When you are stuck in a conversation or wanting to get people talking your small group or network (extended family), here are 40 questions to get the ball rolling (via Karin Harper, Central & South Austin Grow Pastor at Gateway Church):
1. Personal questions
- What is your deepest longing?
- What is one of the deepest disappointments?
- What have been a few of the most significant compliments you’ve received & why were they so meaningful?
- What are 5 of the most influential events that have happened in your life?
- How does someone best express love to you?
- How does someone lose your trust?
- What are a few of the most adventurous things you’ve ever done?
- What are some of the random things on your bucket list to do before you die?
- How do you want to be remembered when you die?
- What is most life-giving about your job? least life-giving?
- What are your “Strength Finder” results? How have you seen them play out in your life?
- What would you like to do 10 years from now that’s different from now?
- What you change about your past experiences & why?
- What kind of advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
- What are some of the ways your tank is most filled? Most depleted?
2. Spiritual life questions
- Who has most impacted your spiritual life? How?
- How did God draw you into a relationship with Himself? Share your spiritual journey.
- Describe the time / season in your life that you felt the most intimately connected to God. What were some of the elements that would true in that season? How can you implement some of those elements into your life right now to deepen your walk with Him?
- How has God shown His love to you in tangible ways?
- What characteristic of God have you most appreciated over the last few weeks? Why?
- If I had the chance to ask God what He loves about you, what would I get to hear?
- What are your spiritual pathways? (How do you best connect with God?)
- Eric Little said, “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” What would you say, “When I ________, I feel His pleasure.”
- What have been a few of the biggest risks God has asked you to take & what was your experience?
- What has given you the biggest spiritual rush in your life?
- What things have most stretched you spiritually?
- What do you most long to be true of your walk with Jesus?
- Who are your spiritual running partners & how do they spur you on?
- What are your spiritual gifts? How have you seen them in action?
- What are some of your “stones of remembrance” (from Joshua & the crossing of the Jordan)? What have been some of the real turning points of your spiritual journey or major times that you sensed God’s fingerprint on your life?
3. Network questions
- What do you know about God’s calling on your life?
- What ways are you most passionate about communicating God’s love to others?
- Who’s on your “BLESSING” prayer list?
- What do you strongly value in a team?
- What are some of your strongest gifts that can most benefit the team & community?
- What are some of the ways you feel most valued / appreciated?
- What are some of the obstacles that hold you back from living out your calling?
- How can we as your community best encourage you in the moments where you are facing obstacles?
- How can we call out the best in you? (How can we best encourage you not to “play small”)?
