How Do I Initiate Jesus Convos?
Discipleship Dna
How Do I Initiate Jesus Conversations on Campus?
This tool/resource provides followers of Jesus (especially those on a college campus) with ideas of how to start conversations with people that can lead to deeper conversations about faith, life, and Jesus!
Establishing how to share your story or share the Gospel is a great tool in discipleship. Perhaps the most difficult part of sharing is the “20 seconds of courage” it takes to transition the conversation from general small talk, to eternity and the Word of God. Let Colossians 4:2-6 be an encouragement to you as you step out in sharing. Here are some tips and tricks as you initiate Jesus conversations on campus…
Good Initial Questions…
- “What has been your greatest achievement in life?”
- “Who/What inspires you?” OR “What are you passionate about?”
- “What are philosophies/quotes you live by?” → “Why do you like/live by them?”
- “What’s your major?” → “What do you want to use your degree for?” → “What do you believe your purpose is in life?”
- “What do you think about the state of the world right now?”
- “Have you ever/What are some times you have experienced (shame, guilt, doubt, etc.)?”
- “What are things in your life you are identifying with right now?”
- YOUR FOLLOW UP QUESTION FROM YOUR STORY
Follow Up Questions…
- “Who is Jesus to you?” or “What do you know/have you heard about God?”
- “What do you believe in?”
- IF THEY IDENTIFY AS A CHRISTIAN… “How is your relationship with Jesus right now?”
- STRAIGHT FORWARD… “I’m so excited by (what God has done in my life / who I’ve really seen God to be)… Can I tell you about it?”
- IF ALL ELSE FAILS… “Is there anything I can be praying for you right now?”
Some Helpful Tips…
- For strangers, start by getting to know the person through a few Café Court or Jazzman’s hangouts before initiating these bigger questions; Jesus conversations are all about BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS, not about a “hidden agenda”; pray for God to give you His heart for His people
- For previous friends, it is OKAY start the conversation even if you’ve never mentioned it before (Ex: “Hey, I know we’ve never talked about this much before, but Jesus is such a big part of my life, I’m curious what you think about Him?”)
- Be careful with “grew up in the church/Christian family”… additionally, an invitation to church/SCF is not really equivalent to sharing the gospel
- If someone doesn’t believe in God or has been burned by the church/hypocritical Christians… LISTEN. UNDERSTAND. SYMPATHIZE. Do not debate or become defensive; no one was ever argued into the arms of Christ, and you will only deepen the wound by doing so
- It is far more relatable to admit you don’t have the answer to a question, than to make something up (Ex: “I really don’t know about that, but that is a really great question!”)
About 10% of the time, these conversations with people will just occur by “happenstance” (reactive obedience).
The other 90% of the time, these conversations will have to be initiated BY YOU (proactive obedience).
If they are genuinely interested… NOW WHAT?
- Schedule another meeting time to talk more!!
- “Have you ever had someone help you read the Bible before? I would love to do that together!”
- “Would you like to get together and spend some time praying (prayer wheel or prayer walking)?”
- “Are you looking to be a part of a church community/something like SCF? THIS IS NOT THE END GOAL