4 Ways to Start Spiritual Conversations Today
Have you ever felt a nudge to start a conversation with someone of another faith, yet stayed silent because you didn’t know how to begin?
This is for you.
Here are four easy-to-remember ways you can start a conversation that naturally leads to spiritual things with anyone, anywhere.
Purposeful Conversations
Let’s start with the Bible because it gives direction for how to approach spiritual conversations. First, in Colossians 4:6 Paul tells us that our speech should “always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” That just means you should be intentional about starting conversations so that you can be purposeful about shining the love of Christ into the world.
As you season your conversations with salt, keep in mind that no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 12:3). Your goal in starting up salty spiritual conversations is to identify people the Holy Spirit might be wooing to Jesus. If you never start these conversations, you’ll never know.
Ask Curious Questions
Now let’s get practical. Jesus told us He would make us “fishers of men,” (see Matthew 4;19) so think of starting spiritual conversations like fishing. You throw out a curious, open-ended question with a salty spiritual hook. Then you wait and see who bites. Here’s a real-life example:
“Hi. I’m Jordan. What’s your name? We just moved here because God impressed it on our hearts. How about you? Where are you originally from?”
Did you see the salty hook – “God impressed it on our hearts?” When Jordan offered up this information, the person stopped in his tracks and asked, “How did God do that?” The conversation captured his attention because he was wrestling with spiritual things. This simple conversation starter led to a two-hour spiritual conversation centered around how God speaks with us. He was someone whom the Holy Spirit was drawing to Jesus.
4 Topics for Endless Spiritual Conversations Starters
Here is an easy-to-remember acronym – F.O.R.M.- for four topics that will help you start a natural spiritual conversation with people of other faiths –whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert.
Friends and family
Occupation
Religion and Recreation
Me
Always start with the “M” in “Me” by offering up personal information first, then steer into spiritual things. Here are several practical examples. Look for the salty spiritual hook in bold script.
Family: “We have five sons. I’m grateful that three are walking closely with God. How about you? Any kids?”
Occupation: “I’m studying psychology, and my goal is to help oppressed women succeed in life. I’ve found that happens best through a relationship with Jesus. How about you? What are you studying?”
Recreation: “One of my favorite things to do during the weekend is to hike because when I’m in nature, I feel closest to God. How about you? What do you like to do for fun on the weekends?”
Once you’ve started a conversation, don’t stress over what to say next. Just be fully present and listen, praying internally. The Holy Spirit will guide you on what to say. Along the way, look for natural opportunities to bring up that you’re a follower of Jesus and what that means. Here’s an example:
Religion: “I’m a follower of Jesus. That means I believe what God says in the Holy Bible, that if ‘you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you’ll be saved.’ Please tell me about your faith.”
Take a Small Step
Now, activate what you’ve learned to confidently start a spiritual conversation at school, at work, or in your neighborhood—using the F-O-R-M acronym, brainstorm conversation starters of your own. Look for ways to practice this week.
Take your learning deeper by reading The Blue Cord book, or listening to these popular iHOPE podcast episodes below on this topic. You’ll get even more practical ideas and real-life stories that will inspire and embolden you.
Start Spiritual Conversations, Part 1
Start Spiritual Conversations, Part 2
“I have made you a light for the Gentiles to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13:47 CSB
Tags: Start Spiritual Conversations, Spiritual Conversation Starters, Share Jesus without fear, How to share the gospel with other religions, How to start a spiritual conversation
