Asking sincere questions to learn more about a person expresses esteem and respect. It says, “You are important to me, and I want to become better acquainted with you.” Questions should be well thought out and tactfully asked. They should never be perceived as nosy or inappropriate. Here are a few suggestions.
“What is Your Name?”
The door to a person’s life is knowing his name and using it with respect and enthusiasm. Names are important to learn and remember. When someone gives you his name, find a way to remember it. Make a mental association, ask for a business card, or if necessary, write it out. Then use it in conversation and say it with delight the next time you meet him.
“Do You Know the Meaning of Your Name?”
Names have cultural meanings that can be given character applications. For example, Wayne comes from an Old English word that means “wagon.” The purpose of a wagon is to carry a load or lift a heavy burden. Therefore, we can attach this functional meaning to the name by telling Wayne that his name means “a lifter of burdens.” Books that provide this information are available. Get one and use it!
“If You Had a Five-Minute Interview With God and Could Ask Him Anything, What Would You Ask?”
This question really causes people to think. It puts them in a position of talking to God and thinking in terms of what God could do for them. It is actually based on Solomon’s experience. Often, a person will answer this by revealing his innermost concerns, questions, or desires. This may give you an opportunity to meet special needs in his life.
“How Can I Pray for You?”
Even an atheist may appreciate your desire to pray for him. Often, he will have health problems or loved ones that need God’s healing hand. You could explain that you have a group of friends who delight in praying for specific needs and watching God answer them. Most people are very open to someone who will pray for their specific needs, especially if he has obvious power to get requests answered.
“What Are You Saving Money For?”
This is a very effective question to ask store clerks, waiters, etc. They will often tell you about their family or their college plans and give you an opportunity to ask more questions If God directs you, give them some money for their “fund” along with a booklet such as The World’s Greatest Question.
“Could I Tell You About My Greatest Experience in Life?”
Prepare a one-minute testimony of how you came into a relationship with God. Use a four-point outline:
- Your problem
- Your attempts to solve it
- God’s solution
- The Results
The above was taken from the book “Anointed for Greater Works” by Bill Gothard, Ph.D., and is used with permission.
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June 21st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Excellent exhortation on a skill our Savior was accustome to use in the Scriptures. I appreciate the practical application provided and think that reading through Dr. Gothard’s book would be a good idea.
One question my Dad often uses which I have come to appreciate is, “When you get ready to make a decision on whether something is right or wrong, what foundation or principles do you use to make that decision?” It can often be a perfect way to bridge the gap often encountered between ‘get to know you’ conversation and the Lord.
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Josh, that is an excellent question! I still remember your Dad telling about the time when he asked that question on a radio call-in show and the embarrassingly long period of silence that followed as the host scrambled to try and answer it.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Wow, those really are some good questions. I’ve used some of them, but there are some there I never thought to ask. I’ll have to remember those questions next time I’m talking with a stranger, or even a friend.
(Btw, I’m glad you were able to use those pictures!)
April 26th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
[...] many people have we taken an interest in today? As we give a genuinely enthusiastic greeting and ask meaningful questions, we can begin to communicate the love of [...]