Murray on Spiritual Conversation

How do you guide the conversation to produce a profitable discussion? Until now, I've never sat down and thought about what questions I ask people. But I've tried below to list some questions that have been helpful. It's important to ask these questions in a friendly and natural way, rather than in an accusatory or "clipboard" way. Sometimes I find it easier to direct some of these questions to the children initially, as they often talk much more freely about spiritual matters.

* Is there anything you would like me to pray for?
* What have you been reading in your Bible? Anything that's helped you or puzzled you?
* What do you find difficult about reading the Bible?
* What do you feel burdened about in prayer?
* Is there anything you would like to hear a sermon on? Any verses you would like explained?
* Are there any sermons that you've found helpful... confusing... challenging?
* What did you think about the sermon on...?
* Would you say you are going forward spiritually, or backwards?
* Are you reading any good Christian books? Is there anything you want to share from it?
* Have you found any verses that are helping you to live life and prepare for eternity?
* What gifts do you think the Lord has given you? Do you feel the church is making most use of your gifts?
* How would you describe yourself: Unsaved, saved and sure of it, or not sure?
* Do you think much about death and life after death? Do you feel prepared for that? How are you preparing?
* What is your hope of heaven? What reason will you give for being admitted there?
* What do you think of Jesus Christ?
* What would you most like to change in your life?
* What is your greatest fear?
* Are you facing any difficult challenges?
* Is there any one thing that stops you from following Christ?
* Children, what have you been learning in Sunday School?
* Do you have any questions for me?

Maybe only one question will be required to start a profitable conversation. The ultimate aim is to find out where people are spiritually, and how you can help them either to be saved, to be sanctified, or to be of more service to the church.