Here are some 'quick hits' on how to create thirst in your spiritual conversations:
Look for God’s work in the lives of people
In light of man’s natural bent away from God and the things of God (Ephesians 2:1-3) we can easily see the hand of God drawing in someone. Leonard Sweet writes, “Postmodern evangelism is recognizing that God is already at work in people’s lives before we arrive on the scene and that our role is helping people to see how God is present and active in their lives, calling them home.” The Father is drawing people to himself (John 6:44). The Son is seeking the lost (Luke 19:10). The Holy Spirit is convicting the world (John 16:8). All we need to do is figure out how to get into God’s redemptive flow and recognize his hand on the lives of those around us.
If someone expresses interest in Jesus, the Bible or church...these are good signs. If people are taking steps forward such as attending events, worship services, small groups or if someone is open to a conversation with you on spiritual things...this is God at work. We need to bring our complete focus and our dependence on God because he is working right in front of us.
In reality evangelism is more about "spotting" than creating. It is more about "joining" than initiating.
Practice the “man of peace’ principle
Read a recent blog on this principle: The man of peace principle
Be willing to take a risk
Darryn Scheske, one of the best evangelists I know, writes, “In my experience, engaging in Spirit-led spiritual conversations with others always requires me to take a personal risk of some kind. You see, nearly every opportunity to have a spiritual conversation will produce some kind of anxiety in me. Usually I'm too tired. Or, I'm on my way somewhere else and I really don't have the time. Or, I might be intimidated by the person; their life circumstances or credentials. I might just be afraid of what they will think. If you're going to seek out spiritual conversations, they won't come when you're ready or available. They happen in the middle of your everyday life.”
Learn to ask good questions
Being too directive can come across as intrusive and pushy. Trusting the Holy Spirit to plant and nurture the seeds that have been sown through good questions is vital to creating and sustaining spiritual conversations. Randy Newman in his book Questioning Evangelism writes, “By asking questions in our evangelism, our conversations can lead to conversions, rather than presentations that lead to preconceptions. An exchange of ideas might lead both participants to the truth of the gospel. For one participant, it will be the first arrival at that point; for the other participant, it will be a rediscovery and a new appreciation of the message of the Cross.”
Here are a couple I have used:
- Do you believe people are on a spiritual journey?
- Do you have any type of spiritual heritage in your background?
- Have you read a good book on spirituality lately?
- Have you ever heard what the difference is between Christianity and religion?
- When you think about God what image comes into your mind?
Get into their stories
Get people talking about themselves, the more you get them talking, the more you can discover God’s hand in their lives. Remember, it is not about you, it is about them and their lives, their journey and their eternity. Every church planter should read the classic relational text, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. This timeless text is based on the biblical principle: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). Relational prowess will increase as you connect sincerely and authentically with the world around you.
Get permission to go deeper
This is simply a loving and polite act to get someone’s permission to take the conversation to another level. Get permission to explore a question or topic further...“Do you have time to explore the topic in more depth?” Ask for their permission to tell the story around your spiritual journey...“My spiritual journey was an eye opening experience. Do you have a minute for me to give you the Cliff notes version? Ask for their OK in offering a suggested resource or the next step in the relationship...“Could I send you an article on the subject? It might be helpful in giving you another perspective.”
Guard your heart
The heart never lies! People smell a "fake" from a mile away. A genuine love for people and a servant’s spirit is attractive to people. If my motives are questionable people will intuitively perceive it. We all need to take heed to Peter’s words, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (I Peter 3:15-17)
Next week we will answer the question around the 3 x 5 rule: How to find 35 contacts a week.
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