Prepare the Table Before Each Conversation
Gather the featured object. Choose three to five ordinary objects related to the featured object. Invite each person to choose the one that catches their attention, then simply ask, “What drew you to that object?”
Conversation | Featured Object | Related Ordinary Objects to Start the Conversation |
1. When They Ask | Stone | River rock, polished stone, pebble from a trip, small shell, old photograph |
2. The God Who Sees You | Small Candle | Lantern, flashlight, matchbook, lamp, pair of glasses |
3. There Is a Place for You | Old Key | Welcome mat, house key, doorknob, front-door photo, address card |
4. What You Have Been Given | Measuring Spoon | Wooden spoon, recipe card, yeast packet, pinch bowl, flour sack |
5. Praise Can Hold You Up | Worn Hymn Page | Hymnal, music box, choir ribbon, tuning fork, old cassette/CD of favorite music |
6. Choose What Is Right Even When It Costs | Compass | Hiking boots, trail map, walking stick, backpack, whistle |
7. God Makes All Things New | Knotted Rope | Frayed rope, sewing thread, ribbon, mended fabric, fishing net |
8. Miles of Mercy | Folded Map | Hiking boots, car keys, travel mug, compass, postcard |
9. God Has Provided | Recipe Card | Mixing bowl, wooden spoon, apron, measuring cup, favorite spice |
10. Little Things That Keep Us Together | Cookie Tin & Cutter | Rolling pin, cooling rack, potholder, cookie recipe, Christmas ornament |
11. The Things We Keep | Stuffed Animal | Baby blanket, children’s book, favorite toy, family photograph, tiny shoes |
12. What Lasts | Sealed Envelope | Fountain pen, stationery, postage stamp, family Bible, wax seal |
Remember
Your job is not to teach.
Your job is to help people notice what God may already be showing them.
Five Listening Habits
- Don’t interrupt.
- Ask one follow-up question.
- Resist giving advice.
- Let silence work.
- Summarize occasionally.
Five Helpful Questions
- What makes you say that?
- Tell me more.
- What do you think God was doing?
- What surprised you?
- Why?