PULSERS
Mystery Spreads, Fear Surges, Justice Wavers
Mystery Spreads, Fear Surges, Justice Wavers
WEEK 1: WHEN THE WORLD SHIFTS (CHAPTERS 1-8)
Theme: Fear, confusion, and cracks in a culture built on comfort.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What stood out to you from this week’s reading?
- What did you notice? What surprised you? What questions did it raise?
2. Simon Maxwell sits up and shouts “DON’T TOUCH ME!”—something medically impossible.
- How do you respond when reality breaks its own rules? Does the “impossible” make you curious, skeptical, or afraid? Have you ever witnessed something you couldn’t explain?
3. Dr. Chin hesitates to write up an event that should not have happened.
- When have you struggled to describe something because you didn’t fully understand it? Do you tend to explain the unexplainable—or sit with the mystery? What do you think keeps us from admitting, “I don’t know”?
4. Machines say “no life,” but the eyes say “yes.”
- Why do we trust data so deeply, even when reality contradicts it? Where in your life have “the charts” said one thing, but God showed another? What might we be missing when we rely only on what we can measure?
5. “This feels like… disruption."
- How do you sense the difference between a normal problem and a deeper disruption? What kinds of disruptions has God used to get your attention? Why do you think disruption often precedes awakening?
6. “How long until this becomes uncontainable?” — “It already is.”
- What situations in your life have passed the point of control before you realized it? How do you handle things that feel bigger than your capacity? Where do you see “uncontainable” pressures in culture today?
7. Oneness. Unity. Peace. Three beautiful words—until their meanings shift.
- Where do you see society redefining words today? What happens when unity demands agreement instead of togetherness? Why is truth often treated as a threat rather than a gift?
8. Many regular churchgoers test as NDP—while many non-attenders test as Pulsers.
- Why might outward involvement not reflect inward reality? Have you ever mistaken activity for spiritual life? What does this reveal about how God measures a heart?
9. Some who left church did so because the attend–give–serve cycle left them weary.
- Have you ever felt spiritually tired while doing “all the right things”? What parts of church culture can accidentally drain people? What restores your spiritual vitality most?
10. Sylvan Thurmond becomes a target—not for wrongdoing but for calm, conviction, and Scripture.
- Why do gentle, uncompromising believers threaten systems of control? When have you seen someone’s faith provoke misunderstanding or hostility? What do you admire about Sylvan’s posture?
11. “Can a person go from Pulser to NDP?” The culture wonders; Pulsers already know.
- Why do people resist the idea that spiritual life cannot be lost? What’s comforting or unsettling about the idea of eternal security? What helps you discern genuine spiritual life in someone (or in yourself)?
12. Church attendance free-falls—not from persecution but indifference.
- Which do you think is harder for faith to endure: hostility or apathy? Why is indifference so spiritually dangerous? Where do you see indifference creeping in today?
13. Media tracks declining church attendance like a stock market graph.
- Why do numbers feel so definitive—even when they don’t tell the whole story? How does God measure spiritual health differently than culture does? What signs of hope do you see beneath the surface?
- Crisis doesn’t create fear—it reveals what was already fragile beneath the surface.
week 2: living with a new pulse (chapters 9-16)
Theme: Identity, awakening, and the difference between outward belief and inward transformation.
Takeaway: A Pulser is known not by intensity but by obedience—love expressed in action.
1. What stood out to you in this week’s reading?
2. Many in the story see religion as outdated—a relic that complicates life rather than grounding it.
3. Society looks prosperous, yet beneath the surface, it is emotionally exhausted and spiritually empty.
4. Pulsers aren’t facing persecution—they’re facing indifference, which unsettles them more.
5. The characters begin realizing the crisis isn’t ultimately political or cultural—it’s deeply spiritual.
6. Pastor Fred’s early-morning baptisms in the desert seem absurd—until people start showing up by the thousands.
8. Mrs. Eun-Sook Park promises to “bother God” until the answer comes—and it does.
9. The NDP establishment reframes the awakening as instability, then disruption, then danger.
10. The president’s televised address labels the movement divisive and threatens legal action.
11. Blaine senses a spiritual shift—not in doctrine but in desire—returning home with a new spiritual pulse.
12. The movement adopts a mantra: “Maximize encouragement. Minimize control.”
13. Blaine sends out “The Way,” a message reminding him that obedience is direction, not perfection.
Takeaway
Takeaway: A Pulser is known not by intensity but by obedience—love expressed in action.
