The FARM conversation is an excellent resource for situational witnessing. It works anywhere, with anyone, at any time. It reveals a person's openness to a conversation, interest in hearing a Bible story, and desire to share it with others.
The FARM conversation has four parts: Family Academics, Recreation, and Message.
The FARM conversation has four parts: Family Academics, Recreation, and Message.
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 usually receptive if the conversation is friendly and enjoyable. Here are some helpful principles.
Be aware. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Revelation 2:7
Be purposeful. Consider using a transition question. One that 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.
Be salty. Colossians 4:5-6 Consider asking, "How does Jesus fit into your spiritual journey?" Often the answer to this question reveals if the person is a believer or unbeliever. It also discloses their attitude; favorable, negative, indifferent, unaware, etc. It also helps determine where the conversation needs to go from there.
Be guided. Consider the four step approach: Pray, Share, Ask and Disciple.
Be ready. Be prepared to answer the “What do you do?” question. It's common for people to eventually ask what we do. When people ask this question, as followers of Jesus Christ, we can respond by saying, "I show Christians how to make disciples." This leads to three follow-up questions. First, ask if they know the joy and hope (or words that come to your mind) that comes from trusting in Jesus Christ?" If they say yes, move to the next question. If they say no, begin with the four step approach (see above). For instance, you might say, "It begins with prayer, may I pray for you?" Or, "It begins with an encouraging Bible story, may I share one with you?" Then follow up with Steps 3 and 4 (see above).
If they say yes to knowing Christ, ask if they know how to make disciples. If they say yes, ask how they do it. If they say no, ask if they want to know how. If they say yes, begin with the four step approach (see above).
Be focused. Try to get to Discovery Bible Study (DBS) as quickly as possible. Don't get ahead of the Holy Spirit, but don't lag behind Him either. Take advantage of every chance to explain and invite people to do a DBS with their friends. Get them on the Disciple Making Pathway as soon as possible. DBS creates community, enables discovery, and drives multiplication.
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 usually receptive if the conversation is friendly and enjoyable. Here are some helpful principles.
Be aware. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Revelation 2:7
Be purposeful. Consider using a transition question. One that 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.
Be salty. Colossians 4:5-6 Consider asking, "How does Jesus fit into your spiritual journey?" Often the answer to this question reveals if the person is a believer or unbeliever. It also discloses their attitude; favorable, negative, indifferent, unaware, etc. It also helps determine where the conversation needs to go from there.
Be guided. Consider the four step approach: Pray, Share, Ask and Disciple.
- Pray. Ask, if you can pray for the person. If they say yes, ask "If God could perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask for?" Then pray. Remember, the supernatural is just a snap of the finger for God. Jeremiah 32:17 Often people become receptive because of a divine event in their life.
- Share. Ask if you can share an encouraging story from the Bible. Consider using one from the Starter Set from the DBS Story sets. After sharing the story, ask, "What does this say about Jesus?"
- Ask. Ask the Golden Question. "Do you know others who would be encouraged to hear this story from you?" If they say yes, ask if you can text them the story. Be sure to include the Jesus question.
- Disciple. Disciple making has two parts. The first is to coach them to become a storyteller. Do this by follow up to see if they shared the story and how it went. When they share a story, consider sharing a second story and adding an additional question, "What does this story say about people?" Include the Jesus question as well. Once they do that, move to the second part of disciple making.
The second part is to coach them to become a discovery group facilitator. This involves meeting to explain the Discovery Bible Study (DBS). Continue to coach the facilitator so their group multiplies by starting other groups.
Be ready. Be prepared to answer the “What do you do?” question. It's common for people to eventually ask what we do. When people ask this question, as followers of Jesus Christ, we can respond by saying, "I show Christians how to make disciples." This leads to three follow-up questions. First, ask if they know the joy and hope (or words that come to your mind) that comes from trusting in Jesus Christ?" If they say yes, move to the next question. If they say no, begin with the four step approach (see above). For instance, you might say, "It begins with prayer, may I pray for you?" Or, "It begins with an encouraging Bible story, may I share one with you?" Then follow up with Steps 3 and 4 (see above).
If they say yes to knowing Christ, ask if they know how to make disciples. If they say yes, ask how they do it. If they say no, ask if they want to know how. If they say yes, begin with the four step approach (see above).
Be focused. Try to get to Discovery Bible Study (DBS) as quickly as possible. Don't get ahead of the Holy Spirit, but don't lag behind Him either. Take advantage of every chance to explain and invite people to do a DBS with their friends. Get them on the Disciple Making Pathway as soon as possible. DBS creates community, enables discovery, and drives multiplication.
more helpful principles
Be opportunistic. Listen for pain points, or difficult and hard circumstances. Listen for words or phrases that serve as a natural bridge to spiritual dialogue and eternal conversation. Colossians 4:5-6
Be story centered. Think their story, my story, God's story. Listen to people's story. Share common experiences. Tell how God became the hero of your story. Psalm 107:1-38
Be personable. Share your testimony in a 15 second version. It goes like this, "There was a time in my life when I was ____________ and ____________. (State two words or terms that defined your life without Christ) Then I let God forgive my sins through Jesus Christ. And I committed to following Him. Now my life is ______________ and ______________. (State two words or terms that define your life with Christ) Do you have a story like this?" Acts 4:20 Even, if they can't relate, ask them what is true for them.
