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After building rapport, gently steer the conversation towards spiritual topics. If the dialogue has gone well, this transition will feel natural. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in shifting the conversation spiritually (Luke 12:12). Compassionately explore pain points by gently asking probing questions. Regardless of the approach, always end with an invitation to discover more about God. Use a phrase like, "Would you like to know more?" to conclude every interaction, whether it lasts six minutes or six months. Consider some of the options below (they are not sequential). By using these suggestions, you can naturally invite them to discover God through a DBS, in a way that is authentic and compassionate.
Explore Their Spiritual Background: "It's been great learning about your background. Can you tell me about your spiritual journey?" or "Do you have a faith story? If so, what is it?" Inquire About Their Experience with Jesus: "Does Jesus play a role in your life? If so, how?" or "Is Jesus part of your faith story? How does He influence it?" Offer Prayer and Share an Encouraging Bible Story: "As a follower of Jesus, I like to encourage people by praying for them. Can I pray for you?" If they agree, ask, "What is the most important thing you need prayer for right now?" Before praying, offer to share an encouraging Bible story from memory using the DBS Story Sets. After sharing, ask, "Is there any part of this story that you relate to?" or "What does this story teach us about God and people?" Gently explore pain points with more questions. Shape your prayers based on their responses. After praying, ask if they would like to discover more about God. If interested, conduct a DBS with them on the spot or within 24-48 hours. Share Your 15-Second Testimony: Think of two words that describe your life before Jesus and two words that describe your life after meeting Him. Share as follows: "There was a time in my life when I was (insecure) and (angry). Then I met Jesus, put my trust in Him, and made Him number one in my life. Now I am (secure) and (full of joy). Do you have a story like this?" Respond to Their Curiosity: When asked about your occupation, share your missional identity: "I help people discover the joy and hope of a relationship with Jesus Christ." Follow up with questions like, "Do you know the joy and hope that comes from following Jesus?" If they are a believer, ask, "I help followers of Christ make disciples who make disciples. Do you know how to make disciples who make disciples?" Always conclude with, "Would you like to know more?" Next Steps: If they are interested, decide whether a gradual or comprehensive approach suits best. A gradual approach would include guiding them through storytelling using DBS Story Sets, teaching them about DBS, and coaching them to facilitate a Discovery Group. A comprehensive approach would utilize resources like Launch to equip them for various stages of disciple-making. Using the FARM approach, you can engage people naturally and respectfully, creating opportunities for meaningful spiritual discussions and productive disciple-making. |
This is where the conversation shifts to spiritual discussion. If the dialogue has been friendly and engaging, this will feel natural. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance (Luke 12:12). Compassionately explore pain points with probing questions. Always try to end the entire conversation with an invitation to know more. You never know how people will respond until you ask. Some conversations can take place in six minutes, some can take six months. If helpful, think: Their Story, Your Story, God's Story.
Explore their story: "It's been fun to get to know you on a personal level, I like to get to know people on a spiritual level, Does Jesus play a role in your life? If so, how?" Or, "What is your spiritual background?" Share your story: Tell of any common ground experiences you have. Also, consider sharing your 15-Second Testimony: Think of two words that describe your life before Jesus and two words that describe your life after meeting Him. Share as follows: "There was a time in my life when I was (insecure) and (angry). Then I met Jesus, put my trust in Him, and made Him number one in my life. Now I am (secure) and (full of joy). Do you have a story like this?" Also, be ready to respond to their curiosity: When asked about your occupation, share your missional identity: "I help people discover the joy and hope of a relationship with Jesus Christ." Follow up with questions like, "Do you know the joy and hope that comes from following Jesus?" If they are a believer, ask, "I help followers of Christ make disciples who make disciples. Do you know how to make disciples who make disciples?" Always conclude with, "Would you like to know more?" Invite them into God's story: "I've been learning a lot from the Bible recently. Would you be interested in discovering more about God by doing that same?" Next Steps: If they are interested, decide if the best approach is to teach them one step or take them through an all in one resource like Launch. The one step at a time consist of encouraging them to tell stories from DBS Story Sets, then teach them DBS, then coach them as they form and facilitate their own Discovery Group. |
Explore their story: "It's been fun to get to know you on a personal level, I like to get to know people on a spiritual level, Does Jesus play a role in your life? If so, how?"
Share your story: Share Your 15-Second Testimony: Think of two words that describe your life before Jesus and two words that describe your life after meeting Him. Share as follows: "There was a time in my life when I was (insecure) and (angry). Then I met Jesus, put my trust in Him, and made Him number one in my life. Now I am (secure) and (full of joy). Do you have a story like this?" Invite them into God's story: "I've been learning a lot from the Bible recently. Would you be interested in discovering more about God by doing that same?" If they respond positively, begin the disciple making journey by teaching them about Student DBS, then coaching them as they start their own group. |
1. **Share Your Experience:**
- "I've been learning a lot from studying the Bible recently. Would you be interested in discovering more about God through a Student Discovery Bible Study?"
