Last week we took head on one of the greatest barriers to healthy multiplication: fear.

Now that we've reframed our thinking about fear, let's get practical. How do you actually move from paralyzed to bold in your gospel conversations?

Start small and build momentum. You don't need to begin with deep theological discussions. Start by simply being more intentional about asking people how they're really doing.

Listen for the struggles, questions, and needs that create natural opportunities to offer prayer or share hope. Every small step builds confidence for bigger steps.

Use "bridge phrases" in conversations. When someone shares a struggle or asks a meaningful question, bridge to spiritual topics with phrases like: "That reminds me of something I've learned..." or "I've found that..." or "In my experience..." This feels natural and non-threatening while opening the door to deeper conversation.

But don't jump in and start swinging Bible verses around. If there is a story that relates from the bible use it - but like this; 'I totally relate to that. But I heard this story that changed everything for me.' If they ask you what the story was tell them. But don't immediately say its from the Bible!

Embrace the power of questions. Instead of feeling like you need to have all the answers, learn to ask good questions.

"Why do you think so few people have found purpose?"

"Gosh that stuff that happened at the weekend made me so concerned. Did it you?" "What's your take on (this event)?"

Questions create dialogue rather than monologue, and they take the pressure off you to be the expert.

But here's the key. Ask questions with genuine interest in their answers. Be curious. No one likes the person who just asks a question so that they can answer it themselves!

This takes pressure off being clever or persuasive. When you focus on listening, asking questions, and sharing your experience rather than trying to convince someone, the whole dynamic changes.

You're not performing; you're simply being human with another human about the most important things in life.

The Divine Appointment Mindset

Here's a game-changing perspective shift that will transform how you approach spiritual conversations:

Confidence grows in God's faithfulness, not your abilities. The more you step out in small ways, the more you'll see God show up in unexpected moments.

Your confidence won't come from getting better at evangelism techniques—it'll come from watching God work through your ordinary availability.

God is already working - join Him. This is crucial to understand. God isn't waiting for you to create spiritual interest in people.

He's already stirring hearts, creating circumstances, and preparing opportunities. Our job is to be sensitive enough to recognize what He's doing and courageous enough to join in.

Shifting from initiating to recognizing. Instead of seeing spiritual conversations as something we manufacture, start seeing them as divine appointments we recognize and enter into.

This completely changes the pressure we feel. We're not trying to talk someone into something they don't want—you're simply being available for what God wants to do.

I remember being sat in the hairdresser's chair and seeing an order of service from a funeral on his mantlepiece. I asked him about it and learned his friend had been killed in a stabbing. It opened up a whole series of conversations that took our relationship to a different level.

Start looking for divine appointments instead of avoiding them. When we begin to expect God to orchestrate conversations, we start noticing them more regularly.

The colleague who mentions they're going through a tough time, the neighbour who asks what you did at the weekend when you mention church, the friend who brings up spiritual topics out of nowhere-these aren't random occurrences.

Building Your Courage Muscle

Courage equals action in spite of fear, not absence of fear. Don't wait until you feel brave to start having spiritual conversations.

Courage is doing the right thing even when your heart is pounding and your palms are sweaty. Every time you act despite the fear, you're building spiritual muscle.

Take one small risk each week. Maybe it's offering to pray for someone who's struggling. Maybe it's sharing briefly about what you learned in church. Maybe it's asking someone about their spiritual background. Small, consistent risks build confidence for bigger opportunities.

Celebrate obedience, not just outcomes. Every time you step out in faith—regardless of the response—celebrate it. You were obedient to God's prompting, and that's what matters.

The results are His responsibility. I've learned to thank God for every conversation, whether it leads somewhere immediately or not.

Find an accountability partner. Share your fears and victories with someone who will encourage you and pray for you. Jesus always sent his disciples out in twos.

Having someone to process these experiences with makes the journey less lonely and more sustainable. My weekly prayer group has been invaluable for this—we celebrate the wins and learn from the challenges together.

How consistent action transforms fear into expectation. The beautiful thing about consistently moving through fear is that it gradually transforms into faith. You begin to expect God to work.

Your Fear-Breaking Assignment

Here's your challenge for this week:

Identify one person you've been afraid to have a spiritual conversation with. Maybe it's a coworker, a neighbour, or a friend. Someone who's been on your heart but fear has kept you from engaging with spiritually.

Pray for them using Chapter 2 principles. Spend time asking God to prepare their heart and give you an opportunity for meaningful conversation.

Use the prayer calendar approach—message them and ask how they're doing, then pray for whatever they share.

Commit to one small step this week. It might be asking how they're really doing. It might be offering to pray for a struggle they've mentioned.

It might be sharing something you've been learning about God. It doesn't have to be dramatic—it just has to be a step.

Remember: imperfect obedience is more valuable than perfect silence. God is more interested in your availability than your ability. Cliche but true!

The person you're afraid to talk to might be the very person of peace He's prepared for this season of your life.

The fear barrier is real, but it's not insurmountable. On the other side of that fear is the adventure of joining God in His mission to seek and save the lost.

On the other side of that fear are the people He wants to reach through you.

Are you ready to break through?
Standing with you

Simon