HOW TO BEGIN AND END A GOSPEL CONVERSATION

I have been asked a few times how I get a conversation going when I share the Good News with others. When I go to an outdoor area such as a shopping area, I first look for a person sitting by themselves on a bench or at a table who may have a moment to chat. They might also be standing and waiting for someone. Two folks sitting together or a small group is also fine but changes your presentation somewhat to speak to the whole group. For a one-on-one conversation I smile and say, “Good morning, my name is David and I go to Faith Bible Church just down the road from here. They are having us get out and talk to folks about God.” The person usually says “Hello” back. (Our Bible role models for starting conversations with strangers are Jesus and His disciples, as well as the Apostles and all believers).

I then say, “One question I want to ask you is if you were to die and stand before God and He were to ask you why He should let you into heaven, what would you say?” This question is important to see what a person is depending on to go to heaven. Folks will give different answers but a very common one is they have done good things. I have had replies such as “I am a good father to my children”, “I am a good person”, “I have never lied or stolen”, “I am better than a lot of people I know”, “I am an atheist”, “I have my own spiritual beliefs other than Jesus”, and many other replies. No matter what the person answers I always remain extremely patient and respectful. I keep in mind this passage: “But in your hearts revere 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 (1 Peter 3:15-16).”

Next, I tell the person that 2000 years ago God became a human being as the person of Jesus and went to the cross to take the punishment you deserved and to die for your sins. He then rose from the dead after three days and returned to heaven. He is ready to save everyone who believes and prays to receive Him into their heart and life. Could I pray with you right now to ask Jesus to save you?

The person will often want to pray with you. You can lead them in a brief prayer to receive Jesus. You can ask them if they want to repeat the prayer after you or have you pray as they pray silently. Here is a suggested prayer: “Lord Jesus, I believe that you are God and died on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me for my sins and come into my heart and life. Amen.” Next as a follow up give them a Faith Bible Church card and invite them to join us so they have a church where they can grow in the faith.

If the person does not want to pray simply thank them for allowing you to chat with them. Offer them the Faith Bible Church card and invite them to visit us. If they don’t want the card thank them for the chat with “gentleness and respect” and say a friendly goodbye.

This method of sharing Christ with someone works well if they only have a few moments. If they have more time, you can talk more about why good deeds cannot forgive you sins, and that only trusting in the death of God’s Son Jesus can save you. Some key verses are: Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5-7.