What does it mean to talk about Jesus?
By Viki Seithel, Fusion Movement
Growing up, I was often referred to as a ‘chatterbox’. There was rarely an occasion where I was quiet, but as I got older, headed to university and then the working world, the chatterbox part of me sometimes took more of a backseat. I started to find myself in social situations where bringing up faith ‘should’ be really easy, but I found myself tripping over a mental stumbling block of ‘how do I actually start a conversation about God?’
We’ve all been there. Whether it’s struggling with a little bit of conversational stage fright, the fear of judgement from those around us, or just not knowing what to say, talking about Jesus can be hard.
But it can also be the most faith stretching, freeing thing for you and others around you.
18 – 25 years old are some of the most formative years for adult life. It’s during these years that foundations are rocked and beliefs are shaped. They’re often the years where people consider life’s biggest questions around faith and where they fit in the story of life. With peoples’ openness to faith conversations, you could say that talking about faith has never been simpler than at this stage of life. Here are some top tips on how to make the most of these years.
1. Find a church
It’s no surprise that finding a church helps you to grow in your own faith, but also by being plugged into a church community, doors are opened to conversations about faith. It could be as simple as conversations with friends or colleagues about what you did at the weekend, or it could be a space into which you can invite those friends. Church provides you with a community of people who can help you to talk to your friends about Jesus, giving answers to difficult questions, developing new friendships, and a space to explore faith with the support of a church family.
Need help finding a church? Check out the Student Linkup app to connect with churches near you.
‘Studying medicine, being on placement and then going on to work in the NHS, there isn’t always time to have deep conversations about faith. By being honest about what you did with your weekend, you can share simply and honestly about something that’s important in your life, and this leads others to ask questions.’ — Brett, NHS Worker
2. Name drop Jesus within 24 hours
Disclaimer. You don’t need to name drop ‘Jesus’ specifically, but by bringing up your faith within 24 hours of meeting new people or in a new context, you can build confidence in sharing your faith and people will respect your honesty. Not only this, but it will make it easier to continue to talk about your faith further down the line.
3. Be resourced
Starting conversations can be hard. Often turning conversations into games makes things easier. Why not host a games night with some friends and use a DMC Deck to provoke faith conversations? One student in Portsmouth had a DMC Deck on their shelf and a non-Christian friend picked up the pack of cards. On one of the cards read the question, “do you believe there is a God?” This one question provoked a night of him discovering more about faith and exploring what he believed for the first time.
4. Finally, remember your ‘why!’
Consider for a moment, what would your life be like now if no one talked to you about Jesus? How different might it be? If you find yourself experiencing conversational stage fright, remember that your words have the power to change lives. Your words can lead others into relationship with Jesus. Your words can help others to experience true freedom.
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