Study Guide for Uncommon Ground
Introduction - John Inazu and Timothy Keller
What prompted you to start reading this book?
What do you hope to learn by reading this book?
When have other people’s different views or beliefs affected or shaped how you think and see the world?
Do you agree with the authors that it is important to look at our past in order to understand the differences we experience today? Why or why not?
When have you experienced the power of receiving humility, patience, and tolerance when your views differed from someone else's?
How would you describe the way Jesus lived with those who were different from him?
The Theologian - Kristen Deede Johnson
How do your political convictions align with your religious convictions? Is it important that they align? Why or why not?
How can the reminder that our true citizenship is in heaven help us as we navigate tumultuous times? How do we understand our earthly citizenship in light of our heavenly one?
What does it mean to follow Jesus in community with others? What does it look like?
How does knowing that Jesus continues to reign in this world affect your perspective of political and social conflicts?
What influences have shaped your understanding of politics?
How can you work with people and groups with different beliefs than yours to achieve a common goal? Can you think of examples when you have seen or practiced this in your own life?
The Pastor - Timothy Keller
When have you experienced a difference between your faith and society’s views?
Have you ever discovered that your own beliefs or practices were inconsistent with the gospel? If so, how did you respond to that realization?
Why are people tempted to look to themselves for salvation rather than to Jesus?
Do you feel the pressure to conform to society’s expectations even if they contradict the Bible? Explain.
Is it problematic for Christians to isolate themselves from the rest of society? Why or why not
What are some ways you can be the “salt” in your community?
What are your favorite passages in the Bible about finding courage?
The Adventurer - Tom Lin
Whose stories have helped shape who you are?
When have you wanted both risk and safety at the same time?
What do you think it looks like to “minister from below”? How can doing so potentially reach nonbelievers more deeply than “ministry from above”?
What are the challenges in drawing near to those with whom we disagree?
What does it mean to have “resilient faith”? How can you make your faith more resilient?
The Entrepreneur - Rudy Carrasco
How is ministry similar to entrepreneurship?
What social problems in your community might be addressed by grassroots action?
When is a time that God called you to serve in an unfamiliar role? How did you handle the challenges you faced?
How would you describe the gospel’s power of reconciliation among different ethnic groups?
Why is it often difficult to form deep relationships across ethnic and cultural differences?
How can being face-to-face with people help believers more effectively share the gospel with others?
What is an example of entrepreneurial mission work that you’ve witnessed or read about? What risks do you think were involved?
The Writer - Tish Harrison Warren
When is a time you experienced or read about the disparity between an actual event and the way it was represented to others? Why do you think such disparities occur?
Describe a major conflict that is currently taking place in your community or country. How are words being used by those involved? How might the conflict look different if words were used carefully and respectfully?
When have you experienced the limitations of words? Can these limitations ever be a good thing?
How has technology changed the way you communicate with others?
In what ways does technology affect the way you write (in whatever form you write)?
What changes can you make so that your words point others to Jesus?
The Songwriter - Sara Groves
Where are the “bomb craters” near you? How can you go to those bomb craters and help others know God through his beauty and truth?
Which convictions do you have that feel out-of-step with cultural norms?
What passages from scripture help you to feel less alone?
When have you witnessed suffering that caused you to want to leave your job to help? What caused you to stay or go? If you remained where you were, in what ways could you help from there?
Describe a time when you have been restored and renewed by being open and honest about your struggles. How does your testimony of that difficult time point others to Jesus?
What topics cause you to go into “Directive Mode”? Why do you think that is?
The Storyteller - Lecrae
Why do you think our preconceived notions cloud the truth? What can we do to remove those preconceptions so we can see the world more truthfully?
How can understanding different worldviews help build authentic relationships?
What are some current cultural issues that you may have some preconceptions about?
How does it change your perspective to think that we are all wrongdoers and that Jesus is the one true hero?
When have you been made to feel as though you weren’t good enough for something? How does it make you feel to know that God sees value in you?
Who are the “mustard seeds” in your life in whom you are investing? What practical steps are you taking in your mentoring of them?
The Translator - John Inazu
What is the role of an ambassador, and what does it mean to you that you are an “ambassador for Christ”?
When have you had to explain something difficult to someone who understand what you were saying? What strategies did you use to make yourself clear?
Does being a Christian require translation? To what audience are Christians translating? To what audiences are Christians not translating—but should be?
What cultures are you a part of on a regular basis? How do those cultures differ and how do they overlap? How do you bridge the gap between those cultures when they differ?
How can immersion in multiple cultures help you develop empathy? What are the limits of immersion? What are the limits to empathy?
The Bridge Builder - Shirley V. Hoogstra
Who in your life has been an example of bridge building?
What is the most difficult part of building relational bridges for you? What is the easiest part
When have you seen God’s grace at work during difficult times?
What parts of your past has God used to equip you for what you are doing today?
In what ways can humility help you be a peacemaker and a bridge builder?
Have you experienced a time when God replaced your distrust with trust? If so, how did it feel? What was the result?
What is the most difficult bridge you need to build right now? What are the differences that make the gap such a large one to cover?
The Caregiver - Warren Kinghorn
What was your experience with racial tensions growing up? How did your experiences change as you grew older?
How do you think it would feel like to live in “a world that is not for you”? Have you ever felt this way? Explain.
How does it make you feel to know that your identity is found in Jesus and not in your history?
How can you provide care or assistance to the people in your life?
The Reconciler - Trillia Newbell
When have you had the role of reconciler? What challenges did you face in seeking to resolve differences and restore harmony?
What have been your negative experiences with Christians? How did you move past those to focus on God?
In what ways is Jesus a reconciler?
What does it mean to you that you are a new creation once you’ve place your faith in God?
When you think of “speaking the truth in love,” are you more prone to truth or love? How might you work to be more truthful or more loving?
How can being slow to speak and quick to listen be helpful during times of reconciliation?
The Peacemaker - Claude Richard Alexander Jr.
How have you experienced God’s peace in your own life?
Why do you think God requires us to be humble in order to receive his peace?
When have you been called to peacemaking? Which parts of it were challenging? Which parts of it were easier?
Why must peacemakers face issues of equity, fairness, and justice?
What does it mean to you to be called a child of God?
In what ways do your daily actions reflect the peace of God to others?
Conclusion - John Inazu and Timothy Keller
How would you describe “the common good” of our society? What issues and problems do we all need to work together to solve?
Do you agree that Christians should avoid over-identifying with particular platforms or political parties? How can we tell when we are emphasizing our identity in a political party over our identity in Christ?
How can you take a posture of love and service in your community?
How have the stories in this book affected the way you see pluralism? How have they changed the way you will approach the differences you have with others?
What are three takeaways you have after reading this book?