November 2024
In This Edition....
What Does The Average Conversation Look Like?
How to Use "Notes" in ECHO...
How Salty Are You...
The Holiday Season
How Can I Help?
What Does The Average Conversation Look Like?
We receive this question almost every week, especially from new Responders. Online conversations are rarely predictable. Each interaction is unique, shaped by technology (Chat, Text, Social Media, Voice), the topics discussed, and the individual seeker's engagement level. This all means that there isn't really an "average conversation" because it is actually just a mix of many different types of interactions.
However, there are a few reminders that will help you manage conversations better regardless of the nature of the discussion.
Mobile Matters - About 85% of seekers connect via mobile devices. This means our responses must be concise and easily digestible. Long, complex messages can discourage engagement, causing users to scroll endlessly or disengage entirely. Use short responses that build upon one another and make it easier for any person to follow.
No One-Size-Fits-All Solutions - Online evangelism is fundamentally different from traditional face-to-face evangelism. We don’t have an extended amount of time to disciple someone and don’t get the benefit of seeing their response or hearing the emotion of the other person. Remember that no two conversations are the same and to be flexible.
Ask Open-Ended Questions - Asking “yes” and “no” questions rarely produce actionable conversation points. Open-ended questions encourage people to reflect and share their story.
Share Your Story - Your personal testimony is a powerful tool for connecting with others. God has worked in your life so you could be an example of how He can do the same in others. When your story is similar to the seeker, share how Christ has transformed your life.
Other Key Principles for Effective Online Conversations:
- Be Concise: Craft messages that are clear and to the point.
- Listen Actively: Use communication styles that mirror the seeker's approach and draw them into deeper conversation.
- Use Resources Appropriately: Share helpful resources to advance the seeker’s journey and not as a substitute for conversation.
- Be in Control: Purposefully guide conversations towards Jesus and the Gospel within the context of the topics being discussed.
Remember, our goal isn't to follow a script, but to create meaningful connections that help us understand each seeker's unique journey and give us the context to offer them the grace and hope found only in Jesus.
See our latest Training Article - What Does The Average Conversation Look Like: https://needhimvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/What-Does-the-Average-Conversation-Look-Like.pdf
Conversation Management...
"How to Use Notes in ECHO"
As part of the disposition process at the end of each conversation, Responders have the option to provide relevant or insightful information in the Notes Section before closing the conversation. Notes are not required but should be thought of as a way to help the next Responder who connects with the same Seeker.
We should Include a Note when we have important information that will allow the next Responder to better understand the Seeker's well-being or state of mind. Be concise and provide information you would want to know if you were the next Responder.
PROCESS CHANGE: We are also asking everyone to insert your Initials at the end of each Note entry you log into the system (i.e.: Seeker recently lost their mother in an automobile accident. - CS)
What should be included in Notes - These comments should be short fact-based comments and not us making personal judgments or medical/psychological diagnosis. Focus on things that you would want to know if you talked to this person next.
- Relevant facts about the Seeker's background or well-being (grew up orphan, traumatic brain injury).
- Significant life events (loss of loved one, abuse, trauma)
- Mental health context (under counseling, diagnosed condition by medical professional, PTSD)
- Spiritual observations (under pastoral support)
What should NOT be included in Notes - There is no reason to repeat the nature of the conversation that occurred or include topics that should be captured in the Tags section of the disposition process. Avoid the following:
- Detailed conversation summaries
- Personal descriptive statements
- Your own medical or psychological diagnoses
- Derogatory comments that don’t advance future conversations
In summary, Notes should be limited to relevant information that will give the next Responder critical information and more insight on how to best navigate the next conversation with this Seeker.
For a more detailed description of Disposition of Conversations, see Pages 26-29 of the Responder Training Manual. https://needhimvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Responder-Training-Manual-October-2024.pdf
How Salty Are You...
Salt and Light....
My wife and I recently caught a movie at the local theatre. Upon entering, we were caught off guard by the smell of freshly popped corn wafting through the air. The allure was intense and I immediately began directing my steps toward the concession area as if being led by the Pied Piper. As I waited in line, my salivary glands leaped into action. I could not wait to take that first hot bite of corn as I made my way through the maze of concessions.
What I noticed was how "salty" the popcorn was, so I then made my way to the soda machine to grab a soft drink. After paying a king's ransom, I finally made it to our seats. As with all the other minions, I caught myself powering through the extra-large container of freshly popped corn. In turn, the saltiness of the popcorn caused me to have an unquenchable thirst.
Jesus has called us to be salt and light in this dark and broken world.
In our conversations, we should strive to be salty enough in our words and approach that seekers have an unquenchable thirst to know more. Our story of redemption is a powerful testimony and how we present it should cause the hearer to want to know more. I urge you to creatively think about your own story and work to make it "salty"...
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16
The Holiday Season
As the Holidays approach, we anticipate a greater need for responders. Whether you have been faithfully serving for years, just taken your first conversation or may not have been active for some time, please know how valued you are. The success of the Ministry is built on the hearts of so many faithful and active volunteers.
Please know, we cannot do this without you.
The Holidays seem to bring many life issues to the surface and often open old wounds. Topics like loneliness, hopelessness, and depression are on the rise and the time has never been more right for us to share the Hope of the Gospel Message.
Each day we are doing our absolute best, but are still unable to respond to hundreds of incoming conversations from many hurting and broken.
As the Spirit Leads, please consider joining us to meet the broken and hurting.
How Can I Help?
You may ask, "How can I help?" Simply log in and get started. If it has been a while and you have forgotten your login credentials or feel you need a refresher, we can quickly get you set up and provide some follow-up training (Via Zoom).
We are praying that each of you consider logging in to help. We understand the hurdles: life is busy, I am not sure I know enough, what if I cannot answer a question, etc... but please remember that it is the Spirit of God who speaks in and through us. We are simply vessels God desires to use to impact this broken world.
The Ministry has many resources for you to sharpen your evangelism skills as well as to share with seekers on the Responder Training Portal.
Visit the Portal: https://needhimvolunteer.com/
Password: NHGresources
Respond to chris@needhim.org and he can reset your login credentials or set up a training session for you.
In closing, please know that we are incredibly grateful for each of you giving your time to "respond" to those with questions and to share the Gospel. Please let us know if we can be praying for you in a specific way. Blessings to you...
Need Him Global - - - Chris, Pete, Julie, Karen and Cathy
