The simple goal of our shirt is that it is a tool or bridge to bring you into a conversation with someone…someone who is important in the eyes of God…a God who cares about their eternal future. We hope that this shirt will give you an opening for spiritual conversations, when before, you may not have had those opportunities. When this happens, be willing to open this dialogue with confidence, knowing that the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead is the same spirit in you. Use every opportunity to tell others what your story is all about and use it to learn about other people’s stories.
That being said, my struggle has always been that initial leap into that all important conversation. If you struggle on where to begin once someone asks you about your shirt, here are some scenarios that could possibly occur and possible introductions into that journey.
Example 1
Friend/stranger/bystander: ‘So I will go ahead and bite…what is your story?’
You: Well, growing up probably not so different than most, I grew up in …….., involved in ………., searching for meaning (or the drawing of God, etc.). What about you?
Friend/stranger/bystander: (they share their story)
You: (small talk: hey we have some of the same things in common or that is an interesting story). Since that time of (searching, struggling, etc.)….(then you share your story of coming into a relationship with God through Jesus and how He has changed your life). Not sure if that makes sense or not but that’s my story. (wait for response). (keep the conversation going by sharing God’s story of salvation). (ask them about their relationship with God)
Example 2
Friend/stranger/bystander: ‘So what does your shirt mean?’ or ‘What is this ‘ask me my story?’
You:Just a chance to share my story…my life and my journey. (ask if they would like to hear it) Well, growing up probably not so different than most, grew up in …….., involved in ………., searching for meaning (or the drawing of God, etc.). What about you?
Friend/stranger/bystander: (they share their story)
You: (small talk: hey we have some of the same things in common or that is an interesting story). Since that time of (searching, struggling, etc.)….(then you share your story of coming into a relationship with God through Jesus and how He has changed your life). Not sure if that makes sense or not but that’s my story. (wait for response). (keep the conversation going by sharing God’s story of salvation). (ask them about their relationship with God)
Example 3
Friend/stranger/bystander: ‘I want to ask about your story, but if it is going to be about religion or God I’m not interested.’
You:Everyone has a story and mine does include how God revealed Himself to me in a very personal way. Not looking to push anything or judge, just to humbly share. (ask if they would be interested in hearing). Well, growing up probably not so different than most, grew up in …….., involved in ………., searching for meaning (or the drawing of God, etc.). What about you?
Friend/stranger/bystander: (they share their story)
You: (small talk: hey we have some of the same things in common or that is an interesting story). Since that time of (searching, struggling, etc.)….(then you share your story of coming into a relationship with God through Jesus and how He has changed your life). Not sure if that makes sense or not but that’s my story. (wait for response). (keep the conversation going by sharing God’s story of salvation). (ask them about their relationship with God)
Example 4 (if you don’t have your shirt on, you begin the conversation)
You: I find it interesting to hear about peoples’ stories, where they came from, what they experienced, where they are now. So what’s your story?
Friend/stranger/bystander: (let them share whatever it is they want to)
You:(small talk: hey we have some of the same things in common or that is an interesting story). My story…..(example: well, growing up probably not so different than most, grew up in …….., involved in ………., searching for meaning (or the drawing of God, etc.). What about your spiritual journey?
Friend/stranger/bystander: (let them share about their spiritual journey)
You: (then you share about your spiritual journey….your story of coming into a relationship with God through Jesus and how He has changed your life). Not sure if that makes sense or not but that’s my story. (wait for response). (keep the conversation going by sharing God’s story of salvation). (ask them if they are searching)
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