The Spiritual Conversation is a great way to talk about the Bible. It's a personal, fun, and effective strategy that works with anyone, anywhere, at any time. The Spiritual Conversation reveals people interested in conversing, open to spiritual dialogue, and eager 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. Contrary to popular belief, if the dialogue has been enjoyable and engaging, people are normally receptive to this topic.
The two guiding principles for Message are to inform people of the blessings you experience by reading the Bible, and invite them to know more. Informing is as simple as sharing two or three words that summarize your experience with Scripture. Take a moment and choose those words right 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.
Inviting someone to know more is as simple as saying, "Is that something you would like to know more about?" An invitation is either stated directly (John 11:25-26) or implied in the gospel. Some would say a gospel presentation is not complete without an invitation.
This is where the conversation becomes spiritual. Contrary to popular belief, if the dialogue has been enjoyable and engaging, people are normally receptive to this topic.
The two guiding principles for Message are to inform people of the blessings you experience by reading the Bible, and invite them to know more. Informing is as simple as sharing two or three words that summarize your experience with Scripture. Take a moment and choose those words right 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.
Inviting someone to know more is as simple as saying, "Is that something you would like to know more about?" An invitation is either stated directly (John 11:25-26) or implied in the gospel. Some would say a gospel presentation is not complete without an invitation.
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The key to knowing when and how to bring up spiritual matters is to keep asking questions and listening for easy transitions. Look for narrow part in the conversation stream to cross over. Some easy stepping stone questions include asking about a person's spiritual background. For instance, "It's been fun to learn about your personal background, I'm curious, what is your spiritual background?"
Another more direct, but effective question is, "May I ask you a spiritual question?" If the person says yes, say, "I've found great peace and joy in reading the Bible, is that something you would like to know more about?" |
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 spiritual belief. 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 responsive 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 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 no, ask if them if they would like to be and begin by showing them how to do a One Thing Study.
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 responsive 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 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 no, ask if them if they would like to be and begin by showing them how to do a One Thing Study.
Helpful Information for the Spiritual Conversation
The Spiritual Conversation creates natural ways talk about the blessings of reading the Bible. The key is actively listening for ways to talk about spiritual truths. 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 about the Bible.
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. 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. It begins by telling people about the blessings of reading the Bible and inviting them to know more. For instance, "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 joining a dialogue, the person you are talking with, is already having with God. God has placed the idea of himself in every human heart. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) He created everything, so people would look for Him. (Acts 17:27). Our job is to discover those people, and help them find God. (Acts 15:19) We do this by sharing what the Bible does for us, and inviting people to know more.
The Spiritual Conversation is based on sharing your experience of reading the Bible. What two or three words describe what you experience as you read the Bible? Be ready to share them. If you need to begin building that momentum in your own life, consider the One Thing Study. 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 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 winsome. People are naturally attracted to those who exude the love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose that comes from reading God's word. Don't tell people what they don't have, tell them what you do have.
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. The themes of Family, Occupation (Academics), Recreation, Message are suggestive, not required. Don't let it restrict a spiritual conversation that doesn't follow the progression. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to modify the order or topics.
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 always followed by the One Thing Study. It's an excellent devotional tool that builds momentum and generates natural enthusiasm about the Bible.
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. 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. It begins by telling people about the blessings of reading the Bible and inviting them to know more. For instance, "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 joining a dialogue, the person you are talking with, is already having with God. God has placed the idea of himself in every human heart. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) He created everything, so people would look for Him. (Acts 17:27). Our job is to discover those people, and help them find God. (Acts 15:19) We do this by sharing what the Bible does for us, and inviting people to know more.
The Spiritual Conversation is based on sharing your experience of reading the Bible. What two or three words describe what you experience as you read the Bible? Be ready to share them. If you need to begin building that momentum in your own life, consider the One Thing Study. 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 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 winsome. People are naturally attracted to those who exude the love, joy, hope, peace, power, and purpose that comes from reading God's word. Don't tell people what they don't have, tell them what you do have.
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. The themes of Family, Occupation (Academics), Recreation, Message are suggestive, not required. Don't let it restrict a spiritual conversation that doesn't follow the progression. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to modify the order or topics.
The Spiritual Conversation includes the three principles of Tell phase of Local disciple making. They are:
- Engage: Begin a conversation.
- Inform: Tell what reading the Bible 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 always followed by 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.