Be flexible. Adjust the conversation based on your specific situation. Most of the time it will be natural to start the FARM conversation with the first topic and move through in order. However, sometimes it may be better to begin with one of the other topics.
Be bold. Take the initiative and inform people of your mission. Don't wait for them to ask what you do. Take the initiative. For example, "I like to help Christians make disciples. Do you know the joy and hope that comes from following Christ?" Then follow up with the four step approach. (see above) Acts 4:29-31
Be topical. Ask people if they are: complacent (don't want to know more about Jesus), curious (want to know more about Jesus), convinced (know about Jesus but want to grow in their faith), committed (want to be trained to help others know about Jesus). Each of these determine next steps.
Be mission minded. The FARM conversation is especially suited for those you don't presently know. The real harvest is among unknown relationships. People we encounter every day who might be willing to engage in conversation, ready to hear about the Bible, and want to share it with others. 2 Timothy 2:4
Be inquisitive. There is no limit to the number of questions you can ask. Ask follow-up questions. Enjoy the dialogue. Get to know the person with whom you're conversing. Learn, understand, and discover. Have fun. If there is one thing most people are comfortable talking about, it is themselves.
Be available. If the person you are talking with doesn't want to answer spiritual questions, but is someone with whom you have more time, you might ask if they have any spiritual questions for you. You'll be surprised how many people have unanswered spiritual questions. Remember, the teacher is the Holy Spirit. Tell people what you know about their question, but point them to Scripture for ultimate answers.
Be a team player. If they don't want to know more and are someone you're not likely to see again, thank them for the chance to get to know them. People need several different exposures to the Jesus Christ before they respond. Play your role in graciously releasing them for their next encounter.
Be prayerful and loving. If they don't want to know more, but you will encounter them again (work, home, school, etc.), then your continuing ministry is prayer and acts of love. People are responsive to those who express genuine interest and demonstrate practical care. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Don't be surprised if they soften towards God at some point by accepting the invitation to learn more about God, from you or another, in the future.
Be other centered. While it is good to share common interests, do so in a limited fashion. Remember, this is about the person with whom you are speaking, not you.
Be progressive. The entire conversation can take several minutes, weeks, or even months, depending on the situation. The key is advancing the conversation each time you encounter the same person.
Be story centered. Think their story, my story, God's story. Listen to people's story. Share common experiences. Tell how God became the hero of your story. Psalm 107:1-38
Be personable. Share your testimony in a 15 second version. It goes like this, "There was a time in my life when I was ____________ and ____________. (State two words or terms that defined your life without Christ) Then I let God forgive my sins through Jesus Christ. And I committed to following Him. Now my life is ______________ and ______________. (State two words or terms that define your life with Christ) Do you have a story like this?" Acts 4:20 Even, if they can't relate, ask them what is true for them.
Be flexible. Adjust the conversation based on your specific situation. Most of the time it will be natural to start the FARM conversation with the first topic and move through in order. However, sometimes it may be better to begin with one of the other topics.
Be bold. Take the initiative and inform people of your mission. Don't wait for them to ask what you do. Take the initiative. For example, "I like to help Christians make disciples. Do you know the joy and hope that comes from following Christ?" Then follow up with the four step approach. (see above) Acts 4:29-31
Be topical. Ask people if they are: complacent (don't want to know more about Jesus), curious (want to know more about Jesus), convinced (know about Jesus but want to grow in their faith), committed (want to be trained to help others know about Jesus). Each of these determine next steps.
Be mission minded. The FARM conversation is especially suited for those you don't presently know. The real harvest is among unknown relationships. People we encounter every day who might be willing to engage in conversation, ready to hear about the Bible, and want to share it with others. 2 Timothy 2:4
Be inquisitive. There is no limit to the number of questions you can ask. Ask follow-up questions. Enjoy the dialogue. Get to know the person with whom you're conversing. Learn, understand, and discover. Have fun. If there is one thing most people are comfortable talking about, it is themselves.
Be available. If the person you are talking with doesn't want to answer spiritual questions, but is someone with whom you have more time, you might ask if they have any spiritual questions for you. You'll be surprised how many people have unanswered spiritual questions. Remember, the teacher is the Holy Spirit. Tell people what you know about their question, but point them to Scripture for ultimate answers.
Be a team player. If they don't want to know more and are someone you're not likely to see again, thank them for the chance to get to know them. People need several different exposures to the Jesus Christ before they respond. Play your role in graciously releasing them for their next encounter.
Be prayerful and loving. If they don't want to know more, but you will encounter them again (work, home, school, etc.), then your continuing ministry is prayer and acts of love. People are responsive to those who express genuine interest and demonstrate practical care. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Don't be surprised if they soften towards God at some point by accepting the invitation to learn more about God, from you or another, in the future.
Be other centered. While it is good to share common interests, do so in a limited fashion. Remember, this is about the person with whom you are speaking, not you.
Be progressive. The entire conversation can take several minutes, weeks, or even months, depending on the situation. The key is advancing the conversation each time you encounter the same person.
Resources
- Learn Discovery Bible Study
- Read DBS Facilitator Notes
- View DBS Story Sets
- Read from the DMM library
- Watch Discovery Bible Study (3:00)
- Watch Discovery Bible Study Overview (7:58)
- Know the Tools