Resources to Reach Your Neighbors
About the 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations
The 9 “arts” are observable practices in the life of Jesus that make spiritual conversations flow easily. When Christians grow stronger in these skills, evangelism and discipleship are the natural outcomes.
NOTICING
Being aware of those around you and paying close attention to what God might be doing in their lives.
PRAYING
Asking God to work in the lives of people you meet and to show you what he wants you to do to bless them.
LISTENING
Demonstrating genuine care, interest, and empathy as you interact with others without editorializing or offering unsolicited opinions.
ASKING QUESTIONS
Seeking to understand more than to be understood and letting genuine curiosity take the lead to open up conversations.
LOVING
Letting your relationship with God overflow to people around you so that you see them with his eyes.
WELCOMING
Valuing the presence of people and helping them feel that they belong.
FACILITATING
Leading a discussion in a group setting so that everyone makes discoveries and feels honored, respected, and heard.
SERVING TOGETHER
Gathering people to work for a common cause and helping them know God and each other better through the shared experience.
SHARING
Relating your faith story, learning others’ stories, and expressing God’s story of forgiveness through Jesus in a way that is respectful and meaningful.
Give the Gospels a fresh look and notice how intentional Jesus was with individuals he encountered. In fact, he developed a reputation for spending time with outsiders. Preaching and proclamation were significant in his ministry, yet he spent the vast majority of his time on the road with twelve men who were slowly coming to understand who Jesus was. They were taught, but they also caught how Jesus made disciples.
They learned from him how to engage spiritual seekers and walk with them on the discipleship journey. So can Christians in the 21st century. So can churches.
So can you.