So you want to talk to people about Jesus but youre not sure how to place yourself intentionally into on mission situations.

The best preparation is to always be prepared with both the long and short versions of your testimony. You never know when a potentially life-changing conversation with someone might happen. Also, remember that God has promised to give you the words to say when you feel like your own words will just get stuck in your throat. Ask Him for this help.

Of course, its essential to enter into any evangelistic conversation with prayer and sensitivity to the Holy Spirits leading, but, these 25 ideas, by no means inclusive, can help you find natural, non-confrontational ways to talk to others about Christ.

Inviting people to church can be a good start, but take it one step further. Offer to drive them yourself and treat them to lunch afterward to talk about what they heard during the service.

Cultivate an accountability partner or group. Set a goal of talking about Christ with someone within a set amount of timeperhaps once a week or once a month.

A cup of cool water still goes a long way. When laborers come to your house or place of business, remember how often Christ met a physical need to pave the way to a spiritual lead.

 Use the instant friendship a free drink affords to tell about  the origin of giving a cup of cold water in Jesus name.

Do you go to movies? Instead of simply talking about the stars or action in recent movies, bring up the spiritual element of the films. Many of todays films offer opinions about matters of faith or at least the search for Someone beyond ourselves.

For example, Saving Private Ryan and Titanic deal with life and death situations war and disaster and are good jumping-off points for evangelistic discussion.

Also, The X-Files Scully struggles to find a balance between science and faith, and The Truman Show offers a poignant look at the issues of human responsibility and freedom of will.

Try catching a flick with non-Christian friends and discussing it afterward. Or, be prepared to discuss the films spiritual element in conversations at work or with friends.

Renting videos for a night of neighborhood theater can be fun and it may open doors for sharing Christ with your friends. Grab some popcorn and cold drinks, warm up the VCR and invite your neighbors to watch a movie.

It doesnt have to be The Greatest Story Ever Told. Try titles like Shadowlands, Cool Hand Luke, Chariots of Fire, The Spitfire Grill, The Mission, Contact, To Kill A Mockingbird and Apostle. All of these films, and many others, can prompt spiritual discussion. You may have a favorite film that lends itself toward sharing faith in Christ.

With all of the suggested films, be sure to view the movie first before you show it. Some of them have material that may be objectionable. Check the rating.

Regardless of the film, preview it, and then prepare questions that guide the discussion through any spiritual aspects of the movie.

Do you regularly commute on public transportation? If so, you may encounter people with whom to talk about Christ during the brief rides between stops.

Also, if it is your habit to read your Bible or Christian books while riding, be prepared to discuss them with fellow commuters. These may catch their eyes and prompt evangelistic discussions.

When dining out, tell the person serving your table, Its our custom to pray before meals. Is there anything we can pray about for you? Then be sure to leave an appropriate tip. Dont blow your testimony by coming across as a tightwad!

When you get your hair cut, you may be surprised how easy it can be to talk freely about your church and your faith.

Wear clothing and accessories with Christian slogans, but be prepared to open your mouth and talk about the message you are wearing.

Use the FIRM acrostic to guide conversations toward an intentionally evangelistic focus. First, discuss Family, then Interests, Religion and Message (your short-form testimony).

Tell door-to-door canvassers and telemarketers that youd be happy to give them a few minutes of your time in exchange for a few minutes of theirs. This is better (and nicer) than simply hanging up or slamming the door. Be prepared with a brief testimony.

If you hand out tracts, commit to always speaking with a person rather than just passing them out in silence.

Like to read? Try sharing books you enjoy with others. Start book-sharing groups or reading clubs in your neighborhood. Choose books that encourage evangelistic discussions, such as Christian fiction or inspirational books.

Remember, secular books may also address spiritual concerns. As you discuss, be prepared to talk about opinions the authors present from a biblical perspective.

Music is a huge cultural indicator, and can make a great bridge to engage people in on mission conversations. Much of todays music speaks of hopelessness and searching, and you need to be ready to share hope and the ultimate goal of the searchJesus Christ.

Think of all the places music has infiltrated retail stores, waiting rooms, the workplace. Statements like I wonder why they feel that way about life, or I didnt realize that song talked about spiritual matters, can pave the way to some interesting and potentially life-changing conversations.

When travellingparticularly when flyingstart conversations with your neighbor. After talking briefly and asking where he or she is from, ask: Whats the spiritual condition of your city? Then ask if they attend church, and lead the conversation to Christ.

Many everyday conversations offer opportunities to discuss matters of faith. Be prepared to speak up for your Christian convictions in conversations about politics, current events and religion. This can be especially effective around election time.

When people you know have heart-breaking news, such as a tragic accident, a life-threatening illness, a job loss or the breakup of a relationship, be there to help them grieve, perhaps even problem-solve. And when they are ready to explore issues deeper than the immediate crisis, talk to them about Christ.

If you or your kids are part of an online community such as America Online or CompuServe, or if you visit Internet chats rooms, look to others screen names for clues to their spiritual needs.

Jim Brown, in Computing Today, recently wrote of finding opportunities to converse with computer users by the names: AnnisAngry, ATTITUDE and SuicideWsh. All three either rekindled their love for Christ or found Him for the first time as a result of Browns online availability.

Without the fear of face-to-face rejection, many chatters find it easier to e-speak about Christ.

People are often most open to the gospel during times of transition. A new neighbor may respond positively to an invitation to church or Bible study. When combined with a friendly welcome gift or a helpful deed such as assistance unpacking or yard work these invitations can lead to an opportunity to share the why of your generosity.

Put yourself in situations in which you are compelled to share Christ. Help with a church and community survey. Go visiting with a church group. Go to intentionally evangelistic events such as Arms Around Atlanta at the 1999 Southern Baptist Convention.

Youll find sharing your faith more infectious, and perhaps easier, when you dont give yourself an out. You can certainly gain strength in numbers.

Next time you need to give a gift, send a gift certificate for the local Christian bookstore. Many non-Christians have no idea that such stores exist, nor even that Christianity includes so much more than the churches they pass every day. Hopefully, your recipients will go into the stores to cash in their certificates.

A few weeks later, ask them what they bought with the gift certificate, discuss their shopping trip in general and then use that as an opportunity to talk about Christ.

Back Yard Bible Clubs arent just for summer. Try hosting Fall Clubs in your home. Many parents are actively looking for ways to get a few moments of rest from the children or time to get some housework and yard work done. By meeting the needs of both kids and parents, such clubs can build bridges to entire families.

If you make lists before running errands, be sure to add Watch for someone I can talk to about Christ. Just as we are more likely to stop at the hardware store, the library, the gas station or the dry cleaners if we have those on a list, the same concept applies to evangelistic efforts.

If you like to play sports, challenge some kids in your neighborhood to a game of pickup basketball or some other activity. Tell them that, after they wear you out on the court, you want just 15 minutes of their time to talk to them about something important. Use that time to talk about Christ. Not only will you get a workout and the kids will get some food for thought, you will model to them how to keep promises.

Do you have teen-age kids? Try this. Make sure friends who sleep over on Saturday nights realize that you go to church on Sundays and would like them to go with you. Its best to ask permission from their parents first. This also allows you a chance to talk to parents who may not be Christian. Chances are you will have the opportunity to explain why you go to church and even share a little bit about what you believe.

This list is incomplete. There are many other ways to get involved in an on mission lifestyle. Perhaps you are already engaged in activities not listed here. If so, wed like to hear from you. Send your ideas to On Mission, 4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022-4176, call 770-410-6284, fax 770-410-6006 or e-mail to onmission@namb.net.