5 Quick Questions…

One method for walk up or door-knocking evangelism is take with you a survey to complete with those who speak with. One of the surveys that I have used while on Summerfest is ’5 quick questions’:

1. What characteristics best fits your idea of God?
   a. Loving
   b. Angry
   c. Distant
   d. Relational
   e. Other
2. Who do you think Jesus is/was?
3. What do you think is the biggest cause of the problems in the world?
4. If you could ask God one question what would it be?
5. Why do you think God hasn’t stopped the suffering in the world?

BENEFITS

• Like all surveys, where you ask a large collection of people, you can gauge popular opinion.
• You can get to know the peoples beliefs, concerns, ideas, of those who your church is trying to reach.
• The questions get to the heart of most peoples objections to Christianity.
• It’s a 2-way conversation, where the respondent has the power of the conversation. Less threatening for them as they can say no to you, turn you away, or stop you mid-survey.
• Helpful diagnostic tool to see where people are at with the Christian Faith.
• The results in themselves are valuable as they give you insight, plus they might even provide some sermon illustration material; bible study openers: how would you respond to the person who says… etc.
• Stimulates conversation.

CHALLENGES

• Can just look manipulative. Just using the survey to get in so to bible bash them.
• Sometimes hinders ability to share the gospel (often the aim of door-knocking) as once the survey is completed the conversation is over.

TIPS

• Be polite and friendly.
• Introduce yourself…
  Hi I’m Hayley, I go to Church by the Bridge, just doing a survey & would love your opinions on a 5 quick  questions…
• If they say NO straight out… respect their decision and thank them for their time:
  Thanks anyway, hope you enjoy the sunshine this afternoon.
• Be genuinely interested in hearing peoples responses.
• Don’t force conversation on people.
• Be happy to walk away with just survey results.
• Close the survey by saying: ‘just wondering if I can ask one more question in response to one of your answers… e.g.
  Why do you think God is…
  What do you mean when you say Jesus is the Son of God?
  If Jesus is just a good teacher, why do you think Jesus was killed by the authorities for disturbing the peace (insurrection)?
  You said, Jesus was the Saviour? Who do you think he was saving and what was he saving them from?
  How does your worldview answer the question about suffering, if you think Christianity can’t?