How It Works

This page is designed to help you pursue God with a group or mentor by using simple, Bible-based conversation starters. To request a mentor from Crossings Church, click here. Here’s the picture we’re working toward:

The Process

We’ve created a simple pathway to help you go “full circle” with a group or mentor. We call it the “3E” process:

  1. Engage: Start talking about the “Featured Topics” below, choosing whatever interests you.
  2. Establish: When ready, start “The Pursuit” (see below) to get established in a “full circle” faith.
  3. Empower: After you finish “The Pursuit,” look outward and help someone else pursue God.

Your Part

Take ownership of your pursuit of God with four personal commitments:

  1. Come prepared. Make a commitment to preview the video (or audio) before you meet. This will make your conversation more meaningful for everyone.
  2. Talk & listen. Don’t just bring your ideas and opinions to the table. Develop a teachable heart, and come ready to hear from God and others.
  3. Discover truth. We believe the Bible has answers to every question. If you keep showing up, you can expect to discover a fresh perspective on just about any topic.
  4. Act on it. The goal in every conversation is transformation, not just information. Be ready to step up and act on what you’re learning.

Learn more about pursueGOD.

Featured Topics

Use the conversation starters below to ENGAGE in a pursuit of God. [MILESTONE #1]

Browse Index

The Pursuit

Complete this track to ESTABLISH a full circle faith. [MILESTONE #2]

INTRODUCTION

01 Pursue God

View standalone topic

Three Truths for Every Pursuit of God

Talking Points:
  • God is for you, not against you. Matthew 8:2, Mark 2:17
  • A pursuit of God can change everything – from your eternity to your everyday. John 10:10
  • God wants to be found by you, and he has made the first move. Jeremiah 29:13
Discussion:
  1. Where do you put yourself on the continuum (far from God – close to God)? Explain.
  2. Read Matthew 8:2-3. Why is it significant that Jesus touched the leper? Have you ever felt cast aside or unworthy of God’s love? Share an example.
  3. Read Mark 2:17. Based on this verse, what type of person is Jesus after? Why do you think that is?
  4. Read John 10:10. What does a “full life” look like to you? Make a list.
  5. Read Jeremiah 29:13. What do you think it means to look “wholeheartedly” for God?
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02 Why the Bible?

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Why the Bible?

Talking Points:
  • Ancient manuscripts and archeological digs have stacked up in favor of biblical reliability.
  • The Bible contains 66 books written by 40 authors over the course of 1500 years, and yet it tells one unified story.
  • The Bible is ultimately about Jesus, and the changed lives of his followers is the most compelling proof of its message.
Discussion:
  1. Have you ever wondered about the reliability of the Bible? How big of an issue is it for your pursuit of God?
  2. Which of the three evidences above is most compelling to you, and why?
  3. Why is it surprising that the Bible tells one unified story? Do you agree that it is textually reliable?
  4. If Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead, what do you think his disciples would have done with their lives after his death?
  5. Read John 7:16-17. Are you interested in “doing the will of God”? Why do you think this is a prerequisite for discerning whether Christ’s teachings are true?

 

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03 Imago Dei

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How Imago Dei Changes Everything

Talking Points:
  • The Bible teaches that humans are created in God’s image (“Imago Dei”) and therefore worthy of dignity and respect. 
  • “Imago Dei” provides the basis for all human rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
  • “Imago Dei” inspires us with a purpose: to love God, others, and even ourselves.
Discussion Questions:
  1. Why is it important to have a framework for where humans derive value and purpose? How do you see our culture wrestling with these ideas today?
  2. Read Genesis 1:1-26. What is the significance of the wording in the creation account?
  3. What does it mean that we were created in God’s image? What doesn’t it mean?
  4. Read Matthew 22:37-39. What does it look like to love the way Jesus describes in this passage?
  5. Read Luke 12:6-7. How do you need to adjust the way you see yourself – or someone else – in this world?
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TRUSTING JESUS

04 What Is Sin?

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What the Bible Says About Sin

