But I have discovered over the years that, as the title says, often the best discussion question Bible study questions are not questions at all. Here’s what I mean:
You’ve asked one of your finely crafted questions, and Janice, a young Christian who doesn’t usually say very much, gives a hesitating answer that shows she’s on the right track. You can tell by the wrinkled forehead that she has got a lot more thoughts in her mind but is unsure about her first answer, so she has not said anymore. Now is your chance to deploy the finest two words in Bible study history.
#1 Among the Best Small Group Bible Study Discussion Questions
Take a deep breath and repeat after me:
“Go on.”
Say these two words out loud now—they will change the face of your home group forever!
“Go on.”
These words say loads of things to Jittery Janice or Shrinking Stephen or Hesitant Hannah or Timid Trevor. They tell them:
1. You’re on the right track.
2. I’m interested in the thoughts that are in your head—please share them around so that other people can be encouraged by them.
3. The stage is yours…
It’s the equivalent of what some books call an “extending question” — but without the need to think of another question. With the right tone or even prefacing it with “I think you’re on the right track here, go on…” or “That’s an interesting idea, go on…” you are encouraging them to speak so they can encourage everyone else.
Try this best discussion question at your next small group meeting, and you will be astonished by the power of these two little words to transform your group.
But a word of caution. Don’t tell your group to read this article. Word got back to a group I once ran about a training session I ran where I talked about these magic words. From that time on, all they did when I said “Go on” was laugh at me…
Looking for more? Here are accountability bible study questions.
