1. Preston explores and describes different forms of hearing God — in Scripture, written prayers, almost audibly, as a gut feeling. How do you hear God? Or, do you think people can hear God?
2. Have you ever felt called upon to do a big, dramatic project of God — like The Well — only to feel like it fell apart? How did you reconcile the alleged calling of God with the failing?
3. The Eucharist, Communion, is particularly important to Preston’s spiritual journey and is a significant factor in where he ultimately decides to make his denominational home. After reading the book, how do you see Communion in relation to the mission of the Church and Christ’s presence within and through it?
4. Early on in the book, Preston struggles to reconcile some of the traditions of evangelical youth culture — short-term missions, testimonials — with the richness that Christian faith has to offer. What do you see as the good and the shortcomings of these practices?
5. Books play a significant role in shaping Preston’s perspective on Christianity. What books have been significant to your own faith story?
6. Preston’s theology was shaped largely not just by the places he worshiped but by the people he worshiped with. How do you think theology should be formed? Should it be handed down from an institution or corporately constructed? A blend of both?
7. Sam, Grant, Antonia, and Jerry all play significant roles in Preston’s life throughout the course of the book in specific ways, particularly focused on refining and shaping his spirituality. Who has been significant in your life in that way?
8. The word evangelical doesn’t become a good word to Preston again until late in the book. What words or ideas in Christianity are still sensitive for you?
9. The “walls of Zion” describe for Preston the boundaries of Christian faith and practice, the non-negotiable of belief. What are the walls of Zion for you? Do you have any? Do you believe they are good to have?
10. Father Chuck encourages Preston to settle down denominationally because it is a faithful way of rooting to a people, of taking their bad with their good. What bad in Christianity is difficult for you to sit with. Have you ever thought about it?