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 ultimately their desire to share them 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 usually receptive. 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. 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 share a story from the Bible that might encourage you?" If they say yes, then share one of the Starter Stories and ask what they notice about Jesus. Affirm their answer and then ask if they want to learn more stories, to share them with their friends or family. If they say yes, show them how to do a Discovery Bible Study.
"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? " Then ask God for that miracle. You'll be amazed what people share.
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 (someone you met on a flight), 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), then your continuing ministry to that person is prayer and acts of love.
This is where the topic becomes spiritual. If the conversation has been enjoyable, people are usually receptive. 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. 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 share a story from the Bible that might encourage you?" If they say yes, then share one of the Starter Stories and ask what they notice about Jesus. Affirm their answer and then ask if they want to learn more stories, to share them with their friends or family. If they say yes, show them how to do a Discovery Bible Study.
"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? " Then ask God for that miracle. You'll be amazed what people share.
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 (someone you met on a flight), 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), then your continuing ministry to that person is prayer and acts of love.