Key eight: Communicate your Christian distinctive
Your project will stand out from many other services in your community because it is prompted by your faith.
You need to:
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Ensure your Christian distinctive is firmly embedded in your core mission, vision and values documents and carefully consider how you incorporate it into individual job descriptions
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Know how to explain your vision both orally and in writing
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Decide the most appropriate way to communicate your faith with your clients
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Ensure your words and your deeds communicate the same thing
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Be aware of the impact being a Christian organisation has on partnerships and funding.
More below...
Learn more about the 10 Keys for impact
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes
Romans 1v16
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give
the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and
respect.
1 Peter 3 v15
Our mission statement is clear that we house people without
discrimination or favour. Then we do all we can to show the love of
Christ in our actions and look for opportunities to share our faith.
Sometimes just being kind and sticking with someone can make them ask
why we do what we do. I often think about how Ezekiel sat and suffered
with the people before he spoke God’s word to them; it’s important to
meet people where they’re at and understand them before trying to say
anything. 
Pete Cunningham, Green Pastures
It’s important to be crystal clear about who you are, what you do and
how you go about doing it so people can chose whether to buy into your
values. We don’t want to proselytise; we’re not here to force any
beliefs on anyone, we prefer the ‘explanation’ approach i.e. when people
see us modelling Christ-like behaviour they ask why we’re doing what we
do and we can begin to tell them about our relationship with Christ.
Stuart Ashmore, First Base Walsall
Translate everything into ‘normal’ language; it helps cut through
‘Christian-speak’ and clarifies what we really believe.
Be confident in
what you bring as Christians and remember God asks us to be salt and
light in the world
(Matthew 5 v13-16).
Richard Phillips, ACET Ireland
If you run a programme for vulnerable people, then trying to tell them
about Jesus could be perceived as exploitation. It has to be natural.
For example when people come to us for counselling we explain we can
provide secular or Christian counselling or a combination of both. It’s
amazing how many take us up on having a Christian element and that
allows us to introduce the gospel in an appropriate way.
Julian Richards, Cornerstone Church, Swansea
Be careful who you partner with and make sure affiliations don’t water down your purpose even if they do provide income.
Catherine Smith, Hope Centre
When working with someone new I explain that Signal is openly Christian
and make it clear what that means in practice. Then I ask ‘Are you
comfortable with that?’ It helps people to know exactly what they’re
getting involved in.
Catherine Marshall, Signal
‘Turning the Key’ – Additional Tips:
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Practice giving your testimony and explaining your faith in a safe-environment
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Be clear that you are faith-based but not faith-biased and will love and serve everyone, regardless of their beliefs
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Be ready to explain how being a Christian has a positive impact on what you bring
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Be careful of preaching to people who are in vulnerable situations
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Look for ways to build genuine loving relationships with your
community, natural opportunities to share your faith will inevitably
follow.
Helpful websites and organisations