Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
Rom. 15:13; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Phil. 2:4
“Splash Zone”
A couple years back, we went to a dolphin show. As we found seats, the kids asked, “Why can’t we sit up front by the aquarium?” We pointed to the “Splash Zone” signs and explained why we didn’t want squishy shoes and drenched clothes. Sure enough, the water was so full, the dolphins so exuberant as they flipped, flopped, and kicked their tails, it soaked everyone near them.
And when the “God of hope” fills “you with all joy and peace in believing” you’ll “abound in hope” (Rom. 15:13). And it can open doors to share “the reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).
Through love, we learn to lead a different kind of conversation, a holy conversation.
THE BIG IDEA
Talk is cheap, as the saying goes, but our faith, boldness, and commitment to others can make way for discovery and decision. First, slow down and listen (James 1:19). Learning to "count others more significant" and getting interested in "the interests of others" (Phil. 2:4) can spark profound dialogue with perfect strangers simply because we got fascinated by their world. It can ease us into the very personal subject of faith. And our interactions change as we pray for their well-being in every area of life, especially that it may go well with their soul (3 John 2).
Investigate and get curious. Are they interested in religion, or are they opposed to God? What led them here? Jesus loved asking questions, planting seeds, and directing dialogue in fruitful directions. Scripture’s truths remain as relevant today as ever — maybe you’ll find a way to connect their story with THE story.
You can even take a page from Paul and share your conversion story (Acts 22; 26). As God’s priests, we live to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness” (1 Peter 2:9-10). What has God done for you? Are you proclaiming it? Let your hope and joy overflow, “splashing” on everyone around you.
THE BIG QUESTION
Are you filled to overflowing with the good news?
Disciple-Making Practices
Engage in Gospel-Centered Conversations
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Splash Zone” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
What's a telltale sign that someone stopped listening to you?ACT I
JESUS SAID — Powerful Questions
List a few of the most powerful questions that Jesus asked during his ministry. If you're studying with others, take a few minutes to discuss their importance together.Powerful Question #1:Powerful Question #2Powerful Question #3ACT II
FAVORITE THINGS — Guiding Conversations
Think about the best spiritual conversations you’ve had and consider what made them so special? What are some traits of a great, edifying dialogue? What makes a conversation productive? What practices and attitudes help us overcome the problems that derail some talks? Ponder these questions and then identify two of your “favorite” things about meaningful exchanges in the Lord.
Favorite Thing #1:
Favorite Thing #2: ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
What do quality everyday conversations teach you about guiding holy conversations?WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Ask someone a spiritual question to start a conversation.REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
"Fill us with hope and embolden us as we proclaim your excellencies” (1 Peter 2:10; Rom. 15:13).