If you want to make this Christmas more evangelistic, try asking one simple question:
“What are you hoping for in the New Year?”
Then—just listen.
Affirm what you hear. Let people know their words mattered. There’s nothing worse than taking the risk to be vulnerable and feeling unheard. When people experience affirmation, they learn it’s safe to share what’s really on their heart.
Be sure to share something, too. When you talk about your own hope for the New Year, you open a window into your world. You’re offering a piece of your story.
Remember the P E A C E acronym I shared a few weeks ago?
This is what asking good questions looks like.
Why this question matters
Over the holidays, you’ll likely be around family, extended family, friends, neighbors, and new acquaintances. Somewhere in that circle is someone who doesn’t yet know Jesus. Right? They may be one of the ten intentional non-Christian relationships I’ve encouraged you to name.
Sharing the Good News of Jesus is usually less about adding new activities and more about becoming intentional with the people God has already placed in your life.
Here’s what happens when you ask this question:
- You create a safe space for people to share part of their story
- You give others access to your story when you share your own hope
- Community deepens
- Trust begins to form (most meaningful Gospel conversations travel along trusted relationships)
- Doors open for future conversations—later that day or down the road
- And most importantly, you take a simple, doable step toward your hope that someone might be “found” and experience the love of Jesus
This isn’t a hard question to ask.
You might say:
“Before dessert, I thought it would be fun to go around the table and share something you’re hoping for in the New Year.”
Or:
“Since most of us don’t know everyone here, why don’t we go around the room, share our names, and something we’re hoping for in the New Year?”
(If you’re not the host, it’s wise to ask for permission first.)
Let’s be honest—this could move you off the sidelines of good intentions and into meaningful Good News-sharing action.
A real example
A few years ago, between December 25 and December 31, we hosted a Christmas party shortly after moving into a new home. About 15 people gathered—friends from church, their visiting family members, neighbors, and friends.
I asked the question I’m encouraging you to ask:
“Since most of us don’t know everyone here, why don’t you introduce yourself and share something you’re hoping for in the New Year?”
Here’s what people shared:
- “I’m hoping to find a better job so I can stay in town.”
- “We’re visiting from Brazil. The economy is very difficult there, and we’re hoping things improve.”
- “One of my kids starts high school next year, and I hope the transition goes well.”
- “I had cancer surgery two months ago and hope my treatments go well.”
- “I hope people stop criticizing the President and that we can get along better in our country.”
- “I’ve been away from God for a long time, and I hope to get closer to Him next year.”
- “I hope to graduate from college—and get more sleep.”
People loved it.
Conversations went deeper.
And doors for Good News-sharing opened.
Give it a go!
If you’d like help equipping your entire congregation to see everyday life through this lens, consider scheduling a conversation with Nate about Awaken.
As we close out the year, Multipli has received a generous promise to match dollar-for-dollar any gifts made before December 31. If you’d like to help equip more people to share the Good News, you can:
- Give online here, or
- Postmark a gift by December 31 to:
Multipli
PO Box 4773
Wheaton, IL 60189
Thank you for being part of this mission.
Grace and peace,
Gail