THE POWER OF QUESTIONS
“A series of carefully designed questions can lead a person to discover God’s truth (and give them the joy and satisfaction of finding it on their own!)“
CONSIDER THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN…
…participating in an archeological dig VS reading a book about archeology.
In this comparison, both essentially deal with the same subject matter; but the experience is completely different.
You could think of the same difference between watching a TV show about animals VS a guided tour of a zoo. Again, the first-hand experience makes a world of difference.
As a Small Group Leader, consider the difference between listening to a lecture about a passage of Scripture VS being invited into a discussion about the same passage Scripture. Often, a though provoking discussion can have more power than a lecture. When a Small Group leader learns to combine the power of questions with the truth found in God’s Word; the results are limitless.
Don’t misunderstand, I believe that a lecture is also an important tool (especially in relation to sermons and preaching); but lectures do not belong in Small Groups – just like open discussion does not belong in sermons. Without understanding the power of questions; small groups can become a one-sided lecture, or even worse, an endless rabbit trail.
Great Small Group Leaders guide the participants on an interactive discovery of God’s Word. A series of carefully designed questions can lead a person to discover God’s truth (and give them the joy and satisfaction of finding it on their own!)
Consider how often Jesus unlocked truth through the use of questions. In Luke 10, a man asked Jesus a simple question, “What should I do to inherit eternal life?” If someone asked me this question, my first instinct would be to explain the plan of salvation. I’d quote verses, give meaningful insight, tell about my own experiences, and make sure they understood all the important details. But that’s not what Jesus did.
Jesus could have simply answered the question; but instead, He chose to lead the man to DISCOVER the answer. Jesus guides this man through a conversation where they both asked questions. Then Jesus added a simple story that stirred the man to uncover the answer. (Read the full dialogue from Luke 10 below.)
Jesus creatively led this man to discover truth for himself.
Think about it… When someone discovers the truth for themselves, they’re more likely to really value and take it to heart. But if it’s just handed to them, it might not stick — they could miss the point entirely.
Think honestly about your last few Small Group gatherings. Who did most of the talking? Were the participants handed bits of Biblical information, or guided to discover it?
It takes practice and skill to creatively guide people to discover God’s Word on their own. Questions are a powerful tool. Small Group leaders need to develop the art of asking them.
In coming posts, you’ll be given many practical tools to help you learn the art of developing and asking good discussion questions, as well as explore many other helpful Small Group Leadership tips and tools.
-Eddie Zdanio
Luke 10:25–37
25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” 27 The man answered, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” 29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. 33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ 36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (NLT)
