Engaging in More Spiritual Conversations

Evangelism has moved in the last 20 years from being a monologue (one-sided conversation) to a dialog (two-way conversation.)   There are people all around us who are receptive to spiritual discussions and open genuine spiritual guidance. George Barna sites, “That 62% of American adults consider themselves to be not merely ‘religious,’ but ‘deeply spiritual.’”  This means that there is more than a 50-50 chance of getting into some type of spiritual conversation with people who travel in and out of your life. Learning to engage people in a meaningful, spiritual dialog is critical for a spiritual leader.

Here are five ideas for increasing the spiritual conversations in your life:

1) Make It a Priority

It is important for a leader to think strategically about their conversations throughout the week.  If you don't plan it or make room for it, the likelihood is that it is not going to get done.  I agree with Brian McLaren’s statement, “We should count conversations rather than conversions, not because I don't believe in conversions, but because I don't think we'll get many conversions if we keep emphasizing them.” The number of conversations you have is directly related to the number of conversions you will see happen over a year. In coaching church leaders we use the 3 by 5 rule. If leaders are going to be serious about connecting with people they need to uncover at least 5 new contacts a day, equaling about 35 a week, which will lead to 3 "sit-downs" for a meaningful conversation.

How many contacts does it take for you to get a meaningful sit-down with a person?

2) Pray for Opportunities

I remember praying one morning, “Lord, it has been a while time since I led someone to you.  Open the doors and show me who I need to speak to today.”  As soon as I finished praying that prayer a man walked over to me and said, “Doesn’t that book (my pocket Bible) get old after a while?”  to which I replied, “It gets better every time I read it.  Would you like to read it?”  He took the Bible and began reading it. This resulted in a number of great conversations that eventually led to him and his family to attend our church and embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior.

When is the last time you asked God to open new doors of opportunity for you?

Next week I will finish up the final three ideas for increasing the level of spiritual conversations in your ministry.

Comments

[David Wilson]

The 3 by 5 rule seems impossible. Personally, I'd have to work at the Waffle House to generate that many contacts a day. Just won't happen unless I drop everything else.

[Peter]

During your brief daily opportunities to engage someone in conversation at work, school, the store, the bank, etc. asking strangers where they worship is a great "ice breaker" question. When they say they don't go to church you can then invite them to yours saying something like: "Good Shepherd community church is a friendly place if you are looking. That's where I worship". That sort of brief workday-related conversation led to my eventual salvation.