People sometimes think the only effective way to have serious discussions is face-to-face. There is no denying there are benefits in seeing each other’s body language. It’s also true talking over a glass of lemonade or a simple lunch makes for a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s not true, however, that this is the only effective way to witness.

Many people have had wonderful conversations on the phone especially when they can video chat. Others have witnessed effectively by writing. In fact, writing has a couple of distinct advantages. First it allows you to carefully craft your witness, taking time to think of just the right way of saying something. Secondly, it allows them to read, reread, and think about what you wrote.

Because of these benefits, consider putting some of your witness in writing even if you can personally talk with them. For example, you could write a note first thanking them for something they shared which furthered your understanding about Mormonism. Then you could reiterate one of your main points, giving them a Bible passage to think about. You could end with a non-threatening question to advance the conversation. Such written notes can have considerable impact.