The Spiritual Conversation is a great way to talk to people about the Bible. It's an easy, fun, and effective strategy that can be used with anyone, anywhere, at any time. It's a great way to find people willing to converse, interested in spiritual matters, and eager to know more about the Bible. It consists of engaging people in conversation, informing them of the blessings of reading the Bible, and inviting them to know more.
The Spiritual Conversation has Four Parts
Together they spell the word F.O.R.M.
Together they spell the word F.O.R.M.
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?”
O = Occupation
This step involves asking questions having to do with work—for example, “What do you do for a living?”
For students, the O becomes A (which stands for academics), and it becomes the FARM conversation—for example, “What are you studying?” or “What are your academic interests?”
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?”
O = Occupation
This step involves asking questions having to do with work—for example, “What do you do for a living?”
For students, the O becomes A (which stands for academics), and it becomes the FARM conversation—for example, “What are you studying?” or “What are your academic interests?”
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 conversation becomes spiritual. Contrary to popular belief, if the conversation has been enjoyable and engaging to this point, people are usually receptive to this transition. The goal is to inform people about the blessings of reading the Bible and inviting them to know more. Be ready to share the two or three words the describe what you experience when you read the Bible, and ask, "Do you want to know more?" The spiritual conversation is not complete without an invitation.
Generally speaking, there are two types of questions; those that focus on the past, and the present. The past consists of asking about a person's spiritual background. For instance, "It's been fun to get to know your personal background, I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" The key is to listen for ways to inform people about the blessings of reading the Bible and inviting them to know more.
This is where the conversation becomes spiritual. Contrary to popular belief, if the conversation has been enjoyable and engaging to this point, people are usually receptive to this transition. The goal is to inform people about the blessings of reading the Bible and inviting them to know more. Be ready to share the two or three words the describe what you experience when you read the Bible, and ask, "Do you want to know more?" The spiritual conversation is not complete without an invitation.
Generally speaking, there are two types of questions; those that focus on the past, and the present. The past consists of asking about a person's spiritual background. For instance, "It's been fun to get to know your personal background, I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" The key is to listen for ways to inform people about the blessings of reading the Bible and inviting them to know more.
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The present asks about a person's current spiritual status. For instance, "How would you describe your present relationship with God?" God has placed the idea of himself in every human heart. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) He is actively drawing people to himself through various events and circumstances in life. Our job is to find those who are turning to Him and help them in their journey. (Acts 15:19) We do this by sharing what the Bible does for us and inviting them to know more.
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If the fruit is ripe, you don't have to pull hard. — Rick Warren |
Next Steps for the Spiritual Conversation
If the person says yes, immediately show them how to do a One Thing Study. This applies to everyone regardless of their spiritual beliefs. Use an online Bible if you don't have a physical Bible. If everything goes well, schedule a next meeting. View Teach for next steps for future meetings.
If the person says no, but is still willing to converse, ask a more open-ended question. For example, "Do you have a question for me?" or "Do you have any unanswered questions about God?" These are simple questions, but often result in great further dialogue. Many people have unanswered spiritual questions. You may even end up re-inviting them to read the Bible after discussing their questions.
If the person says no, and is not someone you're likely to encounter again, thank them for their time, and let them know you appreciated getting to know them. People need several encounters with the gospel before making a lasting decision. Be content to be part of the process. How well people are released by us determines how open they will be to future gospel conversations with others. (John 4:37)
If the person says no, and is someone you interact with on a regular basis, then prayer and love is your ongoing ministry. We don't need permission to love and pray for people. Don't be surprised if at some point in the future that person indicates an openness to the gospel.
If the person says no, but is still willing to converse, ask a more open-ended question. For example, "Do you have a question for me?" or "Do you have any unanswered questions about God?" These are simple questions, but often result in great further dialogue. Many people have unanswered spiritual questions. You may even end up re-inviting them to read the Bible after discussing their questions.
If the person says no, and is not someone you're likely to encounter again, thank them for their time, and let them know you appreciated getting to know them. People need several encounters with the gospel before making a lasting decision. Be content to be part of the process. How well people are released by us determines how open they will be to future gospel conversations with others. (John 4:37)
If the person says no, and is someone you interact with on a regular basis, then prayer and love is your ongoing ministry. We don't need permission to love and pray for people. Don't be surprised if at some point in the future that person indicates an openness to the gospel.
Helpful Information for the Spiritual Conversation
The Spiritual Conversation often creates natural opportunities talk about the blessings of reading the Bible. Casual, friendly conversation can uncover easy transitions into conversation about the Bible. Listen for a word or phrase that serves as a natural bridge to informing people about the Bible, and inviting them to know more. The more purposeful you are about conversation, the more you will notice the chances to dialogue about the Bible.
The Spiritual Conversation often creates the opportunity to share about yourself. It is common for the person you are speaking with to inquire about you. Often, the will ask what you do for a living. When this occurs, it is the chance to either share your vocation AND your mission. Those are two different things for a Christian. What we do is not who we are. Our vocation is how we provide for ourselves and family. Our mission is what we do. It is to make disciples of all nations. This begins by telling people about the blessings of reading the Bible and inviting them to know more. So, depending on how you choose to answer this you might say, "My vocation is.... But my mission is to tell people about the joy and hope that comes from reading the Bible. Is that something you would like to know more about?"
The Spiritual Conversation is based on sharing your experience of reading the Bible. Be ready to share a few words or short phrases. People are more receptive to an invitation when it comes from someone who tells about a personal experience. What two or three words describe what you experience when you read the Bible?
The Spiritual Conversation works with anyone, anywhere at any time. It occurs as you run errands, go to appointments, or attend meetings. It happens at unscheduled times, unplanned encounters, and unexpected situations. The people, places and circumstances where it takes place, are endless.
