The Spiritual Conversation is a great way to talk with people about the Bible. It's a personal, effective, and fun. It works with anyone, anywhere, at any time. It reveals peoples' openness to conversation, interest in spiritual dialogue, and ultimately their desire to know more about the Bible.
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. If the dialogue has been enjoyable people are usually receptive to this topic.
The two guiding principles for Message are Inform and Invite. Inform people of the blessings you experience by reading the Bible. Then invite them to know more. Inform is as simple as sharing two or three words that summarize your experience with Scripture. Take a moment and choose those words now, that way you'll be ready when the situation arises. Words like truth, love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose. These are universal needs that anyone can relate to.
Invite is as simple as saying, "Would like to know more?" An invitation is either stated directly or implied in the gospel. (John 11:25-26) Some would even say a gospel presentation is not complete without an invitation.
This is where the conversation becomes spiritual. If the dialogue has been enjoyable people are usually receptive to this topic.
The two guiding principles for Message are Inform and Invite. Inform people of the blessings you experience by reading the Bible. Then invite them to know more. Inform is as simple as sharing two or three words that summarize your experience with Scripture. Take a moment and choose those words now, that way you'll be ready when the situation arises. Words like truth, love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose. These are universal needs that anyone can relate to.
Invite is as simple as saying, "Would like to know more?" An invitation is either stated directly or implied in the gospel. (John 11:25-26) Some would even say a gospel presentation is not complete without an invitation.
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The key to knowing when and how to inform and invite is to keep asking questions and listening for natural openings. Be ready to inform and invite whey the occur.
If no natural opening occurs, consider asking any of the following questions: "Are you a person of faith?" or "What is your spiritual background?" or "May I ask you a spiritual question?" If you use the third option you might say, "I've found great peace and joy in reading the Bible, is that something you would like to know more about?" In summary, think inform and invite and let the Holy Spirit guide your conversation, and you'll be amazed at the results. |
If the fruit is ripe, you don't have to pull hard. — Rick Warren |
Next Steps for the Spiritual Conversation
If the person wants to know more, immediately show him/her how to do a One Thing Study. This applies to everyone regardless of spiritual belief. Use an online Bible if you don't have a physical Bible. If everything goes well, schedule a next meeting. Consult the Welcome page for next steps.
If the person does not want to know more, but is still willing to converse, ask a more open-ended question. For example, "Do you have a spiritual 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 does not want to know more, 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 choosing to know more. Be content to be part of the process. How well people are released by us determines how responsive they will be with future gospel conversations with others. (John 4:37)
If the person does not want to know more, 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 that person indicates an openness to the gospel at some point in the future.
If the person indicates he/she is already a Christian, ask them if they have been discipled. If they say yes, ask them how that occurs. If the person says no, ask if them if they would like to be. If they say yes, begin with the steps on the Welcome page.
If the person does not want to know more, but is still willing to converse, ask a more open-ended question. For example, "Do you have a spiritual 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 does not want to know more, 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 choosing to know more. Be content to be part of the process. How well people are released by us determines how responsive they will be with future gospel conversations with others. (John 4:37)
If the person does not want to know more, 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 that person indicates an openness to the gospel at some point in the future.
If the person indicates he/she is already a Christian, ask them if they have been discipled. If they say yes, ask them how that occurs. If the person says no, ask if them if they would like to be. If they say yes, begin with the steps on the Welcome page.
Helpful Information for the Spiritual Conversation
The Spiritual Conversation creates natural ways talk about the blessings of reading the Bible. The key to effective witnessing, is active listening. Casual, friendly conversation often reveals easy transitions into a conversation about the Bible. Listen for words or phrases that serve as a 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 with people about the Bible.
The Spiritual Conversation generates the opportunity to talk about yourself. It is common for the person you are speaking with to eventually inquire about you. Often, they will ask what you do for a living. When this occurs, it's the chance to share about 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 to make disciples of all nations.
Once you're asked what you do, you might say, "I show Christians how to make disciples." This then leads to three questions, "Are you a follower of Jesus Christ?" "Do you know how to make disciples?" and "Would you like to know how?" If the person says he is not a believer, you might share the blessing of reading the Bible and ask if he wants to know more. If he knows how to make disciples, you might ask how he does it. If he does not know how you may ask if he wants to. Then begin by taking them through the steps outline on the Welcome page.
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 and places where it can occur, 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 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 flexible. Depending on the situation, the entire conversation can take place in several minutes, weeks, or even months. The key is advancing the conversation each time you encounter the person.
The Spiritual Conversation is a guide. The themes of Family, Occupation (Academics), Recreation, Message are suggestive. Don't let them restrict a spiritual conversation that doesn't follow the progression. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The Spiritual Conversation includes three principles. They are:
The Spiritual Conversation generates the opportunity to talk about yourself. It is common for the person you are speaking with to eventually inquire about you. Often, they will ask what you do for a living. When this occurs, it's the chance to share about 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 to make disciples of all nations.
Once you're asked what you do, you might say, "I show Christians how to make disciples." This then leads to three questions, "Are you a follower of Jesus Christ?" "Do you know how to make disciples?" and "Would you like to know how?" If the person says he is not a believer, you might share the blessing of reading the Bible and ask if he wants to know more. If he knows how to make disciples, you might ask how he does it. If he does not know how you may ask if he wants to. Then begin by taking them through the steps outline on the Welcome page.
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 and places where it can occur, 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 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 flexible. Depending on the situation, the entire conversation can take place in several minutes, weeks, or even months. The key is advancing the conversation each time you encounter the person.
The Spiritual Conversation is a guide. The themes of Family, Occupation (Academics), Recreation, Message are suggestive. Don't let them restrict a spiritual conversation that doesn't follow the progression. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The Spiritual Conversation includes three principles. They are:
- Engage by beginning a conversation.
- Inform by sharing what the Bible does for you.
- Invite by asking if they want to know more.
You can do this, you will love this, because you are made for this.