1. What stood out to you in this week’s reading?
- What did you notice? What surprised you? What questions did it raise?
2. Many in the story see religion as outdated—a relic that complicates life rather than grounding it.
- Why do you think modern comfort often replaces spiritual curiosity? Have you ever been tempted to trade spiritual depth for simplicity? How does convenience shape people’s openness to God?
3. Society looks prosperous, yet beneath the surface, it is emotionally exhausted and spiritually empty.
- Why can outward success hide inward collapse? Where do you see this tension today? How does it affect how people think about God?
4. Pulsers aren’t facing persecution—they’re facing indifference, which unsettles them more.
- What’s harder to face: hostility or apathy? Why is indifference spiritually dangerous? Have you ever shared something important and been met with silence?
5. The characters begin realizing the crisis isn’t ultimately political or cultural—it’s deeply spiritual.
- When have you recognized a spiritual root beneath a surface issue? How do you discern when something is spiritually driven? Why is prayer so often the last resort instead of the first?
6. Pastor Fred’s early-morning baptisms in the desert seem absurd—until people start showing up by the thousands.
- Why do unlikely steps of obedience often carry unexpected power? Have you ever obeyed God in a way that didn’t make sense at the time? What does this say about the Spirit’s creativity?
- 7. Blaine’s long drive home becomes a turning point—Scripture becomes nourishment rather than information.
- When has Scripture felt alive or personal to you? What changes when the Bible becomes something you crave? How does obedience increase spiritual hunger?
8. Mrs. Eun-Sook Park promises to “bother God” until the answer comes—and it does.
- Who prays for you with that kind of persistence? Who do you pray for that way? Where might God be inviting you into deeper intercession?
9. The NDP establishment reframes the awakening as instability, then disruption, then danger.
- Why does genuine spiritual renewal unsettle those in power? What fears drive institutions to control what they cannot understand? How do you stay grounded when cultural narratives shift?
10. The president’s televised address labels the movement divisive and threatens legal action.
- Why is unity sometimes used as a way to enforce conformity? What happens when peace is defined as the absence of disagreement? How do you stay faithful when truth becomes unpopular?
11. Blaine senses a spiritual shift—not in doctrine but in desire—returning home with a new spiritual pulse.
- What moment marked a clear spiritual shift for you? How do you recognize a “new pulse” in your walk with God? What practices help sustain spiritual aliveness?
12. The movement adopts a mantra: “Maximize encouragement. Minimize control.”
- Why is encouragement essential in spiritual growth? Where have you experienced too much control in religious settings? How can you nurture others without managing them?
13. Blaine sends out “The Way,” a message reminding him that obedience is direction, not perfection.
- How does this reshape your understanding of obedience? Where is God asking for direction—not perfection—from you? What small act of obedience could you take this week?
Takeaway
- A Pulser is known not by intensity but by obedience—love expressed in action.
week 3: Pressure, politics, and the human heart (chapters 17-23)
Theme: How people and institutions respond when control slips from their hands.
1. What stayed with you from this week’s reading?
2. THE WAY #3 invites believers to multiply extraordinary prayer—praying as if Jesus is right beside them.
4. The prayer gathering was unpolished but pure—Scripture, tears, and spontaneous worship.
5. The group recognizes the battle is spiritual, not political.
6. A school board member says, "We don't care what you do as a Christian. We care what you do as a Pulser."
7. Elliott warns the next phase will be costly—economic pressure, emotional loss, and deep purification of the Church.
8. Marcus loses his contract after a private conversation—fired under new NDP rules.
9. Informants and enforcement networks begin identifying Pulsers under the guise of “public safety.”
10. News outlets frame job losses differently—some celebrating, others warning of injustice.
11. Peggy realizes God orchestrated her entire day to remind her she is loved and seen.
12. A chaotic news broadcast unintentionally reveals the confusion and denial swirling around the crisis.
13. Marcus refuses to sign a letter that would keep him silent, despite knowing the cost.
14. Their prayers turn toward confession—personal and corporate—as they acknowledge the Church’s failures.
Takeaway
1. What stayed with you from this week’s reading?
- What did you notice? What stirred your emotions? What questions did it raise?
