First and most important: are you ready to listen with curiosity and compassion?

Think about the person you will be talking with - what do you like about them?

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8-9

Think about what you most want to know…and ask! In a curious and compassionate way.

For example, “Can you tell me about your faith tradition’s position on homosexuality - I’m so curious how you feel about that.” Or perhaps…”I never heard that an LGBT person could be a Christian. Can you tell me about your Christian faith?”

After you have asked your question, listen - really, really listen.

Don’t interrupt, don’t share your story, don’t do anything except show curiosity and compassion. Your turn will come!

Now it’s your turn!

But before you share your own thoughts or story or whatever you really want to say, first you need to say something loving about what was just shared with you - you listened with curiosity and compassion, now reflect that in words, out loud, to your dialogue partner.

After you have shared your thoughts or story, now you wait for a response to what you said.

But here is the secret - while you wait, smile and see how much compassion and curiosity you can share with your eyes, with your smile, with your posture. You are creating a real connection here, a new friendship, perhaps!

Keep it going!

Ask questions, answer them, show compassion and curiosity in everything you say and do.

End on a loving note - share a prayer or some loving words of appreciation.