![[evangelism-feature-image.png]] >[!note] Description: >The following list of questions is a compiled resource created by asking a number of Southeastern students and former missionaries about their evangelism habits and what questions they use to move into deeper conversations with people. --- ## The Framework Based on Sam Chan’s model, evangelism often stalls because we stay on the surface.[^1] Meaningful conversations move through three layers: 1. **Interests:** Hobbies, weather, sports, work (Safe, Surface-level) 2. **Values:** Opinions, ethics, politics, what we love (Personal, Subjective) 3. **Worldview:** God, eternity, purpose, origin (Existential, Ultimate Truth, Gospel Matters) Use the **"Nudge Questions"** below to gently bump the conversation one level deeper. --- ## Level 1 Nudges: Moving from Interests $\rightarrow$ Values _Use these when discussing culture, travel, family, or holidays to uncover what matters to them._ - **Holiday Meaning:** "Why do you celebrate [this holiday]? What is the meaning behind it for your family?" - **Names:** "That is a beautiful name. What does it mean? Is there a story behind why you chose it?" - **Rituals:** "I’ve heard [X] about [Tradition/Festival]. Is that true? Why do you do that?" - **Modesty/Clothing:** "Why is modesty important in your faith? What is the meaning of covering your head?" - **The Bridge Question:** "So, would you consider yourself a spiritual person?" --- ## Level 2 Nudges: Moving from Values $\rightarrow$ Worldview _Use these when discussing life struggles, hopes, personal ethics, or the future._ - **Prayer:** "How can I pray for you?" (Alternative: "If God could do one thing in your life right now, what would you want it to be?") - **Struggle & Hope:** "Who do you turn to during stressful seasons? Where do you go for joy and strength—and does it last?" - **Nature of God:** "How would you describe God? Do you think He hears you when you pray?" - **Forgiveness:** "How do you know you will be forgiven?" - **Eternity:** "What do you think eternity will be like? What is the purpose of this short life?" - **Jesus:** "What do you know about Jesus?" (Followed by: "Do you know the rest of the story?") - **Faith Background:** "Do you have a faith background?" (A great direct opener). --- ## Field Notes & Tips - **Posture of a Learner:** Don't assume you know their beliefs. Even if you know about a holiday (like Ramadan or Diwali), ask anyway: "Tell me more about that." - **The "Restaurant" Tactic:** When eating out, try telling the server: "We are about to pray for our food. Is there any way we can pray for you?" - **Checking for Understanding:** When you do share the Gospel, ask: "Does that make sense?" People often confuse Christian concepts with their own worldview (e.g., Resurrection vs. Reincarnation). --- [^1]: Sam Chan, [_How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy): Personal Evangelism in a Skeptical World_](https://amzn.to/4pyhnav) (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2020); Sam Chan, [_Evangelism in a Skeptical World: How to Make the Unbelievable News about Jesus More Believable_](https://amzn.to/4obzG3Z), Illustrated edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2018). Chan addresses this idea in both of his books on evangelism. He argues for the importance of plausibility structures and deepening relationships with people in order to naturally share about more important truths.