Conversation Guide
A shorter, informal set of prompts for groups that want an easy starting point. Choose the questions that interest your readers and ignore the rest.
FOR CHURCHES & READING GROUPS
A story opens the door.
A question starts the conversation.
Witnesses gives Bible studies, Christian book clubs, Sunday-school classes, and church discussion groups a welcoming way to explore familiar Gospel events through unfamiliar eyes.
01 WHY IT WORKS FOR GROUPS
Nine complete stories.
One flexible plan.
Witnesses: Nine Stories from the Margins of the Gospels imagines the lives of ordinary people who stood near extraordinary biblical events. A child at the Jordan, a fish carrying a coin, friends lowering a paralyzed man through a roof, a woman at Jacob’s well, and others give readers fresh points of entry into the New Testament.
Because every story is complete, a group can read one selection before a meeting without committing to an entire novel. The discussion can begin with character and story, move naturally toward the Gospel account, and then consider what the encounter reveals about faith, fear, grace, suffering, courage, and being human.
The stories are approachable for readers from middle school through adulthood. Groups may use every question, select only the ones that invite conversation, or let the discussion follow its own course. The goal is not to finish a worksheet. The goal is to talk honestly about the stories and the lives behind them.
02 INCLUDED IN THE BOOK
Two ways to begin the conversation.
Reader’s Discussion Guide
A more detailed resource for groups that want to explore biblical context, characters, themes, choices, and the relationship between Scripture and imagined story.
Evaluating the book for your group? Read a real example from both guides before you decide.
Preview exact guide questions03 FLEXIBLE READING PLANS
Choose the pace that fits your group.
One story at a time
Read one story before each gathering, then discuss its biblical event, imagined characters, and central questions.
Three stories at a time
Combine stories into three sessions for a shorter church class, book-club selection, or seasonal study.
A compact group study
Plan 90-minute gatherings and select the stories and questions most relevant to your readers.
A simple meeting can look like this:
- 01Read one or more stories before meeting.
- 02Review the Gospel passage behind the story.
- 03Discuss the characters, their choices, and what surprised you.
- 04Use the included guides to deepen the conversation.
TWO COMPANION COLLECTIONS
Witnesses & Stone Thrower
Twenty-four stories about ordinary people caught at extraordinary moments in the Bible. Each collection stands alone; together they look beyond the familiar names.
04 WHO CAN USE IT
Made to adapt.
Church study groupsAdult Sunday-school classesHome Bible studiesChristian book clubsChurch librariesChristian schoolsCouples and familiesIndividual readers
READY TO READ TOGETHER?
Bring Witnesses to your group.
Planning a Bible study, church group, Sunday-school class, or Christian book club? Preview the actual questions, choose a reading plan, and ask Mike about paperback group orders.
For Witnesses paperbacks: 27% off for 25–49 copies, or 35% off for 50 or more. Ask Mike for a quote and ordering details.
Email Mike directly: mike@mcasper.com
Request Bulk Pricing / Church Orders
Email Mike at mike@mcasper.com with the number of copies you need and your location. Use the subject Witnesses church or group order.
If the email link doesn’t open your email program, copy the address into the email service you normally use.