SURVEY FAQ'S

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO APPROACH SOMEONE TO GET THEM TO TAKE THE SURVEY?
The best approach I have seen is to simply say, "Excuse me, have you taken our survey yet?"  I have found that asking "Do you want to take a survey?" or "Do you have time for a survey?" usually ends up with the person saying "no thanks" and walking on.  "Have you taken our survey yet?" seems to work best.

DO YOU LOOK FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BY THEMSELVES?
Usually, but not always.  Some of the best experiences I have had doing surveys have been when I approached a group of people and asked if anyone there was willing to take a survey.  Usually the boldest (and funniest) person gets pushed to the forefront but then everyone around joins in and "helps" them take the survey.  One simple survey might even turn into more of a street preaching session in these kind of circumstances.

WHAT IF THEY ASK. "WHAT IS THIS SURVEY ABOUT?"
Don't say, "This is a Christian survey."  First off, it's just a survey, it has never received Jesus so it can't possibly be Christian.  (Yes, that was a joke.)  Secondly, if they know it is a "Christian" survey, they might be tempted to change their answers.  Typically, I will simply say, "It is a survey about your beliefs on different issues.  For example, the first question is, 'Do you believe abortion is acceptable? Yes, no, or I can put whatever answer you would like.'"

WHY ARE THE FIRST QUESTIONS SO HARDCORE?
I admit, "Do you believe abortion is acceptable?" can be a pretty tough start, but we designed this survey for a reason.  After asking the first four questions, when you ask a person if they believe Jesus is the Son of God and they say "yes", then, when they compare their beliefs with the teachings of Jesus in the next four questions, they often convict themselves.  I have even seen people want to go back and change their answers.  The idea is this:  at that point, you will have a pretty clear picture of where the person is at morally.  In addition, you will often have pointed out to them that they are a "sinner" who has "fallen short of the glory of God" without ever speaking a word.  They did it themselves.

SHOULD I COMMENT ON THEIR ANSWERS?
In general, no.  In fact, I would recommend almost always waiting until the end of the survey in order to engage them further.  There are exceptions of course.  For example, if the person is very friendly and starts to ask you your opinions, or says, "Is that right?" on the Bible questions, it is acceptable to discuss with them.  Just remember, until this point you have only asked them to take a survey.  You have not asked them to have a spiritual dialogue with you.  That comes later.

WHAT DO I DO AT THE END?
This is the biggest question I get concerning surveys and is the reason most people are afraid to do them.  "When I get to the bottom, I don' know what to say."  Typically, what I believe is - honesty is the best policy.  I usually say, "As you have probably guessed already, the main reason we are out doing these surveys is so that we can talk with people about spiritual issues.  Do you mind if I ask you further about some of your answers?" or "Do you consider yourself a person that is open to talking about spiritual things."  (A great question - If they say "yes" you can talk with them.  If they say "no" they are admitting to themselves that they are probably pretty closed-minded.  In an era where having an "open mind" is held in such esteem, not many want to admit to that.)

SO THEY ARE OPEN TO TALKING FURTHER.  WHERE DO I GO FROM THERE?
It depends.  If they believe that Jesus is the Son of God you can dialogue with them about the Gospel message, that all of us are sinners, we all deserve God's punishment, and that God has made a way for us to be forgiven.  If they don't believe that Jesus is the Son of God, whether they are Buddhist, Muslim, or atheist, a great question is "Who do you believe Jesus was/is?"  For further info and to learn various responses to people's answers, please read God's Greatest Passion (Place your order here.)  Also, feel free to browse around this site and learn more.  More information is being added regularly.

Also, remember, just asking the questions can get someone thinking.  If you get stumped or feel unequipped to share with a particular person, feel free to say "Thank you for your time" and walk away.  Remember this as well, you can always tell your testimony.  If they ask questions you don't know how to answer, feel free to say, "I'm not sure about that.  I'll find out for you.  Can I share with you something that I do know? Then, tell them your story.

ANY OTHER TIPS?
Yep (are you surprised?) a couple.  One is, do surveys regularly.  The more you do, the more you will learn how to talk to people.  I have done probably thousands of surveys and many are still learning experiences.  As you continue to do these, you will learn more and more about sharing your faith.  View each survey as a learning experience.

Secondly, don't exclude doing surveys with people who look "scary" or "intimidating."   You will find that some of these people will actually be the nicest and most receptive people that you will encounter.  You never know by a person's appearance.  When trying to find people to take the survey, don't leave anyone out.

Thirdly,  when you first approach a person, try and get their name.  "Hi, my name's H.L.  what's your name?"  Use their name periodically as you ask the questions.  "Becky, how often do you pray?"  

Finally, be nice.  Smile.  Enjoy yourself.  Joy is contagious.

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