Men are asking, “How can I acquire boldness in spreading the gospel? What are some practical ways I can share my faith at work? What is a great way to break the ice with people?”
Interact: Read and discuss Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17–20. Ask your coach about his experiences in sharing his faith.
Blue Like Jazz author Donald Miller, in his business book Building a StoryBrand, has created an incredible summary of what happens in every story worth telling: “A CHARACTER who wants something encounters a PROBLEM before they can get it. At the peak of their despair, a GUIDE steps into their lives, gives them a PLAN, and CALLS THEM TO ACTION. That action plan helps them avoid FAILURE and ends in a SUCCESS.”[1]
You and I—we are the guides. As guides, we need two things: (1) someone in despair who needs a guide, and (2) a plan of action that leads that person to reconciliation with Christ and the people they love.
Action Step—How to Have Authentic Spiritual Conversations with Your Friends: What follows is a step-by-step process to help a person change their life in Christ. First, we’ll discuss how to break the ice and start a spiritual conversation. Then I’ll give you a proven, time-tested way to share your spiritual story. Finally, I’ll give you what you need to help someone become a believer in Jesus.
Step 1: Start Spiritual Conversations: Everyone has thought about God, and most people would love to talk to someone about spiritual things. Use this “Golden Question” to break the ice: “Where are you on your spiritual journey?”
Step 2. Share Your Story: After you’ve listened carefully, tell the person you’re talking with where you are on your spiritual journey by adapting your 3-Minute Elevator Story that you’ve prepared in advance, using the following guide.
How to Prepare a 3-Minute Elevator Story
Use this worksheet to prepare a 3-minute “elevator speech” of your faith story (testimony). Time it to about one minute for each of the three sections. You can always talk longer if you have more time, but by doing it this way, you’ll “always be prepared” (1 Peter 3:15).
Interact: Work and revise with your coach until your speech tells your story in a compelling.
