A Conversation starter with an unbeliever

Someone asked a question: “Anyone have any recommendations on good conversation starters with an unbeliever?”

Here’s my answer:

Nothing flashy or shiny but my weekly evangelism these days consists of going up to someone and saying “Hi, I’m ________. I’m a Christian who want to share about Jesus. From your own background, thoughts and what you heard or understand, what do you understand the message of Jesus Christ is about?”

Why do I ask that?

• I ask that because I feel so many people even those who profess to be Christians don’t even know what the Gospel from the Bible is about.

• I ask that question because it goes to the heart of hearing them what they say and then if they have a wrong understanding of God and the Gospel I preach to them the Gospel.

• I don’t want to ask them if they believe first but want to be able to share the Gospel and correct their wrong view of the God without necessarily start off with apologetics which sometimes can detract from sharing the Gospel (note I’m not against doing apologetics obviously!).  It is only when there’s a right understanding of the Gospel can we appeal to people to believe it and trust in Christ!

• Also you be surprised sometimes how people actually start thinking about what is the Christian message. Sometimes there’s a pause as they are thinking and as I’m waiting I slip in, “the reason why I want to talk to you is because I believe you are made in the image of God and your life matters…” just to communicate my intent in asking the questions. I think it is very powerful if we really love God and really love sinners and compassionately and passionately say those word with full conviction in the Gospel from the Word of God that stops people and actually talk about the Gospel.