Introduction to CG Discussion Guides Fall 2026
Hello!
I am so excited to kick off another year of Community Groups.
This Fall (or across the year for some CG’s), we are going to immerse ourselves in three books from the Old Testament: Daniel, Ruth & Habakkuk.
Though these books couldn’t be more different from one another, there are a few interwoven threads tying them together and holding them in conversation with one another.
First and most prominent within these books is the theme of faithfulness, these books explore and examine what it looks like to trust in God, far from the stability of home.
Ruth is a widow & foreigner in Israel.
Daniel & his friends are slaves in a hostile empire.
Habakkuk is a prophet living far away from the temple of God.
Second, we see a unified theme of providence and sovereignty. God is at work in these books, but in vastly different ways.
Habakkuk questions why God chooses not to stop injustice, only to hear that God will send the Babylonians to bring justice.
Daniel and his friends experience miraculous rescues and incredible visions from God, they witness God working in and through rival kings.
While in Ruth we never see God act; he is only mentioned in conversations between the characters of history, and we must guess and trust how he is at work
Lastly, as we read these books, we examine the history of salvation. Salvation ofindividuals, and nations. God is working to bring about redemption, restoration and salvation for those he loves. God is working in and through these people, preparing the way for Jesus to be made clear. Revealing his love to them.
Each study will be broken into five sections
1) Recap & Introduction
We will begin by looking back on what we have read and learned in previous weeks, then spend time introducing the current passage, with a few things to keep in mind, key pieces of information or questions to consider as we read.
2) Read
Your group will read the passage together—sometimes one chapter, sometimes two connected readings.
You can choose how to read: One person reading the whole passage/ Different people each reading a few verses. A few people reading the passage dramatically.
After reading aloud, take a few moments of silent reading to notice anything that stands out. Encourage the group to take notes!
3) Three Quick Questions
After reading, we’ll always ask these three questions:
1. Did anything stand out for you in the passage?
2. Did you learn anything new or surprising about Jesus or God’s character?
3. Are there other stories or passages in Scripture that this passage might be referencing? Why do you think the authors are connecting these passages?
These often spark rich discussion.
Don’t feel pressured to move on quickly—linger here if the conversation is fruitful.
4) Questions for Digging Deeper
Each study will include 3–5 questions that highlight key moments or ideas in the passage that invite reflection. The final question will seek to connect the text to our daily lives. You don’t need to cover every question—move through what works best for your group.
5) Benediction / Prayer
A short benediction or prayer of sending will close the study. You can use it as the final moment of your gathering or simply pray it at the end of your reflection.
Most importantly, make the guide yours, use what works, skip what doesn’t, and feel free to pass on feedback to phill@stpf.ca. The goal is that by entering into the scriptures together, we encounter God, and are slowly transformed more and more into his image. together.
One last note: These guides work extrememly well within the context of prayer, especially within the Evening Office. I encourage you to begin with praying the office until you arrive at the scripture portion, then utitlize these guides to leads through that time, before returning to the back half of the office.
