A Great Question to Move People into Action
by Denny Heiberg
A few years ago, Cindy and I enrolled in an intense week of training sponsored by Creative Results Management. It was entitled: CORE Coaching. It was one of the most beneficial experiences of my life. While we enrolled to enhance our ministry and discipleship skills,
we discovered that coaching is valuable to every relationship and conversation you have
in your life. Recently, the founder of CRM, Keith Webb, has released a mini-book,
"Coaching in Ministry: How Busy Church Leaders Can Multiply Their Ministry Impact." In the book, Keith has a chapter on "How to Move People To Action With One Simple Question." Over the years I have discovered most Bible study is simply a transfer of information and knowledge. Now, that information is valuable, especially when it deals with God's Kingdom as Jesus points out in Matthew 13. However, the goal of accumulating Scripture knowledge is obedience or putting into practice (see Matt. 7:24-27). So Keith had my interest and attention as I sought out this "silver bullet" of a question.
Ever since I read and pondered this question, I have been sharing it and using it in my own life and ministry opportunities. So, here is the question that can move people to action:
we discovered that coaching is valuable to every relationship and conversation you have
in your life. Recently, the founder of CRM, Keith Webb, has released a mini-book,
"Coaching in Ministry: How Busy Church Leaders Can Multiply Their Ministry Impact." In the book, Keith has a chapter on "How to Move People To Action With One Simple Question." Over the years I have discovered most Bible study is simply a transfer of information and knowledge. Now, that information is valuable, especially when it deals with God's Kingdom as Jesus points out in Matthew 13. However, the goal of accumulating Scripture knowledge is obedience or putting into practice (see Matt. 7:24-27). So Keith had my interest and attention as I sought out this "silver bullet" of a question.
Ever since I read and pondered this question, I have been sharing it and using it in my own life and ministry opportunities. So, here is the question that can move people to action:
"What actions could you take to move forward...?"
For instance, "What actions could you take to move forward
The simplicity of this open-ended question is that it invites the listener to consider and discover, within his/her own mind and heart, the actions which could move them forward to make progress in their specific area of interest or concern.
In the brief time I have been using this simple, yet powerful, question I have found it has forced me to stay focused on achieving the intended goal of my role as a disciple: actually living out what Jesus has called me to be and to do. I encourage you to give this question a try within the next twenty-four hours as you journey through your responsibilities and relationships. I believe you will begin to see how these simple words can move you and others to action!
For instance, "What actions could you take to move forward
- in becoming a more effective disciple-maker?
- in repairing that broken relationship?
- in becoming a person of gratitude?
- to increase your physical strength and endurance?
The simplicity of this open-ended question is that it invites the listener to consider and discover, within his/her own mind and heart, the actions which could move them forward to make progress in their specific area of interest or concern.
In the brief time I have been using this simple, yet powerful, question I have found it has forced me to stay focused on achieving the intended goal of my role as a disciple: actually living out what Jesus has called me to be and to do. I encourage you to give this question a try within the next twenty-four hours as you journey through your responsibilities and relationships. I believe you will begin to see how these simple words can move you and others to action!
