Conversation Altering Questions
Spark conversations with your kids and grandkids with these questions. Use this resource as a guide the next time you have a chance to talk with your teen and pre-teen grandchildren. You will be surprised how open they will become as you ask open ended questions and follow up with a genuine curiosity. As you do this, you will lead them to the truth of Christ and guide them to a deeper relationship with their Savior.
Where to Start: Topics to Connect
Friends
“What kinds of music, movies, video games, etc. are your friends enjoying?”
Feelings
“A lot of people are saying that they feel anxious—how would you say the times are affecting you?” “Have you ever had the feeling that you are sad for no reason?”
Future
“What are some things that concern you about the future? What are some of the things you feel excited about for the future?”
Set the Tone: What to Talk About
Vulnerability
“I remember feeling scared, insecure, or wondering whether I would fit in.”
Vision
“Let me tell you about what I see in you.”
Values
“A lot of people are confused and don’t know where to turn. One thing I have never regretted is getting to know God through the Bible.”
If You Get Stuck in a Conversation
Pause and reset the conversation with these questions:
- What do you mean?
- How did you arrive at that conclusion?
- How do you know what you believe is true?
- What happens if you’re wrong?
- How does the gospel’s good news transform us?
- What barriers would stop you personally from living fully for Jesus?
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children” (Psalm 103:17).
Get to Know Them Better
- “What are some of your likes and dislikes?”
- “What kinds of activities (extracurricular activities, hobbies, etc.) interest you?”
- “What is it about those things that you find interesting?”
- “What sorts of activities are you involved in at the present time?”
- “What have you done that you’ve gotten really good feedback on from others?”
- “What context are you in when you feel most like yourself?”
- “What kinds of activities have you thought sound interesting, but you haven’t tried yet?”
Inspire a Vision Within Themselves
- “What’s your story?”
- “Can you tell me a little about your family?”
- “What were some of the most shaping experiences of your life so far?”
- “How do you see yourself in terms of your gifts and potential?” “What is it you dream about being or doing someday?”
- “Have you come to the point of trusting Jesus Christ for your salvation? Can you tell me a little about how that happened?”
- “How would you describe your spiritual growth at the present time?”
- “In what ways would you most like to grow spiritually?” “How do you see God working in your life?”
- “If you haven’t trusted Jesus Christ to be your Savior, can you tell me a little about your beliefs regarding spiritual matters?”
Give Them Confidence to Talk About the Tough Stuff
- “I have a strong sense of what I believe on this, but I don’t want the way we talk about it to damage our relationship.”
- “May I share something that is very important to me?”
- “I have some hard news to share.”
- “I feel tension right now because I think I’m supposed to have a snappy answer and I don’t.”
- “Can I think about it and get back with you?”
- “I can see that we think very differently about this, but I want you to know that I care about you and value your friendship.”
As Gen Z navigates a confusing and chaotic world, many feel lost, relying on unstable foundations that deepen their fears. Summit’s Student Conferences provide a path of hope, guiding students over two weeks to discover truth and build lasting relationships. With biblical worldview training as a steady compass, students gain clarity and purpose, equipping them to confidently face life’s challenges and move toward a flourishing life.
Register your grandchildren for a 2025 summer conference.
summit.org/grandparents