
Clipboard is a mobile form of campus witnessing. It uses the FARM conversation. This is the same as the FORM conversation with A (academics) substituted for O (occupation). It involves workers going to those who might not otherwise inquire at the table. Clipboard uses one simple tool: the Clipboard Survey. The following are tips we have found helpful for an effective experience.
Clipboard wisely by interacting with students who have time to talk. Don’t be afraid to interact with students using electronic devices since many are just passing the time. They are often open to personal interaction.
Clipboard socially by approaching students in groups. Clipboard is not just for individuals. Often, a group will take the survey. If more than one responds, record multiple answers on one sheet.
Clipboard together by going in pairs, preferably, a guy and a girl. If a student indicates an interest in wanting to know more, the same-gender person can continue. The other-gender person can peel out while the same-gender person continues with the next step, Teach.
Clipboard confidently by having a good introduction. We have found the following to be helpful: “Hi, my name is ______, and this is ______. We are doing a fun four-question survey. Would you like to take it?” If they inquire about who we are, we say, “We’re with a campus club and just want to find out about students.”
Clipboard simply by asking easy questions. These are questions like, “What phrases or words describe your family?” or “What words or phrases describe your academic interests?” or “What words or phrases describe your recreational interests or hobbies” or “How do you like to spend your spare time?” The last question is a spiritual question and says, “The Bible says God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes shall not perish but have everlasting life. This means three things: God loves you, God sacrificed His Son for you, and God can change your life.”
Clipboard genuinely by taking your time. Ask follow-up questions. The goal is to discover whether a person is interested in knowing more. Have fun. Share common interests, but don’t dominate with stories about yourself.
Clipboard intentionally by pairing up with another person, and planning a time each week. Committing to a specific time each week is one of the best ways to stay involved in witnessing.
Clipboard discerningly by targeting age-appropriate freshmen and sophomores if on a community college campus. Thank those who don’t fit the profile of your group for taking the survey. Encourage them to find fellowship in a local church. Don’t own the responsibility of meeting the needs of those whose level of care exceeds the resources of your group.
Clipboard honorably by practicing “catch and release” with those who do not want to know more. People need several interactions with Christianity before they move from complacency to curiosity. How they are released determines how responsive they are in the next encounter.
Clipboard strategically. Move to the next step Teach (Establish) with those who want to know more.
Recommend readings for campus witnessing:
Clipboard wisely by interacting with students who have time to talk. Don’t be afraid to interact with students using electronic devices since many are just passing the time. They are often open to personal interaction.
Clipboard socially by approaching students in groups. Clipboard is not just for individuals. Often, a group will take the survey. If more than one responds, record multiple answers on one sheet.
Clipboard together by going in pairs, preferably, a guy and a girl. If a student indicates an interest in wanting to know more, the same-gender person can continue. The other-gender person can peel out while the same-gender person continues with the next step, Teach.
Clipboard confidently by having a good introduction. We have found the following to be helpful: “Hi, my name is ______, and this is ______. We are doing a fun four-question survey. Would you like to take it?” If they inquire about who we are, we say, “We’re with a campus club and just want to find out about students.”
Clipboard simply by asking easy questions. These are questions like, “What phrases or words describe your family?” or “What words or phrases describe your academic interests?” or “What words or phrases describe your recreational interests or hobbies” or “How do you like to spend your spare time?” The last question is a spiritual question and says, “The Bible says God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes shall not perish but have everlasting life. This means three things: God loves you, God sacrificed His Son for you, and God can change your life.”
Clipboard genuinely by taking your time. Ask follow-up questions. The goal is to discover whether a person is interested in knowing more. Have fun. Share common interests, but don’t dominate with stories about yourself.
Clipboard intentionally by pairing up with another person, and planning a time each week. Committing to a specific time each week is one of the best ways to stay involved in witnessing.
Clipboard discerningly by targeting age-appropriate freshmen and sophomores if on a community college campus. Thank those who don’t fit the profile of your group for taking the survey. Encourage them to find fellowship in a local church. Don’t own the responsibility of meeting the needs of those whose level of care exceeds the resources of your group.
Clipboard honorably by practicing “catch and release” with those who do not want to know more. People need several interactions with Christianity before they move from complacency to curiosity. How they are released determines how responsive they are in the next encounter.
Clipboard strategically. Move to the next step Teach (Establish) with those who want to know more.
Recommend readings for campus witnessing:
- The Heart Reader by Terri Blackstock
- The Heart Reader of Franklin High, by Terri Blackstock
- Tell Someone by Greg Laurie