So, I came up with a few do's and don'ts from my experiences in trying to evangelize to my friends and family. Hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes, benefit from my successes, and ultimately prepare you to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you try to bring truth to our LDS friends.
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DON"T: Just Memorize Verses
Hear me out on this. Just memorizing verses can be problematic when it comes to evangelizing to Mormons. I am NOT saying to never memorize verses because having verses on your heart is a great way to be mindful of God. However, when it comes to evangelizing to the LDS members, just knowing the verse may not be enough. Your friend knows the verses, they learned them in high school seminary. They might even be able to quote more verses than you.
DO: Understand Context Surrounding Those Verses
Have you ever heard an atheist quote the Bible? They always seem to pull out some Leviticus law verse out of context and spin it to promote their agenda, all the while chastising people for believing in such a crazy book. However, even an elementary school kid with a basic understanding of the Bible can refute these weak arguments because they are taken out of context. Context is key. Learn the verses in context of scripture. What period are you in? Who is speaking? What did the previous three chapters talk about? Know your Bible. It'll go a long way.
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DON'T: Bash Their Books, Prophets, or Practices
A good rule of thumb is to put yourself in their shoes before you speak. Lets say that Greek mythology missionaries came to your door and they wanted to share with you a message. Would you even be open to their message if they started off by telling you that you're wrong? What about if they said that what your parents taught you and raised you on is in direct opposition to God? That your Bible is a joke? That your moral compass is flawed? That your family has been deceived all these years? Of course not! We'd slam the door so fast in their face that they wouldn't know what hit them. If it wouldn't work for you, then it probably isn't going to work for them.
DO: Listen
It's amazing what doors open up when you actually care about the other person and what they have to say. If your friend comes up to you and wants to share something with you about their faith then let them! Pay attention to what they are saying. This will not only make them feel comfortable and appreciated but will also increase your chances of them listening to what you have to say in response. Conversations are a two way street. If you let them speak, then they'll return the favor.
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DON'T: "I heard you believe ________"
Nobody likes being told what they believe. Even if you are quoting directly from an LDS publication, this type of argument tends to put the defensive walls up pretty fast. Once they're up, your friend will be less willing to hear what you wanted to say.
DO: "What do you believe in regards to __________?"
Instead of telling them what they believe you are now giving them the opportunity to share something they feel passionate about with you. People love to talk about what moves them, what they love, or what excites them. Use this to strike up a conversation. "Hey John! I was at church the other day and I saw a few people getting baptized. What do you think about baptism?" Even if you think you know how their going to answer, it's always a good idea to know your audience and see where their stance is on things.
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DON'T: Get Conversationally Distracted
I've had it happen a bunch of times. I start talking to my friend about a certain topic. We're really getting to some meat and potatoes of the discussion and things are starting to develop. Then my friend will say something like "Well what about ______" or "Well, why don't you believe in ______" and bring in new topics. Do not take the bait! Trust me. You will never get back to your original topic and you will have lost your train of thought either partially or entirely.
DO: Stay Focused
If and when your friend tries to steer the conversation in another direction, just respond with, "Let's stay on this topic for a little bit longer if you don't mind. I'd love to discuss that with you as well, but just maybe when we've finished with this one first." Stay on point. It might get a little uncomfortable for both of you, but just press on with love and joy.
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DON'T: Be Afraid to Decline or Defer
If your friend is talking about a subject that you are unsure about or just not very prepared to discuss, don't feel like you have to say something. While the Holy Spirit can guide you (and if He's doing so, then go with it!) sometimes it's okay to ask if it's okay to get back to them when you've studied a bit more. Or, you could have them talk to a pastor, read a book or a blog (hint hint) and then talk about it with them later. It's okay to not have all the answers. Don't feel like if you don't say something now then you'll have lost your chance.
DO: Speak In Love
While it pains me to say it, Mormons are lost. Their doctrine is a perversion of the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, that is not your friends fault. They are simply deceived. Don't attack them as if they were the ones who found the plates of brass on the hill. Instead, treat them as a lost sheep taken captive by the Deceiver. Pray for wisdom on how to shine His light in their life and get them to have a relationship with the one, true God.
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DON'T: Be Afraid to Pray
Mormons pray, and often. So, don't be afraid to start the conversation out with one! Maybe even suggest that you both say one. Remember that change is not possible without His intervention and there is no better way to invoke change than to invite Him to be present! If the situation allows for it, ask if you can start your time off with a word of prayer. Ask God to guide your conversation and open up hearts and break down barriers so that you both can hear Him speaking into your lives.
DO: Be THAT Friend
After your conversation with your friend, be in prayer for them. Pray that what God moved you to say would echo in their hearts. Then, after a short time (maybe a week or so) you call your friend and take them out to lunch. Ask them if they've given any more thought into what you talked about. A follow up isn't just a tactic, but it's a way to build a friendship. It lets the other person know that you care about them. Ask if there is anything that you can pray for on their behalf. Be THAT friend who is constantly thinking of them, constantly praying for them, constantly in the Word, and consistently available.
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