As a career Christian, there was an important aspect to the Christian life that was always a big part of our faith — at least, it was supposed to be. Most of us, however, experienced a good deal of guilt and apprehension about it, mostly because we were not doing anything about it aside from being forced into it periodically. I’m talking about what was commonly called “witnessing.” Witnessing was sharing your faith with others who were not Christians, to the end that they might want to become a Christian, too. Witnessing was right up there with reading your Bible, praying, and going to church, as the Big Four every Christian had to do.
It is surprising to me how much of these attitudes (guilt and apprehension) are still alive today. I spoke last weekend to a group of college students and adults who exhibited similar fears and hang-ups about sharing their faith with others. So I surprised them by telling them not to witness. “Whatever you do,” I said, “don’t witness. Don’t save anyone.” Instead I held up the program that carried a saying for the day — “Every face has a story” — and told them that instead of witnessing, I wanted them to do something they’ve loved to do ever since they were little children. Listen to stories. That’s it.
Hear the story, fall in love with the teller of the story (this won’t be hard to do), and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. That’s my take on witnessing.
A lot happens when you listen to someone’s story. You get to know them and appreciate them; and when you truly hear someone’s story, and they know they were heard, that says that you care enough to listen. And that says a lot. It’s the way a relationship is born, and as in any relationship, at the right time, you will tell your story, too.
“Tell me your story.” It’s such a simple thing that can go a long, long way. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want to tell his or her story to someone who truly wants to hear it.
But you’d better get busy. There are lots of stories out there waiting to be heard. So many stories! So little time!
John Fischer The Catch 
Excellent idea or thesis, I think. However, help me with a nagging concern. It seems to me that most people are not concerned about their “sins”, but simply want to do their thing with out harming anyone else. So…if that’s true then how does your idea lead them to want to put on the parachute of salvation? After all, we become religious sycophants that use religion as a crutch. They don’t need religion because they are doing good will more than those that go to church.
I guess my question is, “How do we witness if we are simply passive?” Isn’t that a whole lot like the Church, Laodicea?
On the other hand I truly believe no one cares what you believe until they know you care.
See my conundrum?
This Catch brought to mind two things for me. The first is my dear sister-in-law, Lori, who just passed away on 7/28/13 from brain cancer at 43. She was such an outgoing and welcoming person (and a Christian)! She annually attended Oktoberfest in WI (not typically a Christian gathering place), where a variety of interesting people are easily found. Lori sought out the most unusual folks she could find and would say something like, “You look like you have a good story to tell. Will you tell it to me?” She never failed to make a new friend, and had so many stories to share back at the campsite! Her personal mantra could aptly have been your tag line, “So many stories! So little time!”
Second is the time my pastor and I were discussing the concept of “witnessing” or “saving” people (after a leadership conference at our church, where I first heard of John Fischer and the Catch, BTW). He told me his job is not to save people. I was a little surprised, but he went on to say that saving people is God’s work. As a pastor, his job is to start conversations, share stories, listen, and let the Spirit move in and through him however is appropriate for that other person. I’ve grown to understand the wisdom in that concept. The more we think it’s our job to save people, the more it’s about us and not our Savior.
I totally agree with your assessment that it’s in relationship where stories are shared and true salvation is accomplished. Not by us, but by the One who actually has the power and authority to save.