The first time you have a meaningful conversation with someone, get to know them. Spend more time listening, asking about them, and commenting on their answers than you spend talking about your own life or ideas. When a person feels heard and valued, they will want to spend more time with you in the future. Ask them about their story, their dreams for the future, and what they want out of life. Watch for the Holy Spirit to open a door for you to share your testimony and/or the gospel.

What’s Your Story?

Possible openers:

• Where did you grow up?
• Tell me about the biggest life event(s) that have shaped who you are.
• What’s your experience with church or Christians?

Objectives:

• Get to know the person.
• Show compassion if they open up about trauma or tragedy.
• If they ask about your story, share your testimony.

What’s Your Vision?

Possible openers:

• What are your career goals?
• Tell me about your long-term hopes in life.
• What’s on your “bucket list.”

Objectives:

• Understand the person’s motivations in life.
• Understand the person’s trajectory for the future.
• Understand the person’s greatest desires.

What’s the Point?

Possible openers:

• What sort of things matter most to you in life?
• What sort of impact do you hope your life will have long-term?
• What do you think it takes for your life to have meaning long after you’re gone?

Objectives:

• Help the person start thinking about the bigger picture of life.
• Move the conversation to deeper matters of eternity and the meaning of life.