Sometimes doing ministry on campus can be nerve-wracking or difficult. Being confused about where to start, or being nervous to engage with students is nothing new. The good news is there are tools available to help you with your ministry. A tool is something tangible that allows others to get involved and allows you to effectively share the gospel.
We want to be able to start spiritual conversations and share our faith in ways that are easily understood. A good tool helps make this possible.
Here is how a tool can help…
- It allows open conversation about their thoughts as you share the gospel.
- It helps people remember what you say.
- It helps others listen and follow along.
- It is transferable so when you share it with someone, they could easily share it with someone else.
Below are some key tools that we use to reach students with the gospel. Just like anything else, using a tool to share the gospel can be awkward or difficult at first, but with practice, it may become your favorite way to share your faith!
Our Favorite Tools
Connecting With God
The Four Spiritual Laws booklet has been redesigned for students and is called “Connecting With God.” It has been proven to be an effective tool for sharing the gospel. This booklet shows them their need to CONNECT with God. The booklet is designed so that after you talk through it with your friend, they can take it home, look it over, and then share it with someone else.
God Tools
The GodTools app is like a Swiss army knife for evangelism. It has a number of great tools for any situation. You can choose a tool in the app to walk someone through a clear explanation of the gospel, learn how to start a spiritual conversation, or teach them about the Holy Spirit. Choose from multiple languages in a variety of tools. It is right on your phone and is easily shareable.
Learn How to use God Tools
Download the God Tools App
Snapshot Cards
Snapshot cards are an easy way to start conversations to help people identify where they are in their spiritual journey. They are a standard deck of cards with a different picture on each card. You ask simple questions like, “Which picture best represents how you feel about your day today?” As you listen and share your answers as well, you are able to ask more and more spiritual questions.
Once the student is drawn into the conversation and expresses spiritual interest, you can share the gospel with them. One way to do this is to share your personal story, followed by either the “Connecting With God” booklet or on your phone with the”Knowing God Personally” tab in the GodTools app.
These cards can also double as playing cards and are great icebreakers for your small group or any occasion.
Soularium
These cards are similar to the Snapshot deck but are a little bigger and easier to use for larger groups of students.
Just like anything else, using a tool to share the gospel can be awkward or difficult at first, but with practice it may become your favorite way to share your faith!
More Ways to Share Your Faith
THE FOUR Bracelets
These wristbands with four simple icons representing the four points of the gospel are a great way to share your faith. The four symbols are a heart (God loves you), a division symbol (sin separates you from God), a cross (Jesus rescues you), and a question mark (will you trust Jesus?). They are an easy way for students to express their faith and start conversations.
Buy the FOUR bracelets
Watch the videos at THEFOUR.COM
Falling Plates
Falling Plates is a short film about life, death, and the love of a Savior. It is a fantastic conversation starter and a great way to help a student think more deeply about what Jesus could mean to them.
Watch the Falling Plates video
Made To Thrive
Made to Thrive is a Gospel conversation tool that will help you connect with students’ anxieties and help them see how following Jesus satisfies their deepest longings for an abundant, restorative, and eternal life.
This resource was developed in partnership between Cru and the Resolution Movement of Josh McDowell Ministry.
Buy the Made to Thrive Evangelistic Booklet
Use the free Slideshow for groups (designed in Canva)
Choose a tool that is helpful for your context, and use it in faith! Check out this article about Preparing Yourself for Spiritual Conversations, which will help give you confidence as you step out in faith!
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15.
