1. FANTASTIC CONVERSATION STARTERS
If you are sharing Jesus with strangers instead of family there are a number of ways of doing so that open up conversations quite naturally. The best way to begin talking or relating to someone new is to try to meet their immediate needs. These needs might be relational, physical or circumstantial. This is what Jesus did. He met their needs first and then they were open to listening to his Kingdom message.
Remember this key fact when talking to people: The person asking questions is the one in control of the conversation. Don’t preach. Don’t use religious terminology. Ask the Holy Spirit for ideas as you talk. Do lots of listening, and listen to their heart.
Some great conversation starters
I am praying blessings upon this neighbourhood. Would you like me to pray a blessing for you?
If God could do a miracle for you today what would it be? Can I pray for that need? If you are happy, can I take your number and see if this prayer was answered in a week’s time?
If you could have a personal relationship with God instead of a distant one would you be interested in one?
Please share your life story with me, and then I will share mine.
Are you near or far from God? Would you like to be near?
So what do you believe about the Jesus?
Do you have any spiritual beliefs? What are they? I am interested to hear them.
What do you know about Isa from the Qur’an? (If they know little then show them Surah 3:42-55.)
2. MORE GREAT PRACTICAL IDEAS.
- Offer to start a simple Discovery Bible Study if they are curious but not committed.
- Meet their needs after hearing their life story. Most stories will have sad experiences.
- Invite them for coffee for further conversation.
- Pray for miracles with them then and there.
- Hospitality: invite them home for a meal, but be wise and careful.
- Deliberately go out of your way to meet your neighbourhood’s needs
- Try education and training, eg literacy classes. This works really well in South Asia.
3. SCRIPTURES TO SHARE WITH AN INTERESTED PERSON
Here is what God did for us:
- What does sin do in our life? It separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2)
- Who has sinned? All have sinned (Romans 3:23)
- Can we work our way into God’s favour? No, it’s his free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Why is it a free gift? Jesus paid the price (1 Peter 3:18)
This is how we respond:
- We put our faith in him (Romans 3:22)
- Believe in your heart, confess with your mouth (Romans 10:9-10)
The result is amazing
- Eternal life in relationship with God (John 10:28)
- God’s Spirit lives inside us (John 14:15)
Note: The longer you know someone and do not share the gospel with them, the harder it is to share the gospel with them! They will say that if it is so important to you then why didn’t you tell me earlier.
4. THE THREE CIRCLES EVANGELISM TOOL
The three circles witnessing tool has proven to be very effective at explaining the Gospel in visual form in around three minutes for non-believers. This link from Brisbane, Australia gives you an idea of its effectiveness, or you can just look up three circles witnessing tool on youtube.
This link gives you a teaching session on how it works. It is best learned from watching videos and then practicing it with friends before being used on the streets. Disciplers from the country of Jordan said that they adjusted the brokenness part to include many of the frustrating aspects of Islam and Islamic culture that do not satisfy the longing of the human heart. They say that it then works really well.
5. ACTION
- Learn thoroughly all the scriptures you will be sharing if someone is interested.
- Learn thoroughly the 8 amazing questions that can open up a conversation quickly.
- Learn thoroughly the Three Circles witnessing. Go over it with friends at least 5 times before using it with non-believers. Then use it often so it sticks.
- Start practicing all these techniques straight away or you will forget them. Set targets each week for how many times they will be used