deeperplaceworship - Guidelines for Spiritual Conversations

deeperplaceworship

Guidelines for Starting Spiritual Conversations

Whether on the streets, with casual acquaintances, or with close friendships and family

Evangelism • 2 Complimentary Views Of The Gospel • Gospel Presentations

Guidelines in Spiritual Conversations

Your #1 goal is to help lead people one step closer to God, no matter where they are at.
Find common ground and be fully present/be fully engaged.
After you enter in conversation, introduce yourself and your partner(s).
The Holy Spirit is your advocate, rely on him for direction, words, and power.
Love is always supreme and the greatest gift you can give - love on people, look them in the eye and let them know God loves them and desires an intimate relationship.
Keep prayers short and let your other team members pray over the person as well.
If a person is there only to argue and does not show hunger or interest in God, quickly wrap things up and move on. Don’t waste your time.
If someone is engaged and eager to hear more, stay with them as long as they’re interested. There’s much for you to share and for them to experience.

What to Bring and Do During Outreach

Pen, Pencil, and Paper: Bring a pen and 3x5 cards to write down your Gospel message or a Bible verse or word of encouragement so they can keep it.
Collect Contact Info: If someone is interested, ask for their contact info and follow up right away. A quick text or email ensures they have your details and remembers the conversation. Consider taking a selfie together (with permission) to make your connection more memorable.
Business Cards: Carry business cards from your church or Christian groups to share with those you meet.

Following Up On Spiritual Conversations

Continue Spiritual Conversations: Keep engaging with your contacts as long as they’re interested, especially through text. If they respond and stay engaged, it’s a positive sign they feel safe and connected with you. Share a Bible verse or a prayer with them a few days later. When they reply, consider inviting them to church, a small group, a one-on-one Bible study, or just to meet and talk.
Connect Them with Other Believers: Introduce them to other believers who can encourage and support them, whether at church or in small groups. These connections can help them grow in their faith.
Have a Discipleship Plan: Be prepared with a discipleship plan, like the Discovery Bible Study, which you can easily do in any setting. This will give you confidence in knowing how to continue the spiritual journey with them if they’re interested.

When To Transition To Spiritual Conversations (for Different Contexts)

On the Streets: When engaging with people you may never see again, be direct and move quickly to spiritual conversations. Pay attention to how they respond, and if the moment allows, share your testimony or the Gospel.
With Casual Friends (Co-workers, Neighbors): For those you see semi-regularly, build genuine relationships over time while making it known that you follow Jesus. They need to understand the reason behind your actions. These people will observe your faith in action. If they become curious or notice something different in you, they’ll likely approach you with questions. In these situations, carefully gauge their interest before diving into spiritual conversations, allowing the relationship to guide how deeply you go.
With Family and Close Friends: Since you already have a long history with them, you can share Jesus more freely when the opportunity arises for an honest conversation. However, be patient, allowing them to see the long-term impact of your faith. They’re looking for genuine change and the lasting difference Christ makes in your life.
Look for "God Moments": In all contexts—streets, casual friends, close friends, and family—stay alert for "God moments," when the other person initiates a conversation that naturally leads to spiritual topics. For example, they might ask, "Why don't you gossip like everyone else?" or "Why are you always so happy?"
Recognize Crises as Opportunities: Be aware of times when someone is going through a crisis. During these moments of uncertainty and loss of control, people are often more open to prayer and ministry that brings God's healing, peace, hope, and love.

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