Here’s a list of 20 questions you can ask new disciples during sessions when you're mentoring new Christians, along with why each one matters. These questions will help guide conversations, identify areas of growth, and create accountability as they grow in Christ.
1. How is your relationship with God going this week?
This question opens the conversation on a personal level and gives them space to reflect on their daily walk with God. Discipleship isn’t just about Bible knowledge—it’s about maintaining a growing, personal relationship with Jesus.
2. Have you been spending time in the Word daily? What has stood out to you?
New believers need to develop the habit of reading Scripture regularly. This question keeps them accountable and allows you to gauge if they’re learning from God’s Word. The NewStart Journal provides daily Bible readings that guide this.
3. Have you had a chance to pray this week? What did you pray about?
This question ensures that prayer is becoming part of their daily life. Prayer isn't just a discipline—it's how they connect with God. Encouraging them to share what they prayed about reveals where their heart is.
4. Are there any Bible passages that you didn’t understand?
New believers often struggle with understanding Scripture. This question gives them permission to ask for help and provides you with an opportunity to teach. You can also point them to resources like the NewStart Journal videos for extra clarity.
5. Have you faced any struggles or temptations? How did you handle them?
This question helps them recognize spiritual battles and provides an opportunity to talk about overcoming sin. Mentoring involves practical advice on how to deal with temptations and failures.
6. What’s something God has been teaching you lately?
This question invites them to reflect on their spiritual journey and growth. It also helps ensure they’re seeing their Christian walk as a dynamic relationship with God, where He’s constantly teaching them.
7. Have you shared your faith with anyone recently?
Discipleship is not just about personal growth but also about sharing the Gospel. This question encourages them to be outward-focused and reminds them of the Great Commission.
8. Is there anyone you’re praying for to come to know Jesus?
This builds the habit of praying for others and keeps evangelism at the forefront of their mind. It also opens the door for future conversations on how to share their faith with those individuals.
9. What’s something you’re struggling to trust God with?
Faith in action often requires trusting God in difficult areas. This question helps uncover places where they might be holding back and provides opportunities to encourage deeper faith.
10. How are your relationships with others going?
Jesus taught that loving others is crucial. Asking about their relationships—whether family, friends, or coworkers—helps them see how following Jesus impacts every part of their life, including how they treat others.
11. Have you experienced any specific answers to prayer?
Celebrating answered prayers helps new disciples see God's faithfulness and encourages them to keep praying. It also strengthens their faith as they recognize God’s active role in their life.
12. Is there a specific command of Jesus you're working on obeying?
Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15, ESV). Asking this reinforces that following Jesus is about obedience. Programs like the Obedience Challenge can provide practical guidance.
13. What part of your old life do you find it hardest to leave behind?
New disciples often struggle with leaving behind old habits or thought patterns. This question helps identify those struggles and gives you the chance to offer biblical solutions.
14. Are there any areas in your life where you’re afraid to fully surrender to God?
Everyone has areas they’re reluctant to surrender. This question helps pinpoint where they might be holding back from total commitment to Jesus. It also gives you the chance to encourage them to trust in God's goodness and plan.
15. Do you have a mentor or someone you’re regularly connecting with for spiritual guidance?
Building relationships is key to long-term growth. This question ensures they are connecting with other mature believers, either through you or someone else in the church. If they don’t have a mentor, it’s a great opportunity to help connect them to one.
16. What are you most excited about in your walk with God right now?
New believers often have a fresh enthusiasm that can be contagious. Asking this helps them reflect on the joys of following Jesus and keeps their excitement alive.
17. Do you feel confident in your understanding of baptism, or would you like to learn more?
If they haven’t been baptized yet, this opens up a conversation about the importance of baptism. You can offer resources like the Baptism Challenge to help them understand its significance and prepare.
18. What’s a spiritual goal you’d like to work on over the next month?
Setting goals helps them make tangible progress in their faith. It could be developing a habit of prayer, working on a specific area of obedience, or sharing their testimony.
19. Is there anything in the Bible or about the Christian life that confuses you?
There’s so much to learn when you first come to faith, and many new disciples can feel overwhelmed. Giving them space to ask questions about areas of confusion helps them grow in understanding and confidence.
20. How can I pray for you?
This is one of the most powerful questions you can ask. It shows you care about their personal struggles and joys, and it reinforces the importance of prayer in the discipleship process. Make sure to follow up on their requests in future meetings.
Each of these questions is designed to guide your conversations toward growth, accountability, and spiritual maturity. By focusing on their personal relationship with God, struggles, and victories, you can help your disciple grow in their walk with Jesus. Use the tools from NewStart Discipleship to complement your mentorship and provide structured pathways for growth.
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