Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Questions-based Bible teaching?
A: As you might suspect, Questions-based Bible Teaching uses questions to generate discussion among adult small groups to explore the God's word, encourage deep thought about the scriptures, and connect Biblical principles to everyday life situations.
Q: Why should I use a questions-based approach to teaching my class ?
A: Simply put, it's how Jesus taught. Many of the greatest moments in Jesus teaching ministry began with questions:
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"Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6). Asked of a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, this seemingly obvious question invites people to examine their desires and willingness to move beyond their current situation and embrace a new life in God.
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"Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6). Asked of a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, this seemingly obvious question invites people to examine their desires and willingness to move beyond their current situation and embrace a new life in God.
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"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor...?" (Luke 10:36). Asked after telling the Parable of the Good Samaritan, this question challenges the listener's understanding of compassion and who they are called to love and serve, moving beyond narrow definitions of "neighbor".
And of course His question for Simon Peter:
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"Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15). This is considered by many to be the most important question Jesus asked, as the answer determines one's entire relationship with him and has eternal implications. Peter's correct answer, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God," became a foundational statement for the Christian faith,
If it worked for Jesus, then it is certainly worthy of emulation. Look here for more.
Q: What is Steve's Bible Questions?
A: Steve's Bible Questions provides printable Bible discussion worksheets designed to complement Lifeway’s Explore the Bible and Bible Studies for Life lessons — helping teachers guide meaningful class discussions.”
Q: Who is this site for?
A: We serve two main groups of folks:
- Teachers looking for high-quality Bible discussion questions to make their lessons more interactive.
- Church leaders who want to equip their teachers and ensure consistent lesson quality.
Q: What curriculums do the questions support?
A: The Worksheets use the same scriptures (each week) as the Lifeway Explore the Bible and Bible Studies for Life lessons.
Q: How do these worksheets align with Lifeway's Explore the Bible and Bible Studies for Life Lessons?
A: Each week, we provide about 10 open-ended discussion questions based on the exact scriptures you're already teaching. They're designed to supplement the Lifeway materials, not replace them. Each week, you can use all of our questions, or just one or two.
Q: Do you offer topical Bible study worksheets for adult groups as well?
A: Yes. We provide printable Bible study discussion worksheets covering a growing variety of topics for adult Sunday School classes, small groups, and Bible studies. These discussion guides are designed to encourage thoughtful conversation, biblical reflection, and practical application in real-life situations.
Current and upcoming topics include:
- Anxiety and Worry
- Forgiveness
- Thankfulness
Some upcoming topical lesson packs include:
- Prayer
- Faith and Trust
- Peace and Encouragement
- Grace
- Salvation
- Loneliness
- Dealing with Anger
Q: Do you provide answers to the questions?
A: No. They're designed to stimulate thought, not just recite the answers. Many teachers find this feature attractive, as it lets them steer the discussion in a way that is consistent with their individual church's "take" on difficult scriptures.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Start with a free sample. You can download a complete Explorations, Life Lessons, or Gospel Connections discussion guide and see how it works with your class before you buy.
2. About the Worksheets
Q: How are the worksheets structured?
A: Each worksheet includes:
- A short introduction to the Bible passage
- About 10 open-ended discussion questions with supporting verses
- About 5 life application points or questions
Q: Can't I just write my own questions?
A: Of course. What we offer is a shortcut - - we do the heavy lifting each week by providing a worksheet with questions already written.
Q: How often are worksheets published?
A: Weekly, aligned with the pace of typical Sunday School lesson cycles.
Q: What do the look like? Can I preview a sample?
A: Yes! We offer a free trial so you can see exactly
what you'll get before subscribing.
Here's an example:
3. What are some users saying about the Worksheets?
"Students leaned in more when I used just
three of the application questions.”
- Jack M., (Teacher) Atlanta, GA
"My teachers report more engagement
and participation when they use the
Worksheets"
- Phil J. (Discipleship Pastor) Arlington, TX
How can I get free Discussion Guides for my Lifeway Explore the Bible or Bible Studies for Life Lessons?
Q: How do the free samples work?
A: Each free sample is a complete, ready-to-use discussion guide - not an abbreviated version. We normally provide a lesson from the end of the currently available monthly set, giving you time to review it and even use it with your class before deciding whether the guides are a good fit.
Q: What subscription plans are available?
