Curiosity and Questions: The Heart of Evangelism
Evangelism For Everyone: Asking Great Questions
Summary
Asking great questions is at the heart of meaningful relationships and effective evangelism. Children remind us of the power of curiosity, and as adults, we often lose that instinct to ask and to wonder. Yet, when it comes to sharing our faith, we are all called—not just those with a special gift—to engage in evangelism. This isn’t about having all the answers or being a professional; it’s about being present, interested, and willing to step into sometimes uncomfortable conversations for the sake of someone else’s eternity.
Asking Great Questions opens people up to the Holy Spirit - and it’s the Holy Spirit who actually converts. It’s like fishing. If you get a nibble, you don’t yank the line in. You slowly and patiently allow the fish to hook themselves. You are allowing their own questions to draw them to the deepest desire of the human heart. Even more, you don’t pull the line in and pretend you’ve caught a fish! Some evangelism is like that. Aggressive and unsuccessful but self-satisfying
The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch shows us that evangelism often begins with a simple, thoughtful question, such as: “Do you understand what you are reading?” This question opened the door to a life-changing conversation. Asking great questions creates space for dialogue, reveals the heart and motives of the other person, and invites them to think deeply about their own beliefs. It’s not about delivering a monologue or winning an argument, but about loving people enough to listen and to walk with them on their journey.
Research shows that people—especially younger generations—are more open than ever to spiritual conversations and invitations to church. But effective evangelism requires us to contextualize the gospel, to know the person in front of us, and to tailor our approach. We do this by asking questions that show genuine interest, build trust, and create natural entry points for sharing our faith. Jesus himself modeled this, asking over 300 questions in the gospels and directly answering only a handful. His questions were intentional: some gathered information, some discerned the heart, and others provoked deep reflection.
Practical techniques for asking better questions include being curious, following up with active listening, and using open-ended questions. These approaches help us move beyond surface-level interactions and into meaningful conversations where God’s love can be demonstrated. Sometimes, we may only play a small part in someone’s journey to faith, but every interaction matters. We are called to be faithful in the opportunities God gives us, trusting that He is at work in every conversation.
Key Takeaways
- Evangelism is not reserved for the specially gifted; it is the responsibility of every follower of Jesus. Choosing not to engage because of discomfort is, in effect, prioritizing our own comfort over someone else’s eternity. We are called to build God’s kingdom with whatever opportunities and relationships are in front of us. [50:43]
- Asking great questions is a powerful way to love others. When people feel heard, they feel loved, and this opens their hearts to deeper conversations about faith. Listening well is often as impactful as speaking truth. [57:08]
- Thoughtful questions reveal assumptions, motives, and the true needs of those we engage with. Instead of jumping to answers or arguments, curiosity allows us to understand the real issues and respond with grace and wisdom. This approach can transform difficult or challenging conversations. [58:03]
- Jesus modeled the art of asking questions—over 300 in the gospels—using them to gather information, discern hearts, and provoke reflection. Following his example, we should ask intentional, insightful questions that invite others to think and share, rather than simply telling them what to believe. [01:07:30]
- Practical techniques for better conversations include being genuinely curious, actively listening, and asking open-ended questions. These skills not only help us share our faith more effectively but also deepen our relationships and allow us to serve and pray for others in meaningful ways. [01:12:18]
- People are already asking great questions. They’re just not asking us. They’re asking Google and ChatGPT. So how do we step into that gap?
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Power of Asking Great Questions in Evangelism
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Bible Readings
Acts 8:26-39 (CSB)
> An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is the desert road. So he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud. The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.” When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this:
> He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
> and as a lamb is silent before its shearer,
> so he does not open his mouth.
> In his humiliation justice was denied him.
> Who will describe his generation?
> For his life is taken from the earth.
> The eunuch said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or someone else?” Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture. As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer but went on his way rejoicing.
Matthew 16:13-16 (CSB)
> When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
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Weekly question:
How did you go with what you said you would do last week?
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Observation Questions
1. In the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, what was the first thing Philip said to the eunuch, and how did the eunuch respond? (Acts 8:30-31)
2. According to Pastor P, what are some different types of questions Jesus asked in the Gospels? [01:08:20]
3. What did Pietta say is the difference between having the gift of evangelism and the responsibility to evangelize? [50:43]
4. What practical techniques for asking better questions were demonstrated in the sermon? [01:12:18]
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Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Philip started his conversation with a question instead of a statement or a sermon? What effect did this have on the eunuch? (Acts 8:30-31)
2. Ps P said that Jesus asked over 300 questions but only directly answered a handful. What does this suggest about the way Jesus engaged with people? [01:07:30]
3. Ps P says, “When people feel heard, they feel loved.” Why might listening be just as important as speaking when sharing your faith? [57:08]
4. The sermon describes how asking questions can reveal someone’s motives or assumptions. How might this change the way we approach difficult or challenging conversations about faith? [58:03]
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Application Questions
1. Ps P challenges us not to let discomfort stop us from sharing our faith. Can you think of a recent time when you avoided a spiritual conversation because it felt awkward? What could you do differently next time? [50:43]
2. Jesus often asked questions that made people think deeply. What is one open-ended question you could ask a friend or family member this week to start a meaningful conversation about faith? [01:07:30]
3. The sermon gives practical tips like being curious, actively listening, and asking open-ended questions. Which of these do you find most challenging, and how could you practice it in your everyday conversations? [01:12:18]
4. Think about someone in your life who is not a Christian. What is one genuine question you could ask them to show interest in their life and build trust? [01:04:00]
5. The sermon says that sometimes we only play a small part in someone’s journey to faith. How does this perspective help you feel about sharing your faith, even if you don’t see immediate results? [01:02:47]
6. The story of Philip and the eunuch shows that asking a simple question can open the door to a life-changing conversation. Is there someone you feel prompted to reach out to this week? What is stopping you, and how can you take a step of faith? [01:22:23]
7. Ps P encourages us to pray for opportunities to ask great questions. Commit to praying for your +1 every day this week. [01:23:24]
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Quotes:
‘It can be tempting for Christians to spend time attempting to give answers, even to questions no one is asking.’ - Paul Woolley
'Old style evangelism tries to make people connect with us, rather than us connecting with them.’ - Lee Strobel
'Many of the confronting questions we face from non-believers are really designed as deflections' - Campbell Menzies
Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for courage, curiosity, and opportunities to ask great questions that open doors for the gospel. Pray for specific people God has placed on your hearts.
