Basic Instructions

The Words Project is a great way to meet new people and understand your old friends on a deeper level. You’ll start a conversation using the 16 topic cards and 18 descriptor cards to engage with others and explore the topics they choose and how they describe them. You will be surprised how quickly the discussion can expand to a spiritual conversation, and maybe even extend to a future connection.

Familiarize yourself with the topics (hexagon cards) and descriptors (square cards). The blank cards can be used if none of the topics appeal to the person or if they can’t find the right descriptors for a particular topic.
Click here for expanded ideas and examples.

1. Engage

Introduce yourself. “Hi, my name is ___________, and I’m with a Christian organization called Cru. We’re doing The Words Project to get opinions on important topics. All you have to do is select topics from various cards, and select words that describe those topics. Do you have a few minutes to share your thoughts?”
As you spread out the topic cards, begin to get to know the person by asking some basic questions (i.e. name and hometown.)

2. Explore

Invite them to select a topic.
Set the other topic cards aside for now.
As you spread out the smaller cards, explain, “These square cards have descriptive words on either side, basically opposites. Choose 3-5 of them to best explain how you feel about (the topic word).”
Wait patiently. Let them think.
Respond. “Great! Why did you choose those?” or “Oh, that’s interesting. Tell me more about that.”
Listen carefully for key words and phrases to talk about later in the conversation.
If they have time, repeat the process with one or two more topics.
Ask, “May I choose a topic and get your thoughts?” Then have them choose descriptors for the new topic.

3. Expand

After you have completed The Words Project, you may want to expand the conversation.

“Awesome! Thanks so much for helping with The Words Project. I’d love to hear a few more of your thoughts on what we’ve talked about. Would it be ok if I asked a couple more questions?”
“I noticed you said ____________ earlier. Have you had some experience with that in the past?” or “Could you tell me more about _________?”
Click here for more question examples.
If you sense openness, transition to the gospel. “For me, these topics tie into my relationship with God. Has anyone ever shared with you about how you could know God personally? Can I tell you how I began a relationship with God?”

4. Extend the Relationship

When the conversation is winding down or if they don’t have time for you to share your story or Knowing God Personally, consider setting up an appointment to further the relationship.
“Thanks so much for doing this. I really enjoyed it. What do you think about talking again sometime?”
For ideas on next steps of connection, click here.
After you leave, pray for the people you meet.

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