Talking Points:
  • Sin is going your own way, trusting and acting on your own opinions and feelings instead of on God’s truth. Genesis 3:1-6
  • Sin brings brokenness in every way, keeping us from experiencing the fullness of life that God wants for us. John 10:10, Galatians 5:19-21
  • We’re all born into sin and therefore we all must be “born again”. John 3:3, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:23
Discussion:
  1. On a scale of 1 (Mother Teresa) to 10 (Hitler), how bad of a “sinner” are you? How would someone else rate you?
  2. Why are feelings not the best barometer for good choices? How have some of your choices negatively impacted your life?
  3. Read Genesis 3:1-3. Why do you think the serpent started with a question?
  4. Read Galatians 5:19-21. Why do you think Paul takes the time to list out a bunch of sins? How have you and others justified some of these sins?
  5. Take an honest look at your own life and identify a few areas of brokenness that you need to address.
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05 Who Is Jesus?

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5 Teachings About Jesus in the Early Church

Talking Points:
  • There is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Acts 10:36, Colossians 1:15-17
  • Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. Acts 10:38, Luke 4:40-41
  • They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day. Luke 10:39-40, Luke 23:44-46, Luke 24:1-6
  • Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. Acts 10:42, Romans 2:9,16
  • Everyone who believes in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name. Acts 10:43, Romans 3:23-25
Discussion:
  1. What, if anything, did you learn about Jesus when you were younger?
  2. Why is it important to believe that Jesus is fully God? How would it impact Christianity if he were something less?
  3. Why did Jesus take the time to do good and heal people? Have you ever seen God perform a miracle?
  4. Why is it important that Jesus rose from the dead? How would it impact the basic Christian message if he hadn’t?
  5. What questions do you still have about Jesus? Use the space below to make a list.
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06 Saving Faith

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Getting Right With God

Talking Points:
  • Out of love, God sent Jesus into the world to solve our sin problem. 1 John 4:9
  • Saving faith requires both the right information and the right attitude (“repentance”). Acts 2:37-38
  • We start a relationship with God by personally trusting Jesus for salvation. Romans 10:9
  • We are saved 100% by grace the moment we trust Jesus for salvation. Ephesians 2:8
  • God offers this free gift to everyone, no matter what you’ve done. Romans 3:22
Discussion:
  1. Read 1 John 4:9. How did God show his love? What was his purpose behind it all?
  2. Make a list of the “right information” we need to be saved. Explain what it means to have the “right attitude”.
  3. Read Ephesians 2:8. Why is it important to see grace as a gift?
  4. Read Romans 3:22. What does the verse say we have to do to receive the gift of salvation? Do you have a hard time believing that God loves you despite your past? Explain.
  5. Read Romans 10:9. Have you made a confession of faith in Jesus yet? If not, what questions do you still need answered? Are you ready to do it today?

 

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HONORING GOD

07 What is Baptism?

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Everything You Need to Know About Baptism

Talking Points:
  • Baptism doesn’t save you; we start a relationship with God by trusting Jesus and his finished work on the cross. Romans 3:22
  • Jesus said to get baptized, and that’s the main reason we should do it! Matthew 28:19
  • Baptism is an early act of practical obedience – and it’s one of the easier commandments. Acts 8:36
  • Baptism is an act of identification – both with Christ and his church. Romans 6:3
  • Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward reality. Romans 6:4
Discussion:
  1. What has your understanding of baptism been up to now? Is there anything in this chapter that surprised or confused you? Explain.
  2. Read Matthew 28:19. Why do you think some people become Christians and yet never get baptized?
  3. Baptism is one of the easiest steps of obedience. Make a list of some of the harder things you’ll have to do as a Christian.
  4. Read Romans 6:3-4. What does baptism symbolize? What are you declaring to the world when you do it?
  5. Have you been baptized? If so, when – and was it for the right reasons? If not, are you ready to do it? Why or why not?
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08 The Three Keys

View standalone topic

Three Keys for Christian Living

Talking Points:
  • The Spirit leads from the inside out, empowering us to honor God every day. Ezekiel 36:26-27, 2 Peter 1:3
  • The Bible guides us and shows us the attitudes and actions that honor God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Luke 6:46-48
  • Other believers help us stay on the right track, both one-on-one and in the local church. Galatians 6:1-2, Romans 12:6-8
Discussion:
  1. Share a time when you relied on willpower to accomplish a goal – and it didn’t work. What led to your failure?
  2. Read 2 Peter 1:3. How does this verse encourage you in your desire to honor God with your life?
  3. Read Ezekiel 36:26-27. How has your heart been stony toward God in the past? What does a tender heart for God look like in your life and in others?
  4. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Why is the Bible worth our time? How does the Bible help us to live God-honoring lives?
  5. Read Galatians 6:1-2. In your opinion, what does it look like to bear the burdens of others? Share an example.

