Gradually Then Suddenly Study Guide: How to Dream Bigger, Decide Better, and Leave a Lasting Legacy

by Mark Batterson

In this study guide that complements Mark Batterson's Gradually, Then Suddenly, the New York Times bestselling author of Win the Day helps readers discover and a life-changing truth about  God is building you up steadily so you're ready for overnight success.

This comprehensive study guide explores the biblical patterns of how God works in seasons and stages. Through powerful case studies from Scripture and contemporary examples, Batterson illuminates how breakthrough moments are often preceded by extended periods of preparation and perseverance. Readers will learn to recognize and embrace both phases—the patient endurance of "gradually" and the exciting fulfillment of "suddenly."

This compelling, author-curated study guide

Scripture readings that illuminate God's principles of persistence and breakthroughReflection questions that help readers identify areas where they need to develop staying power"Cathedral thinking" exercises that foster long-term vision and perspectivePractical applications to transform daily choices into compound growth
Perfect for individual study or small group discussion, the Gradually, Then Suddenly Study Guide provides the tools to cultivate the grit and faithfulness needed to experience God's breakthrough moments.

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. One church in seven locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. NCC is currently developing a city block into The Capital Turnaround. This 100,000-square-foot space will include an event venue, child development center, mixed-use marketplace, and co-working space. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times best-selling author of seventeen books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, Play the Man, Whisper, and, most recently, Double Blessing. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.

Reviews

[Shari Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gradually Then Suddenly Study Guide was created to be used alongside the book, and there is real strength in experiencing the two together. While the book inspires and shifts your perspective, the study guide invites you to slow down, reflect, and actually do the work that leads to lasting change.

It is filled with reflection questions that require time, intention, and honesty. There’s space for dreaming, thinking, praying, and mapping out what God has placed on your heart. This is not a something to rush through. If you want it to truly make an impact, it’s one to move through slowly—letting the questions stretch you and clarify your dreams one step at a time.

What I love most is how practical and personal it feels. The prompts help you connect the “gradually then suddenly” concept to your own life, helping you see where small, faithful steps can lead to future breakthroughs. It turns inspiration into action.

This study guide would also be an excellent resource for a book club or small group. The questions naturally spark meaningful conversation, deeper connection, and shared encouragement as you walk through the process together.

If you’re serious about not just reading Gradually Then Suddenly but living it, this study guide is a powerful companion. It’s an invitation to slow down, dream boldly, and faithfully map out the path God is unfolding—one intentional step at a time.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My rating system:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Absolutely loved it! I’d read it again… if my TBR pile weren’t already taller than me. Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Really great read! Thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to others.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Glad I read it! A solid read, and I might check out more from this author.
⭐️⭐️ – Just okay. Not terrible, but I kind of wish I’d picked something else.
⭐️ – Nope. Didn’t connect with it and wouldn’t recommend.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gradually Then Suddenly Study Guide is a great resource for digging deeper into Mark Batterson’s message about faithfulness and long-term vision. The reflection questions and Scripture passages help you apply the “cathedral thinking” he talks about to real life. I do feel this book would be better completed in a group study.

If I had critique it would be that it’s repetitive at times mentioning points from the main book. I also wish there were more focus on handling seasons of waiting or disappointment before the “suddenly” happens. Still, it’s inspiring, practical, and keeps you focused on trusting God’s timing day by day.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley on behalf Penguin Random House Christian Publishing of but wasn't obligated to post a review. All opinions are my honest opinions.

[Michaela Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study guide is a quick and easy read, very much dependent on the book. It will help readers come up with Kingdom goals and tackle them with short-term and long-term goals. Truly, it helps foster growth from the small habits up to the big achievements and proves that what we do with our time, how we cultivate our relationship with the Lord, and how we view and practice persistence all matters a LOT. This study guide is easy to follow and is perfect for the go-get-it types who can't sit still and have a purpose in mind, but need a little extra help funneling that energy into something that will have greater impact later on down the road. As always, a great read by Batterson!

**I read an early edition; opinions are my own!