Conversation Starters
Practical ways to bring up Jesus and talk about faith in conversations with non-believers or young Christians. Gentle, respectful approaches that open hearts and minds.
Lead with curiosity, respect, and a desire to listen more than to persuade. Aim for a two-way conversation, not a sermon.
"Have you ever thought much about spiritual things or God?"
"What do you believe about the meaning of life?"
"Do you ever wonder whether there's more to life than what we see?"
"Has anyone ever asked you what you think would happen after you die?"
"I've been wrestling with a question about faith — may I ask your honest take?"
"If there is a God, what kind of person do you think God would be?"
"What would you want God to be like if you could design Him?"
"What do you think people mean when they say someone is 'saved' or 'spiritual'?"
"If you could ask Jesus one honest question, what would it be?"
"Do you think anyone can be sure they're right with God? Why or why not?"
"There was a time I didn't believe either until something changed for me — would you like to hear what happened?"
"Something about Jesus makes sense of pain and purpose for me; can I share one reason why?"
"I appreciate honest doubts. One thing I find important is… (brief personal testimony, 15–30 seconds)."
Ask about their views on sin, forgiveness, and hope, then say: "Jesus talks directly to those concerns — here's how I understand it in one minute."
Use the "problem → solution → response" skeleton: life's problem (brokenness), God's solution (Jesus), personal response (what it looks like to trust him).
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"Can I ask you a quick question about faith?"
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"What would you say is the biggest spiritual question on your mind?"
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Listen; then say: "Thanks — one thing that helped me was seeing that Jesus claimed to solve that exact problem. Would you like a short summary of who he is and why it matters?"
Ask clarifying questions and reflect their words back to show you heard them.
Resist the urge to fix every objection; validate feelings and answer the main objection briefly.
Offer an invitation, not an ultimatum: "If you'd like to explore this more, I'd be glad to share a short passage that helped me."
Ask permission before shifting to spiritual topics.
Keep stories short and concrete.
Use questions more than arguments.
Pray beforehand and be ready to step back if the person is closed or irritated.
If they're interested:
Suggest a short next step, Invite them to church (read John 3; meet to talk again; pray together).
If they're not:
Thank them, leave the door open, and continue to be a genuine friend.
Ready to Share Your Faith?
Remember, the goal isn't to win arguments but to love people well and point them toward Jesus. Every conversation is an opportunity to show God's love in action.