The Thanksgiving holiday is always a great time for friends and family to come together to share and awesome meal, enjoy a lively conversation, and work through an occasional disagreement. Perhaps this year you can invite Jesus to the table.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to share the gospel—the good news of His love, grace, and salvation. However, for many believers, evangelism can feel intimidating. What if we don’t know what to say? What if we’re afraid of offending someone? The truth is, sharing Jesus doesn’t have to be complicated or confrontational. One of the most natural ways to introduce others to Christ is through simple, meaningful spiritual conversations.
What Are Spiritual Conversations?
A spiritual conversation is any dialogue where faith, values, or matters of the soul are discussed. These conversations don’t have to feel forced or overly structured; they can flow naturally in the context of a friendship. Spiritual conversations are about listening as much as speaking and creating space for people to explore spiritual truths without pressure.
Why Are Spiritual Conversations Effective?
• They build on trust. Conversations with friends come from a place of relationship, making it easier to share personal beliefs and experiences.
• They meet people where they are. By listening to a friend’s thoughts and struggles, you can connect the gospel to their life in a meaningful way.
• They are relational, not transactional. Sharing Jesus isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about inviting others into the life-giving relationship you’ve found in Him.
How to Initiate Spiritual Conversations
1. Pray for Opportunities
Begin by asking God to open doors for conversations and to give you courage and wisdom when the time comes. Pray for your friends by name, asking that their hearts will be receptive to the truth of the gospel.
2. Be Curious and Attentive
Show genuine interest in your friend’s life. Ask open-ended questions about their experiences, beliefs, and values. For example:
• “What gives you hope when life gets tough?”
• “Do you ever think about spiritual things?”
• “How do you make sense of the world and your purpose in it?”
3. Share Your Story
Your testimony is one of the most powerful tools you have. Share how Jesus has made a difference in your life. Keep it personal, relatable, and concise. Instead of preaching, let your story reflect God’s love and grace.
4. Look for Natural Segues
Everyday conversations often provide opportunities to introduce spiritual topics. If a friend shares a struggle, you might respond with, “I’ve gone through something similar, and prayer really helped me. Can I share more about that?”
5. Use Scripture Wisely
The Bible speaks powerfully into people’s lives, but it’s important to share Scripture in a way that feels relevant and encouraging. For instance, if your friend is feeling anxious, you could mention, “One verse that helps me is Philippians 4:6-7, which talks about finding peace through prayer.”
6. Ask for Permission
Respect is key in spiritual conversations. Ask before diving deeper: “Would you be open to hearing more about what I believe and why it’s important to me?” This approach shows humility and care.
7. Be Patient and Trust God
Not every conversation will lead to immediate transformation, and that’s okay. Seeds take time to grow. Your role is to plant and water them, trusting God to bring the harvest.
Overcoming Common Fears
• “What if I don’t know all the answers?”
It’s okay not to have all the answers. Be honest and offer to explore questions together.
• “What if I offend them?”
If your approach is loving and respectful, most friends will appreciate your honesty, even if they disagree.
• “What if they reject me?”
Remember, you’re sharing out of love, not obligation. Their response isn’t a measure of your faithfulness.
The Power of Spiritual Conversations
Jesus often used questions and conversations to reveal truth to others. From His dialogue with the woman at the well (John 4) to His discussion with Nicodemus (John 3), Jesus modeled how to engage people personally and thoughtfully.
When we initiate spiritual conversations, we’re following His example. We’re not trying to “win” arguments or force belief; we’re inviting others to discover the joy, hope, and transformation that comes from knowing Jesus Christ.
A Simple Challenge
This week, pray for one friend and ask God to give you an opportunity for a spiritual conversation. Be bold, be kind, and trust the Holy Spirit to guide your words. You never know how God might use your faithfulness to change someone’s life forever.
By starting spiritual conversations, you can make the love of Jesus real and personal to your friends. As you step out in faith, remember that God goes before you—and He is the one who transforms hearts.
Rob Stutzman is an Elder at Grace Chapel. Attending since 2003, Rob and his wife Beth reside in Lexington, and have two adult children Andrew and Emily living in the Boston area. Rob has been a Christ follower since 1973 and works with others to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the spiritual life God gives us each day.
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