Monday, June 22, 2009

Guidelines for Evangelistic Table Conversation

Remember who is in Control
1. God is sovereign of each person’s life and their coming to faith in Christ (we don’t know who has shared the gospel with our guests before)
2. We are called to be obedient, using the time with our guests wisely
3. God will bring the fruit he has planned to bring
4. We can pray for the harvest

Become Involved
1. We are making ourselves available to God to be used for his glory and the benefit of others (our guests) through the power of the Holy Spirit
2. The meal is a ticket into our lives and theirs

Establish Relationships
3. We are providing—at our table—a sacred space (God is present) and an atmosphere of love and “safety”
4. We are showing our acceptance of our guests as persons
5. We display an empathetic attitude through words and body language

Offer Hope and Trust
6. We show a non-judgmental attitude We are just beggars telling other beggars where to buy bread (with no money—Isaiah 55)
7. By “coming alongside” our guests we can point the way to the paraclete—the one who is our heavenly advocate

The Mechanics of the Conversation
1. Remember: God says, “Fear not” (I am with you)
2. Introduce yourself as guests come to your table
3. Get their names and write them down on the tablecloth
4. Try to concentrate on the guests directly to your right and left BUT note the body language of others (they may be drawn into dialogue, too)
5. Ask descriptive questions (not ones with “yes” or “no” answers

Possible questions that will open doors to further conversation
1. May I tell you a story about how God helped me when I ___________ [a difficult situation]?
2. I was once a walking dead man/woman. May I tell you about it?
3. May I/the pastors pray for you? How?

Share personal testimony (with permission)