Guided Interview Tool & Question Bank
Getting Started in 3 Simple Steps:
Set Aside an Hour: Record the conversation on your phone with their permission so you can be fully present without writing every word down.
Capture Photographs: Take a fresh photo of them today, or ask if they have favorite photographs or memorabilia from their past they would love to share.
Give a Gift That Lasts: Drop the transcript & your notes into an AI tool or write up a short narrative, add their photos, print it in a large font & read it back to them!
As you prepare for your visit with prayer, use these prompts to help guide your conversation from fond memories to meaningful reflections. If you already know pieces of their story, drop these questions into an AI tool to personalize them before you go!
Honor Their Story
What is a favorite memory from your childhood that still makes you smile?
What was it like growing up in your hometown, and what did your parents do?
How did you meet your spouse? What do you remember most about your wedding day?
What was your first job, and what important lesson did it teach you?
What has been the greatest adventure of your life?
If you could relive one season of your life, which would it be and why?
Wisdom & What Really Matters
Looking back over the years, what do people today worry about that really doesn't matter?
What has brought you your greatest happiness in life?
What has brought you your deepest sorrow, and how did it change you?
What is a piece of advice you would want your children and grandchildren to always remember?
What has life taught you about forgiveness and loving others?
Wonder, Beauty & Mystery
When you create something beautiful (art, music, gardening, etc.), where do you feel that beauty comes from?
When you stand before something breathtaking—an ocean, a sunset, or fine art—what do you feel?
Science explains so much about how our world works, but what mysteries do you think science still cannot answer?
If you feel your life has been extended for a special purpose, what do you think that purpose might be?
Eternity & The Heart of the Gospel
When you were younger, what did you think happened after death? Have your thoughts changed over time?
At this stage of your life, what do you hope is waiting for you beyond this world?
If you discovered that God really has been pursuing you with love throughout your entire life, would you want to know Him?
An Intentional Closing Question: "May I ask you something because I care about you? Have you ever considered that these extra years are a special gift from God to prepare for what comes next?"
Be deeply encouraged as you step out in faith! God has given us the incredible privilege of being His messengers, but remember—He alone is the One who changes hearts. You don't have to carry the pressure of "saving" anyone or having all the right answers.
When a senior feels genuinely loved and valued rather than treated as a "project," walls come down. Even if they don't respond right away, the kindness, honor, and hope you share will plant seeds that God can water in His perfect timing. After living for eight, nine, or ten decades, they may have heard plenty of arguments over the years, but what will shine brightest is someone who listened carefully, honored their story, and shared the love of Jesus with gentleness and warmth.
Spend time in prayer before the interview, trust the Holy Spirit, and enjoy the blessing of being used by God to bring His hope into their life!
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