Direct answer: A small group can use The Pursuit of God as a Bible study by reading one chapter each week, examining one or two related passages, discussing a limited number of honest questions, choosing one application, and reviewing that action at the next meeting. Shared leadership keeps the study participatory rather than lecture-driven.
A Pursuit of God small group Bible study can help believers explore spiritual hunger, surrender, faith, worship, God’s presence, abiding in Christ, and obedience. Tozer’s writing raises questions that are deeply personal, so the group needs both biblical direction and a gracious environment.
The leader’s responsibility is not to explain every sentence. The leader helps the group stay anchored in Scripture, listen to one another, and move toward practical obedience.
Who can use this small-group study?
The plan can be adapted for men’s or women’s groups, home groups, Sunday school classes, couples, discipleship circles, and groups containing both newer and more mature Christians.
A group of four to ten people usually allows everyone to participate. Larger groups can divide into smaller circles for discussion and prayer.
Recommended ten-week schedule
Study one chapter per week. Ask participants to read before the meeting and mark one statement that challenged them. The ten-week pace creates time for reflection without losing momentum.
| Week | Group emphasis | Suggested Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spiritual hunger and seeking God | Psalm 63:1–8 |
| 2 | Surrender and misplaced security | Matthew 6:19–33 |
| 3 | Barriers to fellowship with God | Hebrews 10:19–22 |
| 4 | Knowing God personally | John 17:1–5 |
| 5 | Living aware of God’s presence | Psalm 139:1–12 |
| 6 | Listening and responding to Scripture | James 1:19–25 |
| 7 | Faith and fixing attention on Christ | Hebrews 12:1–3 |
| 8 | God as Creator, Lord, and center | Romans 11:33–36 |
| 9 | Meekness, humility, and rest | Matthew 11:28–30 |
| 10 | Worship and obedience in ordinary life | Colossians 3:12–17 |
A 75-minute meeting format
The times are flexible. Avoid allowing the check-in or chapter explanation to consume the entire meeting.
Use shared leadership
Different participants can take ownership of simple responsibilities:
- Open or close in prayer.
- Give the two-minute chapter summary.
- Read the Scripture passage.
- Lead one discussion question.
- Record prayer requests.
- Follow up on the group’s applications.
Shared leadership helps newer believers gain confidence and prevents the study from depending on one voice.
Give each person a discussion-leader question
One effective method is to assign each person a question and a two-sentence starter answer. The participant introduces the question, shares an initial thought, and then invites the group to respond.
Sample discussion-leader questions
- What does this chapter reveal about God?
- What spiritual obstacle does Tozer identify?
- Where do you see this obstacle in modern Christian life?
- Which Scripture most clearly addresses the issue?
- What makes surrender difficult in this area?
- What would obedience look like this week?
- Who could benefit from what we are learning?
Ask fewer, stronger questions
A group does not need to answer every question in a study guide. Select three or four questions that cover understanding, Scripture, personal reflection, and application. Allow silence. People often need a moment to think before speaking.
Create a gracious environment
The group should be honest without becoming unsafe or intrusive. Leaders can help by:
- Modeling humility without making the meeting about themselves.
- Inviting participation without pressuring disclosure.
- Keeping appropriate personal matters confidential.
- Redirecting arguments toward Scripture and the main question.
- Preventing one participant from dominating.
- Encouraging pastoral or professional help when an issue requires it.
Include newer Christians
Explain unfamiliar terms, provide Scripture references in advance, and avoid assuming that everyone understands Tozer’s historical language. Pairing a newer Christian with a mature participant can provide support between meetings.
Do not treat basic questions as interruptions. Clear explanations often help the entire group.
Use accountability without shame
At the end of each meeting, each participant may complete:
This week I will: ______________________________
I will complete it by: __________________________
Please ask me about it next week: ______________
At the next meeting, ask what happened, what was difficult, and what the participant learned. The goal is encouragement and obedience, not public embarrassment.
A sample first meeting
- Pray for hunger to know God.
- Ask one person to summarize the first chapter.
- Read Psalm 63:1–8 aloud twice.
- Ask what the psalmist desires and how that desire is expressed.
- Discuss what competes with God for attention today.
- Have each person choose one 15-minute period to seek God without a phone.
- Close by praying in pairs.
Connect the study to disciple-making
Every meeting should eventually ask, “Who can I help with what I am learning?” Participants may share a Scripture with a spouse, pray with a child, encourage a friend, or begin studying with another believer.
A healthy small group does not exist only for itself. It helps members become people who can strengthen others.
A simple group commitment
We will prepare, participate, listen respectfully, protect appropriate confidentiality, examine ideas through Scripture, pray for one another, and act on what God teaches us.
A resource for leaders and participants
The expanded study edition of The Pursuit of God includes chapter summaries, study tools, word searches, and leader-oriented material that can support group preparation and discussion.
Explore the Small-Group Study EditionFrequently asked questions
What is a good group size?
Four to ten people usually allows meaningful participation. Larger groups can work, but they may need smaller discussion circles.
How long should each meeting last?
Sixty to ninety minutes is usually enough for prayer, Scripture, discussion, application, and accountability.
Should participants read the chapter before meeting?
Yes, when possible. The meeting should focus on Scripture, discussion, and application rather than using most of the time to read the chapter aloud.
How can quieter members participate?
Give questions in advance, rotate simple leadership roles, allow a moment of silence before answers, and invite participation without pressuring anyone to disclose private details.