Get to Know Your Small Group Members – Ask Questions

Servant leaders put others before themselves. How do small group leaders learn the best ways to serve their small group members well?

Doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

To serve our group members well, we need to know them. Really know them.

Asking the right questions can move us past small talk and into a world of getting to know each other. But we need to make sure our questions open up the conversation without putting the other person on the defensive. If our questions make the person feel too vulnerable it will shut down the conversation. The questions we use are important.

But the biggest lesson for ensuring that I was being an interesting person who drew others in came down to asking the right questions. I found that this is what triggered authentic responses in the other person.”

Marcel Schwantes in 9 Questions Interesting People Ask to Cut Through the Small Talk.

This quote came from an article that has a list of open questions to use. Although those questions are intended to be used for networking purposes, these same questions can be used for getting to know other people.

Instead of asking the question “How was your week?” consider asking the question “What’s the best thing that happened to you this week?” Try asking the question “What’s your story?” or “How can I be most helpful to you right now?” and see what response comes back to you.

Your genuine willingness, no strings attached, to make yourself useful to others leads to more interesting, engaging, and real conversations that may lead to future opportunities.”

Marcel Schwantes in 9 Questions Interesting People Ask to Cut Through the Small Talk.

As you get to know your small group members and know how you can help them, show your love for them through your service.

Question: What questions have you used effectively to get to know your small group members? You can leave a comment by clicking here.