Praying in the chat room is a real privilege and we want to maximize ministry opportunities as they arise. Our primary purpose in the chat ministry is to share the Gospel with as many people as possible and provide an atmosphere that leads to discipleship and prayer. Prayer may happen in open chat where one can invite the chat participants to pray together or during the scheduled prayer times.  How do we discern where a person is at spiritually? How do we handle a situation where a person shares a need, asks for prayer and we are not sure of their spiritual background?

• First affirm them in their request for prayer then ask them the question, "Where are you in your spiritual journey?", "How do you think God fits in your situation?" or "Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?"These kinds of questionsoften open the door to share Christ with the person who is struggling.
• If you are able to share the message of salvation,take the initiative to ask them if they would like to pray a simple prayer to invite Christ into their lives.
• If they decide to begin a life with Jesus, walk them through the prayer of salvation, thank the Lord and then pray for their need.

Leading with sensitivity If a person is hesitant or refuses to receive prayer,you still have an opportunity to pray silently in your own heart for their spiritual journey as well as the challenge that they are facing. Our job as chat moderators is to lead with grace, not force, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in hearts. In situations where a person declines an offer for prayer you may choose to do the following

• You may use this as an opportunity to share why you believe in prayer and the hope that a relationship with Jesus brings.
• If a person persists on refusing prayer or hearing a testimony then honor their decision and continue to encourage them with love and gentleness.
• If there are chatters in the room that you know are Christians, you may private chat them and ask them to be in prayer for the situation.
• Continue leading the conversation with love and graciousness. Our role as moderators and hosts are to be grace givers and extend Christ’s love at all times.

What if they want to receive Jesus? If God has readied a heart to receive Jesus, then share the message of salvation with boldness and clarity. Here are some tips in transitioning to and sharing the Gospel

• Respect and understand other people’s views, avoid coming across as self righteous….practice grace not debate.
• Avoid try to sell religion, allow the Holy Spirit to open hearts.
• Remember that God works in each heart differently, allow others to share their spiritual journey.
• Use spiritual language that people can easily relate to
• Use words that talk of a relationship with Christ rather than rules or religion.
• Use your sense of humor to add to the comfort level of the conversation.
• Avoid criticizing other religions and users
• Present the Gospel …and leave the results to God.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." Matthew 28: 19, 20 The chat ministry offers great opportunities to minister to those who are hurting, give them hope, share salvation through Jesus and then pray with them. It can all happen within minutes in the chat room!