Gospel Conversations
ROOTED IN CHRIST.
REACHING OUR CITY.
As a church family, we believe God has called us to be both deeply rooted in Christ and actively reaching the people around us. In 1 Peter 3:15, Scripture calls us to “honor Christ the Lord as holy in your hearts, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
A person asking implies 2 things:
- That you have a relationship with the person (with neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends, and family members). Gospel conversations don’t begin with strangers; they begin with people who know us, observe our lives, and are curious about the hope we carry.
- That there’s a need for a conversation. When they see our lives, the choices we make, and the fruits of living life as God designed, they can’t help but ask questions, which could lead to more questions as we provide answers. Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit is working in each of those conversations!
For that reason, we need to be rooted in Christ and reaching out to our neighbors.
What is a Gospel Conversation?
A gospel conversation occurs when a Christian speaks with a non-Christian about some or all elements of the gospel eliciting a response and resulting in a dialogue.
What is NOT a Gospel Conversation?
A gospel conversation is not an invitation to come to church.
A gospel conversation is not a theological conversation among Christian friends.
A gospel conversation is not just praying with someone, unless the gospel is clearly presented.
A gospel conversation is not helping someone in need without connecting it to the unwavering hope of Christ.
HOW TO HAVE A GOSPEL CONVERSATION
THREE CIRCLES
SHARING YOUR STORY
Craft your conversion experience in this model, and in as little as 30 seconds.
Before: What life was like before knowing Jesus.
How: How you came to know Jesus (or use our Pastor’s favorite phrase:
“I had a life-changing experience…”
After: How your life has changed since trusting Jesus.
God’s Story: Connect your testimony to the larger gospel story (Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration).
THE COMMON GROUND APPROACH
Use your shared interests or experiences (sports, parenting, hobbies) as starting points for faith conversations.
Questions that Open Doors:
“Do you ever think about spiritual things?”
“Can I pray for you about anything?”
QUESTION OR PROMPT-BASED
Ask and Listen
As you are led, start conversations by asking them to tell you about their background. Ask them if they have a purpose in life and who or what would they say guides them.
This method emphasizes listening more than talking —engaging through thoughtful questions rather than presenting a rehearsed gospel pitch, allowing you to “presence” the Gospel in conversation. Often, good evangelism is about listening more than telling. It helps you understand the person’s background, including whether they’ve been de-churched and why, which builds genuine friendship and creates space for meaningful gospel engagement.
Why Gospel Conversations Matter
Because Jesus sends us (Matthew 28:18–20)
Because people are closer than we think (Romans 10:14–15)
Because love speaks (Colossians 4:5–6)
EVANGELISM RESOURCES
Our go-to books on the subect
Everyday Evangelism by Preston Perry
The Marks of the Messenger by J. Mack Stiles
Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt
The Reason for God by Tim Keller
Tactics by Greg Koukl
Cold-Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace
