50 Community Building Questions

These conversation starters are designed to draw people out so they feel comfortable sharing their hearts and stories. Use these questions to build deeper connections and create authentic community within your group.

Personal History & Background

  • What was the first job you ever had, and what did you learn from it?

  • Who taught you to drive, and how would you describe that experience?

  • Tell us about one of your favorite singers or music groups when you were a teenager.

  • What was one thing (poem, song, etc.) that you had to memorize in school? Do you still remember it

  • Describe the worst or weirdest haircut you've ever had.

  • What is the favorite dish your mother made for you growing up?

  • How did you get your most memorable scar?

  • What piece or type of technology intimidates you most, and why?

Dreams & Aspirations

  • What is one dream that you have that you would like to see come true?

  • What is one thing that you have "always wanted to do" but have never gotten to do?

  • If you had $2000 given to you tonight, what would you spend it on?

  • If you could be a character in any movie, who would you be and why?

  • If you were a photojournalist for National Geographic, where would you want to be assigned?

  • If you could spend one day with any person living today, who would you choose?

Values & Influences

  • Who has been the most influential person in your life (other than your spouse, if married)?

  • What biography have you read, or person's life story have you heard, that made an impact on you?

  • When was the first time you realized that purpose was important in your life?

  • If you could spend 8 hours with any famous person, who would it be, and why?

Fun & Creative Questions

  • Tell us one true thing about yourself and one false thing, and we'll guess which is which.

  • Bring an item that you treasure - something with sentimental value that you've owned for years. Tell us why it's meaningful to you.

  • What's the funniest thing that happened to you this week?

  • If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Current Life & Experiences

  • What's something that made you smile this week?

  • What's the best advice someone has given you recently?

  • Tell us about a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness.

  • What's one thing you're looking forward to in the next month?

  • What's been the highlight of your year so far?

  • Share about a recent "aha moment" or learning experience you've had.

Childhood & Memories

  • What was your favorite game to play as a child?

  • What did you want to be when you grew up, and how close did you come?

  • What was your most memorable family vacation or trip?

  • What's a family tradition you remember fondly from growing up?

  • What was your favorite subject in school and why?

  • Tell us about your most memorable birthday celebration.

Personal Growth & Character

  • What's one skill you wish you had learned earlier in life?

  • What's the best compliment you've ever received?

  • Tell us about a time when you had to step outside your comfort zone

  • What's one thing you've changed your mind about as you've gotten older?

  • What quality do you most admire in other people?

  • What's something you're proud of that you accomplished this year?

Relationships & Community

  • How do you prefer to show care for others - through words, actions, gifts, or time?

  • What's the best group or team you've ever been part of, and what made it special?

  • Tell us about someone who believed in you when you didn't believe in yourself.

  • What's one way someone could encourage you this week?

  • How do you like to celebrate good news or achievements?

  • What makes you feel most connected to other people?

Preferences & Personality

  • Are you more of a morning person or a night owl, and what do you love about that time?

  • Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible, and what would you do with it?

  • What's your ideal way to spend a Saturday?

  • Are you more energized by being with people or having alone time?

  • What season of the year do you enjoy most and why?

  • Would you rather live in the mountains, by the ocean, or in the city?

Creative & Thoughtful

  • If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead), who would you choose?

  • What's something you've learned recently that surprised you?

  • If you could master one new skill instantly, what would it be?

  • What's a simple pleasure that always makes your day better?

  • Tell us about a book, movie, or show that has stayed with you long after experiencing it.

Tips for Group Leaders:

  • Structure questions so answers aren't too long (aim for 1-2 minutes per person)p

  • Give everyone the opportunity to share, but don't force participation

  • Follow up on interesting answers with gentle follow-up questions

  • Remember: the goal is helping people feel comfortable sharing their hearts

  • Know your group, so pick questions you think will help your group build relational bonds