The following case study is taken from a composite of numerous experiences and amalgamated for presentation purposes. The dialogue is between three people two of whom are Christians academics (David--who sort of leads the conversation and Mike who enters the conversation) and one academic who is no a Christian, named Philo. You should also assume that Philo from his past experiences knows or probably has good reason to think that both David and Mike are Christians.
In this scenario, try to place yourself in the conversation and try to discern where Philo is coming from and how well David and Mike do as conversationalists). The conversation takes place in Philo’s office following a department colloquium.
In this particular (shorten) scenario we want to look at how the conversation can occasionally turn to spiritual things among academics.
David: Good to see you Philo! I knew you’d be there. Gosh, why didn’t they open some windows, it was blazing hot for September?
Philo: Geez. I was hoping somebody would do something. Hey, we haven’t talked in a while, what’s been happening?
David: Nothing much. How about you?
Philo: Me, either. What did you think of our speaker...I’ve got an idea. (Nodding his head knowingly.)
Their colleague Mike walks in the open door and joins the two. They nod in acknowledgment and acceptance of his presence.
David: I thought she was good and did an excellent job of presentation. But did you see how few came? What’s up with that?
Philo: Yeah, I couldn’t believe it. They should have gotten the word out more and earlier. Invitations that end up like this can be taken as an insult and she’s an up and coming heavyweight. Are you going to the reception later this afternoon?
Mike: Probably, I’ve got a conflict but I have been reworking it. Is there any coffee?
Philo: Not here, used my last a couple of days ago. Got a minute? I wanted to ask you two something.
David: Sure.
Mike: Let’s see (looking at his watch) I’ve got a minute. What’s up? You up for a promotion to associate professor?
Philo: That’s what I wanted to talk about (getting up and closing the door to his office)...I know Mike you’ve gotten tenure and Dave and I are still assistants...and I know this isn’t always talked about, but I feel can trust you two. Here’s the problem: well actually I have two problems. First I have no idea what the department thinks of me and my work, except I got a good year-end review last spring. And second, to add to my pressure things aren’t working out at home. My son been smoking dope and was caught...I don’t have a problem with that except he got caught...which is another issue.
David: Police involved?
Philo: Not yet, but it could.
David: Go on, tell me more what’s going on there.
Philo: Well (lowering his voice a little) if that wasn’t enough I’m also having some marital problems, too. Keep this confidential. Nothing too major although my wife sometimes hints she might leave me if I don’t make more time for her. I don’t think she will, but with what’s going on with my son and the tenure thing it’s getting pretty rough.
David: I see.
Philo: So I wonder have you gone through anything like this...I know the scuttle butt around is that everybody has a hard time making it in this department, but you’ve made it.
David: Okay, interesting. I’d like to help. Give me a second to think.....(David leans back in his chair)....h’mm seems like some things are going on, but to tell you the truth I need to understand some more to be of much help. Sometimes talking about it can help, too.
Mike to Philo: Can I tell you how I’m doing?
David interrupting: Yes, but could you hold on a second. Before we give advice why don’t we schedule lunch together so Philo can explain little more and we understand things a little better. It will probably improve any advice we give.
Philo: I’m open to that.
Mike: I’m really busy, but I’d like to.
David: Let’s name a time and place where we can relax and talk. Let’s me see...it would be probably good if we do this in the next day or two, if that’s okay. How about Thursday for lunch?
There’s a lot going on here, but you can see that Philo has a pretty good relationship with his two colleagues and is willing to trust them with some personal information. Of course, it’s essential that they keep that trust by keeping the conversation confidential, but David wisely held off Mike’s advice before Philo has a chance to share more. No need to rush advice and listening is the order of the day at this point. So this first case study is about a plausible turn of events--a colleague has a spiritual need that he hasn’t necessarily identified as a spiritual need, but is willing to talk with a colleague he trusts and knows is a Christian.
Now all this listening can present an opportunity to legitimately talk about spiritual things because the gospel is (at least can be made) relevant to Philo’s situation; but then again, for Philo, it may not. It all depends on how much Philo wants to talk about such things, how much respect and confidence he has in his colleagues, and whether he indicates he’s interested and open to talk about spiritual things with them (as they relate to his personal needs). If that happens, then that conversation may start. And where that goes may depend on, besides the trust he has in his colleagues, how much real spiritual interest Philo actually has in the gospel if and when that is judiciously introduced.