POD 061 | Exploring the Art of Better Questions with J.R. Briggs

Hosts Bill Gorman and Paul Brandes are joined by author, coach, and consultant J.R. Briggs for a thought-provoking conversation on the art of crafting questions. Drawing from his new book and years of research, Briggs helps us explore the life-giving power of questions—not just as a way to learn, but as a path to deeper connection with God, greater self-understanding, and more authentic relationships with others.Briggs shares personal stories of his father modeling curiosity and the impact it had on his own spiritual journey, and considers the hundreds of questions Jesus asked as relayed in the gospels. The author invites us to see questioning as central to faith, including a fascinating Jewish tradition in which questions about Scripture take precedence over finding answers. Whether you're a church leader, a parent, or simply someone seeking to better love your neighbor, this episode will encourage you to embrace curiosity and thoughtful inquiry as a vital spiritual practice.Stay tuned for practical tips on building your own “back pocket” questions, and insights into the possibility that better questions can foster genuine hospitality and relational connection in today’s world.3 Main Takeaways:The Transformative Power of QuestionsAsking good questions—of God, ourselves, and others—has a profound impact on the quality of our lives. Briggs suggests that questions are not just tools for gathering information, but actually transformative, helping us to reflect, connect, and grow. He traces the influence of his father’s question-asking, and points to Jesus as a continual question-asker.Questions Foster Relationships and HospitalityEspecially when asked with the right motive and at the right time, questions can be an act of hospitality and love.They create space for relational intimacy, make people feel seen and valued, and can be healing in a world marked by loneliness and division. Briggs underscores that questions are often a greater gift than answers, and essential for loving our neighbors well.We Learn Best in Community and Through Wrestling with ScriptureThe Jewish practice of “havruta” (studying Scripture through questions in a communal setting) is introduced, showing how generating questions together deepens engagement and learning. Wrestling with passages through curiosity rather than rushing to answers can unlock new perspectives and foster spiritual growth.Resources:The Art of Better Questions - J.R. Briggs: https://a.co/d/0bcUwPQQTogether - Vivek Murthy: https://a.co/d/0dhyHKheEmotionally Healthy Spirituality - Peter Scazzero: https://a.co/d/02A89zeEHavruta (Jewish Practice of Communal Question Asking)The Sabbath - Abraham Joshua Heschel: https://a.co/d/0iAPfIXyGod in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism - Abraham Joshua Heschel: https://a.co/d/07VTnR3JTimestamps:00:00 "The Power of Better Questions"03:23 "The Gift of Asking Questions"07:47 "God: The Ultimate Question Asker"11:02 "Havruta: Learning Through Questions"13:47 "Fascinating Questions on Isaac"18:16 "Who Do You Say I Am?"20:36 "Equipping for Monday Mission"23:01 "The Power of Good Questions"27:10 Spiritual and Emotional Maturity Journey32:28 "Questions That Spark Deep Insight33:35 "Deep Questions for Connection"36:57 "Window Washing"