New Church Life July/Aug 2013 | Page 77

  , ,   A Script to Get Started By Rachel Buss 1. Introduce yourself: “Hello, my name is ______. How are you today?” (Don’t forget to say your name. People are as keen to learn your name as you are to learn theirs.) 2. You will probably be meeting at church or around church functions, so start with common-ground questions about church: • Ask how they liked the sermon • Ask if they have heard about an upcoming event • Comment on the building or flowers or something you can both see and make small talk about 3. Then go more personal and ask any of the following: “So, tell me more about yourself,” or, “If you don’t mind me asking,” or some other phrase so your question doesn’t seem blunt or take them by surprise. You could also offer a personal anecdote to help them feel comfortable and create an environment of sharing. • What is something exciting going on in your life right now? • Have you read (a book title)? What do you like to read? • I just saw (movie title). Have you seen it? • I have such good memories of visiting (a favorite place). Do you like to travel? • Ask them what they think about a current event you know something about. • What did you study in school? What did you like/not like about it? 4. Always try to introduce questions, or let one lead to the next. Also, it will be more comfortable for young people if you are answering some of the questions yourself, so that the focus isn’t solely on them. 3. Do express your delight at seeing the young person. This may seem obvious. But if you smile and warmly welcome people, thanking them for coming, this has meaning. On the inside they are wondering if they made the right decision to come to church. Your kind affirmation won’t hurt. 4. Do invite the new attendee for further conversation and connection. Young and new people may not linger long after church – possibly to avoid awkward questions like those in #1. If you can connect and invite them into deeper friendship, that would be powerful. Invite them to lunch, tea, to go 405