Formulating a good question is a key element of an effective online study or chat session. As we address deep heart issues our goal is to develop stimulating discussion questions that allow the host or mentor to share the Gospel with the participants. Here are a few items to keep in mind while developing questions for online interactivity:

1. Keep the questions short and on topic.

2. Begin with a question that defines or clarifies the topic of discussion.

3. Increase the personal impact of the question allowing the person to answer from their heart.

4. Beware of the “passive voice”. “Passive voice” occurs when the action is detached from an object, making it appear that the action just “happens” passively. For example, saying “It was given to me” is passive voice. To have more impact, the object should be defined and precede the action. Here are some more examples:

• How were you impacted by reading this? (passive)
  How did the passage impact you? (active)
• Share how you were convicted. (passive)
  Share how this verse convicted you. (active)
• How is joy taken away from your heart? (passive)
  How do you lose your joy? (active)
• Share in what way you were impressed by the study. (passive)
  How did the study impress you? (active)

5. Using singular personal pronouns has more impact than using plurals, it forces the person to answer more personally rather than at a general level. For most online interactive studies, it would be wise to use the singular when possible. For example:

• How do we deal with the sin in our hearts? (plural)
  How can you deal with the sin in your heart? (singular)
• Share what can be done to increase the thankfulness in our hearts (Plural and passive)
  What can you do to be more thankful? (singular)
• What steps can we take to begin to be more grateful in our lives? (plural)
  What steps can you take to be more grateful? (singular)

There are times when it is wise to choose a plural pronoun. When opening a chat session or discussing a sensitive topic, the plural can allow a person to respond with a more general answer. This is often needed when a chat group is slow to respond or if someone feels like he or she is being put on the spot. Use discretion, but chat sessions often use more plural pronouns while the individual studies will use more singular pronouns.

6. Avoid questions that require only a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.

7. All the questions to progress into a Gospel sharing or Holy Spirit sharing conversation. See samples below:

Sample chat with Christian or optional seeker questions:

Finding Inner Peace (with optional seeker questions)

In today’s world our storms can’t always be calmed but our hearts can be calmed no matter what the storm. What is the key to finding such inner peace and security? Join our discussion tonight as we discover the gift of peace.
• What things rob you of peace? (guilt, shame, worry, indecision.)
• How would you describe your present state of peace?
• How do you recognize peace in your own life?
• How are peace and joy related?
• Why is forgiveness a starting point to a state of peace? (Romans 5:1)
• Peace is affected by what we allow our minds to focus on, discuss Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 46:10, Rom 8:6
• Share some intentional ways we can stay focused on God.
• How is our peace affected by our obedience to God?
• How can we be peace agents in this world?
• Pray Numbers 6:23 and 2 Thes 3:16 for each other.
Optional seeker questions:
• What things rob you of peace?
• How would you rate your present state of peace?
• Name some pursuits of life that may take the replacement of peace in one’s life.
• Define what a peaceful state is; how do you recognize it in your own life?
• “Peace is a mindset dependent upon what we focus on.” Discuss this statement.
• How do you come to know real peace through God?
• How does God’s provision for us bring us peace?
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Sample set of questions for chat session:

Conversation Peace - The Power of Transformed Speech
by Mary Kassian

Session 1 The Power of Navigation
Workbook pages 5 – 15

Open in prayer
1. As you have reflected on the verse 1 Peter 3:10-11, what has God laid on your heart?
2. Discuss the power of the tongue. Page 9
3. How can we begin to steer our tongues in the right direction?
4. According to Psalm 64: 3-4, what did David’s enemies do with their tongues? Page 13 in your workbook
5. What happens when you use your tongues wisely? Page 10
6. How can your speech influence relationships? Page 13
7. Share some practical tips that you have discovered through reading the Tongue Tonics on pages 11 and 15.
8. Pray together and ask God to reveal ways He can transform your speech.