Basics
The Words Project is a great way to not only start a conversation with anyone, anywhere, but also helps you build a relationship with someone new and even gain more understanding of your old friends.
Manage expectations
During the initial testing phase of The Words Project we found most people were very open to starting a conversation. A few conversations even led to an opportunity to talk about having a relationship with God! The Words Project is designed to help you build relationships. Using the tool to initiate conversation often allowed staff and students to set up a second appointment. This is a big win!
About the words
The Topics (hexagon cards) contained in The Words Project were chosen to help guide conversation and get to know people on a deeper level. While most of the topics relate to serious subjects, some of the cards are more playful, like Dreams or Aliens. Not everyone you encounter will be ready to grab the Religion or the Jesus card. By starting with their topic choice where they are comfortable, you may be able to uncover deeper thoughts as you ask questions and listen to their ideas.
Questions for expanding the conversation
- What is your life philosophy based on?
- Where do your values come from?
- What is your spiritual background?
- What is it like to try to live according to your values and/or morals?
- What is your view of God? What do you think God is like?
- How does your view of God affect your life?
- If you could know God personally, would you be interested?
See this post for more ideas about using questions in evangelism.
God Space by Doug Pollock has some great resources for conversations about God including a list of 99 questions.
Next steps suggestions:
- a follow-up conversation to talk more about spiritual things (e.g. Jesus, Religion, Truth, Forgiveness)
- joining you at a small-group Bible study or church service
- reading an article that pertains to one or more of the topics on everystudent.com
- becoming Facebook friends
- exchanging phone numbers (Text them immediately to say, “Thanks for talking!”
Variations you can try
- Lay the topic cards face down. Have your friend (or friends) choose a card and then follow the basic instructions.
- Use the tool as a way to help your disciples learn how to transition to the gospel. Have them brainstorm questions and answers for the various topics that can help turn the conversation to Jesus.
What about groups?
While The Words Project works best with one or two people, you can have more people participate. You can have each choose a topic card and then take turns choosing the square cards to describe their feelings about their topic. Or have one of them choose a topic for everyone and then let the others choose a card and so on.