The Spiritual Conversation
(Also called the FORM or FARM conversation)
The Spiritual Conversation is a simple, effective and enjoyable way to share the gospel. It reveals a person's openness to conversation, and ultimately, if they are interested in reading the Bible.
The Spiritual Conversation is question driven. There is no limit to the number you may ask. Feel free to ask follow-up questions. Enjoy the experience. Get to know the person with whom you're conversing. Learn, understand, and discover. Depending on the situation, the entire conversation may take place in minutes, weeks, or months.
While it is good to share common interests, do so in a limited fashion. Remember, this is about the other person, not you. The goal is to engage in conversation, inform about Jesus, and invite them to read the Bible. The conversation has four parts. Together they spell the word FORM.
The Spiritual Conversation is question driven. There is no limit to the number you may ask. Feel free to ask follow-up questions. Enjoy the experience. Get to know the person with whom you're conversing. Learn, understand, and discover. Depending on the situation, the entire conversation may take place in minutes, weeks, or months.
While it is good to share common interests, do so in a limited fashion. Remember, this is about the other person, not you. The goal is to engage in conversation, inform about Jesus, and invite them to read the Bible. The conversation has four parts. Together they spell the word FORM.
F = Family
This step involves asking questions having to do with a living situation or children—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 or children—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. If the discussion has been friendly and enjoyable, people are receptive to this transition. It's important to remember at the outset that the goal of the Spiritual Conversation is to invite the person to read the Bible with you.
There are two basic options. The first is the informal approach. It’s less scripted and includes a more personalized invitation. The second is a more formal approach. It's more scripted and consists of a built-in invitation.
The informal approach focuses on asking about a person’s spiritual background. For instance, "I have enjoyed learning about your personal background. I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" Listen for words or phrases that provide a transition to inviting them to read the Bible with you. If you don't hear any, ask follow up questions or consider moving to the formal approach.
The formal approach asks outright for permission to talk about spiritual matters. For instance, “May I ask you a spiritual question?” If the person agrees, then slowly recite John 3:16, make three summary statements (see below), and issue an invitation. That's the question. See sample below.
This is where the conversation becomes spiritual. If the discussion has been friendly and enjoyable, people are receptive to this transition. It's important to remember at the outset that the goal of the Spiritual Conversation is to invite the person to read the Bible with you.
There are two basic options. The first is the informal approach. It’s less scripted and includes a more personalized invitation. The second is a more formal approach. It's more scripted and consists of a built-in invitation.
The informal approach focuses on asking about a person’s spiritual background. For instance, "I have enjoyed learning about your personal background. I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" Listen for words or phrases that provide a transition to inviting them to read the Bible with you. If you don't hear any, ask follow up questions or consider moving to the formal approach.
The formal approach asks outright for permission to talk about spiritual matters. For instance, “May I ask you a spiritual question?” If the person agrees, then slowly recite John 3:16, make three summary statements (see below), and issue an invitation. That's the question. See sample below.
The Bible says God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. This means God loves you, He sacrificed His Son for you, and He invites you to experience a life of love, hope, joy, peace, power, and purpose. Would you like to know more?" |
If the person says yes, immediately show them how to do a One Thing Study. If they say no and are still interested in talking, consider asking a more open-ended question. For example, "Do you have any questions?" It seems so simple, but this question has produced incredible dialogue. Often people have unanswered spiritual questions.
You can do this, you will love this, because you were made for this.