The ability to facilitate deeper relationships is a core skill for youth ministers and small-group leaders. Deeper relationships don’t accidentally happen, though. They typically begin with conversations, and most conversations don’t begin deep. So leaders must learn to initiate conversation, which can be tricky. That’s why we love lists of youth group conversation starters.
Below we’ve compiled a list of topical youth group conversation starters. They’re designed to activate and aid conversations and personal connections. We hope they’re as helpful to you as they are to us!
3 Quick Tips for Teen-Focused Discussions
Before we get to the list, here are some pro tips for facilitating discussions with teens.
1. You need to practice before you’ll be comfortable.
The more you’re around teenagers, the more comfortable you’ll become. Plus, the more natural your conversations will be. There’s no replacement for repetition!
2. Discourage one-word answers.
If you ask a question that kids can easily answer with a single word (yes/no, “green”), follow it up with another question that requires more response.
3. Don’t fire all these questions like they’re being shot from a machine gun.
Instead, ask one and pause. Then allow the conversation to flow naturally among teens.
35 Youth Group Conversation Starters
- How are you involved at your school? (clubs, cheer, band, etc.)
2. What was a highlight of your week?
3. This summer, what’s something you did that was fun?
4. What is your absolute favorite thing to do, and why?
5. If you could have free tickets to any concert, where and who would it be?
6. What is your favorite subject at school, and why?
7. Who is your favorite teacher, and what do you like about him or her?
8. Are you the type of person who gets things done early or waits until the last minute? How does this impact you?
9. What do you normally do when you have free time?
10. Where’s your favorite place to eat?
11. What’s the best Christmas or birthday gift you’ve ever received?
12. What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you, and why?
13. In elementary school, what’s the silliest thing you ever did?
14. Are you a morning person or a night person?
15. What kind of car do you drive (or when do you get your license)?
16. What’s the last movie you saw, and what did you think of it?
17. What do you look for or want in a friend?
