Faith Talk

We all have areas of our lives that are easy to talk about. Some of us are fanatics about a hobby, sports team, or even current events. When those topics come up, it feels natural or easy to enter the conversation with knowledge and curiosity. Then there are other areas of life (which might even be the same as those listed above) that we do not talk about easily.

It often seems that folks find talking about their faith to be more of the latter than the former. We have trouble sharing what it is about faith that is important to us or what are aspects of faith that we are exploring more deeply or confused about. The conversations that we have been having as a congregation around Honoring our Neighbors Faith have been delightful to be a part of as a pastor. Exploring the faith of those around us has been both reaffirming and challenging to many. (If you have not connected with a study, might I suggest you try it – it is never too late to join!)

There are resources a-plenty to help spur conversations and open us up to speaking about our faith. Often the best for all ages are those directed at youth. One resource recently shared with me from another pastor was the age-old mason jar of questions. Simply have everyone in your family write 5 questions on pieces of paper and mix them in the jar. Pull one and discuss. Close the conversation with a prayer incorporating everyone’s thoughts.

Here are a few of my favorite conversation starters to get you going:

1. Describe an important dream, one possibly set in your heart by God.

2. Does God plan and control life or is life shaped by choices and chance? How?

3. What act of another person has deeply inspired you? Why?

4. When and for what do you pray?

5. What is a gift that you most recently discovered about yourself?

Many blessings to you as you start this faith activity! May the Holy Spirit guide and inspire you along the way.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Tim