Use these questions, along with the questions the group brainstorms, as a guide for interviewing an elder in your congregation. Remember that this is an exercise in listening. You may audio or video record the interview, or write notes on paper.

1. What is your name? Where do you live?

2. What is your religious background and background with Unitarian Universalism? Are you a lifelong Unitarian Universalist? Did you find it later in life? Did you leave and then come back?

3. As a child, what did you learn about religion? Were you told what to believe, or did you explore and develop your own beliefs?

4. How has your religious and spiritual life changed over the years?

5. Whom do you consider your religious ancestors and spiritual teachers?

6. What words and stories of religion and philosophy are you rooted in? Which are most meaningful to you?

7. What role do freedom, reason, tolerance, faith, hope, and love play in your religious and spiritual life?

8. What have been significant turning points in your life? Have your familial or spiritual ancestors shaped the decisions you have made?

9. What gifts do you bring to Unitarian Universalism? What resources do you draw upon?

10. What legacy do you hope to leave behind?