Finding the 'Jesus Conversation' in Every Setting

It’s funny, isn't it? You spend all this time in the preparation, studying the scriptures, rehearsing your thoughts for those crucial missionary discussions. You think you’re ready for anything—the tough question, the skeptical look, the unexpected detour.

But sometimes, the Spirit takes you to a place you never expected. You’re in a 'meet and greet' setting, surrounded by the noise, the flashbulbs, and the sheer spectacle of life—whether it’s a Super Bowl ad or a small, local event. And right there, in the middle of the chaos, you find the thread that pulls it all back to the Gospel.

Watching these kinds of candid moments—where people are just *being*—is a powerful reminder that our calling isn't limited to the temple or the assigned mission field. It’s everywhere. It’s in the mundane, the dramatic, and the deeply personal.

The Unscripted Field Work

What struck me watching this recent footage was the sheer adaptability required. One moment you’re talking about fashion influence, the next you’re talking about a 13-year-old boy in a hospital bed who found distraction watching a little show. The pivot is instantaneous, and the core message remains constant: the Savior’s love is the greatest attraction.

This is the essence of being an internet missionary, isn't it? We have to be ready to pivot. We can’t just recite a memorized talk; we have to be ready to meet the person where they are—whether that’s in a fancy fundraiser or a quiet room with a young soul recovering from surgery.

“And if ye shall keep my commandments and endure to the end, ye shall have eternal life.” (John 12:26)

That principle—endurance—is what anchors us. It’s what helps us transition from the structured environment of the Missionary Training Center to the messy, beautiful reality of the field. It’s about keeping the focus on Christ, no matter what the surrounding noise is.

A Bite-Sized Skill for the Disciple: The Gentle Pivot

If I could pull one practical takeaway for us all today, it’s mastering the 'Gentle Pivot.' When a conversation veers into something completely secular—be it fashion, local celebrity gossip, or even a challenging political topic—don't panic. Don't try to correct them, and don't let the Spirit leave you stranded.

Instead, listen deeply, validate their experience ("That sounds like a really intense experience"), and then look for a natural bridge. Can you connect their feeling of *struggle* to the Atonement? Can you connect their *desire for connection* to the covenant path? It takes practice, but it’s the mark of a seasoned disciple.

This skill is what we hone in our Book Club discussions—learning to dig beneath the surface of the text to find the living principle that applies today. It's the same principle we’re learning to apply to our digital discipleship.

Don't Let the Momentum Stop

The work doesn't pause because we're tired, or because the topic changes. The Spirit keeps moving, and we need to keep moving with it. If you’re feeling that familiar pull—that desire to get back into the heart of the work—I encourage you to join us this week for a free Disciple Challenge. It’s a low-stakes, high-Spirit way to practice these pivots with others who are committed to being rogue disciples.

For those who want to deepen their study in the meantime, I highly recommend diving back into the teachings of President David A. Bednar. His insights on covenant keeping are always timely reading and are available in LivingBook. Check out his latest talk for a refresher on keeping the Spirit close.

Remember, every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's keep the conversation focused on Him.