2. **Ask a Thought-Provoking Question:**
- "Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about life and purpose? We have a group that explores these questions together. Would you like to join us?"
3. **Express Genuine Interest:**
- "You mentioned you're looking for more meaning in life. I think a Student DBS could really help with that. Would you like to check it out?"
4. **Connect to Their Life:**
- "I know you're going through a tough time. Sometimes, talking about spiritual things can bring comfort and clarity. Would you be open to exploring this in a group setting?"
5. **Explore Pain Points Compassionately:**
- "You mentioned feeling overwhelmed lately. How are you coping? Sometimes, discussing spiritual perspectives can provide support and insight. Would you be interested in learning more through a Student DBS?"
- "I've been learning a lot from studying the Bible recently. Would you be interested in discovering more about God through a Student Discovery Bible Study?"
2. **Ask a Thought-Provoking Question:**
- "Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about life and purpose? We have a group that explores these questions together. Would you like to join us?"
3. **Express Genuine Interest:**
- "You mentioned you're looking for more meaning in life. I think a Student DBS could really help with that. Would you like to check it out?"
4. **Connect to Their Life:**
- "I know you're going through a tough time. Sometimes, talking about spiritual things can bring comfort and clarity. Would you be open to exploring this in a group setting?"
5. **Explore Pain Points Compassionately:**
- "You mentioned feeling overwhelmed lately. How are you coping? Sometimes, discussing spiritual perspectives can provide support and insight. Would you be interested in learning more through a Student DBS?"
The FARM conversation is a great way to engage people in everyday situations. FARM stands for Family, Academics, Recreation, and Message. By starting conversations around these topics, you can naturally gauge whether the person you're talking to is open to deeper conversation, interested in spiritual matters, and eager to learn more. Ask follow up questions. Build a friendship and enjoy the process. Compassionately explore pain points by asking further questions to consider their openness to spiritual discussions.
Here's how to guide these conversations:
F = Family:
Ask about their family origins. Questions like "Can you tell me about your family?" or "Are you from around here?" can help start a meaningful dialogue.
A = Academics:
If they are a student, inquire about their studies or major. Questions like "What are you studying?" can show genuine interest. For non-students, switch the A to an O for Occupation. Ask about their job with questions like "What do you do for a living?"
R = Recreation:
Discuss their hobbies or interests. Questions like "Do you have any hobbies?" or "What do you like to do in your free time?" can reveal shared interests and create a more relaxed conversation.
M = Message:
After building rapport through the first three topics, you can gently steer the conversation towards spiritual matters. This transiton will seem natural if the dialogue has gone well. Consider some of the options below (they are not sequential).
Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance:
Explore their spirituality: "It's been fun getting to know your personally background, I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" Or "What is your faith journey, and does it include Jesus?"
Share Your Experience: "I've been learning a lot from studying the Bible recently. Would you be interested in discovering more about God through a Student Discovery Bible Study?"
Ask a Thought-Provoking Question: "Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about life and purpose? We have a group that explores these questions together. Would you like to join us?"
Express Genuine Interest: "You mentioned you're looking for more meaning in life. I think a Student DBS could really help with that. Would you like to check it out?"
Connect to Their Life: "I know you're going through a tough time. Sometimes, talking about spiritual things can bring comfort and clarity. Would you be open to exploring this in a group setting?"
Explore Pain Points Compassionately: "You mentioned a difficulty, how are you coping? Sometimes, discussing spiritual perspectives can provide support and insight. Would you be interested in learning more through a Student DBS?"
By using these suggestions, you can invite them to discover God through a Student DBS in a way that feels natural and compassionate.
Explore Their Spiritual Background: Say, "It's been fun learning about your personal background. Could you tell me about your spiritual background?" or "Do you have a faith story? If so, what is it?"
Inquire About Their Experience with Jesus: Ask, "Does Jesus play a role in your life, and if so, how?" or "Is Jesus part of your faith story, and if yes, how does He influence it?"
Offer Prayer and Share an Encouraging Bible Story: Say, "As a follower of Jesus, I like to encourage the people I meet by praying for them. May I pray for you?" If they agree, ask, "What is the most important thing you need prayer for in your life right now?" Gently explore pain points with further questions. Before you pray, offer to share an encouraging story from the Bible using the DBS Story Sets. Ask, "Is there any part of this story that you can relate to?" or "What does this story teach us about God and people?" Let what they shared about prayer and the story shape your prayers. After praying, follow up by asking if they would like to discover more about God. If they are interested, conduct a DBS with them on the spot or within 24-48 hours.
Share Your 15-Second Testimony: Think of two words that describe your life before Jesus and two words that describe your life after meeting Him. Share as follows: "There was a time in my life when I was (insecure) and (angry). Then I met Jesus, put my trust in Him, and made Him number one in my life. Now I am (secure) and (full of joy). Do you have a story like this?"