Devotional
Day 1: Evangelism Is the Responsibility of Every Christian
Evangelism is not reserved for a select few with a special gift; it is the calling and responsibility of every follower of Jesus. Choosing not to share the gospel because it feels uncomfortable is, in effect, placing personal comfort above the eternal destiny of others. We are all called to participate in building God’s kingdom, sharing the good news with those around us, and not leaving our faith at the door. The Great Commission is a command for all believers, not just the “gifted” or the “experienced.” [50:43]
Matthew 28:18-20 (CSB)
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone this week to share your faith with someone in your life, even if it feels awkward or inconvenient?
Day 2: Asking Great Questions Creates Space for Conversation and Love
Asking thoughtful questions opens the door to genuine conversation, allowing people to feel heard and valued. When we listen well and show interest in others’ stories, we reflect Christ’s love and create opportunities for meaningful spiritual dialogue. People often cannot distinguish between being truly heard and being loved, so our attentive listening and curiosity can be a powerful witness to the gospel. [57:08]
Acts 8:30-31 (CSB)
When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to feel truly heard today, and how can you intentionally ask them a thoughtful question and listen with genuine care?
Day 3: Jesus Modeled the Power of Insightful Questions
Jesus, though all-knowing, frequently asked questions—over 300 in the Gospels—using them as a primary way to teach, connect, and reveal hearts. His questions ranged from gathering information, to discerning motives, to prompting deep reflection. By following Jesus’ example and asking intentional, open-ended questions, we can engage others in meaningful spiritual conversations and help them discover truth for themselves. [01:07:30]
Mark 8:27-29 (CSB)
Jesus and his disciples went to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”
They answered him, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.”
“But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.”
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation—how might you have followed Jesus’ example by asking a question that invited the other person to share more deeply about their beliefs or experiences?
Day 4: Curiosity and Active Listening Build Trust and Open Doors
Being curious about others’ lives and following up with active listening demonstrates genuine interest and builds trust. When we ask “why” and mirror back what we hear, we show that we value the person, not just the outcome of the conversation. This approach helps us understand where people are coming from, avoid assumptions, and respond with grace rather than quick answers or arguments. [01:14:25]
James 1:19 (CSB)
My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
Reflection: Who is someone you tend to respond to quickly or assume you understand? How can you practice deeper curiosity and active listening with them this week?
Day 5: Asking Great Questions Creates Natural Opportunities to Share the Gospel
Thoughtful, open-ended questions can naturally lead to discussions about faith, providing entry points to share the hope of Jesus. By engaging in genuine conversation and showing interest in others’ stories, we create space for God to work and for people to encounter the gospel in a way that resonates with their unique journey. Even small steps—like asking about someone’s weekend or following up on their story—can be part of God’s process in drawing them closer to Him. [01:22:23]
Colossians 4:5-6 (CSB)
Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
Reflection: What is one open-ended question you can ask a friend, colleague, or neighbor this week that could open the door to a deeper conversation about faith?
Quotes
David Augsburger has observed, being heard is so close to being loved that most people cannot tell the difference. So most people cannot tell the difference between being heard and being listened to and being loved. So when people feel heard, they feel loved. And when people feel loved, they are more likely and going to be going to be more open to having a conversation. And then they're more likely to receive the gospel message.
[00:57:23]
(34 seconds)
#HeardIsLoved
Because a message about Jesus' love should always be presented by a person who shows a legitimate interest in the person in front of them. Because if you are preaching the gospel to someone before you know their spouse's name, what their job is, or what they're studying, we might be doing it wrong. We need to engage with people with empathy before we can lead them with truth.
[01:00:17]
(33 seconds)
#EmpathyBeforeTruth
But you can see that he asked over 300 questions, about 300 questions depending on the translation in Scripture. But he only directly answered about eight. Like how wild is that? But this is the son of the God Almighty, the Messiah, asked 300 questions to the people around him and answered eight.
[01:07:19]
(25 seconds)
#QuestionsOverAnswers
So, if we follow Jesus' example by asking informing questions to help discern and lead others, they are more likely to be receptive to the teaching questions. Jesus is the question master, and he gives us the best example of what it means to share the gospel through genuine interactions with others.
[01:11:05]
(23 seconds)
#LeadWithQuestions
Because as Christians, we do not have the luxury of not sharing the gospel with those around us. As Christians, we do not have the luxury of leaving our faith at the church door. And as Christians, we do not have the luxury of not continuing to build the kingdom with the pieces that have been placed in front of us.
[01:21:36]
(23 seconds)
#NoLuxuryToIgnore
Who are you evangelizing to? Or if that word still irks you, who are you asking great questions to? And who is going to be given the opportunity to hear the gospel, perhaps for the first time, because you now recognize the power of asking a great question? Who are you going to ask? Do you understand what you are reading?
[01:22:00]
(29 seconds)
#AskAndEvangelize
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