The Pursuit (Training Series)

A 4-week fast track to train disciple-makers on our 12-week series called "The Pursuit". 

Podcasts + Discipleship: Click to learn how pursueGOD works.

PursueGOD is a podcast-based discipleship library. Here's how to use our resources with your family, small group, or one-on-one mentoring relationship:

  1. Pick a series from our homepage. There's plenty to choose from!
  2. Each series contains multiple lessons. Click on the numbered tabs to open each lesson.
  3. Each lesson includes an audio podcast. Start by listening to the podcast on your own, before you meet as a group. Take notes as needed, and listen again if it helps. Consider starting a discipleship journal to track what you're learning.
  4. Meet with your family, group, or mentor to talk through what you learned from the podcast. Each lesson includes shownotes, talking points, and discussion questions. Click on the # tab to explore additional topics when you're done.
  5. Need more helpful tips on using our tools? Listen to the podcast below or check out one of our many training series.

Learn more at pursueGOD.org/about.
Find The Pursuit at pursueGOD.org/go.
Got a series suggestion? Reach out to us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.
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Discipling Through Topics 1-3

Posted: July 20, 2022
Talking Points:
  • Module #1 in The Pursuit is an introduction to God and the Bible, focusing on the heart of God for people. In this lesson we’ll give some tips on leading someone through it.
  • Lesson #1 lays out the three truths for a pursuit of God: God is for you and pursuing him can change your life, but you have to commit to doing it with your whole heart. John 10:10, Jeremiah 29:13
  • Lesson #2 outlines three reasons to trust the Bible, addressing historical, textual, and personal proofs. It ends with a simple challenge: if you’re willing to come to God on his terms and take him at his word, then Jesus promises you’ll discover the truth. John 7:16-17
  • Lesson #3 explains the foundational concept of “Imago Dei” – that we’re all created in the image of God. This provides the basis for human rights and gives everyone a purpose in life: to love God, others, and ourselves. Genesis 1:26, Matthew 22:37-39
  • Module #1 in The Pursuit paints a positive picture of God and Christianity. But the good news of the Bible requires an understanding of the bad news, and that’s what we’ll cover in Module #2.
Discussion Questions:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Identify someone in your life who could benefit from going through The Pursuit with you. Keep this person in mind as you go through this training series.
  3. In your own words, explain the goal of Module 1 (the first three topics) in The Pursuit.
  4. How do most people view God or Christianity in our culture today? Make a list. How can Topic 1 in The Pursuit correct the misconception?
  5. Why is it important to establish the Bible’s reliability in a discipling relationship? How would you respond to a person who isn’t quite convinced?
  6. Some people don’t realize that American values are largely based on biblical values. Does it even matter? Explain.
  7. Module 1 in The Pursuit is about laying a foundation and building a relationship with the person you’re discipling. What should you be listening for as you bring someone through it?

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Discipling Through Topics 4-6

Posted: August 17, 2019
Talking Points:
  • Module #2 in The Pursuit covers the first arrow in a full-circle pursuit: how to start a relationship with God by trusting Jesus. Here’s how to disciple through it.
  • Helping a person understand sin – and how it has affected him or her personally – is fundamental to the gospel pathway. That’s what Topic #4 is about.
  • Understanding who Jesus is – and what he did – is central to biblical, saving faith. That’s what Topic #5 is about.
  • The “Trusting Jesus” module in The Pursuit leads to Topic #6, which is where a person has the opportunity to make a personal response of faith.
  • Be sure to pray for your mentee as you bring him or her through this module. At the end of the day, you can’t pursue God for someone – but you can help them get started.
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. What is our definition of “sin”? How does Genesis 3:1-3 illustrate this definition?
  3. What’s the main point you’ll try to get across by reading Galatians 5:19-21 with your mentee?
  4. Make a list of the “right information” we need to be saved. What are some signs that your mentee is really internalizing this? What are some signs that it might not be happening?
  5. Explain what it means to have the “right attitude”. What are some signs that your mentee has a heart of repentance? What are some signs that they don’t?
  6. Read Romans 10:9. Have you ever helped someone make a confession of faith in Jesus? Describe what happened.
  7. Which of the three topics in this module are you most interested in talking about as a mentor? Why?

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Discipling Through Topics 7-9

Posted: August 17, 2019
Talking Points:
  • Ready to help someone learn about honoring God as a Christian? Take them through the third module in The Pursuit.
  • Topic #7 explains the most practical first step for a new believer: baptism. We talk about what it is and who should do it.
  • Topic #8 talks about the “Big 3” for victory: God’s Spirit, God’s Word, and God’s people.
  • Topic #9 drills down on the “Big 5” spiritual disciplines that will strengthen your faith muscles and help you grow as a Christian.
Discussion Questions:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  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. Share a time when you relied on willpower to accomplish a goal – and it didn’t work. What led to your failure?
  5. Read Galatians 6:1-2. In your opinion, what does it look like to bear the burdens of others? Share an example.
  6. Give yourself a grade on each of the five spiritual disciplines. Which one are you most eager to improve? Why?
  7. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17. What does prayer look like in your life? What have you learned about the power of prayer?
  8. Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. What do you think Paul meant by “excel in giving”? What could it mean for you today?
  9. Which of the three topics in this module are you most interested in talking about as a mentor? Why?

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Discipling Through Topics 10-12

Posted: January 1, 2020
Talking Points:
  • If you’re helping someone go “full circle” in their pursuit of God, the last three topics will help you finish the job.
  • Topic #10 gives three reasons to make disciples, but the point is clear: Jesus wants his followers to get on mission with him. Matthew 28:19-20
  • Topic #11 makes it clear how to make disciples using the PG resources. The process is described by 3 E’s: engage, establish, and empower.
  • Topic #12 lists the five disciple-maker essentials. These are helpful reminders for when you start helping people pursue God.
  • The two “next steps” for your mentee are to (1) create a list of people who could use their help and (2) pick a topic or category that would engage that person… and send it out with an invitation to talk. 2 Timothy 2:2
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Share about a person who has encouraged you in your pursuit of God. What did they do that was so impactful?
  3. Read Ephesians 4:11-12. What’s the pastor’s job in the church? What’s your job?
  4. Describe the pathway for disciple-making in your own words. What’s the point to taking someone through a discipleship track?
  5. What’s your part in a mentoring relationship? What’s their part? What’s God’s part? How does knowing this information take the pressure off of you as a mentor?
  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.

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