This post serves as a follow-up to the Free Bible Survey resource I made available a few months ago.
If you haven’t already done so, you can download it here: Free Bible Survey Download Link
My goal is not only to provide resources but also to offer detailed tutorials that will aid you in your evangelistic endeavors.
1. Why Surveys?
Surveys stand as one of the most effective ways to obtain contact information from individuals interested in a Bible study. There are very few tools that enable you to approach complete strangers and have them willingly share their contact information.
Contact information serves as the lifeblood of evangelism: names, numbers, and email addresses.
By consistently acquiring contact information, you will never lack potential Bible study candidates.
Ok, so now you’re convinced that they work and you’re ready to hit the streets.
2. Print The Surveys
You might not have access to a printer. Allow me to introduce you to FedEx Office Print & Ship Center (formerly known as Kinkos). With locations across the nation, they will become your best friend for quick print jobs.
Use the option to email the document to the kiosk you're using and print to your heart's desire.
The downloadable file will yield two surveys on a standard sheet of paper. You'll need to cut them all in half. The shop also provides a cutter. There you have it!
If you're aiming to elevate the presentation, I recommend visiting the print counter and asking them to print your file on 3 Part NCR paper.
This term essentially refers to what we used to call carbon copy paper.
By utilizing carbon paper, you can leave the surveyee with something tangible from the encounter. This slip of paper will serve as a divine reminder for someone.
It can also double as a church card if it includes the address and service times!
You'll possess a physical copy as well, serving as a reminder to follow up with the surveyee.
The third sheet of paper can be given to the local church pastor or outreach director.
3. Grab a Partner
It’s always a good practice to go out with a partner. Jesus sent them out two by two.
4. Scout the Land
I'll get straight to the point to save you some time. Laundromats have become my new favorite spots for conducting surveys. Start there.
Depending on your location, there might be other areas where people are receptive to a brief conversation. If you're sensitive to the Holyghost and willing to explore, you won't struggle to find suitable places for surveys.
Once you find a promising spot, mark it and remain faithful to it.
5. Conducting a Survey
This is where it might feel daunting, especially if you're new to this or tend to be introverted.
I'll do my best to provide a template that you can begin with and customize as you gain confidence.
Make eye contact and approach with a smile.
Try to avoid approaching people from behind.
They'll likely notice your clipboard and pen, and this might spark curiosity or defensiveness. Pay attention to their body language.
Start by saying hello and introducing yourself.
Ask for their name.
Then, inform them that you're from a specific church and that you're conducting a 60-second survey to "gauge the spiritual temperature of the community."
Ask if they have a few moments.
The conversation might go like this:
You: Hello, how are you?
Them: Good! Thanks for asking.
You: My name is _____, what's yours?
Them: John.
You: Well, John, I'm with Apostolic Pentecostal Church, and we're conducting a 60-second survey to assess the spiritual climate of the community. Do you have a few moments?
From this point, explain that you'll be asking around 10 yes/no questions.
Conduct the survey!
Attempt to stay within the 60-second timeframe, but slow down if you feel a connection.
If they agree to a Bible Study, be sure to obtain their contact information. Sometimes in the excitement of the moment, I've forgotten this crucial step.
At the end, ask if they need prayer. If appropriate, hold hands and pray with them or place a hand on their shoulder. If they truly sense God's presence, you can even lay hands on their head right then and there!
If you can safely guide someone to a spiritual crossroads through the survey, if they consent to a Bible study, and if you pray with them, you've conducted a highly successful survey!
Sometimes, you'll conduct a survey, and they won't agree to a Bible study or prayer. This isn't rejection; it's information.
Create a "Faith Map." I learned this concept from Bro Nathaniel Urshan's Biblos podcast. Compare results from various areas and keep returning to places where people are receptive.
With consistent effort, you will see results.
I hope this proves to be a blessing for you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
God bless!
Great content! Practical and effective! Thank you ATB!