Wondering questions allow us to authentically connect with others by raising questions that promote dialogue and lead to self-discovery. In most cases we are never more than three good questions away from a breakthrough conversation with someone. The key to all good wondering questions is the context in which they are asked. With the right attitude and atmosphere, any of these 99 questions can be powerful door openers for spiritual conversation. However, the best wondering questions emerge from the wonder that the Holy Spirit is stirring inside of you as you listen to others. If you are listening well, wondering naturally happens. If you are wondering well, you will have more opportunities to listen.

Download 99 Wondering ?’s from the IE Book

Wondering Your Way into a Another Culture

“Wondering” into a culture requires a willingness to be out of control, an inquisitive explorative nature, the patience to listen, and the desire to learn from others. The following exercise will help you better understand the cultural context you will be ministering in.

1. Before you arrive in the country, read the article on “Wondering”and look through the 99 “Wondering” ?’s. Discuss the big ideas that you found helpful as it relates to your trip.

2. Read through the list of 20 questions below. Begin a brainstorming time of things you are wondering about the country you will be traveling to. Appoint someone to keep a running list of these questions.

3. After tapping into your sense of wonder for awhile, go back through and prepare your best wondering questions.

4. As soon as you get in the country, pair up and “wonder” around asking the questions you put together.

5. Come back together and share what you learned about the people in this country.

6. Take some time to pray and talk through how to live out Colossians 4:5 now that you have a better idea of who you are trying to reach. (Suggestion: Purchase the IE Pocket Card to serve as your guide.)

——20 ?’s to Stir up the Wonder Inside of You in Another Culture——

1. What kind of government do they have?

2. Who are the country’s national heroes and heroines?

3. What languages are spoken?

4. What is the predominant religion? Is it a state religion? Are they tolerant of other
religions?

5. What are the most important religious observations and ceremonies?

6. How are animals treated? Are there household pets?

7. What are the most common forms of marriage ceremonies and celebrations?

8. Do women work outside the home?

9. Is the price asked for merchandise fixed or are customers expected to bargain?

10. How do people organize their daily activities? What is the normal meal schedule?

11. What foods are most popular and how are they prepared? Who sits down together
for meals?

12. What is the usual dress for women? For men?

13. If you are invited to dinner, should you arrive early? On time? Late?

14. How do people greet one another? How do they separate or take leave of one
another?

15. What are the favorite leisure and recreational activities of adults? Children?
Teenagers?

16. What kinds of television programs are shown? What social purposes do they serve?

17. How are the children disciplined at home or at school?

18. Are the largest newspapers generally friendly in their attitude toward the United
States?

19. What is the history of the relationship between this country and the United States?

20. How is evangelism / proselytizing perceived in this culture?