Have you ever wondered how to bring up your faith in conversations without feeling intrusive or uncomfortable? This is something I am SOOO passionate about so I am so glad you are reading this.
I’ve heard from so many people who struggle to navigate conversations toward faith. They’ve mentioned that it can be intimidating, especially in our highly defensive culture. I’ve found that the key is to introduce it in a way that feels natural, respectful, and engaging.
I’m excited to share five strategies to effectively share this vital aspect of your life. Whether you’re looking to deepen existing relationships or plant a seed of faith within others, these strategies will guide you in moving beyond all too common surface-layer discussions.
1.) Find an “in”
Shared interests or experiences provide natural conversation starters that can lead to discussions about faith.
For example, if you and another both enjoy reading, you could mention a book that has influenced your faith. This can lead to a broader discussion about spiritual beliefs and practices. Or, say that you and a colleague discover a mutual love for hiking. After discussing your favorite trails and outdoor experiences, you might say something like, “I find hiking really connects me with nature and my faith. It’s a time for me to reflect and feel grateful for the beauty around us. How do you feel when you’re out in nature?”
My mother-in-law, an incredible woman, could do this so naturally. She lived with cancer for years and whenever she met someone who also had cancer, she would ask if they wanted to know what helped her. When they said yes, that would be her “in” to tell them about Jesus!
2.) Extend an invitation
Sometimes, an opportunity to talk about Jesus seems to come right to us. Other times, though, it requires a bit of initiative on our end. Extending an invitation to spend time together opens the door to fruitful conversation with someone. Two of my favorite invitations to extend to others are:
Gathering around the table unifies people. It builds strong, trusting relationships and creates an environment where faith can be discussed openly and deeply.
Acts 2: 46-47 says,
“Every day they continued to meet together…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
The growth of the early church was directly linked to their practice of communal living and shared meals. This wasn’t just about eating; it was about fostering deep connections and sharing life together, including their faith experiences and stories.
There is also something so peaceful and powerful about being shoulder-to-shoulder with another person. Regardless of whether it’s with a close friend or a family member, I guarantee a faith talk will be MUCH more fruitful and enjoyable if both of you feel at ease.
Luke 24:13-35, commonly referred to as the Road to Emmaus, demonstrates the value of walking and talking about faith. Jesus joins the disciples in their journey but does not immediately reveal His identity. Rather, He listens to their concerns and questions, patiently guiding them to a deeper understanding. Following Jesus’ example, we too can create opportunities for deep, transformative conversations.
3.) Pray with people
Praying with and for others, whether they are followers of Jesus or not, is greatly impactful.
In the past, when someone in need came to me I noticed myself saying, “You’ll be in my prayers.” While it is both important and effective to pray for one another, it is an absolutely transformative experience to pray with one another. Why? Because Jesus’ presence shields and surrounds those who pray together.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them”
Matthew 18:20
This verse underscores the idea that praying with others, regardless of their faith background, creates a sacred space where God’s presence is actively invited and acknowledged. This practice can be a powerful shared experience that fosters a deeper connection and strengthens the faith of those involved.
One evening I was having a conversation with a man who I had just met. When I shared something about my son’s struggle he said how his son had the same struggle. I said, “I’m going to pray about this. I can do it here with you, or if that seems weird I can just pray later” He asked me to pray now, which I did. When I finished he had tears in his eyes as he said, “No one has ever prayed for me”. He was about 65 years old and not a follower of Jesus but he was still moved by a prayer.
4.) Don’t doubt the power of touch
Recently while rereading the story of Daniel, the power of physical touch jumped out at me.
Daniel writes,
“This humanlike figure touched me again and gave me strength. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be all right. Take courage. Be strong.’
Even as he spoke, courage surged up within me. I said, ‘Go ahead, let my master speak. You’ve given me courage.’”
Daniel 10: 18-19
In the context of the passage, Daniel is deeply distressed and overwhelmed by a vision he received. The touch of an angel not only gave him the strength to understand the message but also reassured him of God’s protection and filled him with remarkable peace and courage.
Through our own compassionate touch, we too can drastically uplift others. My friend’s son, 27 at the time, felt a call from God to put his hand on a stranger’s shoulder. The man’s response to his touch was, “I haven’t been touched in 8 years,” and later shared that he was planning to end his life that day. Incredibly, the two have formed a relationship that persists even now. This story reminds me that, even in our modern world, there is healing power in physical connection. Sometimes a simple touch can convey more than words ever could, providing solace in times of grief, strength in moments of weakness, or affirmation in times of doubt.
5.) When given a compliment, give God the glory
Moments of receiving compliments can be profound opportunities to reflect God’s glory. These instances, often highlighting our strengths, achievements, or character, can serve as powerful reminders of God’s work in our lives.
When someone compliments us, the first step is to receive it graciously with genuine gratitude. A simple “Thank you” acknowledges the appreciation expressed and sets a positive tone for further conversation. We can then shift the focus to God. Whether it’s for a job well done, a kind gesture, or a personal achievement, attribute it to God’s grace and provision. For example, if someone were to say, “You look so healthy”, you might respond, “Thank you! God heard and answered my prayer for a stronger body and renewed mind.”
I hope these methods for weaving faith into daily discussion inspire and empower you. Whether it’s over coffee with a friend or during a casual chat with a coworker, let’s embrace opportunities to share what faith means to us.
Which of the 5 methods above will you try out this week?
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