Gospel Conversations without Bracelets
In a Nutshell:
This is our approach to sharing Jesus as we wander around a venue (we call this “Mingle Evangelism”). This method is a good fit for open-air festivals and events where booths or tents are either not allowed or too expensive (this is the method used for Mardi Gras and the Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival). We’ve even used it in parking lots, parks, restaurants and waiting rooms.
…where sin increased, grace increased all the more…
— from Romans 5:20
The Initial Encounter
When mingling without the help of bracelets, we use a modified process that has us speak the scriptures without the benefit of the beads. But how do you get the conversation started? Cheryle had some very specific inspiration on how to push through this sometimes-awkward transition:
Proceed with confidence knowing that the harvest is ripe, God works in mysterious ways and that people who have been prepared (by the Holy Spirit) want to hear the Gospel.
Never assume that someone is (or is not) saved.
Smile and empathize.
Begin the conversation based on something you observe (e.g., a T-shirt or ballcap, jewelry, or body art) or you are both are experiencing (e.g., unusual weather, a common event such as sports or entertainment, or customer-server setting (e.g., asking your server if there is anything you can pray for when you bless the food)).
Remain hyper-vigilant to the leadings of the Holy Spirit regarding who to approach and what to say when at large gatherings (e.g., events and festivals, shopping centers/malls, and tourist attractions and parks), pinch points (e.g., standing in line, sitting in waiting rooms, and waiting for the show to begin) and stress-inducing venues (e.g., hospitals, funerals, and weddings).
Never show surprise or judgement – remember that where sin increases, grace abounds (Romans 5:20), that lost people act like lost people, and that Jesus came to save the world, not condemn it (John 3:17).
The Conversation Turn
Now that you’ve engaged, how can we turn the conversation towards spiritual matters?
Step 1: Find out if they know and follow Jesus.
Now that you have a conversation going, work in that you are a Christian sharing the Good News of Jesus.
Don’t underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit on where to go next.
If they seem stressed or burdened, perhaps ask them if there’s something you can pray with them about.
Ask if they go to church; if yes, what church and if no, have they ever attended church?
If they seem sad or depressed, perhaps you can become the loving mom or dad that they in need in this moment.
Ask the two questions that will reveal whether they are saved.
Be aware that you can’t just ask them if they’re saved because they may not know what that means… so use this approach to get to the heart (and soul) of it:
Question 1: If you died right now, where would you go next?
Here is Cheryle’s wisdom on this matter (page 11 of A Gospel Conversation Framework):
I wish I could make this easy, but I cannot. We just have to take a deep breath and ask. Soften it by adding words like, “I don’t expect you to go there for a long time.” Depending on the tone of the conversation, we can joke by saying something like, “I’m sure your mother hopes you won’t go there for a long time” or “Be careful at this concert because I don’t want you to go there yet.” We may have to clarify because some misunderstand and begin telling you what they are going to do after they graduate from college or whatever their next step is.
Question 2: What would you say if God asked, “Why should I let you into heaven?”
Here is Cheryle’s wisdom on this matter (excerpts starting on page 12 of A Gospel Conversation Framework):
Do not skip this question even if they tell you they are a Christian going to heaven. They may not know what gets people into heaven. I ask this question even when people say they do not believe in heaven or gave me a more creative answer. If the conversation is friendly and light, I might tease that I know they suspend reality for science fiction movies, so I’d like them to do that now and pretend there is a heaven. With more serious conversations, I ask them to assume for a moment that they find out they are wrong. How would they answer then?… Just listen to the answer. The answer tells you what you need to know. They may give a perfect scriptural answer that lets you know they are going heaven… Some say they do not know. Affirm their honesty and assure them many do not know… By far, the most common answer I hear is “I have been good” (which equals “not saved”).
Remember, this is not the time to teach, correct or persuade (you haven’t spoken the Gospel Scriptures yet), but rather, to know whether the Gospel Conversation needs to move to Step 2
Step 2: Speak the Gospel Scriptures
Now that you know (or at least suspect) that they are still among the not-yet-saved, it’s time to present the Gospel Scriptures, perhaps using the same approach as when using the Bracelets and Pamphlets, but not tying it to the colors.
Alternatively, you could use these excerpts from Cheryle’s template starting on page 16 of A Gospel Conversation Framework:
Jesus: I use John 3:16–17. If someone grew up in church and obviously knows John 3:16, I jump to John 3:17, which most do not know. If someone grew up being threatened by hell, I only use John 3:17. For those fairly new to Jesus, I use both.
Sin: I use Romans 3:23. Many cringe at the word sin because someone hurled the word “sinner” at them. Sin is a common church term but sometimes, with the not yet saved, it must be explained. I often use the Greek explanation that it is an archery term that means “missing the mark.” I may say God has amazing plans for them (Jeremiah 29:11) and explain that sin keeps them from hitting the bull’s-eye of achieving those plans. If the word troubles them, I use the phrase, “making mistakes” or “doing the wrong things.” Sometimes I say broken relationship. Keep any buildup to the Scripture quick because the point of the set-up is the Scripture itself.
Grace: I use Romans 6:23a. Many have been told they are going to hell. That may be true, but it is not good news and, because God does not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), using fear does not lead people to Jesus. If people report that they’ve been called sinners headed to hell, I apologize on behalf of Jesus and suggest they tell those judgmental people an evangelist told them we’ve all sinned, which means those calling them a sinner are sinners as well. Almost every not yet saved person I’ve ever met knew they were a sinner. The Good News of grace draws people to Jesus.
Salvation: Romans 10:13 is my favorite Bible verse and favorite part of the Gospel Conversation. I love the moment when I get to say, “Everyone who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved.” Often, I define the Greek word for saved, sozo, which means not only saved, but includes being healed, and preserved here on earth. Sozo is a sweet multifaceted word without equal in the English languages and offers hope for the rest of our time on earth and our eternity with Jesus. If I have sunglasses on, I take them off and look people in the eyes because I want them to see Jesus in my eyes when I quote the sweetest promise God gives. I love it that God promises salvation for everyone. I love telling people Christianity is a nonexclusive club.
Use other Scriptures as the Holy Spirit leads. Be careful not to teach concepts that will be above their level of understanding. If they have not yet met Jesus, stick to Scriptures about meeting Jesus. If people believe they must be good enough to get into heaven, do not argue. Simply include, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God —not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Let the Holy Spirit use it to persuade.
Step 3: Invite them to pray and meet Jesus.
Invite the not yet saved to meet Jesus. If they hesitate, find out why and answer questions if they have any. It sometimes helps to tell them the entire prayer before leading them in it. Never push, sell, or insist. Just invite. If they act like they are feeling pressure, assure them this is an invitation and “no” is an acceptable answer.
This can be the same three steps introduced under “Gospel Conversations using Bracelets”:
Admit to God that you are a sinner and need His forgiveness.
Believe in your heart that Jesus is God’s Son, that He died on a cross in your place and God raised Him from the dead.
Confess with your mouth that you want Jesus to be your personal Lord and Savior.
Now help them earnestly PRAY something like this:
Dear God, I believe in You and that Your son Jesus died on a cross for me and You raised Him from the dead (help me with any part of me that does not believe). I know I am a sinner. Please forgive me. Jesus, be my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Then congratulate them and say “With this prayer you have begun your life-long journey to follow Christ, rest in God’s love, and grow in God’s Holy Spirit.
Be sure to join them in celebrating with the Angels. The moment of receiving salvation is generally accompanied by an emotional response, so be tuned in to that and use it to affirm, congratulate and celebrate.
Finally, encourage them to take their next steps as a new Christian as suggested in on the For New Christians page.