2. THE WAY #3 invites believers to multiply extraordinary prayer—praying as if Jesus is right beside them.
- How does this reshape your understanding of prayer? When have you prayed with that kind of nearness? What changes when prayer becomes relational instead of ritual?
- Why do small steps of obedience often spark unexpected momentum? When have you seen God work through something simple? What might God be prompting you to start, even if it feels small?
4. The prayer gathering was unpolished but pure—Scripture, tears, and spontaneous worship.
- What makes a moment of prayer feel “weighty” rather than routine? When have you sensed God’s nearness in a surprising way? What helps create space for the Spirit to lead without being scripted?
5. The group recognizes the battle is spiritual, not political.
- Why do spiritual battles often disguise themselves as cultural conflicts? Where do you see spiritual warfare today that people mistake for something else? What helps you stay focused on the real enemy instead of human opponents?
6. A school board member says, "We don't care what you do as a Christian. We care what you do as a Pulser."
- Why does obedience provoke more pressure than belief alone? Where do you see this distinction showing up in real life? What helps you stay bold when your obedience draws attention?
7. Elliott warns the next phase will be costly—economic pressure, emotional loss, and deep purification of the Church.
- Why does God often use suffering to purify His people? How has hardship shaped your faith? What helps you stay faithful when obedience becomes costly?
8. Marcus loses his contract after a private conversation—fired under new NDP rules.
- When have you faced consequences for doing what was right? What fears rise when obedience threatens your security? How do you trust God when provision seems at risk?
9. Informants and enforcement networks begin identifying Pulsers under the guise of “public safety.”
- Why do movements rooted in truth often get reframed as threats? How do you discern truth when official narratives conflict with reality? What keeps you grounded when culture grows suspicious of faith?
10. News outlets frame job losses differently—some celebrating, others warning of injustice.
- Why do crises divide people rather than unite them? How does media shape how people think about spiritual issues? What helps you stay anchored in truth when opinions clash?
11. Peggy realizes God orchestrated her entire day to remind her she is loved and seen.
- When have you recognized God arranging details of your life with tenderness? What helps you notice His presence in small moments? Where might God be trying to meet you personally right now?
12. A chaotic news broadcast unintentionally reveals the confusion and denial swirling around the crisis.
- Why do people joke or deflect when they don’t understand something frightening? How do humor and confusion mask deeper fear? What helps you remain steady when the world feels disoriented?
13. Marcus refuses to sign a letter that would keep him silent, despite knowing the cost.
- When have you had to choose conviction over comfort? What would “silence” look like for you in this season? Where is God calling you to courage instead of compliance?
14. Their prayers turn toward confession—personal and corporate—as they acknowledge the Church’s failures.
- Why is confession essential for genuine revival? What parts of the modern Church need repentance? What would corporate confession look like in your own context?
Takeaway
- Pressure exposes motives—what we cling to, what we protect, and what we fear losing.
week 4 when light breaks through (chapters 24-30)
Theme: Unexpected people becoming catalysts, the rise of persons of peace, and the quiet momentum of obedience.
1. What caught your attention in this week’s readings?
2. Hou Tong is drawn to worship music—not for language practice alone, but for the peace and joy he senses in it.
3. Hou Tong immediately shares with his exchange group—ten students hungry for peace and joy—showing that obedience builds confidence.
4. Reports on The Way show new groups forming everywhere—mostly because facilitators are letting go of control.
5. A simple camping trip leads to a discovery that reshapes lives—a reminder that God uses ordinary moments as turning points.
