I’m a 'Talk with me' person.

I’m relational. I love to listen to people, hear their stories and figure them out. I discover more of Jesus through people’s characters, their testimonies and points of view.

A big part of my journey with Jesus has been talking things through in prayer with Jesus himself. That’s why I love seeing in the bible stories of Jesus taking time to get alongside people and talk with them about what’s going on. Like when Jesus went for dinner with Mary and Martha and when he listens to two friends process the events of his death and resurrection on the road to Emmaus. To me it makes all the difference to know that the gospel is personal, Jesus is with me and He cares.

As I’m walking through life, I instinctively look to befriend people. I notice those that need a sibling to step in and put their arm around them and I love going for coffee with a new friend and hearing where they’re at. For me this is where it gets real; as people get real I get to speak Jesus’ truth into their lives or I get to pray with them so they can meet the God who has been fighting to befriend them since before day 1. 

So I'll be the one at the party accidentally having a deep-and-meaningful in the corner or praying with a stranger about their deepest issues. 

FYI: the flip-side of being a listener and a question-asker is that it will also speak volumes when someone takes time to listen to me. It allows me to unlock and process things I otherwise would struggle to work out. Conversation is my work-space and my goldmine, both for mission and for my own faith journey.

If you feel like this fits with you and you might be a ‘Talk with me’, here are some top tips to help you make the most of your Mission Style:

• Don’t be afraid to get real with people – tell them your story, share where you’re at and what your faith means to you. They will be able to learn something from you too.
• Offer what you have – seek out those who you can encourage and speak truth into, mobilise others around you to do the same.
• Remember that the person in front of you is God’s responsibility – ultimately He is the One fighting to befriend them and free them by His love.