Permission Conversation

Two years ago, I worked on a time line of my life, for Leaders For the Harvest. Leaders for the Harvest is a Leadership Course that really help create a desire in me to spend more time and energy focusing on spiritual disciplines.

My time line, my story? Why work on my story? Does anybody ever ask you to share your story? While writing my time line I was forced to really look at my life history. It was amazing to me to see how God has worked in my life. How can I share what I have learned from watching God impact my life? How do you share details with others with out boring them or driving them away?

When I think of people sharing their Christ Stories it reminds me of Church Youth Rallies, FCA Groups, or Sunday Evening Testimonies at Church...

I don't want to spew my whole story within every conversation I have, but I would like to share it with someone! One thing I learned from Michael Simpson in Permission Evangelism was to not unload your story right away...God will let it happen in His time. Be open to share. Wait.

One example of a permission conversation would be if someone asks "how's it going?" don't jump right back with a lot of details that lead you into you Christ story. Be patient and listen for God to open doors. One response I like that was cited in the book, is to respond by saying "I have a lot of exciting things going on in my life right now!" People will then either be satisfied by your small talk or be led to ask for more.
The conversation might end on your statement.

Six months later that same parent might be sitting next to you at the soccer game. God could prompt them to say something like this,"You mentioned a while back that you had some exciting things going on - what's so exciting?"

God may be leading them to engage in your conversation you initiated six months ago...will God Bless that "Random" Statement? I believe He can!

Resource Provider

Bill Hybels wrote in his book Just Walk Across The Room, about being a resource provider. I don't always know the answer to the tough questions people ask about Christianity. It is safe to say I all to often I am left saying "that's a great question or I don't know." Even if it is not a direct question there are many times a conversation sparks a memory of something I may have read. There are so many great books out there about relationships, leadership, etc...Many books authored by Christian Authors can create conversations points, lead people to seek out God, and really impact people's lives.

Lola Kenworthy shared at Westview Church on Jan 14th, about how God has been encouraging her to be bold about her faith. One thing that she took from Just Walk Across the Room, was that God can use her to plants the seeds of faith in people's lives. She has really challenged herself to be a "resource provider" She has seen how easy it is to suggest a book to someone. She has even taken steps to have materials ready to share. ( I have yet to see her balancing a book on her head walking through the mall:) She does however make sure she has access to books, cd's, dvds, etc...

Think about where and when you can share a good book, a cd, or even the Bible with someone. God can use you as a Resource Provider! HE can do the rest! Be willing to Initiate, Engage, and then prayerfully wait on God to Bless!