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.
Any questions that have to do with family. For instance, "Do you have a family?" or "Are you from around here?"
A = Academics.
Any questions that have to do with school. For instance, "What are you studying?" or "What is your major?" For non students the A becomes an O and stands for Occupation. For instance, "What kind of work do you do?" or "What do you do for a living?"
R = Recreation.
Any questions that have to do with spare time activities. For instance, "Do you have any hobbies or special interests?" or "What do you like to do in your spare time?"
Any questions that have to do with family. For instance, "Do you have a family?" or "Are you from around here?"
A = Academics.
Any questions that have to do with school. For instance, "What are you studying?" or "What is your major?" For non students the A becomes an O and stands for Occupation. For instance, "What kind of work do you do?" or "What do you do for a living?"
R = Recreation.
Any questions that have to do with spare time activities. For instance, "Do you have any hobbies or special interests?" or "What do you like to do in your spare time?"
M = Message
This involves asking spiritual questions. People are usually receptive if the conversation is friendly and enjoyable. Ask questions that help you discover if you are conversing with is a person of peace. A person who has a holy, healthy discontent about their life. Someone who wants to tell others what they have learned about God.
Here are some helpful suggestions. Keep in mind, these are options, not an exhaustive or sequential list. Sometimes it's a good idea to have a specific question ready to ask. Choose the one that works best for you. Revelation 2:7
Ask about their spiritual background. For instance, "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.
Ask how Jesus fits into their life journey. For instance, "How does Jesus fit into your spiritual (or life) journey?" The answer to this question often reveals if the person is a believer or an unbeliever. It also discloses their attitude towards Jesus Christ; unaware, indifferent, unfavorable, or favorable. This can help determine where the conversation needs to go from there. Colossians 4:5-6
Ask if they are hungry. Learn if they want to discover how to experience love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose. Find out if they want to know more. Inquire if they want to know more about God.
Ask about their level of spiritual interest. Inquire which words best describe their present spiritual interest: complacent, curious, convinced, or committed. The Complacent don't want to know more about Jesus. The Curious want to know more about Jesus. The Convinced know Jesus and want to grow in their faith. The Committed know Jesus and want to help others grow in their faith. The starting point for the last three is the same. Show them DBS and help them form, facilitate, and coach a Discovery Group.
Ask if you can pray for them. Then ask if you can share a story from the DBS Story Set and find out if they want to share it with others. If they are responsive, text them the story (along with the two questions) and plan to follow up. Start to meet regularly to continue the disciple making process by teaching them about DBS, and how to form, facilitate, and coach a Discovery Group.
Ask if they sense God drawing them to Himself. John 6:44-45 This is how God works in everyone he calls to himself. For instance, "Do you an interest in discovering more about God?"
Ask if they want to know how to make disciples who make disciples. Sometimes, it's best to approach things slowly. Sometimes it's best to be direct and get to the point. For instance, "I'm looking for people who want to learn how to make disciples who make disciples and I'm wondering if you are that person?"
This involves asking spiritual questions. People are usually receptive if the conversation is friendly and enjoyable. Ask questions that help you discover if you are conversing with is a person of peace. A person who has a holy, healthy discontent about their life. Someone who wants to tell others what they have learned about God.
Here are some helpful suggestions. Keep in mind, these are options, not an exhaustive or sequential list. Sometimes it's a good idea to have a specific question ready to ask. Choose the one that works best for you. Revelation 2:7
Ask about their spiritual background. For instance, "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.
Ask how Jesus fits into their life journey. For instance, "How does Jesus fit into your spiritual (or life) journey?" The answer to this question often reveals if the person is a believer or an unbeliever. It also discloses their attitude towards Jesus Christ; unaware, indifferent, unfavorable, or favorable. This can help determine where the conversation needs to go from there. Colossians 4:5-6
Ask if they are hungry. Learn if they want to discover how to experience love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose. Find out if they want to know more. Inquire if they want to know more about God.
Ask about their level of spiritual interest. Inquire which words best describe their present spiritual interest: complacent, curious, convinced, or committed. The Complacent don't want to know more about Jesus. The Curious want to know more about Jesus. The Convinced know Jesus and want to grow in their faith. The Committed know Jesus and want to help others grow in their faith. The starting point for the last three is the same. Show them DBS and help them form, facilitate, and coach a Discovery Group.
Ask if you can pray for them. Then ask if you can share a story from the DBS Story Set and find out if they want to share it with others. If they are responsive, text them the story (along with the two questions) and plan to follow up. Start to meet regularly to continue the disciple making process by teaching them about DBS, and how to form, facilitate, and coach a Discovery Group.
Ask if they sense God drawing them to Himself. John 6:44-45 This is how God works in everyone he calls to himself. For instance, "Do you an interest in discovering more about God?"
Ask if they want to know how to make disciples who make disciples. Sometimes, it's best to approach things slowly. Sometimes it's best to be direct and get to the point. For instance, "I'm looking for people who want to learn how to make disciples who make disciples and I'm wondering if you are that person?"
more information
Be Spirit-led. Letting the Holy Spirit guide the conversation is the best strategy. Revelation 2:7
Be ready. Have a Bible story from the DBS Story Sets prepared to share.
Be Bible-centered. Try to get as many people to Discovery Bible Study (DBS) as quickly as possible, in the timing and power of the Holy Spirit. The goal is to bring people into a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ through the Spirit of God by studying the word of God.
