The Student Mission Awards are coming in February 2018. What student mission stories have you got to share? Could the Mission Styles ‘Talk with Me’ award be yours?
'Talk with me' people are the kings and queens of the D.M.C. (Deep and Meaningful Conversation). They're the ones sat outside at 3am at house parties engrossed in a five-hour conversation, laughing and crying over their drinks as they ask questions galore and share stories of joy and sorrow.
The importance of relationship and stories
The 'Talk with me' Mission Style centres on the importance of relationship and the value of hearing stories and testimonies in helping people relate to Jesus. They respond best to the gospel when they chat with people about how they have encountered Jesus in a personal way and can share about how they have experienced God at work in their life.
One of the most obvious examples from the bible of this mission style at work would be the disciples walking on the Emmaus Road with Jesus in Luke 24:12-35, whose hearts are described as "burning within them" when enjoying a deep and real conversation with Jesus. Today, 'Talk with me' people will come alive when others take time to listen to them, to answer their questions and share experiences and stories. For these people, the gospel is relational and personal, they need to understand that Jesus is with them and cares for them.
We want to hear about how you have given people space and time to share their stories and to hear the stories of others, encouraging mission that engages with the 'Talk with me' Mission Style.
What Stories could you share?
How could you help people understand the gospel on a deep and personal level? What stories could you share to capture people’s attention? How could you promote a culture of encouragement and testimony enabling people to better relate to Jesus and respond to his good news?
You may already have existing ways of reaching out to the 'Talk with me' people, or maybe this is a challenge for you to expand your student mission to engage with this style. You never know, this could be the award for you!
