The Spiritual Conversation is a great way to talk about the Bible. It's personal, practical, and fun. It works with anyone, anywhere, at any time. It works up and down the generational ladder and across cultures. It reveals a people's openness to a conversation, their interest in spiritual dialogue, and ultimately their desire to know more about the Bible.
The Spiritual Conversation has 4 parts.
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
The Message is where the conversation becomes spiritual. If the dialogue has been enjoyable, people are receptive to this topic. There are three guiding principles for the Message: Inquire, Inform and Invite.
Inquire about people's spirituality. For instance, "It's been great to know about your personal background; I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" or "Are you a person of faith?" or "Where would you say you are in your spiritual journey?"
Inform people of the blessings you experience by reading the Bible. If possible, tie into something you have discussed. The best way to inform people is by sharing a story that describes the blessings you experience reading Scripture. Think of the terms: truth, love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose. These are universal needs.
Invite is as simple as saying, "Would you like to know more?" An invitation is either stated or implied in the gospel. John 11:25-26 Some would even say a gospel presentation is not complete without an invitation.
The Message is where the conversation becomes spiritual. If the dialogue has been enjoyable, people are receptive to this topic. There are three guiding principles for the Message: Inquire, Inform and Invite.
Inquire about people's spirituality. For instance, "It's been great to know about your personal background; I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?" or "Are you a person of faith?" or "Where would you say you are in your spiritual journey?"
Inform people of the blessings you experience by reading the Bible. If possible, tie into something you have discussed. The best way to inform people is by sharing a story that describes the blessings you experience reading Scripture. Think of the terms: truth, love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose. These are universal needs.
Invite is as simple as saying, "Would you like to know more?" An invitation is either stated or implied in the gospel. John 11:25-26 Some would even say a gospel presentation is not complete without an invitation.
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 take them through one of the Bible study resources. Use an online Bible if you don't have a physical Bible. If it goes well, schedule the next meeting.
- Resource: Discovery Bible Study App. View the app here. Download it here.
If the person does not want to know more but is still willing to converse, ask a more open-ended question. For instance, "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 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. Most people need several encounters with the gospel before choosing to learn more. Be content to be part of the process. How well we release people determines how responsive they will be with future gospel conversations with others. John 4:37
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If the person does not want to know more and is someone you interact with regularly, then prayer and love are 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 in the future. "Love takes the initiative, acts sacrificially, to meet needs." — Grant Howard. John 3:16
If the person indicates they are a Christian, ask them if they have been discipled. If they say yes, ask them how that occurs. If they say no, ask them if they would like to be. If they say yes, start with one of the Bible study resources. |
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Helpful Information for the Spiritual Conversation
The Spiritual Conversation creates natural ways to 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 Scripture. 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, the more you will notice opportunities to dialogue with people about the Word of God.
The Spiritual Conversation generates the opportunity to talk about yourself. It is common for the person you are speaking with to 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. For a Christian, those are two different things. What we do is not who we are. Our vocation is how we provide for ourselves and our family. Our mission is to make disciples.
Once they ask what you do, you might say, "I show followers of Christ how to make disciples." This leads to three follow-up 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, share the blessing of reading the Bible and ask if he wants to know more. If he knows how to make disciples, ask how he does it. If he does not know how to ask if he wants to. Then begin with one of the Bible resources.
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 key to discovering God's providential encounter is engaging people in conversation, informing them about the Bible, and inviting them to know more.
The Spiritual Conversation is especially suited for those you don't presently know. The actual harvest is among unknown relationships; the people we encounter every day who are willing to engage in conversation, ready to hear about the Bible, 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. Have fun. If there is one thing people are comfortable talking about, it is themselves.
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, over 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.
Three principles guide Spiritual Conversation. 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.