Free printable group guide

Jonah in 4 Weeks: A Small Group Plan, One Chapter a Week

Jonah has four chapters, which makes it a perfect first study for a new group. Each week, read one chapter together, answer what the text actually says first, then talk about what it means. If you want chapter-by-chapter questions with the exact verse that proves each answer, Jonah is free in the Wayfold app, along with a printable leader guide.

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Each meeting

10 min	Catch up and pray.
10 min	Read the chapter aloud, start to finish.
15 min	Observe: answer only from the text. Point to the verse.
20 min	Discuss and apply.
5 min	One sentence each: what will you do this week?

Week 1

Running from God

Read aloud: Jonah 1

Opener

Have you ever gone the opposite way from something you knew you should do?

Discussion

Observe: Where did God tell Jonah to go, and where did he go instead? (point to the verses)
Observe: How do the sailors act during the storm, compared with Jonah?
Why do you think Jonah ran? What does the chapter hint at?
What does running look like in an ordinary life today?

This week: Name, privately, one thing you've been putting off that you know you should do. Take one step.

Notes

Week 2

Prayer from the inside of trouble

Read aloud: Jonah 2

Opener

Where were you the last time you prayed and really meant it?

Discussion

Observe: Where is Jonah when he prays, and what does he say God has done?
Observe: What does Jonah promise at the end of his prayer?
Why do people often pray more honestly in trouble?
What would it look like to pray this honestly on an ordinary day?

This week: Write a short, honest prayer of your own, three or four lines, and pray it daily.

Notes

Week 3

A second chance and a city

Read aloud: Jonah 3

Opener

Tell about a time someone gave you a second chance.

Discussion

Observe: What is different about God's word to Jonah this time, and what is the same?
Observe: How do the people of Nineveh respond, from the greatest to the least?
What surprises you about how God responds to Nineveh?
Who do you assume is beyond changing?

This week: Do one thing this week that gives someone else a second chance.

Notes

Week 4

An angry prophet and a plant

Read aloud: Jonah 4

Opener

What's something small that made you unreasonably angry this month?

Discussion

Observe: Why does Jonah say he ran in the first place? (find the verse)
Observe: What does God ask Jonah, and how many times?
The book ends with a question, not an answer. Why might that be?
How would you answer God's last question if it were asked to you?

This week: Decide as a group what book to study next, and who will lead.

Notes

Wayfold: Understand the Bible

Keep the rhythm going between meetings. Free to start on iPhone.

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Questions leaders ask

Do I need any experience to lead this?

No. Each week has an opener, a reading, questions and one challenge. Read them aloud and keep time; that's the whole job.

Can I print and copy this?

Yes. It's free to print, copy and share with your group. Use your browser's Print button for a clean, page-per-week layout.

Which Bible translation should we use?

Any. The guide gives references only, so everyone can read from the Bible they already have.