The Conversation that Changes Everything: Asking About God

When I was in the field, I remember the countless times we talked to people—investigators, members, even fellow missionaries—and the subject that always surfaced was the same: God. It’s the deepest, most fundamental question of the human experience. Are we connected? Do we feel the Spirit? Does our relationship with our Heavenly Father feel personal, or does it feel like an abstract concept?

It’s a topic that never gets old, because it touches the core of who we are. If you've ever been in a missionary discussion, you know that you’re not just giving information; you are engaging in a conversation about the divine relationship. You are asking, “How is your relationship with God?”

The Spectrum of Faith: Where Do We Start?

The video we saw today—missionaries talking to people on the street about God—is such a powerful reminder of this reality. You hear the spectrum play out in real time. You hear the person who says, “I have a real friendship with Him; I talk to Him as if He's here with me.” You hear the person who says, “My relationship with God right now is inexistent.”

As returned missionaries, we often get focused on the 'win'—the conversion, the temple recommend, the baptism. But the greatest lesson these interactions teach us is humility and patience. The goal isn't always to fix the person in the conversation; sometimes, the goal is just to gently guide them to the next step in their personal journey. It’s about meeting them where they are.

Becoming an Internet Missionary: Being Christlike Everywhere

This is where the calling of the disciple becomes so beautiful. We are taught that we can be an Internet missionary—a disciple anywhere, all the time. This means that whether you are running errands, waiting for the bus, or sitting in a Book Club, you are participating in the work by being Christlike. Being Christlike means asking the right questions, listening with genuine empathy, and pointing people back to the Savior, always with the Spirit guiding you.

💡 Mission Prep Skill: The Art of the Gentle Question

The next time you are talking to someone—a neighbor, a coworker, a friend—and the conversation naturally drifts toward faith, remember to ask open-ended, non-judgmental questions. Instead of asking, “Do you believe in God?” (which often triggers a defensive 'yes' or 'no'), try asking:

• “What brings you a sense of peace when you're having a difficult day?”
• “When you think about hope, what does that look like to you?”
• “What are you looking forward to in the coming year?”

These questions are invitations. They allow the Spirit to do the heavy lifting, giving the person space to talk about their heart without feeling interrogated. This is the subtle art of the disciple in the modern world.

Trusting the Plan, No Matter the Answer

It's easy to feel discouraged when you hear an answer that feels distant or even contradictory to the gospel. But the gospel teaches us that God’s love is personal and real for every single soul. When you feel that discouragement creeping in, remember the principle of the Atonement. Our Heavenly Father knows the entire story. Our job is simply to faithfully keep showing up, to keep inviting them to learn more about God, and to keep pointing them to the resources we have.

If you’re feeling rusty on how to handle a challenging conversation, I recommend checking out the amazing resources available from Iron Rod authors in LivingBook. They tackle these deep questions with wisdom and grace.

Ready to deepen your discipleship?

If you want to practice these skills with other disciples, consider joining a local Bible Study Group or Book Club. It's the perfect way to practice listening and sharing testimony in a low-pressure environment. If you’re ready to dive deeper into the mechanics of these conversations, don't forget to check out Davee. He’s trained in the AI Investigator role and can walk you through exactly how to answer the hardest questions an investigator might throw at you. He’s a fantastic resource for any disciple looking to polish their skills!

We are all disciples on this journey. Let's continue to build those relationships, one sincere conversation at a time. Keep up the marvelous work!