Adventures in Witnessing Vol.4 - Conversation Starters

Since we have looked at Sharing the Gospel, Using the Law and Tracts in previous posts. Let's now look at some easy conversation starters.

Almost everyone loves to talk about their background. Ask a stranger this question,
"If you don't mind, can I ask where you are from?" Most people are glad to share their story. 
This leads to a simple transitional question.
"Did you grow up with any type of spiritual background?" The most common answer is "Yes."
No matter what their background is you can give them the Good Person Test by asking,
"Do you think those spiritual teachings have made you a better person?" Most will say "Yes." 
"Do you consider yourself a good person?" Continue with the rest of the Good Person Test.

If the person is not a Christian and not from the United States, welcome them to America and ask them,
"Have you ever heard why Christians say Jesus died on a cross?" Many will say "No", which gives you the perfect opportunity to share the Gospel. It's important to ask "...why Christians say Jesus died on a cross" to avoid them telling you their misconception of Jesus. It's amazing how many people living here in the Bible belt have never heard the Gospel. 

If you happen to know someone is not a Christian, just say to them,
"I'm a Christian and love learning about other peoples beliefs. Can I ask you a few questions?"

MY FAVORITE QUESTION:
Here's what I believe to be one of the best questions you can ask someone.
"If you died tonight and God asked you, "Why should I let you into My kingdom?" What would your answer be?" Most people's response will focus on their good deeds, which will give you the perfect opportunity to share about God's grace. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
 
I like to share with people this illustration of God's grace by Ray Comfort.
A criminal, standing before a judge, has been given a choice of 'life in jail' or a 'million dollar fine'. The criminal doesn't have the money so his only option is prison. Unexpectedly, a stranger walks into the courtroom, hands a million dollars to the judge and says I love this person and will pay the price for his crime. The judge is satisfied with the payment and the criminal is set free.
This is a picture of what Jesus has done for us, by paying the price for all the ways we have broken God's law.  

If you know that the person has an alternative view of the afterlife, rephrase the question based on their view.
For example,  
If you died tonight and Jehovah asked you, "Why should I let you live on paradise earth?"
If you died tonight and Allah asked you, "Why should I let you into my paradise?"
If you died tonight and God asked you, "Why should I let you be a god and have your own planet?" 
Again, most people's response will relate in some way to their own works.

More conversation starters:
People wear and promote many of their beliefs with Jewelry, tattoos, t-shirts, hats and bumper stickers.
 Ask, "I see you are wearing a cross. What does that mean to you?"
"You have a very interesting tattoo. What does it mean?"
"I saw your 'Coexist' bumper sticker. What does that mean?" 

Discussions about major news events can very easily be transitioned into spiritual conversations.
"That was a terrible plane crash in Asia. What do think happens the moment someone dies?"

While having a yard sale, my neighbor informed me that his friend's father had passed away unexpectedly.
I asked him, "where do you think that person is at now?" and that was the beginning of a very fruitful discussion. 
 
To hear about more conversation starters like these go to http://markcahill.org/home/