4 Ways 2 Live

Presentation Guide

The guide runs through all six sections of the 4 Ways 2 Live presentation, first offering an explanation for each section and then an example script.

QUICKLINKS

Introduction

Explanation

Introduce the 4 Ways 2 Live webapp and share the QR code at the bottom of the webpage.

This gives the person the app on their phone. At the very least, it gives them something to view after your conversation ends.

Script (An Example)

You could say:

I’ve realised that there are only so many ways to live this life. Can I show you a webpage I’ve found helpful?

A Quick Note

You’ll notice that the presentation itself is written in the present tense and reads like a confession. This personalises the script and adds immediacy when it is read.

The Four Approaches

Explanation

This part of the presentation outlines four approaches. The first two are clearly selfish approaches and most people do not identify with them. The third captures how the typical non-Christian sees themselves. The fourth acknowledges humanity’s need for God.

The comparison between them guides the reader towards the third and fourth options.

Script (An Example)

After briefly explaining the first three approaches, focus on the fourth approach. You could say:

I want to make a positive difference to the world, but I realised that I need help from above.

Change starts in the heart. And I had to be honest with myself: change had to start in my heart first.

Emphasise that, to change the world, the heart must change first.

My Shortcomings

Explanation

This part of the presentation is written as a confession.

Emphasise your need for God. Be honest about your shortcomings and the shortfall you are unable to make up in your own strength.

Note: The words shortcomings and shortcoming are accurate synonyms for “sins” and “sin.” They literally reflect the English words translated in the Bible.

Do not be afraid to use them, as they sound less stuffy and cut through well.

Script (An Example)

You could say:

I want to make a positive difference in the world, but that would require that I be the very best version of myself all the time. And I realised that I CANNOT do this in my own strength.

To be honest, if the world is a reflection of me, it’s going to come up well short—because with my many shortcomings, I come up WELL SHORT.

I realised that, at my core, I am unable to change or heal myself. For all my attempts at self-improvement, I cannot make myself a better person.

To make up my shortfall and my many shortcomings, I NEED help from above.

Make it your own:

Be honest about your own limitations and need for God.
Share the personal struggle to make the point that help is needed from above.

God’s Intervention

Explanation

This part of the presentation is written in the present tense for the reader. When sharing your story, put it in the past tense, describing what happened to you.

Emphasise two things: (1) God intervened in your life and (2) God continues to heal and change you today.

Be upfront about what happened to you. This is the equivalent of sharing your personal testimony—both how God became real to you and what He means to you now.

Note: The word intervention is an accurate synonym for “salvation”. It reflects the very broad word translated “salvation” in the Bible, a concept that refers to God’s gracious intervention in the human story: rescuing, healing, delivering and forgiving us.

Don’t be afraid to use it, as it sounds less stuffy and cuts through well.

Script (An Example)

You could say:

I realised that I need help from above.

God intervened in my life. Jesus made up my shortfall through His sacrifice for me. He intervened and has restored my relationship with Father God.

Father God is healing and changing my life. He has invited me on a journey of faith, a lifelong journey of learning to love as He loves and to think like He thinks.

Make it your own:

Share how God intervened in your life, including specifics if comfortable.
Explain how God continues to work in your life today.

My Response

Explanation

This part of the presentation is written in the present tense for the reader. When sharing your story, put it in the past tense, describing what happened to you.

Emphasise two things: (1) repentance—you acknowledged your need and surrendered to Him and (2) faith—you acknowledged your need and trusted Him.

Be practical about how you did these two things, as this will give the person a way forward.

Script (An Example)

You could say:

I turned away from my self-directed approach to life. I realised that, as much as I wanted to do good, I was living selfishly. I had to get out of the driver’s seat of my life and surrender the steering wheel to God.

I placed my trust in Father God to change and lead me. I acknowledged that only He can change my heart. I received the gift of Jesus and chose to follow Him, choosing His will over my will.

Would you like to respond to God’s invitation?

Make it your own:

Share briefly how you turned from your self-directed approach and surrendered to God.
Explain how you placed your trust in Father God and received Jesus, showing them a practical way to respond.
If required, use the prayer provided in the presentation. Since they have the app on their phone, they can follow along with the prayer.

What Now?

Explanation

There is a prayer you can use or suggest to them from the previous section.

If they are not yet ready to make a response, you can offer to pray for any needs they have and be available to chat about any questions in the future. Be “gentle and respectful” (1 Peter 3:15). You don’t need to force anything. Simply make yourself available.

If they have made a response, celebrate the moment with them in a meaningful way. Then encourage them to journey with others and explore the Scriptures. The videos made available through the Bible Project are a helpful place to start.

Script (An Example)

Remember, you are not under pressure to close the deal. Be patient and prayerful. The Father is at work (John 6:44), and you just need to follow any nudges He gives.

A Final Note

Using terms like “shortcoming” for “sin” and “intervention” for “salvation” early in a conversation helps avoid introducing religious language too soon to a post-Christian audience, who often have negative associations with these words. Once I’ve explained these ideas in fresh terms, I find it helpful later in the conversation to connect them with the words used in the English Bible. For example, I might say, “The Bible has a powerful way of capturing the idea of shortfall…”