Ratio Christi

The Pursuit

This 12-topic discipleship track is designed to help university students investigate faith with a group or mentor.

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How It Works: Watch a topic video each week and come ready to talk with a group or mentor, using the discussion questions as a guide. Complete the track in 12 weeks or take more time to cover additional topics at the end of each section. 

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Q. What is discipleship?

At pursueGOD, we define discipleship in terms of a simple “full circle” process that includes three key elements (see below). Discipleship tracks are designed to create a clear pathway for you to make it around the circle, featuring 12 topics on faith, life, and everything in between.  

Q. How do discipleship tracks work?

Discipleship tracks are designed to help you go “full circle” with a group or mentor over the course of 12 or more weeks. Just cover a topic every week with a group or mentor, watching the video ahead of time to prepare for the conversation. Connect in person or on the phone and use the discussion questions provided to learn together. 

Q. What is the structure of a discipleship track?

Discipleship tracks are divided into four sections. First you’ll get warmed up with topics we think you’ll find interesting. The next section helps you through Step 1 in a “full circle” pursuit, laying out the basics of faith and helping you trust Jesus for salvation. Next we’ll lay the groundwork for Step 2, showing you the importance of honoring God in your daily life as a Christian. The final section will help you go “full circle” and become a disciple-maker, showing you how to help someone else through this discipleship track.

Q. What if we need more than 12 weeks?

Then take more time! We recommend covering additional topics at the end of any section as needed for your own pursuit of God. For example, if you need more time to get connected before talking about faith or the Bible, cover additional topics in Section 0. If you need more time to investigate the claims of Christianity, cover additional faith topics in Section 1. If you need more time to talk about honoring God in your daily life, cover additional topics in Section 2. Slow is fast, so take your time as you work through this discipleship track.

Q. What’s next when we finish this track?

The ultimate goal is to equip you to go “full circle” and help someone else through this discipleship track. So once you’ve completed this track, join the movement and bring someone else through it! This doesn’t mean you have to stop meeting with your group or mentor. Continue to cover additional topics from one of our sites as needed. 

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Topic #1: Three Angles

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Key Points:

  • Christian faith proves the faith is compatible with reason. 
  • Scripture teaches that faith goes beyond mere belief. (Hebrews 11:1)
  • Philosophy itself requires that reasonable belief is unavoidable. 
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Do you think it’s true that science is a “worldview”? Why or why not?
  3. What are some things science can know or demonstrate? What are some things science cannot know or demonstrate?
  4. Why do you think some people who are practicing scientists or self-described naturalists avoid the idea that they have a worldview or that their perspectives are based on assumptions?
  5. What do you think is the proper role of science in the pursuit of human knowledge?
  6. Why is it important for all of us to recognize our biases and presuppositions? Explain.
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #2: Four Assumptions

Click for full blog article.

Key Points:

  • Science assumes that nature exists.
  • Science assumes nature has an intelligible order that can be known.
  • Science assumes the existence and applicability of the laws of logic.
  • Science assumes the reliability of our senses to deliver truth about the world.
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Do you think it’s true that science is a “worldview”? Why or why not?
  3. What are some things science can know or demonstrate? What are some things science cannot know or demonstrate?
  4. Why do you think some people who are practicing scientists or self-described naturalists avoid the idea that they have a worldview or that their perspectives are based on assumptions?
  5. What do you think is the proper role of science in the pursuit of human knowledge?
  6. Why is it important for all of us to recognize our biases and presuppositions? Explain.
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #3: Four Views

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Key Points:

  • View #1: If there is conflict, then scientific statements trump religious statements.
  • View #2: If there is conflict, then religious statements trump scientific statements.
  • View #3: Religious and scientific statements cannot conflict as they are entirely separate domains of inquiry.
  • View #4: Religious statements and scientific statements may appear to conflict, but don’t really conflict at the level of the facts when properly understood.
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Why do you think religion and science are often made out to be enemies in our culture?
  3. Of the four views listed in this topic, which appeals most to you? Explain.
  4. Why is it important to determine that there actually is a conflict between a religious statement and a scientific statement?
  5. Do you think it is true that “religion and science are entirely separate domains of inquiry”? Why or why not?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
More on Faith & Reason
Topic #4: Sin

Key Points:

  • The biblical concept of “sin” is about missing a goal of loving God and others.
  • Sin is about more than doing bad things; it’s also about self-deception. Genesis 4:7
  • Sin is a deep, selfish impulse that drives much of our behavior. James 1:14-15
  • Jesus was perfectly sinless, but offered his life for our sins. 1 Peter 2:22-24
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. How does this video define sin? How would you define it?
  3. On a scale of 1 (Mother Teresa) to 10 (Hitler), how bad of a “sinner” are you? How do you think someone else would rate you?
  4. How have you seen sin derail your life or that of someone you know?
  5. Read James 1:14-15. Give an example of how sin is a selfish impulse. Where do you think that impulse comes from?
  6. Do you believe that Jesus was sinless? Why or why not?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
More on Sin
Topic #5: Messiah

Key Points:

  • The story of Jesus the Messiah goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:15
  • Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be wounded so he could heal others. Isaiah 53:5-8
  • Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Romans 4:25
  • The power of Jesus is available to all who follow him.
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. What, if anything, did you learn about Jesus when you were younger?
  3. Read Genesis 3:15. How is this a prophecy about Jesus?
  4. What do you think the Old Testament people of God expected in a Messiah?
  5. Read Isaiah 53:5-8. How did Jesus fulfill this prophecy? Why did he have to do it?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
More on Jesus
Topic #6: Trusting Jesus

Key Points:

  • Every human being has a basic sin problem that keeps them from God. Romans 6:23
  • Jesus provided the only solution to our problem by going to the cross. Galatians 1:4
  • The only way to start a relationship with God is by trusting Jesus for salvation. Romans 3:22

A Sinner’s Prayer:

“Jesus, I recognize I’m a sinner. I know that you died on the cross and rose from the dead so that I could have life. I’m turning from my sin now, and I’m turning to you in faith. I trust in you alone to forgive my sin and give me new life. Thank you for this free gift. Amen.”

Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Review the definition of sin from the first topic in this track. Why is it important to understand what sin is? Do you agree everyone has a sin problem? Explain.
  3. Read Romans 6:23. Make a list of the ways sin can bring “death” into our lives.
  4. In your own words, explain how the death and resurrection of Jesus fixes our sin problem. 
  5. Read Romans 3:22. Do you believe that anyone can be made right with God by trusting in Jesus? Are there any exceptions?
  6. Have you put your faith in Jesus for salvation? If so, when? If not, are you ready to do it today? See the “Sinner’s Prayer” above.
More on Salvation
More on Trusting Jesus

Topic #7: Honoring God

Key Points:

  • We can’t honor God out of sheer will power, so we let the Spirit lead us. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
  • God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts, so we let the Bible guide us. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
  • We weren’t meant to pursue God alone, so other believers help us. (Galatians 6:1-2)
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic? 
  2. Read Ezekiel 36:26. Describe the difference between a “stony” heart and a “tender” heart.
  3. Read 2 Timothy 3:16. What does this verse say that scripture does for us? Share a scripture verse that has been “useful” for you.
  4. Share a teaching from the Bible that surprised you when you first heard it. Did you obey it? Why or why not?
  5. Read Galatians 6:1-2. Share a time when another believer helped you on to the right path.
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
More on Christian Living
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Topic #8: Five Habits

Five Habits:

  • Reading the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16
  • Praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Connecting. Hebrews 10:25
  • Giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7
  • Mentoring (disciple-making). Matthew 28:19-20
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Give yourself a grade on each of the five habits above. Which one are you most eager to improve? Why?
  3. How often do you read the Bible every month? How often do you want to do it? Check out our reading plans.
  4. Describe your prayer life. How connected do you feel with God right now?
  5. List all of the ways to connect with other believers. Which environments are most helpful for you, and why?
  6. Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. What do you think Paul meant by “excel in giving”? Click here to become a giver at pursueGOD.org.
  7. Is there someone in your life who could use your help? Do you think they would go through a discipleship track with you someday? Why or why not?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #9: How to Pray

Key Points:

  • Pray to grow close to your father, like you’re in an actual relationship with him. Matthew 6:9
  • Pray to get in step with your king – for his will to be done and not yours. Matthew 6:10
  • Pray to lean on your provider because you need what only he can offer. Matthew 6:11-13
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Do you ever feel like prayer is complicated? Explain.
  3. Read Matthew 6:7-8. What would you say is the essence of “Gentile” or pagan prayer? How is Christian prayer different?
  4. Describe a time God has seemed distant to you. What is it about God – or us – that can make God seem distant when we pray?
  5. Read Matthew 6:9, What does it mean to address God as a father?
  6. Does your experience with your earthly father help or hinder you in approaching God as your heavenly Father? Explain.
  7. Read Matthew 6:10. What does it mean for God’s kingdom to come? What does that look like in this world?
  8. When you pray “Your will be done,” what are you actually saying to God?
  9. Read Matthew 6:11-12. If God already knows our needs, why pray for daily food?
  10. If Jesus already paid for all our sins on the cross, why pray, “Forgive us our sins”?
  11. Read Matthew 6:13. What inner battles – spiritual, mental, or emotional – do you face on a regular basis? How can prayer prepare you for those battles?
  12. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
More on Prayer
More Life Topics
Topic #10: Helping Others

Key Points:

  • Jesus wants his followers to go “full circle” and help others pursue God. Matthew 28:19-20
  • Christian maturity comes after we start discipling someone, not before. Ephesians 4:12-13
  • The greatest thing you can do in your life is to help someone pursue God. 2 Timothy 2:2
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Who is helping you pursue God? How are they doing it?
  3. Define “full circle” faith in your own words. Where are you on the circle?
  4. How do most churches define “spiritual maturity”? How does this video define it?
  5. Do you think you can help someone else pursue God? Why or why not?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Topic #11: The Process

Key Steps:

  • Disciple-making is simply a series of conversations. 
  • Your job is to help people discover truth, one topic at a time.
  • God makes the seed of truth grow in the heart and mind of the seeker. 1 Corinthians 3:7
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Who first shared their faith with you? How did they go about it, and why was it helpful to you?
  3. Do you find sharing your faith difficult? Why or why not?
  4. What does it mean that truth must be discovered? What’s the alternative? Explain.
  5. Read 1 Corinthians 3:7. How do you see this principle at work in your own story of faith?
  6. Do you feel qualified to make disciples? If not, what would qualify you?
  7. Make a list of a few people who might be interested in going through this track with you. Begin praying for those people.
Topic #12: Next Steps

Next Steps:

  1. Cover more training topics (below). 
  2. Practice with the topics in this discipleship track.
  3. Pray for God to open a door for disciple-making.
  4. Follow up with your trainer after you’ve started discipling.
Talk About It
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Who in your life can you invite into a discipling relationship? Which discipleship track would be best for them?
  3. Read John 15:16. Do you think the disciples would have ever mobilized if Jesus hadn’t been so direct about it? Explain.
  4. Imagine that you’re discipling someone a year from now. What does your follow up relationship look like with your trainer? How often are you still connecting?
  5. What are some roadblocks that might keep you from helping someone pursue God? How can you eliminate those roadblocks?
  6. What are some training topics (see toggle below) that you’d like to cover with your mentor?
More on Making Disciples

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