Asking Questions

I’ve experienced a powerful discovery as I’ve led training workshops empowering believers to get involved in the Great Commission: Getting on the mission of Jesus can happen along the way, every day, in each of our lives, by simply asking questions and listening to the responses. At every workshop I conduct for Q Place, I do an exercise I’ve dubbed the “Six Degrees of Separation,” based on the social-science theory of the same name. You know the theory—that everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away from something in common. Here’s how it goes: I have everyone in the...Read more …

Editor’s Note. One of Q Place’s core values is self-discovery, because after over fifty+ years of ministry, evidence is strong that people grow and learn best when they discover truths for themselves through discussion and study. The primary means to facilitate self-discovery in others is through asking good questions. That is why I resonated so deeply with the thoughts to follow, penned by Frederick Buechner in his book, Wishful Thinking. Trusting they’ll spark something in you as well. – Pamela Klein, On Q Editor _____________________________ QUESTIONS “On her deathbed, Gertrude Stein is said to have asked, ‘What is the answer?’...Read more …

Have you ever noticed how often Jesus asked people questions? Remember some of them? Who do people say that I am? Do you want to get better? Where are your accusers woman? Which is easier to say, your sins are forgiven or take up your matt and walk? Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? Jesus was a master at approaching people with a question; questions that got to the heart of the matter for each person they were directed to. When it comes to sharing our...Read more …

When I was in 2nd grade a friend asked me if I believed in God. I said “No” and she went and tattled to the teacher. When I was in high school, I babysat for some wonderful neighbors and friends of ours. One of their daughters asked me if I believed in God, and I said “No.” She burst into tears and cried because I was going to hell. And people wonder why I have a negative view about religion? When I became an adult and considered the possibility that I may not have all the answers, I started going...Read more …

Did you know that the Gospels record Jesus asking 183 questions? That, when asked, He only gave three direct answers to three questions, but answered 307 questions with a question! (Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus by Sherry Weddell, Our Sunday Visitor, 2012) What do you think caused the Son of God to ask so many questions? What happens to you when someone asks you a genuine question and then stops to listen to your answer? How does it make you feel? What does it do to your thinking? Pastor Mark Ashton says, “The question is...Read more …