Week 1: Introduction — The Problem of Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality

1.Scazzero describes leading a growing, busy church while his own marriage and inner life were quietly falling apart. Does that combination — outward ministry success alongside inner dysfunction — surprise you, or does it resonate with something you've observed or experienced? Why do you think the two can coexist?

2.He argues that "you can't be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature." In your own words, what does he mean by that? Do you agree or disagree at this point in the book?

3.The introduction identifies several markers of emotionally unhealthy spirituality — things like avoiding conflict in the name of Christianity, ignoring difficult emotions, and using God to run from God. Which of these, if any, felt uncomfortably familiar to you when you read the list?

4.Scazzero points to his wife Geri as the person who first confronted him with hard truths about his spiritual and emotional state. Who in your life has the access and the freedom to speak that kind of truth to you? What makes that kind of relationship rare?

5.The book's subtitle points toward a "road map for discipleship." What does the word "discipleship" mean to you right now, before you go deeper into the book? What have you assumed it primarily involves?

6.Scazzero describes two streams that need to be integrated: emotional health and contemplative spirituality. Why do you think these two things have often been separated in Christian practice? What does each one offer that the other needs?

7.What do you hope to gain — or be changed in — by working through this book? What would it look like for this study to matter six months from now, not just this week?