Week 1: Introduction — Navigating the Seasons

1.Stuart opens by observing that even in a hyper-connected culture, loneliness is epidemic. Have you felt this tension personally — surrounded by social connection yet still feeling relationally alone? What do you think is driving it?

2.The book's premise is that God has a purpose for each relational season, not just for marriage. How does that idea strike you? Does it feel like good news, or does part of you resist it — and why?

3.Stuart is writing primarily to young adults who want to be married but aren't sure how to get there wisely. Even if that's not your exact situation, what do you hope to gain from working through this book?

4.The introduction frames the four seasons — single, dating, engaged, married — not as a ladder to climb but as distinct callings to steward. What would change about your current season if you genuinely believed God had placed you there on purpose?

5.Stuart notes that most single adults still want to be married, even as marriage rates decline. What cultural messages have you absorbed about marriage — is it ultimate fulfillment, an outdated institution, or something else? Where do those messages come from?

6.Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us there is a season for everything. How have you typically responded to seasons of life that felt "wrong" — seasons you didn't choose or didn't want? What would it look like to receive your current season as a gift rather than a burden?

7.What is one specific question or fear about relationships that you hope this book addresses? Share it with your group — or write it in your journal — so you can return to it at the end.