Starting Spiritual Conversations

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Pray first (doing this in your own strength will not yield fruit)
• Listen (let them talk more than you; don’t make it about you)
• Build on areas of common ground (look for things you share)
• Mention spiritual matters early (otherwise, you might run out of time and never get there)

THREE METHODS:

Direct Method – Typically takes the form of a question or statement

Wearing a Christian T-shirt or jewelry will often get a comment from others. When they comment, be ready to follow up with one of the following questions:

• Do you have any kind of spiritual belief?
• To you, who is Jesus?
• Do you believe there is a heaven and a hell?
• If you died right now, where would you go and why?
• If what you believe were not true, would you want to know it?

Indirect Method

• Builds on the direction the conversation is already heading by using the topic discussed as a springboard to a related spiritual topic.

Below are some common situations and ways you can transition to a spiritual conversation:

Situation 1 – You are in a situation where it is natural to comment on the beautiful weather, spectacular sights, intricacies of nature, or the wonder of creation (for example – you are hiking or at the zoo).

              Sample Transition: “God must have quite an imagination to create such beauty.”

Situation 2 – Your friend has just told you about the hobbies they like doing in their spare time, and they are interested in knowing about yours.

               Sample Transition: “I enjoy spending my spare time coaching the softball team at our church.”

 Situation 3 – You are talking with a work associate about an upcoming holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

            Sample Transition: “I’m curious, do you observe any family or religious traditions around the holiday?”

Situation 4 – You are with some friends talking about the latest TV show, news program, or song.

            Sample Transition: “Another song I enjoy on the radio is ___ by ___, a singer who is a Christian and really has a lot to say.”

Situation 5 – Your friend confides in you about a problem they are facing or a difficulty they are working through.

            Sample Transition: “I can relate to the problem you’re describing.  I’ve struggled with it too, but what made a difference for me was when I discovered a source of spiritual strength…”

Invitational Method

• Transitions the conversation by inviting your friend to a Christian Event that relates to the topic you are discussing.

This is why we provide invitation cards. You should be passing out ones for Easter and Family Movie Night.

            Tips for inviting people:

• Offer to pick them up
• Do something before or after the event

PRINCIPLES FOR STARTING SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS

• Focus on the other person’s interests and concerns.
• Be willing to take risks.
• Make the most of split-second opportunities.