The Three Circles Method

Open with time for sharing of gospel conversations. (5 mins)

Spend time praying, as a table, for people in your lives that you want to share Jesus with. (5 mins)

Introduction:

Last week we looked at the SJWOF method, which was great for starting conversations. But, as we noticed, the Romans Road method of sharing the Gospel may not be the most effective method, and sometimes an opportunity might arise more abruptly or unexpectedly.

The Three Circles method is a simple, easy to remember framework for sharing the gospel

Overview of the 3 Circles

Video: How to share the gospel

3 Circles Example video (04:12)

As you watch the video, sketch out the 3 circles in the space below:

Practice Reps (6 mins)

10 mins (3 mins each)

For these reps, do not use unbeliever profiles and do not respond or challenge the presenter, just listen. If you complete your presentation in less than 3 mins, run through it again. After 3 minutes, switch roles and have your partner present to you.

Ok, simple enough? But, how do we get into a gospel presentation?

The Three Circles uses a three-step process for this:

Transition, Gospel, Invitation (TGI)

Video: How to transition to the gospel

Video: Lesson 3, “Transition to the Gospel” (09:36)

Fill in the blanks as you watch the video.

The 3 Circles works best when someone shares a problem, issue or concern.

We live in a broken world.

Brokenness gives us opportunities to turn everyday conversations into gospel conversations.

“ Reconciliation” means to take things that have been broken apart and put them back together.

God has fixed us to be fixers.

How much do you desire to tell others the good news about God making a way for us to be right with Him through the work of Jesus Christ? (1 = very little desire, 10 = burning desire) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

How confident are you in your ability to communicate the gospel to others? 1 = no confidence, 10 = very confident 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

How often do you actually share the gospel? 1 = almost never, 10 = regularly 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

We need a plan to transition the conversation.

We ask permission to share something that has helped us.

We practice in ideal situations so we can be successful in real world situations.

Sample transition statement: “I haven’t been through that exact thing, but I have had similar problems. Can I share something with you that’s really helped me?”

My transition statement: (write your own personal transition statement below)

Invitation

Video: How to give an Invitation

Lesson 4: “Invite a Gospel Response” (05:00-08:54)

The Two-Part Invitation:

First, we invite the person to identify his or her current location in the 3 Circles diagram.

“Is there anything that would keep you from repenting and believing the gospel right now?”

The Response

We want to help people invite Jesus to save them from their sins.

Sample prayer: “God, I know I’m a sinner. Please forgive me and make me clean on the inside. I need You to heal the broken places in my life. I believe Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. I’m repenting of my sins and believing in Jesus. Help me recover and pursue Your design for my life.”

Handout “Life Conversation Guide” and bracelets.

Practice Reps (10 mins)

For these reps, use the unbeliever profiles. Come up with a problem (“brokenness”) your character might face in his/her life and confide in a friend. Share that problem/situation (“brokenness”) with your partner.

Your partner will respond with his/her transition statement and then share the 3 Circles with you as you listen, going through all three steps: Transition, Gospel, Invitation. (Use the conversation guide if needed.)

You will give a positive reply, and your partner will practice leading you through the sample prayer.

Once finished, switch roles and repeat.

Debrief

What did you find helpful about this method?

In what situations do you think this would be most useful?

Be sure to download the app, wear the bracelet, and look for opportunities this week!

Practice this gospel method at least twice this week with someone.