The 3 Circles Method
What To Do First
- Click Here to download 3 Circles App for Iphone
- Click Here to download free 3 Circles App for Android
- Click here to download and Print Trainee Manual (Listening Guide)
How To Participate
- Fill In the blanks in Trainee Manual or Listening Guide as you watch video.
- Look for Tips and Resources at end of lesson.
Introduction
There are many different methods and tools that have been developed to help Christians share the Gospel clearly and naturally. One of the most practical is called 3 Circles, developed by the North American Mission Board. The method uses three simple circles—God’s Design, Brokenness, and the Gospel—to help explain why our world is broken, what God has done about it through Jesus Christ, and how we can respond to Him.
One of the strengths of 3 Circles is its simplicity. You don’t have to memorize a presentation or follow a complicated script. With a pen and a piece of paper—or even a napkin—you can use the three circles to guide a natural Gospel conversation.
There is also a 3 Circles app that walks you through the presentation step by step right on your phone or tablet. It is a great tool for learning the method and can also be used to walk someone through the Gospel when an opportunity comes up.
The six short training videos below will walk you through the 3 Circles method step by step, show you how it can be used in real conversations, and help you become comfortable enough with the approach to make it your own. 3 Circles can also be taught as a class or small-group training, and a free downloadable Trainer’s Guide is provided below to help churches, ministry leaders, and small-group leaders walk others through the training.
The brilliance of the 3 Circles Method is that it is incredibly relational and non-confrontational. We highly recommend reading Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations as a companion to this training. The book provides additional insight into how everyday conversations can naturally become opportunities to talk about spiritual things and ultimately point people toward the Gospel.
The goal is not simply to learn another evangelism method, but to add a simple, practical, and relational tool to your evangelism toolkit that can help you confidently turn everyday conversations toward the Gospel.
Lesson 1: The 3 Circles Overview
ASSIGNMENT 1: Complete the Listening Guide Worksheet while watching the video.
ASSIGNMENT 2: Practice the 3 Circles twice this week by drawing the method for someone.
ASSIGNMENT 3: Practice the 3 Circles twice using the app. See the Listening Guide for conversation tips.
Lesson 2: The Gospel
Assignment 1: Practice the 3 Circles with someone five times this week. Again, friend or stranger, Christian or non- Christian, just practice and hone your gospel presentation. You have two opportunities: you can share the 3 Circles with someone far from God or train another Christian (friend, family member, stranger) to share the 3 Circles.
Assignment 2: Write out your own succinct, complete gospel presentation. (See example in Listening Guide)
Lesson 3: Transition to the Gospel
Assignment 1: Try to practice your transition statements and 3 Circles (with a clear gospel presentation) with someone every day—Christian or non-Christian.
Assignment 2: Write your own transition statement and memorize it.
Lesson 4: Invite A Gospel Response
Assignement 1: Work on your own theologically accurate salvation prayer that you can use to guide others in their decision to repent and believe in Jesus. (See Listening Guide for example)
Assignment 2: Practice your TGI process—transition, gospel and invitation— three times this week. Whether you are telling (non-Christian) or training (Christian), you need to practice. Pray each day that God will give you actual opportunities to transition a conversation to the gospel and invite that person to repent and believe.
Lesson 5: Red, Yellow, and Green Responses
Assignment 1: Work on your own red, yellow and green light responses. (See Listening Guide)
Assignment 2: Practice the TGI process—transition, gospel and invitation— three times this week. Pray daily that God will give you actual opportunities to transition the conversation to the gospel so you can practice handling all the possible responses: red, yellow and green light.
Lesson 6: It Worked Now What
Assignment 1: Daily look for opportunities to turn everyday conversations to the 3 Circles.
Assignment 2: Pray daily for those you know personally who are far from God and ask God to use you to give people repeated opportunities to hear and respond to the gospel.
Other Awesome Resources
The North American Mission Board has generously developed free and inexpensive tools to help believers learn and share their faith using the 3 Circles Method. Below are three suggested resources that provide valuable support for anyone seeking to better understand, practice, and confidently communicate the Gospel through this approach.
3 Circles Demonstration Video
Full demonstration of 3 Circles Method (4 Min). Useful for practicing along with.
Everyday Conversations
Turning Everyday Conversations Into Gospel Conversations—Turning Everyday Conversations Into Gospel Conversations is a simple strategy to train new and seasoned believers to join God in His reconciliation work. Turning Everyday Conversations Into Gospel Conversations equips believers to use the innovative “3 Circles,” a user-friendly evangelistic tool for a new generation. $ 12.49 Amazon
3 Circles Wristbands
3 Circles Wristband—The 3 Circles Wristband is a great way to practice sharing the gospel. It is also a good conversation starter that can lead to gospel conversations. The wristband is .6″ in width and comes in white and orange and is also available in navy blue. .40 Each
Life Conversation Guide
3 Circles: Life Conversation Guide—The 3 Circles Life Conversation Guide is a short training booklet that explains the gospel simply and clearly. Use this guide learn or share faith with. These guides are sold in packs of 50 for 10.00. Free PDF
One Last Thing!
If this course has been helpful to you, please consider making a donation of any amount to help us continue developing and providing courses and resources like this. Our goal is to make practical evangelism, apologetics, and discipleship training available to anyone, anywhere, regardless of their ability to pay.
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Thank you for being a part of what we’re doing and for helping us equip more Christians to confidently share and defend their faith.