 

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09 The Big Five

View standalone topic

The Big “5” Spiritual Disciplines

Talking Points:
  • Make a habit of talking to God, building a relationship with him like any other person.
  • Read the Word devotionally every day, and set aside special times for a deeper dive.
  • Connect to God’s people in three environments: large (church), small (group), and individual (mentoring).
  • Giving should be periodic, proportionate, and a little bit painful.
  • Jesus called it disciple-making, and it’s about personally helping someone pursue God.
Discussion:
  1. Name one good habit you had as a kid. Did you have a habit that was hard to break when you were young?
  2. Give yourself a grade on each of the five habits above. Which one are you most eager to improve? Why?
  3. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17. What does prayer look like in your life? What have you learned about the power of prayer?
  4. Read Hebrews 10:25. How does community help us in our pursuit of God?
  5. Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. What do you think Paul meant by “excel in giving”? What could it mean for you today?
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MAKING DISCIPLES

10 Commission

Go to standalone topic

Why Make Disciples?

Talking Points:
  • We make disciples because Jesus said so. Matthew 28:18-20
  • We make disciples because Jesus envisioned a church where pastors equip and people do the ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12
  • We make disciples because people need help on a personal level. Matthew 9:36-37
Discussion:
  1. Share about a person who has encouraged you in your pursuit of God. What did they do that was so impactful?
  2. Read Matthew 4:19. Why do you think Jesus picked fishermen instead of Pharisees as his disciples? Which group of people do you most relate to?
  3. Read Ephesians 4:11-12. What’s the pastor’s job in the church? What’s your job?
  4. Define “full circle” faith in your own words. Where are you on the circle?
  5. Do you think you can help someone else pursue God? Why or why not?

 

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11 How It Works

Go to standalone topic

How to Make Disciples

Talking Points:
  • PursueGOD offers a simple 3-step strategy for conversational disciple-making.
  • First, engage the person you’d like to disciple. Meet regularly to cover topics together as you build a relationship.
  • Second, establish the person in the Christian faith. Complete The Pursuit together to learn the essentials of the Christian faith.
  • Third, empower the person to become a disciple-maker. Help them get connected to someone else who needs a mentor.
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Engage, Establish, Empower – which one seems the most difficult to you? Explain.
  3. Describe the three mentoring principles in your own words. Which one resonates most?
  4. Describe the pathway for disciple-making in your own words. What’s the point to taking someone through a discipleship track?
  5. Do you feel qualified to make disciples? If not, what would qualify you?
  6. Make a list of a few people who might be interested in going through a discipleship track with you. Begin praying for those people.
  7. To finish your training, cover this full discipleship track with a training partner or group. Take turns leading each topic, and be sure to track your progress. Then start discipling someone on your list.
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12 The How

How to Make Disciples

Talking Points:
  • PursueGOD offers a simple 3-step strategy for conversational disciple-making.
  • First, engage the person you’d like to disciple. Meet regularly to cover topics together as you build a relationship.
  • Second, establish the person in the Christian faith. Complete The Pursuit together to learn the essentials of the Christian faith.
  • Third, empower the person to become a disciple-maker. Help them get connected to someone else who needs a mentor.
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Engage, Establish, Empower – which one seems the most difficult to you? Explain.
  3. Describe the three mentoring principles in your own words. Which one resonates most?
  4. Describe the pathway for disciple-making in your own words. What’s the point to taking someone through a discipleship track?
  5. Do you feel qualified to make disciples? If not, what would qualify you?
  6. Make a list of a few people who might be interested in going through a discipleship track with you. Begin praying for those people.
  7. To finish your training, cover this full discipleship track with a training partner or group. Take turns leading each topic, and be sure to track your progress. Then start discipling someone on your list.
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Just Finished?

Now you’re ready to EMPOWER another disciple-maker. [MILESTONE #3]

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