I once wrote a weekly newsletter for small group leaders. In these Thoughts on Discipleship posts, I reprint those articles.
As group leaders, we all long for some level of interaction with those who attend our groups. The way we phrase our questions can affect the extent to which people can respond or even lower the quality of the responses. Here are a few types of questions to avoid.
(These come from an article by Terry Powell entitled “Five Questions that Kill Discussion.”)
Subjective Questions. When you ask people to respond with how they feel about a Biblical passage rather than what it says. “What does verse 2 mean to you?”
Long-Winded Questions. When you ask a question that has too many aspects to put into a concise answer. Try to limit how much you ask at a time. “Looking at how the devil tempts Jesus in the wilderness, what specific qualities and strategies of spiritual warfare does he demonstrate that could also be used against us?”
Leading Questions. When you ask a question with a particular answer in mind and your question’s only correct response is the answer you want. “It’s hot in here, right?”
Compound Questions. Two questions in one. “What toppings do you like on your ice cream, and what is the capital of Connecticut?”
Compulsory Personal Questions. “Frank, could you tell us about a time you doubted God’s faithfulness?”
Not a Camouflaged Soul 