Your lesson is prepared. The environment is inviting. Food has been set out.

Now, it’s time to get your students to talk during small group…

Building a culture of dialogue during small groups can be one of the most frustrating parts of leading a small group of teenagers.

It seems that the students you want to talk aren’t talking and the ones that need to stop talking continue to talk!

Every week, you must be intentional about asking quality questions that will engage YOUR students. Remember, Bible study curriculum has been written to engage teenagers in general — not your group specifically.

[[bctt tweet=”Every week you must be intentional about asking quality questions that will engage YOUR students.” username=”chasesnyder12″]

The most well-written Bible study can still feel stilted, impersonal, and distant if a small group leader doesn’t prepare for his or her specific group.

Here are a few questions that are specific enough to drive home a point but open enough to spark conversations.

4 Engaging Questions Small Group Leaders Must Ask Each Week

“What Is Happening In YOUR Life This Week?”

In my opinion, this is a better question than asking for prayer requests. When you ask for prayer requests, people give impersonal responses about everyone else’s problems. Students need a space to talk about the highs and lows of their week. If you ask students what is happening in their lives this week you will know how you can pray for and encourage your students … without the requests to pray for their granny’s pet cat. After they talk about what is happening, offer to pray for that situation, event, or opportunity. 

[bctt tweet=”Students need a space to talk about the highs and lows of their week. ” username=”chasesnyder12″]

“What Questions Came Up As You Read The Bible Last Week?”

People struggle with spending time reading their Bibles, and asking about their devotional lives can come off as condescending. To most people, there is an extremely fine line between being concerned and condescending. Remember to be encouraging and full of grace as you disciple your students. Trust me, students feel like failures when they don’t read their Bibles. Encourage them to share what questions and frustrations they have as they approach God’s Word.

[bctt tweet=”Remember to be encouraging and full of grace as you disciple your students.” username=”chasesnyder12″]

“How Can We Help You Live Out The Truth Of This Passage This Week?”

Sunday Bible study should transform Monday morning conversations. As a small group leader, you must help students bridge the gap between merely listening to lessons on Sunday morning and doing what has been taught. (For more about creating a student ministry of doers, head here: Create A Student Ministry Of Doers.) Use the last few minutes of your time tossing around ideas to get students engaged in God’s mission. Some of the ideas presented will be ones you can help your students plan and organize, while other ideas will only need your affirmation that the students are gifted enough to accomplish them. 

“Are You Ready To Start Following Jesus?”

Small groups and Sunday School both started because of an emphasis to share the Gospel of Jesus to those outside the church. You don’t have to be pushy in your invitation, but the question needs to be asked each week. All Scripture (and most curriculums) point to Jesus. Make sure that you are connecting students to Him. Don’t rely only on midweek worship services to extend an invitation to follow Jesus. Many students who attend small groups are unable to attend midweek services.

What Questions Do You Ask?

Some of you seasoned youth veterans have incredible questions you ask on a weekly basis. I would love to hear some of them!

What questions do you ask during Bible study groups?