A: You can purchase a single month's discussion guides for $6.95, or choose a 12-month annual plan for $60 - a savings of $23.40 compared with purchasing 12 months individually. Annual plans do not renew automatically. To see everything that’s currently available in one place, you can browse all of our discussion guides and subscriptions here.
Q: Does the Annual plan renew automatically?
A: No. About a month before your 12 months are complete, I'll send you a renewal invoice. Your card or PayPal account will not be charged automatically. If you choose to pay the invoice, your monthly delivery continues for another 12 months. If you don't, there's nothing you need to cancel.
How can these Bible Questions worksheets benefit Church Leaders?
Q: What's in it for church leaders?
A: It's an additional resource for your teachers - new and experienced teachers alike. It saves them time and could help them avoid burnout. It's also an excellent way to "jump-start" new classes and new teachers.
Q: How can I introduce these worksheets to my teachers?
A: Suggestion 1: Download the Quick Start Guide to Discussion-Based Bible Teaching. Read through it yourself, then share it with teachers who are interested in moving from lecture toward more Scripture-centered discussion.
Suggestion 2: Provide them during a teacher meeting or email them in advance of the lesson. Encourage teachers to try them at least once - - at least for a few questions.
Suggestion 3: Invite your newest teacher to co-teach (with you or an experienced teacher) using the worksheet, then debrief afterward.
Q: How can I measure their effectiveness?
A: Look for increased class participation, deeper discussion, and more personal application of the lesson.
Q: Can these worksheets be used with the Lifeway lessons we're already using?
A: Yes! They are designed to complement popular Lifeway series like Bible Studies for Life and Explore the Bible.
How can these worksheets benefit individual teachers?
Q: Will they save preparation time ?
A: Yes. They can serve as a guide to weekly lesson prep. Read and digest the Teachers' booklet from Lifeway, and jot down your own answers to our questions, and you're halfway home.
Q: How can I adapt the worksheets to my class?
A: You can use all the questions provided, or select a few that fit your class time and dynamics best. Also, I like to email the worksheet to my class each week and let them know that "we'll be discussing these verses on Sunday in class." I ask them to jot down a few ideas in preparation for Sunday.
Q: How can I adapt the worksheets if my class is quiet?
A: Start with easier questions to get people talking, then move into deeper ones. Start with "What does the Scripture SAY?" questions, and then move into "What does it mean?" questions. Finally, move to "How can I apply this Scripture to my life?" questions. (This is the progression.)
Q: Do I have to follow the order of questions?
A: Not at all. Feel free to mix the order to match the flow of your lesson.
Q: How does this supplement the Lifeway lessons?
A: Gospel Connections, Explorations and Life Lessons use the same weekly Scripture passages as the corresponding Lifeway curriculum. They provide original, discussion-based questions designed to supplement your regular curriculum rather than replace it.
Q: Do I still need to prepare the regular Lifeway lesson?
A: Yes. These discussion guides are designed to supplement your regular curriculum, not replace it. Use your curriculum to prepare for the passage, then use as many of our questions as are helpful to get your class examining, discussing, and applying God's Word together.
Q: Can I use these worksheets with the Lifeway Explore the Bible lessons I'm already teaching?
A: Yes. If your class uses Lifeway's Explore the Bible®, our Explorations discussion guides use the same weekly Scripture passages. They provide ready-to-use questions that help adults examine the Biblical text, discuss what it means, and consider how God's Word should shape everyday life.
Learn more about Explorations Discussion Guides.
Q: We use The Bible Studies for Life curriculum. Do you have a product for me ?
A: Yes. If your class uses Lifeway's Bible Studies for Life®, our Life Lessons discussion guides use the same weekly Scripture passages. They provide ready-to-use questions that help adults explore God's Word together and consider how Biblical truth applies to everyday life.
Learn more about Life Lessons Discussion Guides.
What are some practical tips for using questions in my teaching?
Q: How do I encourage participation?
A: Use open-ended questions, give people time to think before answering, listen carefully, and use follow-up questions to help them go deeper. Don't feel that you have to fill every moment of silence yourself.
Q: Can I email worksheets to members who miss class?
A: Absolutely-it's a great way to keep them connected. They're supplied as PDFs, so they're easy to print and email.
Q: What's the best way to use them in a short class?
A: Choose 3-5 questions that align most closely with your teaching goal for the week.
Got a question that should be included here ?
