06. Find the Open Door
Article 06
Find the Open Door
Article 06
You may be one honest question away from discovering someone who wants to know Jesus.
You crossed the room.
You introduced yourself. You listened. Perhaps you learned a name, heard a struggle, or offered to pray.
Now what?
Pay attention to the response.
Someone may say, “Thank you,” and move on.
Someone else may lean forward and say, “Would you pray for my family too?”
That is worth noticing.
An open door often begins with a person who welcomes one more conversation.
In Colossians 4:3, Paul asked believers to pray that God would open a door for the message of Christ.
We can pray that same prayer today:
“Lord, open a door for Your Word. Help me recognize it, and give me courage to speak.”
Then we need to listen.
Look for receptivity
When Jesus sent His disciples out in Luke 10, He taught them to look for a person who welcomed their peace and hospitality. They were to stay, receive what was offered, care for people, and announce that God’s kingdom had come near.
Their work involved real relationships in real homes.
You can begin that way too.
Who welcomes your presence?
Who asks questions about your faith?
Who receives prayer and later tells you what happened?
Who says, “My husband needs to hear this,” or, “Could you talk with my friend?”
These responses may reveal an opportunity to explore further.
You do not have to know where the relationship will lead. You can take the next faithful step.
Ask a question that makes room for an answer
You do not need a polished speech.
Try asking:
“Is there something you would like me to pray about?”
Listen carefully. If they are comfortable, pray briefly with them.
When you see them again, remember what they shared.
“How is your daughter doing?”
“Did you hear anything about that job?”
“How have you been since we prayed?”
Remembering communicates care. It also gives the person room to continue the conversation.
If they show interest, you might ask:
“Would you be interested in reading a story about Jesus together and talking about what we discover?”
Then let them answer freely.
You are inviting a person into discovery. Give them room to respond honestly.
One person may welcome others
In Acts 16, Paul met Lydia by a river where people gathered for prayer. The Lord opened her heart to respond to his message. She and her household were baptized, and she welcomed Paul and his companions into her home.
A conversation beside a river became a relationship with a household.
Think about the people you already know.
A neighbor has a family.
A former coworker has friends.
Someone you meet at the coffee shop belongs to a circle you have never entered.
As trust grows, ask:
“Is there anyone you would like to invite to join us?”
The person who welcomes you may help others discover Jesus too.
Keep caring as you discern
Every friendly conversation will not become a Bible discussion.
Some people will decline. Respect their answer and continue treating them with kindness.
Others will need time. Keep listening without turning every encounter into a test of their interest.
And when someone does welcome a deeper conversation, follow through.
Make the call. Set the time. Bring a simple story from the life of Jesus. Discover together what the passage says.
An open door calls for a next step.
Your step today
Think of one person who has already shown some openness.
Someone who accepted prayer. Asked a spiritual question. Shared a burden. Wanted to keep talking.
Pray for that person by name.
Then follow up with one sincere question:
“Would you like to explore a story about Jesus together?”
You may be surprised by the answer.
Someone around you may be ready for a conversation you have been hesitant to begin.
Want to go further?
Begin my ten-lesson Zúme teaching series. Learn practical ways to share your faith, make disciples, and help others do the same. Take the lessons with a few friends and practice what you learn.
Would you like personal coaching? Reach out to me. I would love to help you recognize opportunities and take your next step toward making disciples who multiply.
Help encourage leaders who are already doing the work. Your gift would be tax deductible and overseen by Northside Christian Church, our sending church. There are many we coach that could use encouragement in small ways to accomplish great things.
Terry Ruff
DMM Catalyst & Zúme Trainer | Missionary at Northside Christian Church
Watch on YouTube: 06. Find the Open Door · Series Playlist
Join Terry’s free Zúme training: https://zume.training/join-a-training
Training page: https://internationalafricanmobilization.com/training/terrys-zume-teaching-series/
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