In His Steps

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 31 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. How does the visit from the unemployed man disturb Maxwell's ordinary week, and what does it show about the church's first response to someone in need?
2. When the stranger speaks in church, what is he asking the people to think about, and why do you think his words bother them so much?
3. Why does Maxwell ask church members to take the pledge to ask WWJD, and what makes the promise difficult?
4. How does Edward Norman begin to change the Daily News, and what does his choice show about his courage?
5. Rachel Winslow has a special singing gift. How does she decide to use it, and do you think her decision is easy or hard? Explain.
6. As Norman's newspaper loses money and readers, what does the chapter teach about doing right when it costs something?
7. What problem does Alexander Powers face at the railroad, and how does asking WWJD help him decide what to do?
8. How do Virginia Page and Rachel react when they visit the Rectangle, and what do they learn about the people who live there?
9. Virginia wants to use her money in a new way. What do you think her wealth can do for the Rectangle, and what problems might she meet?
10. How does Rollin Page begin to change from a selfish young man into someone who wants to serve others?
11. The story often uses the word sacrifice. What does sacrifice mean in this chapter, and which character gives up something important?
12. What does the rescue of Loreen show about kindness, patience, and seeing every person as valuable?
13. The people in Raymond try to fight the power of the saloon. What do you think is the strongest reason they want it closed?
14. How do different members of the pledge group work together, and why is teamwork important in their mission?
15. Rachel's music reaches many people in the Rectangle. Why do you think her singing can change hearts in a way speeches may not?
16. What happens to Loreen, and how does her story make the pledge group feel more responsible for the suffering around them?
17. After a hard loss, how do Maxwell and the others show that following Jesus is not only about words but about action?
18. The WWJD idea begins to spread beyond Raymond. Where do you think it will go next, and what kinds of people might be challenged by it?
19. How does Dr. Calvin Bruce respond when he hears about the Raymond pledge, and what questions does it raise for his own church?
20. What does Bishop Hampton begin to notice about comfortable Christians and poor city neighborhoods?
21. Dr. Bruce thinks about leaving an easy, respected place of work for harder service. Would you support his choice? Why or why not?
22. When church leaders visit poorer parts of the city, what sights or experiences make them understand the needs more clearly?
23. The word temptation can mean a strong pull to do the easier or wrong thing. What temptation does a character face in this chapter, and how is it handled?
24. How does Felicia Sterling use her skills and home training to serve people who have had fewer chances than she has?
25. What does this chapter show about friendship between rich people and poor people when they meet as equals?
26. How do the college students or young people respond to the challenge of WWJD, and what hopes or worries come with their response?
27. Some people think the pledge is too strict for real life. What would you say to someone who thinks that?
28. Choose one character in this chapter who has changed since the beginning. What is the biggest change you notice?
29. As more cities and churches hear about the pledge, what good results and new problems do you predict could happen?
30. Maxwell has a powerful vision of Jesus and the people who suffer. What lesson does the vision teach about true discipleship?
31. By the end of the book, which character's choice best shows the meaning of In His Steps, and why?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Rachel Winslow has a special singing gift. How does she decide to use it, and do you think her decision is easy or hard? Explain.

I think Rachel decides that her voice should be used to help people and honor God, not just to make herself famous. This is hard for her because she could have a big career and receive praise from many people. She has to give up something exciting. Her choice shows that she is brave and wants her talent to have a good purpose.

What happens to Loreen, and how does her story make the pledge group feel more responsible for the suffering around them?

Loreen's life is hurt badly by the troubles in the Rectangle, especially the saloon and the sadness around it. Her story makes the pledge group see that suffering is not just an idea; it happens to real people. I think they feel guilty that they did not help sooner. They also feel more determined to work for change.

By the end of the book, which character's choice best shows the meaning of In His Steps, and why?

I think Henry Maxwell's choice best shows the meaning of In His Steps. He starts the pledge, but he also has to live it himself and not just tell others what to do. He learns that following Jesus means helping people, giving up comfort, and making hard choices. His example helps many other people decide to change too.