6. In Carmel, women write honest letters that reveal deep wounds—and deep healing—through Jesus.
7. A living-room Bible study becomes a catalyst, birthing more groups across Lexington as ordinary people step into obedience.
8. Elliott explains elephant vs. rabbit growth—slow addition vs. rapid multiplication—calling for a cultural shift in the Church.
9. THE WAY #12 reminds believers to train others—not for better groups, but for more groups—because millions more can be reached.
10. Tom Laporte—quiet, steady, ordinary—becomes a movement catalyst when the spark finally ignites.
11. Miguel and Enrique start Discovery Groups in places Tom could never access—among the homeless, addicted, and former gang members.
12. Public opinion splinters about the charges—labels outpace facts, and the loudest voices drown out honest questions.
13. The crowd outside becomes a mob—paid protesters, slogans, and rage directed at convenient villains.
Takeaway
1. What caught your attention in this week’s readings?
- What did you notice? What surprised you? What questions lingered?
2. Hou Tong is drawn to worship music—not for language practice alone, but for the peace and joy he senses in it.
- What first drew you toward Jesus? What qualities in believers have sparked spiritual curiosity for you? Where do you see God using beauty to open hearts?
3. Hou Tong immediately shares with his exchange group—ten students hungry for peace and joy—showing that obedience builds confidence.
- Why does obedience often precede clarity? When have you stepped forward spiritually before feeling “ready”? Who around you might be hungry for peace and joy?
4. Reports on The Way show new groups forming everywhere—mostly because facilitators are letting go of control.
- Why is releasing control so hard in spiritual leadership? When have you seen growth happen only after you stepped back? What might God be inviting you to release?
5. A simple camping trip leads to a discovery that reshapes lives—a reminder that God uses ordinary moments as turning points.
- When has God used something small or unexpected to redirect you? What everyday spaces in your life might be open doors? Who introduced you to something that changed you deeply?
6. In Carmel, women write honest letters that reveal deep wounds—and deep healing—through Jesus.
- Why does honesty with God—and with others—create breakthrough? When have you experienced healing after naming something out loud? What helps create safe places for confession?
7. A living-room Bible study becomes a catalyst, birthing more groups across Lexington as ordinary people step into obedience.
- Why do movements spread best through normal people in normal places? Where might a “living-room moment” be forming around you? What does real spiritual depth look like in community?
8. Elliott explains elephant vs. rabbit growth—slow addition vs. rapid multiplication—calling for a cultural shift in the Church.
- Why has the Church often favored slow, centralized growth? What would “rabbit growth” look like in your context? Where do you sense urgency for multiplication?
9. THE WAY #12 reminds believers to train others—not for better groups, but for more groups—because millions more can be reached.
- Who could someone else reach that you never could? What keeps us from training others instead of doing it ourselves? Who is one person you could encourage to become a disciple-maker?
10. Tom Laporte—quiet, steady, ordinary—becomes a movement catalyst when the spark finally ignites.
- When have you seen God use someone who didn’t see themselves as a leader? What quiet people around you might be movement catalysts? Where might God be calling you to something bigger than expected?
11. Miguel and Enrique start Discovery Groups in places Tom could never access—among the homeless, addicted, and former gang members.
- Why does the gospel travel best through relational networks? What groups could be reached only by people you disciple? How does God’s kingdom overturn our assumptions about who can lead?
12. Public opinion splinters about the charges—labels outpace facts, and the loudest voices drown out honest questions.
- Why do people gravitate toward labels instead of truth? How do you stay grounded when narratives conflict? What helps you discern facts beneath the noise?
13. The crowd outside becomes a mob—paid protesters, slogans, and rage directed at convenient villains.
- Why does fear make crowds easy to manipulate? What cautions do you take to avoid following the crowd? How do you stay faithful when culture demands conformity?
Takeaway
- God often chooses ordinary people in overlooked places to spark extraordinary change.
week 5: awakening—the story God is writing (chapters 31-epilogue)
Theme: Transformation, perseverance, and the unstoppable spread of God’s movement—one obedient life at a time.
