The right question can open up a conversation and develop a relationship.
God says, The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters but a man of understanding draws him out.
Questions do just that.
But I have found a resource that is light years ahead of me.
The Complete Book of Questions: 1001 Conversation Starters for Any Occasion is just what the title says – 1001 questions.
Questions 1-100 are Light and Easy. “Do you squeeze the toothpaste or roll it? Why?” or “How often do you doodle? What do your doodles look like?”
Then the questions become progressively deeper.
Questions 501-600 are labeled Viewpoints. “Why do you think it is so hard for people to say they are sorry?” and “What is the best way to earn another person’s respect?”
Questions 901-1001 are Extreme Spiritual Matters. “What kind of things do you pray about most frequently?” and “Who is Jesus Christ to you?”
You need this book if…..
You need this book if you want to get to know people. Here are four people who need this book on their shelf.
1. Hosts and Hostesses – The holidays and other times of church hospitality provide a chance to savor food and friendship. But often the conversation is not prepared and falls back into shallow ruts. This book provides a chance to stir things up at your next holiday meal or hospitality meal.
2. Parents – Depending on your children’s age, this is a wonderful resource to prompt questions on a “donut date.”
3. Small Group Leaders – It can be difficult to get to know small group members. Questions are a wonderful way of drawing people together. Pull this off the shelf, grab a question, and use it as your icebreaker.
4. Tongue-Tied Christians Who Want to Share their Faith – I know of one friend who uses the book to stir up discussion over lunch at work. Other employees come knowing they get to choose a number and it will provide interesting discussion. It is a way to drop beneath surface discussion without holding a Bible study.
The Complete Book of Questions is a wonderful resource.
I plan to make it a regular entree around our table. Order it here.
While you at Amazon, check out our flagship resource, The Disciple-Making Parent. In Chapters 11 and 12 I talk about characteristics of skillful communication. Asking questions is a key skill to remember!
