You don’t always need follow-up questions.
Most of the time, the passage and the core DBS questions are enough.
These are here only when helpful—to keep the conversation grounded and moving forward.
Use them lightly.
Most of the time, the passage and the core DBS questions are enough.
These are here only when helpful—to keep the conversation grounded and moving forward.
Use them lightly.
When to use follow-up questions
Use a follow-up question when:
You don’t need to use all of these.
One good follow-up is usually enough.
Use a follow-up question when:
- The group gives very short answers
- The conversation drifts away from the passage
- People seem unsure how to respond
- You sense there’s more to discover
You don’t need to use all of these.
One good follow-up is usually enough.
How to use them
You are not trying to guide people to a “right” answer.
You are helping them notice what the Scripture says.
- Ask one question at a time
- Give space for silence
- Let people respond in their own words
- Keep pointing back to the passage
You are not trying to guide people to a “right” answer.
You are helping them notice what the Scripture says.
Helpful follow-up questions
You can use any of these as needed.
Keep the focus on observation, not opinion.
You can use any of these as needed.
- What do you see in the passage that makes you say that?
- Where do you see that in the text?
- What stands out to you most?
- What surprises you?
- What do you notice about God here?
- What do you notice about people?
Keep the focus on observation, not opinion.
If the group gets stuck
You can gently ask
Often, rereading the passage is enough.
You can gently ask
- Can someone read that verse again?
- What words or actions do you notice?
Often, rereading the passage is enough.
A gentle reminder
You don’t need to fill every silence.
You don’t need to ask many questions.
You don’t need to explain.
If people are looking at the Scripture and listening to one another,
You’re doing it right.
You don’t need to fill every silence.
You don’t need to ask many questions.
You don’t need to explain.
If people are looking at the Scripture and listening to one another,
You’re doing it right.
Final encouragement
Follow-up questions are tools—not requirements.
Use what’s helpful. Leave the rest.
God speaks clearly through His Word.
Follow-up questions are tools—not requirements.
Use what’s helpful. Leave the rest.
God speaks clearly through His Word.
Sample Follow Up Questions
Read Mark 2:1-12
Read Mark 2:1-12
Primary questions and answers are in green. Follow-up questions are in purple.
What does this passage say about God and people?
What does this passage say about God and people?
- People were very drawn to Jesus. Mark 2:1-2
What is it about Jesus that draws you to Him? - Jesus taught from Scripture. Mark 2:2
Why is it important to teach from Scripture? - People can profoundly encounter the presence of Jesus Christ in homes. Mark 2:1-2.
Why is home-based ministry so important to our spiritual journey? - Believers are involved in bringing unbelievers to Jesus. Mark 2:3
What roles did believers play in helping bring you to Jesus?
Or, why are believers so essential in bringing others to Jesus? - Jesus frees us from our "mat," the things that confine and define us. Mark 2:3,4,9,11,12.
What did Jesus free you from that used to confine and define you? - Jesus was interruptible. Mark 2:4
Give several reasons why we should allow God to interrupt us. - Jesus placed a greater priority on forgiveness than healing. Mark 2:5
Why might Jesus place a greater priority on forgiving us than healing us? - Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. Mark 2:5
Are you trusting Jesus to forgive your sins?
Describe your journey of trusting Jesus to forgive your sins. - Jesus proved his identity to people. Mark 2:10
How did Jesus prove his identity to you? - Sometimes Jesus asks us to do the impossible. Mark 2:11
Describe a time when Jesus asked you to do what seemed impossible. - Obeying Jesus for the impossible can be life-changing. Mark 2:12
Describe a time when you obeyed Jesus and the results were life-changing. - A genuine encounter with Jesus is amazing; it's unlike any other encounter. Mark 2:12
How does Jesus amaze you?