The FARM Conversation occurs situationally; it happens anywhere, with anyone, at any time. It's personable, effective, and fun and works up and down the generational ladder and across cultures. It reveals people's openness to a conversation, interest in hearing a Bible story, and desire to share stories with others. The FARM conversation has four parts.
F = Family.
This step involves asking questions about a living situation—for example, "Do you have a family?" or "Are you from this area?"
A = Academics.
This step involves asking students questions about their schooling—for example, "What are you studying? Or "What vocation do you want to pursue?"
For non-students, the A becomes O (which stands for occupation), and it becomes the FORM conversation, which includes questions such as, "What do you do for a living?"
R = Recreation
This step involves asking questions about special interests—for example, "What do you like to do for fun?" or "Do you have any hobbies?"
M = Message
This step involves asking spiritual questions. People are receptive to this transition if the dialogue is enjoyable.
The best questions are the ones the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Practice Colossians 4:6. Be salty by thinking about spiritual and eternal questions related to what they shared. Go with what comes to mind. If people are open to God, the conversation will bear fruit. As Rick Warren states, "If the fruit is ripe, you don't have to pull hard."
If nothing comes to mind, a transition question that often works well is asking about a person's spiritual background. For example, "It's been fun to get to know your personal background; I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" Most people have an answer to this question.
Now might be a good time to ask if you can pray for them. For example, "I pray for people. May I pray for you?" If they say yes, ask, "If you could ask God to perform a miracle in your life, what would it be?" Then pray for it.
At this point, consult the remaining steps in Start Up
This step involves asking questions about a living situation—for example, "Do you have a family?" or "Are you from this area?"
A = Academics.
This step involves asking students questions about their schooling—for example, "What are you studying? Or "What vocation do you want to pursue?"
For non-students, the A becomes O (which stands for occupation), and it becomes the FORM conversation, which includes questions such as, "What do you do for a living?"
R = Recreation
This step involves asking questions about special interests—for example, "What do you like to do for fun?" or "Do you have any hobbies?"
M = Message
This step involves asking spiritual questions. People are receptive to this transition if the dialogue is enjoyable.
The best questions are the ones the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Practice Colossians 4:6. Be salty by thinking about spiritual and eternal questions related to what they shared. Go with what comes to mind. If people are open to God, the conversation will bear fruit. As Rick Warren states, "If the fruit is ripe, you don't have to pull hard."
If nothing comes to mind, a transition question that often works well is asking about a person's spiritual background. For example, "It's been fun to get to know your personal background; I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" Most people have an answer to this question.
Now might be a good time to ask if you can pray for them. For example, "I pray for people. May I pray for you?" If they say yes, ask, "If you could ask God to perform a miracle in your life, what would it be?" Then pray for it.
At this point, consult the remaining steps in Start Up
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