A Real Conversation – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
Your house, your home, and your life cannot shine His light for others to see when you don’t welcome everyone.
Discussion Starter:
As a nation, we have participated in racism to some degree for hundreds of years. Sometimes the belittlement of an individual due to the pigmentation of their skin is blatant and other times it’s more subtle but still carries a powerful sting. Recently the escalation of cases and forms of injustice has taken America by storm. Protests are seen in almost every city. Social media posts are blowing up, and it is plastered on every news channel. What do you think Jesus would say if He were standing in your living room? How would He feel if He were part of your conversations surrounding the topics? How can we come together to stop racism and show His love?
Introduction:
This week Pastor had a conversation with our friends Hallerin Hilton Hill and Dr. Keith Gray. What is white privilege? How can we help? What do we as a congregation need to know? The conversation has to be raw (feel exposed and somewhat painful) and real (no sugar coating going on) in order to bring forth change. In this group session, we will continue the conversation and study some scripture that shows us how to act as the body of Christ united rather than divided.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:13, 1 John 4:20-21, Galatians 3:28, Revelation 7:9
Discussion Questions:
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Read 1 Corinthians 12:13. Discuss with your group what it means to all drink one Spirit.
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In multiple times throughout 1 John, John references the incongruencies of love and hate. Talk through 1 John 4:20-21 and apply to examples in today’s world. In addition to outright hate, discuss how indifference or inaction shows an absence of love. What actions are you taking to learn about and fight racism?
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Galatians 3:28 and Revelation 7:9 describe what the body of Christ is like. While one unifies us all as the body of Christ, the other joins everyone together while still allowing representation of each. What would it look like if we were like this today? How can we apply the principles in each of these verses to our lives? Discuss “color blindness” vs. seeing diversity and realizing that people have different life experiences due to the color of their skin.
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 1 John 4:7-21 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Have you or someone you are close to experienced racism? What does that look and feel like? What about white privilege? Discuss ways to move forward, learn, and make a difference now and in the future.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Click here to see the phased reopening plan:
https://faithpromise.org/events/coronavirus-update
Engaging in Community and the World: Continue the conversation. Where in your community do you see racial division or inequity? Is your community made up of a diversity of races? If not, why do you think that is?
Expand God’s Kingdom
In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandments are first, to love God, and second, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. How are we loving others? There is a lot of polarization on social media right now. How are you shining your light?
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
