Do you struggle with how to share your faith?
We have a solution.
Over the last 35 years, we've developed a unique approach to witnessing that's become our identity. Our five, simple pillars address the unique challenges and opportunities Christians face when witnessing to Mormons.
See Mormons as victims, not as enemies.
How we view a person significantly affects how we treat them. When we see people as enemies, we focus on defending ourselves and defeating them. But when we see them as victims, we want to help them. Seeing Mormons as people victimized by Mormonism profoundly impacts how you will interact with them.
Treat Mormons with genuine love and respect.
Jesus “is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). Jesus loved Mormons so much that he died for them. He now wants us to reflect his love to them. One of the best ways of doing this is listening to them rather than assuming you know what they believe.
Focus on their stress points rather than on the things in Mormonism which bother you.
It is common for Christians to focus on the aspects of Mormonism which demonstrate it is not Christian. These topics, however, don’t bother most Mormons. In fact, most view them as strengths of Mormonism. As a result, most Mormons quickly shrug off anything we say.
When, however, we talk about things in Mormonism which give them stress, their ears perk up. Topics like forgiveness, living eternally with Heavenly Father, worthiness and perfection. Through pointed use of God’s Word, we can turn their stress points into rest points in Jesus.
Speak their language.
Good communication takes work. Loving communication involves making the effort to speak to somebody with words and phrases familiar to them. Mormons not only have a unique way of saying many things, they also give unique definitions to important biblical words. To avoid talking past each other, we need to speak their language.
Witness Christ rather than debate Mormonism.
When we show what is wrong with Mormonism, we put the focus on it rather than on Christ. In addition, we are almost guaranteeing that they will become defensive.
God called us to proclaim the wonderful things he has done. This puts the focus on him rather than on Mormonism. Furthermore, it sets a positive rather than a negative tone. Most importantly, we bring to bear the most powerful tool in the world, the gospel, “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans1:16).
#1
See Mormons as Victims, Not Enemies
#2
Treat Mormons with Genuine Love and Respect
#3
Focus on Mormon Stress Points
#4
Speak the Mormon Language
#5
Witness Christ Rather Than Debate Mormonism
#1
See Mormons as Victims, Not Enemies
#2
Treat Mormons with Genuine Love and Respect
#3
Focus on Mormon Stress Points
#4
Speak the Mormon Language
#5
Witness Christ Rather Than Debate Mormonism
How can we help you?
Courses and resources to help you start your journey towards becoming a better witness.
Mark Cares, President
Meet the Team
Our journey to understanding Mormonism and starting Truth in Love Ministry spans 35 years. From our early years to developing our unique approach, we're dedicated to helping you learn more about Mormonism, creating tools and resources to help you become a better witness and provide action-oriented training opportunities.
Jon Leach, Vice President
Meet the Team
Our journey to understanding Mormonism and starting Truth in Love Ministry spans 35 years. From our early years to developing our unique approach, we're dedicated to helping you learn more about Mormonism, creating tools and resources to help you become a better witness and provide action-oriented training opportunities.
Mark Cares, President
I grew up in Monroe, Michigan, a town south of Detroit. This meant growing up as a fan of the Detroit sports teams. I count this a blessing since it has taught me that the things of this world do not give satisfaction.
I inherited a “teasing” gene from my mother. You can ask my staff, but a day rarely goes by without me saying something tongue-in-cheek to somebody.
I attended college and seminary in Wisconsin, the hotbed of Packer fans. This was my first taste of living in a foreign culture. More importantly, it is where I met my wife, Bonnie.
My steps in ministry came by planting a church in Boulder, Colorado. Over 30 years ago, we moved to Idaho to pastor a church in Nampa, where we were introduced to the Mormon culture. From this experience, God gave me the burning desire to share Jesus with Mormons.
All along the way, the Lord has wonderfully blessed me: with a wonderful, growing family; with supportive fellow-Christians; with an incredible dedicated board; and with fellow workers who are a tremendous joy to work with.
Jon Leach, Vice President
I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This means you might hear me speaking a different language as I refer to things like ‘soda’ or a ‘bubbler.’ In college, I asked where the nearest ‘TYME machine’ was (a brand for ATMs in Milwaukee at the time); you can imagine the strange looks.
My wife, Liz, and I are high school sweethearts. We have 4 active boys who keep us busy. We enjoy fishing, camping and exploring God’s beautiful creation together.
I began ministry at a mission church in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, where I worked alongside Christians committed to reaching out in their community. I served in a Christian high school where I shared God’s grace with over 400 International students from 27 different countries and helped others experience the joy of sharing their faith through mission trips.
I attended a mission trip with Truth in Love Ministry many years ago. This instilled in me a passion to reach the lost and an awe at the power of God’s Word to change hearts. My prayer is that even more Christians would experience that joy as God uses them to reach those who don’t yet know him.