Be prepared. Be ready to answer the "What do you do?" question. It's common during conversation for people to ask what we do. As followers of Jesus Christ, we can respond by saying, "I show people how to experience the joy and hope (or any two words that come to mind) that comes from trusting Jesus." This leads to three follow-up questions.
Be sensitive. Listen for pain points—difficult circumstances. Listen for words 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 stories. 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. Base the conversation on the specific situation. Most of the time, it will be natural to start the FARM conversation from the beginning and move through in order. However, sometimes it may make better sense, to begin with one of the other topics.
Be persistent. The more you engage people in spiritual conversations, the more effective you will become. Use your experience, vocabulary, and temperament to develop a fruitful disciple-making approach.
Be complete. Love, joy, and hope await those who believe in Jesus. Wrath, judgment, and hell are upon those who reject Him. John 3:36 Part of discovering persons of peace is "shaking the dust from your feet." Be ready to inform people of the consequence of rejecting Jesus. Luke 9:5
Be topical. Ask people if they are complacent (they don't want to know more about Jesus), curious (they want to know more about Jesus), convinced (they know about Jesus but want to grow in their faith), or committed (they want training to help others know about Jesus). Each of these determines the next steps.
Be mission-minded. The FARM conversation is especially suited for those you don't presently know. The actual 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. John 4:35
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. Most people need several different exposures to Jesus Christ before they respond. Play your role in graciously releasing them for their subsequent encounter.
Be patient. If they don't want to know more, but you will reencounter them (work, home, school, etc.), your continuing ministry is faithful 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 and accept an invitation to learn more about God, from you or another, in the future.
Be other-centered. While sharing common interests and experiences is good, do so in a limited fashion. Remember, this is about the person you speak with, 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 person.
Be winsome. Share about the hope, joy, love, peace, power, and purpose Jesus Christ brings to life. Describe Jesus for who he is, forgiving, healing, and eternal. Explain how he resolves chaos, conquers sin, and gives meaning to life. Please encourage them to begin the journey of trusting him and serving him by studying Scripture.
Be ready. Have a Bible story from the DBS Story Sets prepared to share.
Be Bible-centered. Try to get as many people to Discovery Bible Study (DBS) as quickly as possible, in the timing and power of the Holy Spirit. The goal is to bring people into a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ through the Spirit of God by studying the word of God.
Be prepared. Be ready to answer the "What do you do?" question. It's common during conversation for people to ask what we do. As followers of Jesus Christ, we can respond by saying, "I show people how to experience the joy and hope (or any two words that come to mind) that comes from trusting Jesus." This leads to three follow-up questions.
- Question #1: "Do you know the joy and hope that come from trusting in Jesus?" If they say yes, move to the next question. If they say no, say, "It can begin by hearing an encouraging story from the Bible. May I share one with you?" If they say yes, share a story from the DBS story set and ask what it says about God and man. Then ask, "Do you know others who want to hear this story from you?" If they say yes, text them the story and begin to disciple them. Use the DMM Sails as a guide.
- Question #2: "Do you know how to make disciples that make disciples?" If they say yes, ask how they do it. If they say no, move to the next question.
- Question #3: "Do you want to learn how?" If they say no, thank them for their time. If they say yes, say, "It begins by hearing a Bible story. May I share one with you?" Then share a story, and ask if they know someone who might like to hear the story from them. If they say yes, text them the story and begin to disciple them. Use the DMM Sails as a guide. Notice the starting point is the same for everyone who says yes, regardless of belief.
Be sensitive. Listen for pain points—difficult circumstances. Listen for words 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 stories. 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. Base the conversation on the specific situation. Most of the time, it will be natural to start the FARM conversation from the beginning and move through in order. However, sometimes it may make better sense, to begin with one of the other topics.
Be persistent. The more you engage people in spiritual conversations, the more effective you will become. Use your experience, vocabulary, and temperament to develop a fruitful disciple-making approach.
Be complete. Love, joy, and hope await those who believe in Jesus. Wrath, judgment, and hell are upon those who reject Him. John 3:36 Part of discovering persons of peace is "shaking the dust from your feet." Be ready to inform people of the consequence of rejecting Jesus. Luke 9:5
Be topical. Ask people if they are complacent (they don't want to know more about Jesus), curious (they want to know more about Jesus), convinced (they know about Jesus but want to grow in their faith), or committed (they want training to help others know about Jesus). Each of these determines the next steps.
Be mission-minded. The FARM conversation is especially suited for those you don't presently know. The actual 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. John 4:35
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. Most people need several different exposures to Jesus Christ before they respond. Play your role in graciously releasing them for their subsequent encounter.
Be patient. If they don't want to know more, but you will reencounter them (work, home, school, etc.), your continuing ministry is faithful 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 and accept an invitation to learn more about God, from you or another, in the future.
Be other-centered. While sharing common interests and experiences is good, do so in a limited fashion. Remember, this is about the person you speak with, 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 person.
Be winsome. Share about the hope, joy, love, peace, power, and purpose Jesus Christ brings to life. Describe Jesus for who he is, forgiving, healing, and eternal. Explain how he resolves chaos, conquers sin, and gives meaning to life. Please encourage them to begin the journey of trusting him and serving him by studying Scripture.
Resources
- View DMM Resources