ALL IN

Speaking Of...

For Today

• Introduction
• Norms
• Background
• Experiences
• Tactics

Group norms

• listen with respect
• speak from your experience
• assume best intent
• be aware of time (keep comments direct and short)
• others?

Why is Religious (faith) Talk a taboo subject?

The modern post-enlighentment model

• Public-----------Private
• Fact--------------Value
• Male--------------Female
• Reality-----------Illusion
• Profane-----------Sacred

DEconstructionism

• Seeks to collapse false dichotomy
• Can be re/constructive
• Has mirrors in art, literature, design, language

The Bible On Sharing the Faith

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans 1:16

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Mark 16:15

Have we lived up to the Biblical commandment?

Expereince Sharing

• Partner in groups of three
• Share in a circle, 2 min each
• Question: Have you ever shared your faith or your faith story with someone before? How did it go? What happened? If not, have you ever had an opportunity?

Share the best experience

• What went well in your experiences?
• What was difficult?
• What dynamics were at work?

Pitfalls

Who? What? Where? When?

What to say

Reform with your group

• Take 2 min a piece
• Offer up you're story
• Why is faith a part of your life?
• NOT- why is church a part of your life.
• Practice listening and reflecting

How did it go?

• What went well?
• What was hard?
• When would such a thing work?
• What did it feel like to listen to this?
• In what contextual relationship were you considering this talk?

Tactics

Conversations about faith

Listen at a 2/1 ratio

Find out the salient details

Things to remember

• Speak with your actions first, but not solely
• It is okay if it is not okay
• Look for commonality, but express difference authentically
• This is the Holy Spirit's work
• Faith is a miracle
• Some people will persist in some wonky beliefs. be gentle, but don't give in

Keep at it!