Reflections: What’s your elevator pitch?

Recently I’ve thought a lot about the Apostle Peter’s instructions to Christian believers to “in your hearts, sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect. . . ” (1 Peter 3:15-16, BSB). 

Peter tells us to be ready to answer, and I’ve always thought I could do that: I know what I believe and why, and have studied resources about why biblical creation is the only origins explanation that makes sense, why bad things happen and life purpose. But “asking the reason” may not always come from someone with time for in-depth conversation. 

The younger generation around us has grown up with highlight reels, instant photos (some of us remember getting excited about first Polaroid!), and the ability to comment instantly with or without reading the facts. In other words, their attention span is probably really short. 

A few months ago, I enjoyed watching the Elevator Pitch Competition presented by the Elevate Entrepreneurs class at Elevate Branson. Similar to TV’s “Shark Tank,” the budding entrepreneurs had a limited time, before a panel of judges, to summarize their business, how they would reach prospective clients, and why those clients should choose their product or service. 

As a writer, I’ve learned to observe people and look for stories they may not be telling orally but that are revealed by their mannerisms or speech. Peter’s instruction assumes that our lifestyle and speech will convey the hope that we have in Christ, so someone who knows us and is experiencing a hard time might intentionally ask. More often, though, opportunities happen unexpectedly as people recognize me from the Globe or a local event and start a conversation; or even just when walking from a business to my car or looking at vegetables in the produce department. But we all have busy lifestyles, and those encounters are usually short. 

When that happens, what can I do or say to convey my faith and the reason for it? What if someone asks about my Christian-themed T-shirt, or sees my Bible sticking out of my bag and asks if I read it, and I have about 30 seconds to respond before they really do need to get onto an elevator?  

Obviously, I prefer having time to observe, ask questions, build relationships and earn the right to speak; and once in a while that does happen—being seated by someone at a longer event or on an airplane, or a delay at the doctor’s office—but most opportunities are shorter. How can I take Peter’s admonition seriously to be ready? 

I’m still working on this! But I’m learning. For one thing, I practice staying aware of my surroundings and not burying my face in my phone. One “God moment” happened during a follow-up visit after my cancer surgery, when another woman in the waiting area asked about my Bible. Being where we were, I figured she either was a cancer patient or assisting one, so I spoke of the comfort I receive from my daily devotions and knowing that God is with me no matter what. Many people my age deal with elderly parent concerns, so I might quickly summarize how much my dad’s faith inspired me even as I navigated hard decisions about his care. 

Among younger people, studies show mental health issues in record numbers, and many say they are lonely. On the positive side, their purchases of Bibles have risen in the last few years. It’s worth researching what questions they’re asking as they are surrounded by today’s cultural chaos, and preparing a brief testimony of how God answered similar questions in my life. 

Since our opportunities really are often short ones, why not practice these approaches or others the Holy Spirit puts on your heart, and nail down some key points that fit into one minute or less? And as we spend time in prayer, study and preparation, we have Jesus’ promise in Luke 12:12 that the Holy Spirit will give us the right words for those opportunities.