Respond to Their Curiosity: When asked about your occupation, share your missional identity: "I help people discover the joy and hope of a relationship with Jesus Christ." Follow up with questions such as, "Do you know the joy and hope that comes from following Jesus?" If they are a believer, ask, "I help followers of Christ make disciples who make disciples. Do you know how to make disciples who make disciples?" Always conclude with, "Would you like to know more?"
Next Steps: If they are interested, the journey of disciple-making begins. Decide whether a gradual or comprehensive approach suits best. Gradually guide them through storytelling using DBS Story Sets, teach them about DBS, and coach them to facilitate a Discovery Group. Alternatively, use comprehensive resources like Launch to equip them for various stages of disciple-making.
By using the FARM conversation, you can engage people naturally and respectfully, creating opportunities for meaningful spiritual discussions and productive disciple-making.
Here's how to guide these conversations:
F = Family:
Ask about their family origins. Questions like "Can you tell me about your family?" or "Are you from around here?" can help start a meaningful dialogue.
A = Academics:
If they are a student, inquire about their studies or major. Questions like "What are you studying?" can show genuine interest. For non-students, switch the A to an O for Occupation. Ask about their job with questions like "What do you do for a living?"
R = Recreation:
Discuss their hobbies or interests. Questions like "Do you have any hobbies?" or "What do you like to do in your free time?" can reveal shared interests and create a more relaxed conversation.
M = Message:
After building rapport through the first three topics, you can gently steer the conversation towards spiritual matters. This transiton will seem natural if the dialogue has gone well. Consider some of the options below (they are not sequential).
Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance:
Explore their spirituality: "It's been fun getting to know your personally background, I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" Or "What is your faith journey, and does it include Jesus?"
Share Your Experience: "I've been learning a lot from studying the Bible recently. Would you be interested in discovering more about God through a Student Discovery Bible Study?"
Ask a Thought-Provoking Question: "Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about life and purpose? We have a group that explores these questions together. Would you like to join us?"
Express Genuine Interest: "You mentioned you're looking for more meaning in life. I think a Student DBS could really help with that. Would you like to check it out?"
Connect to Their Life: "I know you're going through a tough time. Sometimes, talking about spiritual things can bring comfort and clarity. Would you be open to exploring this in a group setting?"
Explore Pain Points Compassionately: "You mentioned a difficulty, how are you coping? Sometimes, discussing spiritual perspectives can provide support and insight. Would you be interested in learning more through a Student DBS?"
By using these suggestions, you can invite them to discover God through a Student DBS in a way that feels natural and compassionate.
Explore Their Spiritual Background: Say, "It's been fun learning about your personal background. Could you tell me about your spiritual background?" or "Do you have a faith story? If so, what is it?"
Inquire About Their Experience with Jesus: Ask, "Does Jesus play a role in your life, and if so, how?" or "Is Jesus part of your faith story, and if yes, how does He influence it?"
Offer Prayer and Share an Encouraging Bible Story: Say, "As a follower of Jesus, I like to encourage the people I meet by praying for them. May I pray for you?" If they agree, ask, "What is the most important thing you need prayer for in your life right now?" Gently explore pain points with further questions. Before you pray, offer to share an encouraging story from the Bible using the DBS Story Sets. Ask, "Is there any part of this story that you can relate to?" or "What does this story teach us about God and people?" Let what they shared about prayer and the story shape your prayers. After praying, follow up by asking if they would like to discover more about God. If they are interested, conduct a DBS with them on the spot or within 24-48 hours.
Share Your 15-Second Testimony: Think of two words that describe your life before Jesus and two words that describe your life after meeting Him. Share as follows: "There was a time in my life when I was (insecure) and (angry). Then I met Jesus, put my trust in Him, and made Him number one in my life. Now I am (secure) and (full of joy). Do you have a story like this?"
Respond to Their Curiosity: When asked about your occupation, share your missional identity: "I help people discover the joy and hope of a relationship with Jesus Christ." Follow up with questions such as, "Do you know the joy and hope that comes from following Jesus?" If they are a believer, ask, "I help followers of Christ make disciples who make disciples. Do you know how to make disciples who make disciples?" Always conclude with, "Would you like to know more?"
Next Steps: If they are interested, the journey of disciple-making begins. Decide whether a gradual or comprehensive approach suits best. Gradually guide them through storytelling using DBS Story Sets, teach them about DBS, and coach them to facilitate a Discovery Group. Alternatively, use comprehensive resources like Launch to equip them for various stages of disciple-making.
By using the FARM conversation, you can engage people naturally and respectfully, creating opportunities for meaningful spiritual discussions and productive disciple-making.
FARM CONVERSATION NOTES
Be strategic. Consider the four step approach outline : 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 with 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 following 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 form a Discovery Group. This involves meeting to explain the Discovery Bible Study (DBS). Continue to coach them to facilitate their group multiplies by starting other groups.
You can do this, you will love this, because you are made for this.