How To Make A Phonecall
During this time of social isolation we are adopting the military aim “Leave no one behind”.
Jesus taught us that God is like a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to seek and save the one who wanders off. We want to be like that – caring for each and every member of our church. Our prayer is that this Christian care will also overflow to the community around us.
To this end, along with setting up systems for care, I have set a vision, for those who are able, to call one person each day and have a caring conversation with them.
So what might a caring Christian conversation look like?
Step one is to pray that God would use you to grow the other person in faith, hope and love. Then, there are three areas you could aim to cover:
1. Their life
Just ask the natural questions. How are you going? How is your family? What’s happening with your work? What are the joys and challenges in your life at the moment? The key here is to listen well. Also, if asked, be ready to share something from your own life. It may be that you can offer some practical help, or offer to seek further help for them.
2. God’s Word
This is what makes the conversation Christian. God’s word is the spiritual food we all need. Look for an opportunity to speak about God and his Promises in Jesus. The Holy Spirit will take your honest loving words about Jesus and apply them deeply to the heart of the other person. I’m not saying to preach a sermon. That’s not natural in a personal conversation. Perhaps you could ask questions like these: Did you get a chance to watch the church video & what did you find most helpful? What has God been teaching you this week? Perhaps you could even ask if it’s Ok to read a short passage from the Bible together. If the opportunity arises, be ready to share something that God has been teaching you from his word.
3. Your Prayer
Simply ask “What can I pray for you?” You might like to go deeper and ask “what do you think would be good to pray about that?” The question “anything else?” is also good as sometimes people don’t share what’s really on their heart at first. If you feel comfortable, ask if you can pray with them over the phone. If they say no, tell them you’ll pray for them afterwards – and then make sure you do.
This kind of conversation is not a rigid interview, or a quick fix to solve all problems. However, if done from a loving heart, with humility and genuine care for the other person’s physical and spiritual welfare, it will leave them (and you!) greatly encouraged.
Hebrews 3:13 – Encourage one another daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.
Ephesians 4:29 – No foul language is to come out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.