#faithconvos

​This post is about how to share the story with others. Another way to say this is how to have faith conversations. I’m Brandyn Jaymes a digital story teller, a Bible college grad, a youth pastor etc. with the intent of sharing the story of God through teaching, conversation, and authenticity. 

​Faith conversations are a big topic in the church. When we are told by Jesus to make disciples this means we are to share the story, or the gospel, with others. But we can get so bogged down with questions or anxiety when it comes to talking about our faith. What if I’m too pushy? What if I don’t have all the answers? What if it ruins a friendship? These questions are valid, but they shouldn’t hinder having the conversation. As I thought through this topic I thought of a few ways to help you have faith conversations with others. 

WHO TO SHARE THE STORY WITH

​1. People in your circles. The easiest way to start a conversation is with someone you know. If a relationship is already formed, you can very easily talk about faith. Here is an easy example. If a friend is in the hospital you can visit and offer to pray for them. Explain what prayer means (not everyone knows). Talking about faith with people you know is a great step.

​2. Sometimes you may hear questions. People who have questions about faith or God or religion are already open to talk. There is no pressure to force a conversation because they are searching to have the conversation. This doesn’t mean you change their views, but it does allow you to share truth. It is our job to plant the seed but God will be the one who makes the seed grow. 

​3. Another way is to form a relationship. It is difficult to make new friends, but this doesn’t have to be as in depth as a best friend. Chat with someone at the grocery store and talk about how amazing it is that God created bananas. Ask a person you met if they would want to get coffee and start a conversation. Ask about their faith or if they go to church. This might be the most intimidating step, but trust me its beneficial. 

​WHERE TO HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS

​1. Set up specific times. Ask them to coffee or dinner. Have a cook out at your house. Create times where you are in community and are able to freely talk about faith. It doesn’t have to be pushy but it does have to be comfortable and natural. 

​2. Short talks, like in a store, should lead to longer talks. It is easy to say “God bless” or “I’m praying for you” but take the time to actually sit down and have conversations. Ask updates about life, ask how God is moving, ask about them what you can pray for. 

​3. An easy place to have these conversations is at church or in a small group. These are places where faith is the center point. It only requires a person willing to ask questions, have conversations, and think about others. 

​4. Make the timing happen. This goes back to point one, but it is true the conversation won’t happen if you don’t make it happen. Make these a priority. 

Tips

​1. Be open and honest. Being vulnerable is scary, but if you open up about your life, your struggles and hardships, people will connect. They feel the same things. Don’t try and seem better than you are. That only leads to empty hollow friendships that will crumble.

​2.Know that you don’t have all the answers. I’m working on a master’s degree and I know that the more I learn the more I realize I don’t know. People will have questions about faith and God and it is okay not to know something. Tell them you can look into it together. 

​3. Understand the importance of these conversations. These are times of sharing the Gospel, exactly what Jesus told us to do. These create community and friendships that our generation desperately wants and needs. These conversations are how we create disciples. 

​4. This is the most important tip. Pray! Pray that these conversations would happen. Pray for the people in the conversations. Pray for the words to say. Pray for life change. Pray with others! 

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