When small groups discuss Sunday’s sermon, the message moves from something people heard to something they live. Sermon-based small groups also make life easier for leaders, because the study material comes straight from the pulpit each week.
Below is a simple template for writing sermon-based discussion questions, plus an example built from one message.
Why use sermon-based small groups?
- The whole church learns together. Everyone is thinking about the same scripture during the week.
- Leaders prepare less. They don’t need to pick a curriculum or write a study from scratch.
- The sermon goes deeper. Groups have time to ask questions and talk about real situations, which a sermon can’t do.
- It’s easy for new people to join. Anyone who was at church on Sunday can jump in.
A simple 5-question template
Good discussion moves from easy to personal. Use this order each week:
- Opening question: An easy, low-pressure question that connects to the theme. Everyone should be able to answer it.
- Scripture question: Read the main passage together and ask what it says. Focus on understanding, not opinions.
- Sermon question: Ask what stood out from Sunday’s message, or which point was most helpful or challenging.
- Life question: Ask where this truth meets everyday life: work, family, friendships or struggles.
- Action question: Ask what one thing each person will do differently this week, and how the group can pray for them.
Example: “Hope That Holds” (Hebrews 6:19)
Here is how the template looks for a sermon about hope as an anchor for the soul:
- What is something you are looking forward to right now, big or small?
- Read Hebrews 6:17-20. What does the writer say our hope is anchored to?
- On Sunday, we heard that hope holds when feelings don’t. Where have you seen that to be true?
- What tends to pull you away from hope during a hard week?
- What is one way you can remind yourself of God’s promises this week? How can we pray for you?
Tips for writing good questions
- Ask open questions. Avoid questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no.”
- Keep it short. Five good questions are better than ten rushed ones.
- Use the sermon’s own words. Repeat a key phrase or quote so people remember Sunday.
- Leave room for silence. Give people time to think before someone fills the gap.
- Send questions early. Leaders do better when they get the guide on Monday or Tuesday, not the night before.
Adapting the guide for other groups
The same message can work for every ministry. For youth, use situations they face at school and online. For kids, turn it into one simple question parents can ask at home. For seniors or Bible-study-focused groups, add a second passage or a deeper scripture question.
Get a discussion guide every week
Writing a fresh guide every week takes time many churches don’t have. CBAI Ministry turns your Sunday sermon into a ready-to-use small group guide, plus social posts and content for every other ministry, and you approve it all before it goes out. See an example week.
Related: Small group questions are one piece of the week. See our guide to sermon repurposing: turning one sermon into a week of content.