Gateway Short Film
Evangelism Strategy
God delights when we enter into people's lives and meet them where they are. It’s sometimes hard to know how to best enter in and start spiritual conversations. However, when we use natural gateways, it can be surprisingly easy. Every human relates to or connects with hardships, hot-buttons, humor, holidays, and healing.
This strategy uses short films and Jesus Film clips as a gateway to help us take everyday events and turn them into Spiritual Conversations
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Pray
Pray for God to utilize short films to open doors and lead the spiritual conversation with your friends or family
Step 2: Consider which “Gateway” your friends or family might be most responsive to
A Gateway is a felt need or area of interest. What is going on in the life of your friends or family with whom you want to share
Christ? Are they hostile towards the gospel or simply disinterested? Is there something going on in their life right now that would allow you to pursue spiritual conversations? What is going on around you that you could use as a platform to discuss God? Below are five “Gateways” through which you might find openness to discuss spiritual matters with your friends or family.
Holidays – temporary openness during religious holiday seasons
Hardships – people might be more open to discuss spiritual matters when going through a personal hardship
(loss, trial, betrayal…)
Hot-Buttons – when films hit on personal or social issues people may be more open to discuss related
spiritual matters
Humor – Light-hearted films can help break the ice of what can often be heavy topics
Healing – When films reveal the powerful, loving, true nature of Christ, people may be willing to rethink their
misconceptions
Once you’ve chosen a Gateway you would like to utilize with your friends or family, choose a related short film and/or segment from the Jesus Film, Magdalena, etc on the Jesus Film App that connects with your selected Gateway. Here are a few first suggestions...
Step 3: Invite your friends or family to watch a film
Use one of these questions or create your own:
“I saw a film the other day that made me think of a conversation we had a while back, can I show it to
you or can I send you a link to the video and hear your thoughts?”
“Another friend showed me some thought-provoking films; would you like to see one?”
“You like movies, right? Let me show you one I saw the other day that made me think of you.”
“I found a great video! Would you like to see it? I’m curious about what you think?”
Step 4: Show the film and ask “Connection Questions”
Below are some examples of questions allowing you to connect with both the person and the film. Your goal should not
necessarily be to ask all the questions, but rather to engage in a genuine spiritual conversation. Good listening helps you hear a person’s need for Jesus.
Examples:
What did you think of the film?
What did you like best? Why?
What do you relate to in this film? Why?
When appropriate, and as it relates to the conversation, ask permission to share a short story of how God is working in your life (1-2 minutes maximum). For example: your testimony of salvation, some recent struggles/victories where you sensed God’s presence, moments where God’s attributes were displayed in your life, or other significant God moments.
Examples:
“Thank you for sharing with me! Could I share with you how I relate to this film?”
“Would you like to hear how God met this need in my life?”
Step 5: Share the gospel and ask for a decision
Examples:
“I mentioned to you that the film caused me to reflect on my Christian faith; may I tell you more about
what it means to be a Christian?”
“Now that you’ve heard more about how God changed my life, would you like to hear how He can change
yours?”
“I have another app on my phone that explains the beliefs that changed my life. Could we look at it
together?”
“I have an app on my phone that gives a quick summary of the central message of the Bible, can I share
it with you and hear your thoughts?”
Encouragement
If you have not already, call or text a friend with whom you would like to share a film and the Gospel and see when you all can
meet to utilize this strategy to share your faith!
Remember, the definition of successful witnessing is “taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and
leaving the results to God.” Thank you for being willing to step out in faith with your friends and family. God delights in your
faith!
