The late Francis Schaeffer, a noted theologian, explored the problem of what happens in a culture where other worldviews collide with Christian beliefs. In his book, The God Who Is There, he speaks of how, in such a culture with conflicting worldviews, there is bound to be a merging of languages and speech patterns that result in contrasting religions or beliefs sharing the same phrases and words, yet with those words meaning entirely different thoughts and concepts.1 For example, the word blessed means blessed of one sovereign God to the Christian, but to the witch it will not mean blessed of one sovereign God.

The name Christ is shared by different belief systems. I know this from experience. When I was involved with New Age, psychics, and practitioners of the occult, many used the name Christ—but in reference to an amorphous, cosmic being, not the risen Savior.

As believers, we must discern and listen to the words people use and what words we might use to minister to them. This will help us avoid the trap of following a cult leader and thinking he or she is a Christian.

When ministering to others, we must first discern where they are spiritually. This will enable us to reach them in ways most effective, always with love, as Frances Schaeffer reminds us, “This man is our counterpart; he is lost, but so once were we.” 2

Where do you begin to reach someone who is lost in the occult/New Age? Begin with the model of Jesus who loved sinners as they were. Although they were wrong and most of them were probably disgusting, Jesus loved them as they were, then touched them and healed them.

In Scripture, we see Jesus viewing a group of people first, then being moved with compassion to do something about their situations.

Then He healed them: “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick” (Matt. 14:14).

1. Frances Schaeffer, The God Who Is There (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1998), 148.
2. Ibid., 149.

Tips for Witnessing to People in a New Age Belief System

1. Be Approachable
   Jesus never ran from anyone. He was there for them. He was there with them as He was with the woman at the well. Consider that Jesus even crossed into Samaria, a land known for its tainted inhabitants who were considered sinful and to be avoided. When He saw the woman at the well who approached Him, He, being holy, did not run from her. That would have disconnected Him from her.
2. Dialogue with Love Notice in the passage in John 4:5–7 that Jesus does not lecture the sinful woman at the well.
   Nor did Jesus condemn the woman at the well. Had He done so, she most likely would have fled.
3. Encourage a Future in Christ
   Scripture reveals that Jesus listened to people. When the synagogue official came up to Him, no matter how busy He was, He stopped and listened. (See Matthew 9:18.) When the two blind men cried out for Him, Jesus paused to listen. (See Matthew 9:27–28.) Jesus encouraged, instead of discouraged, the lost and those in the midst of crisis.
   
   How to Encourage a Future in Christ
   There are things you can always do to encourage a future in Christ. You can invite him or her to:
   • come to your church or church in general;
   • read something you share (gently and lovingly);
   • express their feelings;
   • listen to you as you share something marvelous and loving about how good God is (without preaching).
   Remember to Make Room for the Holy Spirit
   

   The Holy Spirit is with you and in you, empowering you to point that lost loved one to Christ. The Holy Spirit is at work, helping the lost person to be aware of Christ.

   Notice in the story of the woman at the well in John 4:7–29 that nowhere does it mention that Jesus forced the woman to repent or to even move out of her present situation. Jesus simply shared with the woman of living water. He told her of eternal life in Him.

   When you and I meet someone in a sinful situation or state of being lost, should we do no different than Jesus?

   As His ministers, we are in His ministry, and that is the ministry of spreading His love. The best way that can happen is on the bridge of connection, where you meet the person where they are and point to Christ.

4. Show His Loving Presence
   Be willing to plant a seed in the life of the lost. Often that person whom we meet on the bridge will learn something about Jesus’ love through our mere presence and the seeds of love and caring that we display. The lost may or may not receive Jesus on the spot, but they are watching us. What we do will influence them at some level. We can plant a powerful seed in their lives that will blossom in the right timing.

   If people are ready to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior on the spot, then that is wonderful. If they are not ready, it is still a wonderful thing! Why? You have met them where they are, just as Jesus did with the woman at the well and then pointed to the One who loved her best!

   You have planted seed that is alive and connected to Jesus the Vine. (See John 15:5.) You have become His ambassador. In God’s Word, the apostle Paul reminds us: Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us. —2 Corinthians 5:20

   How can you lose when you share Jesus’ love for that lost loved one, or friend, or even a stranger? And how can they lose when they are exposed to His unconditional love?