Direct answer: A useful Pursuit of God chapter workbook should give readers a structured page for every chapter: a short summary, key theme, related Scripture, reflection questions, prayer prompts, application, accountability, and a place to record what happened. The workbook should help readers act on the truth rather than merely collect notes.
What Is the Purpose of a Chapter Workbook?
A chapter workbook is different from a book summary. A summary explains what a chapter says. A workbook helps the reader engage, evaluate, pray, respond, and practice. It turns each chapter into a guided learning experience.
Because Tozer often writes about spiritual hunger, surrender, faith, worship, and awareness of God, a workbook should create room for honest self-examination. At the same time, it must keep Scripture central so the reader does not treat a devotional author as the final authority.
A Workbook Should Serve Transformation
The number of completed blanks is not the measure of spiritual growth. The better question is whether the reader is learning to trust God, obey Scripture, abide in Christ, and help others grow.
Ten Elements Every Chapter Workbook Should Include
| Workbook element | Purpose | Suggested prompt |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter title and date | Tracks progress and study rhythm | When did I study this chapter? |
| Big idea | Clarifies the main message | Summarize the chapter in two sentences. |
| Key terms | Explains important spiritual concepts | Which words need a clear biblical definition? |
| Related Scripture | Tests the theme against God’s Word | Which passages address this subject directly? |
| Declarative truth | Identifies what Scripture reveals | What does this passage teach about God? |
| Imperative | Identifies the required response | What command, warning, or invitation do I see? |
| Personal reflection | Examines motives, fears, desires, and habits | Where does this truth confront my life? |
| Written prayer | Turns study into communion with God | What do I need to praise, confess, ask, or surrender? |
| Application | Moves from knowledge to obedience | What will I do before the next chapter? |
| Accountability review | Records follow-through and learning | What happened, and what did God teach me? |
A Guided Chapter Workbook Process
- Preview the chapter. Read the title, opening paragraphs, and final paragraphs to identify the likely direction.
- Read carefully. Mark statements about God, the human heart, faith, surrender, worship, and obedience.
- Write your own summary. Use plain language that a new believer could understand.
- Choose Scripture. Select passages that clearly connect to the theme and read them in context.
- Answer reflection questions. Be specific about beliefs, habits, fears, distractions, and resistance.
- Write a prayer response. Speak honestly to God about what the study uncovered.
- Record one application. Include an action, date, and accountability person.
- Review before the next chapter. Write what happened and what still needs attention.
Sample Workbook Page
Chapter Study Worksheet
Chapter: ____________________________
Main theme: ____________________________
My two-sentence summary: ________________________________________________
Related Scripture: ____________________________
What this reveals about God: _____________________________________________
What Scripture commands: ________________________________________________
What this exposes in me: _________________________________________________
My prayer: ______________________________________________________________
My action before the next study: __________________________________________
Who will help hold me accountable: ________________________________________
Reflection Questions for Every Chapter
- What part of the chapter encouraged me?
- What part made me uncomfortable, and why?
- What does Scripture affirm, clarify, or correct?
- What am I tempted to avoid surrendering?
- Where am I relying on control instead of faith?
- What spiritual habit needs to begin, strengthen, or stop?
- How does Christ and the gospel provide hope for change?
- Who could benefit from this lesson?
How a Guided Chapter Study Differs From an Unguided Reading
Unguided Reading
May produce inspiration, underlining, and general impressions, but the reader can move on without examining Scripture or practicing the lesson.
Guided Workbook Study
Creates a repeatable process for biblical examination, personal reflection, prayer, application, and follow-up.
Using the Workbook in One-to-One Discipleship
Two people can complete the same chapter page before meeting. During the meeting, they can compare summaries, read the principal Bible passage, discuss one area of conviction, pray for one another, and state their next action.
The discipler should not merely check whether the worksheet is complete. The conversation should focus on what the participant is learning about God, where obedience is difficult, and how the gospel supplies grace and strength.
Using the Workbook in a Group
A leader can ask participants to bring their completed chapter pages. Instead of reviewing every answer, the leader can invite each person to share one insight, one question, and one application. This keeps the discussion personal without making it unnecessarily intrusive.
For shared leadership, assign different participants to present the chapter summary, Scripture connection, key question, and closing prayer.
Safeguards for a Biblical Workbook
- Do not treat Tozer’s statements as equal to Scripture.
- Read Bible passages in context rather than collecting isolated verses.
- Do not pressure participants to disclose private information publicly.
- Avoid vague applications such as “do better” or “be more spiritual.”
- Keep grace and the gospel central rather than relying on self-effort.
- Connect personal growth to Christian community and disciple-making.
A strong chapter workbook helps the reader remember, reflect, pray, obey, and multiply. It becomes a bridge between reading a Christian classic and living as a faithful disciple of Jesus.
A Related Resource for Chapter Study
The Pursuit of God (Annotated): A Modern Study Guide to A. W. Tozer’s Classic on Abiding in Christ and Making Disciples preserves Tozer’s original text while adding chapter summaries, study resources, word searches, and practical connections to abiding, obedience, spiritual growth, and disciple-making.
View the Book on Amazon← Return to The Pursuit of God Knowledge Catalogue
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a chapter summary and a workbook?
A summary explains the chapter. A workbook guides the reader through Scripture, reflection, prayer, application, and follow-up.
Should every chapter use the same worksheet?
A consistent core worksheet is helpful, but additional questions can be added when a chapter addresses a special theme or challenge.
Can the workbook be used in one-to-one discipleship?
Yes. Two people can complete the chapter page before meeting and then discuss Scripture, conviction, application, prayer, and accountability.
How much should I write for each chapter?
Write enough to state the big idea, biblical connection, personal response, and one action. The goal is clarity and obedience, not filling every available space.