The FARM Conversation is a great way to engage people in spiritual conversation. It's personable, effective, and fun. It works with anyone, anywhere, at any time. It works up and down the generational ladder and across cultures. It reveals people's openness to conversation, their interest in hearing a Bible story, and their desire to share the stories with others. The FARM conversation has four parts.
F = Family.
This step involves asking questions having to do with 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 having to do with special interests—for example, “What do you like to do for fun?” or “Do you have any hobbies?”
This step involves asking questions having to do with 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 having to do with special interests—for example, “What do you like to do for fun?” or “Do you have any hobbies?”
M = Message
This is where the topic becomes spiritual. If the conversation has been enjoyable, people are receptive to this transition. Keep in mind the goal is to find people who want to start and lead a multiplying Bible study.
Remember, you're not responsible for creating spiritual interest, just discovering it. As Rick Warren states, "If the fruit is ripe, you don't have to pull hard."
One of the best ways to transition to spiritual matters is by asking questions. By far the best questions are the ones the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Be salty; bring Jesus into the conversation and see what results. Practice Colossians 4:6
That being said, here are other helpful questions.
"What is your spiritual background?" You might transition into this by saying, "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.
"May I pray for you?" This is likely new to most, but becomes second nature the more you do it. Often the results are incredible. You might transition into this by saying, "One thing I like to do with people I meet is pray for them. May I pray for you? " If they say yes (and many will) then ask, "If God could do a miracle in your life what would you ask him for? " You'll be amazed what people share. Then ask God for that miracle. Remember, the supernatural is just a snap of the fingers for God. Revelation 4:11
"May I share a story from the Bible that might encourage you?" If they say yes, then do a mini DBS (share one of the Starter Stories and ask what they notice about Jesus). Affirm their answer and then ask if they want to share it with their friends or family. This is called the Golden Question. It's what determines if multiplication may occur.
If they say yes, begin a weekly rhythm of sharing a story each week and following up to see how things go. After they demonstrate that they are faithful about sharing the stories with others (usually 3-4 times), inform them about the full DBS. Read the DBS leader notes for more information about how to generate multiplication.
If they don't want to know more, and you have more time to dialogue, you might ask if they have any spiritual questions for you. You'll be surprised how many people have unanswered spiritual questions.
If they don't want to know more and is someone you're not likely to see again, then thank them for the chance to get to know them. People need several different exposures to the gospel before they respond. Play your role in graciously releasing them for their next gospel encounter.
If they don't want to know more, but is someone you are likely to encounter again (a person at work, a family member), then your continuing ministry to that person is prayer and acts of love. Don't be surprised at some time in the future they soften towards God. Either by accepting the invitation to learn more about God from you or another.
This is where the topic becomes spiritual. If the conversation has been enjoyable, people are receptive to this transition. Keep in mind the goal is to find people who want to start and lead a multiplying Bible study.
Remember, you're not responsible for creating spiritual interest, just discovering it. As Rick Warren states, "If the fruit is ripe, you don't have to pull hard."
One of the best ways to transition to spiritual matters is by asking questions. By far the best questions are the ones the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Be salty; bring Jesus into the conversation and see what results. Practice Colossians 4:6
That being said, here are other helpful questions.
"What is your spiritual background?" You might transition into this by saying, "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.
"May I pray for you?" This is likely new to most, but becomes second nature the more you do it. Often the results are incredible. You might transition into this by saying, "One thing I like to do with people I meet is pray for them. May I pray for you? " If they say yes (and many will) then ask, "If God could do a miracle in your life what would you ask him for? " You'll be amazed what people share. Then ask God for that miracle. Remember, the supernatural is just a snap of the fingers for God. Revelation 4:11
"May I share a story from the Bible that might encourage you?" If they say yes, then do a mini DBS (share one of the Starter Stories and ask what they notice about Jesus). Affirm their answer and then ask if they want to share it with their friends or family. This is called the Golden Question. It's what determines if multiplication may occur.
If they say yes, begin a weekly rhythm of sharing a story each week and following up to see how things go. After they demonstrate that they are faithful about sharing the stories with others (usually 3-4 times), inform them about the full DBS. Read the DBS leader notes for more information about how to generate multiplication.
If they don't want to know more, and you have more time to dialogue, you might ask if they have any spiritual questions for you. You'll be surprised how many people have unanswered spiritual questions.
If they don't want to know more and is someone you're not likely to see again, then thank them for the chance to get to know them. People need several different exposures to the gospel before they respond. Play your role in graciously releasing them for their next gospel encounter.
If they don't want to know more, but is someone you are likely to encounter again (a person at work, a family member), then your continuing ministry to that person is prayer and acts of love. Don't be surprised at some time in the future they soften towards God. Either by accepting the invitation to learn more about God from you or another.