Appendix 1

PRE-EVANGELISM CONVERSATION STRATEGIES

Developing a Strategy for Reaching Our Friends, Family Members, Coworkers & Acquaintances

PERSON’S NAME:

STEP 1 (HEAR)
Hear the sour notes people are singing.

Ask Yourself:

  • What do they believe?
  • What is their story?
  • What worldview framework do they hold?
  • What does their heart long for that Jesus can provide?
  • What are the sour notes (discrepancies or inconsistencies) that I hear in their viewpoint?

Types of Inconsistencies

  • belief vs. heart longing
  • they believe one thing but their heart longs for something else
  • belief vs. behavior
  • they believe one thing but the way they live or behave is different from what they say they believe
  • belief vs. belief
  • they hold two or more beliefs that contradict each other in some way
  • illogical belief
  • their belief is contradictory and unmeaningful merely in making the statement

What one “sour note” should I focus on in my conversation with them?

 What am I hearing? What am I hearing? What am I hearing?
Type of “sour note”. Type of “sour note”. Type of “sour note”.
Example 1 Example 1 Example 1
Example 2 Example 2 Example 2
Example 3 Example 3 Example 3
Example #_ Example #_ Example #_

STEP 2 (ILLUMINATE)
Help people surface the truth for themselves…

  • that clarify beliefs.
  • that surface their uncertainties.

Ask Yourself:

  • What terms might I need to clarify?
  • How, exactly, should I phrase my question?

Determining the impact of your question by asking whether it:

  • surfaces doubt (uncertainty)
  • minimizes defensiveness
  • creates desire (curiosity) to hear more
 One follow-up question: One follow-up question: One follow-up question:
One thought-provoking question to create interest for further dialogue: One thought-provoking question to create interest for further dialogue: One thought-provoking question to create interest for further dialogue:

STEP 3 (UNCOVER)
Uncover the real barriers to the Gospel (i.e., dig up their history and find out how they came to be where they are in their beliefs).

  • determine if legitimate
  • determine nature of barrier
  • uncover emotional baggage
  • uncover questions or issues
  • discover biggest barrier
  • uncover motivational factors
  • uncover volitional factors
 Major obstacle: Major obstacle: Major obstacle:
Examples of uncovering questions: Examples of uncovering questions: Examples of uncovering questions:

STEP 4 (BUILD)
Build a positive case for Christ and look for opportunities to invite them to trust Him.

Consider what may be the most important information you gleaned from steps 1-3 to help you build a strategy of moving from pre-evangelism to evangelism.

  • Find a balance;
  • Common ground;
  • Bridge building;
  • Memorize an outline;
  • Remember the goal;
  • Transition to evangelism.

Ask Yourself:

  • How do I build common ground? (Where do my friends and my interest intersect?)
  • What planks do I use to construct my bridge?
  • What kind of bridges (heart or head) will be most effective in witnessing to my friend?
 Common ground ideas: Common ground ideas: Common ground ideas:
Planks to use to build a bridge: Planks to use to build a bridge: Planks to use to build a bridge:
Most effective bridges (head or heart): Most effective bridges (head or heart): Most effective bridges (head or heart):

THE FIVE PLANKS

  • Step 1
    We are accountable.
  • Step 2
    We don’t measure up.
  • Step 3
    We are sinners.
  • Step 4
    We need an outside source.
  • Step 5
    We need what only Jesus can give.
 Strategy for Building Bridges: Strategy for Building Bridges: Strategy for Building Bridges:
GOSPEL PRESENTATION
Colossians 4:2-4
PRAY for yourself

Pray for God to give you the wisdom and strength to be a good witness in how you speak God’s truth to those around you.

 PRAY for opportunities

Pray for open doors to plant seeds of the Gospel with others.

 PRAY for co-workers

Pray for your boss, clients, customers, friends, colleagues, family members… Ask God to move in their lives.