Tough Questions Leader's Guide [Paperback]

Garry Poole (Author), Judson Poling (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tough Questions | Publication Date: September 16, 2003

This revised edition of Tough Questions, designed for use in any small group setting, is ideal for use in seeker small groups. Based on more than five years of field-tested feedback, extensive improvements make this best-selling series easier to use and more appealing than ever for both participants and group leaders. The Tough Questions Series How can an all-powerful God allow suffering? Is Jesus really the only way to God? Why should I trust the Bible? Tough questions. Reasonable questions. The kinds of challenging questions you, or someone you know may be asking, that are worth taking time to explore. In six sessions designed to get small groups thinking and interacting, each guide in the Tough Questions series deals frankly with objections commonly raised about Christianity. You'll engage in the kind of spirited dialog that shows the Christian faith can stand up to scrutiny. TOUGH QUESTIONS You've heard them before, maybe even asked a few of them yourself. This leader's guide will help you steer your small group toward a greater understanding of the Christian faith. Together, you'll explore the power and preeminence of Jesus and the truth he brought to light. You may be leading a small group of seekers who are curious but unconvinced about Christianity. Or a small group of believers who want to become better grounded in what and why they believe. Regardless, this book will give you insights and coaching you need to engage participants in thoughtful and personally rewarding discussions about the life-changing truths of Christianity.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

For Christians Who Care Enough to Give Honest Answers to the Questions Seekers Ask How can a merciful God send people to hell? Is Jesus really is the only way to God? Why should I trust the Bible when it's full of inconsistencies? Tough questions. Reasonable questions. The kinds of challenging questions skeptics and seekers are asking, that demand informed and satisfying answers from Christians. The Tough Questions series offers an organized approach to answering modern seekers' questions about Christianity. In the process, it gives an overview of key elements of the Christian faith. This honest, informative series is the result of Garry Poole and Judson Poling's extensive work with seekers at Willow Creek Community Church. In six sessions designed to get small groups thinking, discussing, and sharing, each book deals head-on with questions and objections commonly raised about the Christian faith. Tough Questions deals frankly with the challenging arguments of secularism. Quotes from non-Christian skeptics in various disciplines, together with responses from credible Christian apologists, fuel the discussions. A great resource for small groups, churches, and Sunday school classes, this series offers seekers and believers alike the kinds of reasonable, factual answers that inspire faith, conviction, and trust in the reality and claims of Christ. Gives group leaders a simple, well-organized, and insightful approach to facilitating small groups dedicated to exploring the issues in the Tough Questions series. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Author

Gary Poole is director of evangelism at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Judson Poling works with small-group ministries at Willow Creek. He is co-author with Don Cousins of the Walking with God series --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Teacher's Guide edition (September 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310245095
• ISBN-13: 978-0310245094
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #478,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #75 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Theology > Apologetics

More About the Author

Garry Poole is the coauthor of the bestselling Tough Questions series and author of The Complete Book of Questions and The Three Habits of Highly Contagious Christians.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This small book contains material that can change lives, August 24, 2009

By 

Zoo Keeper "Kristi" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tough Questions Leader's Guide (Paperback)

I purchased this book to do a study, with college age kids, of the book by Garry Poole called, "Don't All Religions Lead to God?". You can read my review of that book for more details. In short, the response to the discussion group was unbelievable. The "Tough Questions Series" does just that - it ask plain, tough questions. The kind that we think in our head but typically aren't comfortable with putting out there on the table. He isn't scared to challenge the traditional Christian beliefs because he knows that those beliefs can be backed up with scripture. He also used logic and sound reasoning to make his points, all the while not shoving anything down anyone's throat. The kids, who spanned a rather large range of religious beliefs, appreciated the ability to voice their opinions in a safe environment and the there was NOT a shortage of opinion or discussion! Garry Poole has done an incredible job with his "Tough Question Series". The kids didn't want the discussion group to end; unfortunately summer was over and they had to go back to college. They are wanting to do another of the books at Christmas and also next summer. If that isn't a huge recommendation, I don't know what is. The amount of work required to lead a discussion group like this is surprisingly little. In fact, the main job of the facilitator is to know when to keep quiet, even when you don't agree with what is being said at the time, and knowing when to speak up. Mr. Poole's book, "Seeker Small Groups" is an invaluable book to read to help prepare you to do a good job as a leader of these discussion groups.