1-1s

In our movement, we rely a lot on a ministry strategy we call “1 on 1s”.  It refers to a weekly or bi-weekly meeting between a discipler (usually a student leader or staff member who is leading a small-group Bible study) and a student who is interested in growing in their faith and followership.  Because the vast majority of students who are interested in this kind of activity are already Christians – our approach to 1-1s is centered on Discipleship conversations. 

But you can offer 1-1s to your non-Christian (or seeker) students also.  Many students who are not followers of Jesus are still interested in meeting regularly to talk about life issues and see the benefit that some type of spiritual guidance can provide.  Don’t exclude those students from consideration when you are planning your schedule for 1-1s.  I think as you make time to meet non-Christian students in this way, you’ll be surprised at the number of students who are very receptive the offer.

I would suggest your adopt a 4-stage approach to 1-1s; Initial, Early, Coaching, and Discipleship.  Discipleship 1-1s account for almost all of our movement’s 1-1s currently.  Here are some ideas for the other stages regarding where you might start the conversation, goals for the 1-1s, and the kinds of self-discovery with which you should be helping the student wrestle.

Initial 

• Conversation: Tell me your life-story.
• Goal: Discover their background.
• Discovery:
  • See if they are interested in a real friendship.
  • See where you connect regarding interests, shared experiences, etc

Early

• Conversation: Pretty much whatever they want to talk about.
• Goal: Be a good friend. Be there in hard times.
• Discovery:
  • Do they want the Gospel?
  • Do they want to follow Jesus?
  • Do they want Discipleship?

Coaching

• Conversation: Let’s figure your stuff out together.
• Goal: Share and provide answers to the big questions they’re asking.
• Discovery: Do they want the Gospel? Do they want to follow Jesus?  Do they want Discipleship?

Discipleship

2-1s

• Let’s meet this other dude & hear his life story.

Good Starter Questions:

1. What’s on the bucket list
2. What do you believe in?
3. Tell me your life story
4. What’s the most interesting thing about you?
5. What are you all about in five words?
6. What are you into?
7. What’s your dream?