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Here are some things that I have found helpful to remember when I do surveys with students on campus (see the previous article).

Pray. We pray before we go out. We ask God to direct us to people, to give us courage and to help us communicate his love and truth. We also pray afterward, thanking God for what happened and praying for the person we just talked to.

Be honest. Always be straightforward and honest with people about who you are and what you are doing.

Go in pairs. Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. You gain encouragement and boldness from each other, without appearing threatening when you approach an individual.

Look for people who aren’t doing anything. Try to stay away from people who are studying, sleeping or engaged in what appears to be a serious conversation. There are usually many other people you can approach instead.

Know what you want to ask. Have the main questions in mind before you go. Think through how you would share the gospel with someone if you only had a couple of minutes to do it. Also, have your testimony ready so you can give a brief (two to three minute) account of how you came to faith. Be expecting these opportunities.

Relax. God is already at work in these people’s lives. Our role is to be witnesses: we are responsible for telling what we know and have experienced. The results are the Holy Spirit’s job. Be friendly, listen intently and enjoy what God will show you through these conversations.