Starting the Conversation: From Parisian Cheese to the Spirit of the Gospel

When I was first assigned, I thought the greatest challenge would be finding enough people to talk to. I worried about the silence, the awkward pauses, and the feeling of being an outsider. I was so focused on having the perfect theological answer ready that I nearly forgot the most basic principle of the work: connection starts with people, not with doctrines.

It wasn't until I started paying attention to the mundane things—the local coffee shops, the way people greeted their neighbors, the sheer, colorful chaos of daily life—that everything shifted. I realized that the Gospel isn't something we present in a vacuum; it’s something we weave into the fabric of daily life, the culture, the conversations.

I recently watched a wonderful video discussing the French people, and it highlighted something incredibly profound that I want to pass along to you all—whether you are a pre-missionary preparing for your own assignment, a returned missionary planning your transfers, or a lifelong disciple doing the work in your own backyard. The key is observation.

The Skill of Observation: Finding the Common Ground

The person in the video points out that even if the French people might seem “standoffish at first,” they are incredibly warm and helpful once you get to know them. They are willing to give directions, they love their food, and they have a great sense of humor. These aren't just cultural facts; they are mission gold mines.

Think about it. If you are in a new place, and you need directions, what is the easiest way to break the ice? You don't lead with, “Do you believe in the Book of Mormon?” You lead with, “Excuse me, could you help me find the nearest bakery?”

That simple exchange—the need for help, the shared experience of a local landmark, the appreciation for a beautiful piece of architecture—is the bridge. It’s the common ground. It allows you to move from being a stranger to being a fellow human being. It allows you to let the Spirit do the heavy lifting, rather than relying solely on perfect recall of scripture quotes.

We often feel pressure to jump straight into deep doctrinal discussions, but remember that the initial goal of the work is simply to build rapport. It’s to show that we are interested in *them*—their life, their culture, their daily joys. The Gospel is the deepest part of who we are, but the conversation starts with the shallow, delightful things: the best local cheese, the perfect route to the park, or the funniest thing you saw that day.

Your Mission-Prep Skill: The Cultural Detective

Here is your bite-sized mission-prep skill this week: Become a cultural detective in your own neighborhood. Instead of walking past a shop or a landmark, pause and ask yourself: “What is the story here? What is the unique culture of this place?”

Are you passing a beautiful, old building? Note the architectural style. Are you near a local market? Note the unique produce or the interactions between vendors. When you talk to people, use these observations. Instead of just saying, “It’s a nice day,” try, “The sky today has such a beautiful depth of blue—it reminds me of the clear skies we see when we feel the Spirit.”

This shift—from thinking of yourself as a teacher to thinking of yourself as an interested observer—is incredibly freeing and deeply Christlike. It allows you to be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

Continue the Conversation

If you are ready to practice this skill and deepen your understanding of how to translate cultural observation into Gospel discussion, I highly recommend looking into the materials available for Bible Study Groups or Book Clubs in HolyPlaces. These are amazing tools for helping you structure those conversations.

If you're struggling with how to answer the tough, deep questions that naturally arise from cultural discussions—the kind of questions that test someone's understanding of the Gospel—I encourage you to spend some time with Davee. His AI Investigator role is phenomenal for walking you through potential investigator questions and helping you formulate thoughtful, Spirit-led responses.

And for reading material, if you want to deepen your understanding of how the Lord guides our actions in the field, check out a book by Iron Rod. I recommend starting with his work on Isaiah studies; it’s a great reminder that even when the path is unclear, the Lord is always leading us to revelation.

Finally, if you have a chance, join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge this Saturday! We'll be focusing on turning observations into testimony.