him questions, such as:

• What were the factors that influenced you on this journey?
• How do you define deist and what is your view of God?
• How does what you believe relate to the Bible’s description of God?

Another approach is to affirm his interest in the God and spiritual matters. You could ask him about his personal relationship with God. Feel at ease to give your testimony of God’s work in your life.

If you feel unable to interact with him as he needs, you might arrange for him to study the Bible or talk with people who have more of a philosophical or theological background. Beware, however, of handing him off too soon. He is already talking with you. His eager conversation indicates he thinks you are safe, kind and accepting. A handoff to someone else may not work.

Another possibility is he prefers to discuss ideas rather than explore a relationship with God. He may want to debate philosophies instead of opening his heart. We cannot reason people into the Kingdom of God. But some need to understand more in order to make an informed faith decision. As you talk with him, his need or his agenda will become clearer. You will be able to inquire about his experience of God’s forgiveness.