What happens after you have a great first conversation with someone at an event? How do you continue to connect with them throughout the time or connect them with others in our community? A common problem is that we do not often sustain connections effectively, then initial spark fizzles out, and we might lose touch with them. The CONNECT acronym gives us tips for how to continue connecting with people after an initial conversation or interaction with someone.
CONNECT
- C – Communicate care
Nobody likes to feel like a project. People want to know that they are cared for and loved. That is why it is important to express your care, whether verbally through your words or non-verbally through your smile, eye contact, or gestures.
- O – Observe the needs
Love and care can also be expressed through acts of service. Sometimes the best way to connect with someone is to notice or anticipate their needs and offer support for those needs proactively on the spot. For example, being ready to show them the toilet or offering tissues are ways we can observe and meet people’s needs when connecting.
- N – Notice the Gospel Link
In conversations, we must prayerfully notice any interest in the Gospel or any questions / gaps they might have in their lives. For example, if they share about feeling lonely growing up, they may be in need of the Gospel for a sense of belonging. Pay attention to how God might be writing their stories and pray for them.
- N – Network people together
Connecting with people is a team effort, so we cannot be self-sufficient in the process. If someone is sharing something that you know they have in common with someone else in your community, offer to network them together. The more people they are connected to, the more quickly they will feel a sense of belonging.
- E – Encourage them
Especially if someone is new to a community or city, it’s easy to feel discouraged or lost. By offering encouragement to people, they can feel less alone and more hopeful. Use words of affirmation, such as, “welcome” or “thank you” to explicitly encourage people.
- C – Contact with a follow-up message and meeting
After meeting someone at an event or gathering, let them know you are thinking about them or care for them by sending them a text message. Better yet, if appropriate, try to schedule a time for smaller meetups to catch-up and continue building the relationship.
- T – Tell your transformation story
Finally, prayerfully maximize any opportunities that arise for you to share your transformation story. How did the Gospel transform your life? How has the Gospel changed your life? Be ready to share your transformation story as you connect and get to know people more deeply!
Use principles in the CONNECT acronym to intentionally bond with people throughout a gathering and follow-up to continue the relationship!