The Spiritual Conversation is especially suited for those you don't presently know. The real harvest is among unknown relationships. People we encounter every day who are willing to engage in conversation, ready to hear about the life Jesus offers, and who will respond to an invitation to know more. They're just waiting for somebody to ask.
The goals of the Spiritual Conversation are to inform people about what you experience when you read the Bible, and to invite them to know more. What words summarize what you experience when you read the Bible? Think of love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose. Be prepared to share them at any point in the conversation. Also, complete the conversation by inviting them to know more.
The Spiritual Conversation is question driven. There is no limit to the number you can ask. Ask follow-up questions. Enjoy the dialogue. Get to know the person with whom you're conversing. Learn, understand, and discover.
The Spiritual Conversation is other focused. While it is good to share common interests, do so in a limited fashion. Remember, this is about the person you are talking with, not you.
The Spiritual Conversation is listening based. Knowing when and where to share biblical truths is the result of listening for a natural place to communicate them.
The Spiritual Conversation is personal. The more you speak in the first person (me, I) about your experience with Scripture, the more appealing your witness will be.
The Spiritual Conversation is flexible. Depending on the situation, the entire conversation can take place in several minutes, or over repeated interactions covering weeks, or even months. The key is advancing the conversation each time you encounter the person.
The Spiritual Conversation is useful for everyone. If the person you are conversing with indicates they are already a follower of Christ, ask if they have been discipled (mentored). Then ask if they would like to be. This has lead to fruitful disciple relationships. Sometimes it's that simple to find a disciple.
The Spiritual Conversation is a guide. It is suggestive, not required. Use the word FORM is it helps guide the conversation, but don't let it restrict a spiritual conversation that doesn't follow the FORM progression. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to modify the dialogue.
The Spiritual Conversation includes the three principles of Tell phase of Local disciple making. They are:
The Spiritual Conversation concludes with an invitation. The goal of the Spiritual Conversation is not just to impart information, it's to invite the person you are talking with, to study the Bible with you. Most of the time, same gender invitations are most appropriate. The Spiritual Conversation is not complete without an invitation.
The Spiritual Conversation is followed by the The One Thing Study. It's an excellent devotional tool that builds momentum and generates natural enthusiasm about the Bible.
The Spiritual Conversation often creates the opportunity to share about yourself. It is common for the person you are speaking with to inquire about you. Often, the will ask what you do for a living. When this occurs, it is the chance to either share your vocation AND your mission. Those are two different things for a Christian. What we do is not who we are. Our vocation is how we provide for ourselves and family. Our mission is what we do. It is to make disciples of all nations. This begins by telling people about the blessings of reading the Bible and inviting them to know more. So, depending on how you choose to answer this you might say, "My vocation is.... But my mission is to tell people about the joy and hope that comes from reading the Bible. Is that something you would like to know more about?"
The Spiritual Conversation is based on sharing your experience of reading the Bible. Be ready to share a few words or short phrases. People are more receptive to an invitation when it comes from someone who tells about a personal experience. What two or three words describe what you experience when you read the Bible?
The Spiritual Conversation works with anyone, anywhere at any time. It occurs as you run errands, go to appointments, or attend meetings. It happens at unscheduled times, unplanned encounters, and unexpected situations. The people, places and circumstances where it takes place, are endless.
The Spiritual Conversation is especially suited for those you don't presently know. The real harvest is among unknown relationships. People we encounter every day who are willing to engage in conversation, ready to hear about the life Jesus offers, and who will respond to an invitation to know more. They're just waiting for somebody to ask.
The goals of the Spiritual Conversation are to inform people about what you experience when you read the Bible, and to invite them to know more. What words summarize what you experience when you read the Bible? Think of love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose. Be prepared to share them at any point in the conversation. Also, complete the conversation by inviting them to know more.
The Spiritual Conversation is question driven. There is no limit to the number you can ask. Ask follow-up questions. Enjoy the dialogue. Get to know the person with whom you're conversing. Learn, understand, and discover.
The Spiritual Conversation is other focused. While it is good to share common interests, do so in a limited fashion. Remember, this is about the person you are talking with, not you.
The Spiritual Conversation is listening based. Knowing when and where to share biblical truths is the result of listening for a natural place to communicate them.
The Spiritual Conversation is personal. The more you speak in the first person (me, I) about your experience with Scripture, the more appealing your witness will be.
The Spiritual Conversation is flexible. Depending on the situation, the entire conversation can take place in several minutes, or over repeated interactions covering weeks, or even months. The key is advancing the conversation each time you encounter the person.
The Spiritual Conversation is useful for everyone. If the person you are conversing with indicates they are already a follower of Christ, ask if they have been discipled (mentored). Then ask if they would like to be. This has lead to fruitful disciple relationships. Sometimes it's that simple to find a disciple.
The Spiritual Conversation is a guide. It is suggestive, not required. Use the word FORM is it helps guide the conversation, but don't let it restrict a spiritual conversation that doesn't follow the FORM progression. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to modify the dialogue.
The Spiritual Conversation includes the three principles of Tell phase of Local disciple making. They are:
- Engage: Begin a conversation.
- Inform: Tell what Jesus has done for you.
- Invite: Ask if they want to read the Bible.
The Spiritual Conversation concludes with an invitation. The goal of the Spiritual Conversation is not just to impart information, it's to invite the person you are talking with, to study the Bible with you. Most of the time, same gender invitations are most appropriate. The Spiritual Conversation is not complete without an invitation.
The Spiritual Conversation is followed by the The One Thing Study. It's an excellent devotional tool that builds momentum and generates natural enthusiasm about the Bible.
You can do this, you will love this, because you are made for this.