Our Ideas for Making Chats Great

Tell Your Stories

  • Stories are a great way for seekers to learn about your life experience, obstacles and struggles faced, and lessons learned. Once they tell you where they are, we’re sure you’ll find you have lots to share.

  • Don’t hide the hard stuff in your stories. Seekers want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly! Openly talking about your mistakes is welcomed. We all learn more from mistakes than successes!

Really Listen, and Don’t Just Dispense Advice

  • Seekers often tell us that they feel the people in their lives just want to tell them what to do. Most of the time, emerging adults are just looking for a sympathetic ear, to ask and be asked a few questions, and hear a story or two. We call that being a “guide by the side,” and you can fill that non-judgmental role in their journey.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

  • This is a great way to open the seeker up to telling you what they want to learn from you. For example: What factors do you think have influenced your goals? Parents? School? Friends? Work experience? Or, what is your “life mission?” and how is that impacting your ideas now?

Think About Connections to Others

  • Seekers often ask about others they should connect with. Your ideas for others to point them toward inside and outside the congregation will be welcomed. If you’re comfortable, offer to introduce them, or agree to have your name mentioned.

Video or In-Person?

  • Everyone has different preferences. Some seekers will prefer video, some meeting at church, and some will propose a meal or coffee. Needless to say, only do what you’re comfortable with.

Always have meetings in public places. For your comfort and safety as well as for the seeker!

Time Expectations 

  • Length of Meetings: Meetings are typically between 20 minutes and 1 hour. They can take place after morning or evening church service, at a local coffee shop, or perhaps even a McLean restaurant. 

  • Frequency: The expectation is for one chat. The goal is not to set up a long-term mentoring relationship. Hopefully you will stay in touch, and additional conversations are welcome if both parties are interested.

Still have more questions? Click the boxes below to learn more!