Evangelism Conversation Starters

“If you died tonight, would you go to hell?”

Yeah, not a great way to explore faith with a friend.

How do you get a ‘gospel conversation’ going that is genuine, and not stereotypical?

Some that have worked for me:

• “Tell me about your tattoo.”

Tattoos are chock full of meaning and personal values for those that have them. I know; I don’t get it. But, hey, it’s true.

• “What do you want for your child in life?”

People take their kids seriously. Many have not considered this question, but give the person space. The answer will come, and it usually reflects what they want for themselves, or are discovering is unrealized.

• “Why do you do what you do for work?”

From there you can learn what makes someone tick, and what matters to them.

These next four questions will elicit a reciprocal question for you to then provide a faith-based answer:

• “Besides your spouse and children (if applicable), what are you most proud of in life?”

• “Who do you admire who is famous today?”

• “What historical figure do you admire most, and why?”

• “Tell me about the hardest trial you’ve ever endured.”

Now, before you go rushing out to try these, I’m assuming four things about you:

1) You will reciprocate and have dialogue; not just hold your breath until they stop and you can respond with Jesus and theology stuff. Speak from the heart, and relate your answer to your faith convictions. Yours, not theirs or what theirs should be. Listen first. Remember the great adage that I often have to tell myself: God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.

2) Weigh the depth of the relationship first, and pick the conversation starter that is appropriate.

3) Be prepared to be vulnerable yourself. How can we lead someone where we aren’t willing to go?

4) Be patient, and truly be curious. If you aren’t really interested in the response, don’t engage. People can smell a fake.