1. What gripped you in this week’s readings?
2. The Way #14 calls believers to Go Out Among the Lost—reminding them that faith doesn’t wait for safety, but walks toward need.
3. Elijah Walker thought church attendance was enough—until his NDP reading forced him to confront his true spiritual condition.
4. Elijah’s slow journey through Romans opens his heart inch by inch—until grace breaks through and joy replaces guilt.
5. Elijah begins identifying Persons of Peace—young men longing for something beyond violence, fatherlessness, and despair.
7. Josh reminds himself that his job isn’t to create interest—only to find the spiritually ripe, because “when the fruit is ripe, you don’t have to pull hard.”
8. A team dedicates three full days each week to church planting—raising the bar by using mission-focused language.
9. One leader admits, “We’ve been preserving a model instead of pursuing a mission.”
10. Ronnie finds a youth-focused coaching breakout—and suddenly discovers others with the same fire to mobilize students.
11. Students begin launching new groups on their campuses—obeying quickly and watching God multiply their steps.
12. Rachel asks the Gillicks what they make of the Pulser/NDP phenomenon—and the depth of their response moves her.
13. After prayer, David proposes planting a parallel DMM church—The Grove—alongside his main church, without tearing anything down.
Takeaway: Awakening rarely begins loudly—yet once it starts, nothing can contain it.
1. What gripped you in this week’s readings?
- What stood out? What stirred emotion? What stayed with you?
2. The Way #14 calls believers to Go Out Among the Lost—reminding them that faith doesn’t wait for safety, but walks toward need.
- Why does obedience often require courage? Where might God be nudging you to step into need? What holds people back from going “out among the lost”?
3. Elijah Walker thought church attendance was enough—until his NDP reading forced him to confront his true spiritual condition.
- When have you mistaken activity for transformation? What illusions of “spiritual enough” are common today? How does God use disruption to awaken honesty?
4. Elijah’s slow journey through Romans opens his heart inch by inch—until grace breaks through and joy replaces guilt.
- When has Scripture slowly softened something in you? What truths have brought you freedom? Where do you still need God to break through?
5. Elijah begins identifying Persons of Peace—young men longing for something beyond violence, fatherlessness, and despair.
- Who around you might be a Person of Peace? What signs show someone is spiritually open? How can you respond when you see spiritual hunger?
- What makes simple church so powerful? Where might a “circle” work better than a “row”? How can simplicity help movements multiply?
7. Josh reminds himself that his job isn’t to create interest—only to find the spiritually ripe, because “when the fruit is ripe, you don’t have to pull hard.”
- Where have you seen God prepare someone before you arrived? How do you recognize spiritual ripeness? What helps you avoid forcing results?
8. A team dedicates three full days each week to church planting—raising the bar by using mission-focused language.
- How does language shape commitment? What difference does calling something “church planting” make? What could you rename in your life to raise your level of intentionality?
9. One leader admits, “We’ve been preserving a model instead of pursuing a mission.”
- Where do models sometimes hinder mission? What religious habits feel more like preservation than purpose? Where might God be asking you to choose mission over method?
10. Ronnie finds a youth-focused coaching breakout—and suddenly discovers others with the same fire to mobilize students.
- Why is community so essential for sustaining mission? Where have you felt like an outsider until you found “your people”? Who shares your calling—and how could you encourage each other?
11. Students begin launching new groups on their campuses—obeying quickly and watching God multiply their steps.
- When have you seen small obedience lead to big impact? What makes young people uniquely effective in movements? Where might God be waiting for your next step of obedience?
12. Rachel asks the Gillicks what they make of the Pulser/NDP phenomenon—and the depth of their response moves her.
- What do you think of it? Who do you look to for wise spiritual perspective? What questions about culture, faith, or movements are on your heart? How do seasoned believers help anchor you?
13. After prayer, David proposes planting a parallel DMM church—The Grove—alongside his main church, without tearing anything down.
- Why do parallel movements often grow faster than institutional change? What does this teach you about obedience and innovation? Where might God be calling you to plant something new?
Takeaway: Awakening rarely begins loudly—yet once it starts, nothing can contain it.