Agapé UK recently did a poll among staff, asking them to share their favourite questions for getting into spiritual conversation or taking a conversation deeper. In addition to sharing their top questions, responders also emphasised the power of really listening and caring for people, as well as the importance of developing a rapport and relationship that goes beyond just one conversation.
Here are some of their responses:
Do you have much of a spiritual background?
Many staff told us that they often ask a version of this question. Their follow up questions include:
How would you describe your spiritual journey?
This question was also a popular one with our staff. Their follow up questions include:
What do you think about Jesus?
Other related questions include:
“One of the biggest things I've learnt in my time with Agapé is the power of listening well and asking good questions. Most of my best conversations with people (wherever they're at in relation to God) have come from me talking less and listening well. This seems so simple, but my experience would suggest that even if this comes relatively naturally all of us could develop and improve this discipline.”
Ben
Agapé Student Life, Nottingham
“Be curious about people. Spiritual conversations are often about being interested in other people enough to ask them questions. Most questions of general interest are only two to four questions away from a spiritual question. People like to talk about themselves. Ask why people do things or think certain ways.”
Christy
Agapé Staff, Overseas
“One question that is so simple but I find completely opens up conversations is ‘Are you a person of faith?’ Frequently people begin to talk about their religious background, their perspective. It’s an open question. It doesn’t pigeon-hole you into a religion, but it introduces the idea of faith. It’s a gentle approach. That’s the number one question I use. If they say ‘No,’ I ask, ‘So, what do you believe in?’”
Andy
Agapé Student Life, Cambridge
Read more about living authentically in the latest edition of MOVE magazine from Agapé UK .
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Great questions and article. Ever thought of having a fuction on this page where I can download it or share it with others?
Thanks, Aaron! Below the commenting function you can see a button “send to a friend”. This is probably the best option right now to share it with somebody else or save it in your own inbox, for example.