How to Start Spiritual Conversations in a Non-Religious Setting

We live in a time when many people are walking away from God or perhaps have never known Him at all. A recent study shows that the majority of Gen Zers consider religion either unimportant or secondary to other aspects of life. This reality can be painful, especially when it affects our children, grandchildren, colleagues, and friends. It leaves many believers wondering how they can effectively start spiritual conversations in a non-religious setting.

Below are three practical, biblically based principles designed to help followers of Jesus initiate meaningful spiritual conversations in non-religious settings. These principles are rooted in wisdom from Scripture and provide practical guidance for engaging others with grace, authenticity, and love.

By applying these principles, believers can naturally weave faith into everyday interactions without forcing discussions or making others uncomfortable. Instead, they offer a thoughtful and respectful approach that opens doors for genuine dialogue, encourages curiosity, and ultimately points people toward Jesus in a way that is both relevant and impactful.

1.  Developing a Missionary Mindset‍

Imagine for a moment that you were sent to China as a missionary. You wouldn’t just show up and start speaking in English, expecting people to understand. Instead, you would spend time learning the language, culture, and customs to ensure that your message was communicated effectively. The same principle applies when starting spiritual conversations in a non-religious setting.

To reach people, we must first understand them. Too often, the church has been answering questions that no one is asking, or speaking in ways that don’t connect with modern audiences. Jesus was incredibly effective in His ministry because He spoke in ways that resonated with His listeners. He used metaphors relevant to first-century Israel—sheep, seeds, and fishing. We must do the same today, finding ways to communicate that are meaningful in our context.

The Apostle Paul provides an excellent example in Acts 17. When he visited Athens, he didn’t start by quoting Scripture, knowing that his audience wouldn’t recognize it as an authority. Instead, he observed their culture, noted their altar to an “unknown god,” and used that as a bridge to introduce them to Christ.

We must follow this example by identifying the “scenes” we are part of—our workplaces, gyms, sports leagues, or hobby groups. These are our mission fields. Approach these environments with curiosity, engage genuinely, and seek to understand before seeking to be understood.

2. Engaging in Spiritual Conversations

Many people today reject organized religion but remain spiritually curious. While they may not believe in God in a traditional sense, they often have questions about purpose, meaning, and the supernatural. This creates opportunities for meaningful conversations—if we know how to start them.

One of the best ways to begin is by asking deep, open-ended questions:

• What are you passionate about?
• What keeps you up at night?
• If you could change anything about the world, what would it be?

These kinds of questions encourage reflection and often lead to discussions about faith, even when that wasn’t the initial topic. However, the key is not just in asking but in truly listening. People are longing to be heard, and showing genuine interest in their thoughts builds trust.

Additionally, we can leverage the universal longing for something greater. Consider how food, beauty, music, and justice all point to something beyond mere survival. The pleasure of a good meal, the awe of a sunset, or the passion for human rights all suggest a Creator. These shared human experiences can serve as entry points for spiritual discussions, allowing us to guide conversations naturally toward faith.

3. Share Your Story

One of the most powerful ways to engage others in spiritual conversations is by sharing your personal story. Testimonies resonate because they provide a real-life example of how faith impacts daily life. Rather than presenting abstract theological concepts, a personal story allows people to see how God has worked in your life.

When sharing your story, focus on these three key elements:

• Your Life Before Christ: What were you struggling with? What mindset, beliefs, or challenges did you face before encountering Jesus? Be relatable and honest.
• Your Encounter with Christ: What changed? Was there a specific moment, event, or realization that led you to faith? How did Jesus become real to you?
• Your Life After Christ: How has your faith transformed your thoughts, actions, and purpose? How does knowing Jesus bring peace, joy, and hope to your everyday life?

A well-told testimony is not about perfection or having all the answers—it’s about authenticity. People connect with vulnerability. Sharing your struggles and how Jesus has helped you through them makes your faith tangible and relatable.

If we develop a missionary mindset, engage in meaningful conversations, show people who Jesus is through our lives, prepare for tough questions, share our personal stories, and practice regularly, we will be equipped to reach those who may never set foot in a church.

Just as Nehemiah stepped out in faith with a plan to rebuild, we must step out with a plan to start spiritual conversations in non-religious settings and bring spiritual restoration to those around us.

The mission field is all around you. Are you ready to step into it?