“The extent to which our hearts are broken about something is the extent that we will do something about it.”

The younger generations are hurting. The church has the answer but they are not looking to the church for answers- we MUST go to them.

This starts with knowing who the younger generation is and what influences them (first week)
Then we must purposely get close to them to get to know them (last week)
Then we must begin to have actual conversations with them (this week and next)

We want to present a conversational model that will move us in a direction to enable us to point our younger friends towards Jesus.

This model is based upon Paul and his missionary work. Compare:

Acts 13:13-39

Acts 17:16-34

In both situations, Paul presents and preaches the Gospel using the language, presupositions, and illutrations that the audience would relate to (Old Testament references for Jewish audience and Greek phillisophical sayings for the Greek audience)

A Conversation Model

Conversations- The purpose is to build a deeper relational connection and earn trust to share the truth. It’s how we get to know people and they get to know us.

Leading to:

Conversations- The purpose is to explore assumptions, cultivate openness to spiritual truth, and set the stage for presenting the gospel. It addresses many of the concerns of people’s hearts about life, relationships, values, meaning and purpose.

Leading to:

Gospel Conversations- The purpose is to share the message of Jesus and the Cross in a way that feels relevant to the person you’re speaking to. It introduces them to Jesus and gives them an opportunity to say yes to Him.

To a younger generation it is less likely that we will be able to go from Frinedship Conversatons directly to a Gospel Conversation. We need the middle ground of Spiritual Conversations.

Everything is spiritual

Moving from Secular to Spiritual topics- almost everything that we talk about during friendship convos has spiritual inferences. We need to grow in our ability to tune in to that reality
*See Chart Below for sample Questions: *

When you are having spiritual conversations, ask God for discernment as you listen to what’s on the heart of the people you’re talking with. You can generally identify many of their beliefs, desires, problems, fears, perceptions, and thoughts in relation to a few categories.

Idols, Felt needs, Lies and Truths

Affirming truth and challenging lies- when you’ve affirmed truth and addressed their felt needs, you can begin to challenge the lies and idols in their lives because it has become clear you’re speaking out of care and concern.

As we engage in spiritual conversations, remember that you are not convincing them that you’re right. You’re encouraging them to pursue truth- ideally, together with you.

You’re in this together. When you come with an “I’m right, your wrong” attitude, it creates defensiveness. When you come with a “Lets do this together” attitude and exhibit some humility about it, they can open up to pursuing truth with you.