Sharing My Story: Are You A Conversation Starter?
Kelli Benfield, Director | Communications
In Matthew 9:37 Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
You have the opportunity every day to go out and engage people where you work, shop, work-out, and even places you eat. Some people are lonely. Some people think they have everything they need. You don’t know where someone is at in their life until you start a conversation.
For some people starting a conversation is painful. You reason your way through to the point of thinking, “What does it matter, I will never see this person again?”
Pastor Rob challenged us with a few questions this week:
- Do I have an outward focus?
- Do I notice those around me who may be far from God?
- Do I have compassion?
- Do I have eyes that see people in need?
- Do I pray for them?
- Do I actually step forward in action and start a conversation?
As believers, we should be engaging others no matter what? It can always start with a simple question, or observation. No matter how painful. A spiritual conversation normally leads with an initial investment is finding out someone’s story.
- Are these your children? How old are they?
- How long have you worked here? Do you like it?
- Do you live in Forsyth or Davie County? (I live in Davidson, so I love to talk to people about where they live)
Everyone has a story and this week, start a conversation with at least 2 people you have not met before. Even your wait staff. I observed some sweet friends of mine start a conversation with our waitress at the table to find a little more about her. Before the food came to the table, they told her they would be praying for the food in a little bit and was there anything they could pray for her. She began to unfold a whole list of items. We prayed her once our food arrived, and she later thanked them.
One small question can lead to another. A simple observation can lead to sharing common interests. One small investment can lead to an invitation.
Take the time… even when someone looks like you are wasting their time. A simple question of, “Are you having a good day?” Can open up a wealth of opportunities to engage someone in praying for their personal struggles or inviting them to ask Christ into their lives.
