20 Questions To Connect With New Students

I wrote a post a while ago (click here to read), and I mentioned that I have twenty questions ready to go when I meet a new student. I’ve gotten more responses on wanting those twenty questions than anticipated, so I thought I’d just make it a post. Here are a few things to remember about these questions:

1. I don’t use them all at once.
2. I fish until I get a bite. Once I ask the question they are interested in talking about, I camp there until it’s time to move on to something else.
3. The follow up question is just as important as the initial question. You want to listen actively.
4. It’s not about asking the questions, it’s about the conversation.

Here are the questions I have ready to go when meeting new students:

• What’s your name?
  • Were you named after anyone?
• Do you play a sport?
  • How was or how is your season going?
• What school do you attend?
  • Favorite class and why?
• Do you have any siblings?
  • Do you like them?…haha
• How old are you?
  • Do people tell you that you look older or younger?
• What grade are you in?
  • Do you have a favorite teacher?
• How did you meet the friend who brought you?
  • How long have you been friends?
• What do you like to do in your free time?
  • How often do you get to do that or go there?
• Why did you decide to come to church?
  • Are you excited or indifferent about being here?
• Do you play an instrument?
  • How long have you been playing?
  • Do you have any other talents?
• Do your parents go to church?
  • Why or why not?
• Best vacation you’ve ever been on?
  • How long did you go for?
  • Best thing that happened on the trip?
• What type of music do you like?
  • Who’s your favorite artist?
• How did you like the service?
  • Anything you liked the most?
• Have you ever been out of the country?
  • Did you eat anything weird?
• Do you have a favorite color?
  • Are you the type that has to wear your favorite color?
• Do you have a favorite movie?
  • How about a favorite actress or actor?
• Do you have a favorite sports team?
  • Do you have a favorite athlete?
• Is this your first time going to church?
  • Is it what you expected?
  • Are you coming back?
• Favorite Harry Potter character?
  • Have you seen the Hobbit?

Here ya go!! Now, I don’t use these in the order I’ve written them. I follow the feel of the conversation and insert the question that fits best.

What are some other questions that should be added?

Hope it helps,

-AC