Welcome Back – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: The Church is not a place, but a people provoking each other.
Discussion Starter: Do you have someone in your life the pushes you to be better?
Introduction: As many of us have returned, we are also thankful to those who remain at home for their commitment to the Real Love movement, that is called Faith Promise. This week Pastor Chris talked about how the Church is not a place but a people, and that it is not impossible to grow and serve alone, but that we are capable of doing exponentially more together.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Psalm 122:1, Matthew 16:15-19
Discussion Questions:
- What is one thing God has taught you during the last couple months?
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Pastor Chris said, “Jesus doesn’t build the Church out of pebbles, He builds it out of people.” What expressions of people being the Church have you seen recently?
- In many times and places throughout history, the people of God (the Church) have been drivers of social justice, movements of love, and change makers who have taken the love of God and message of Jesus to the oppressed, hurting, and marginalized. We should not allow the culture to lead where we are called and equipped to lead. How can you be a part of showing God’s love?
- Read Matthew 16:18 Discuss what you know about Peter. Then discuss what it means that Jesus chose Peter as the foundation on which to build the Church.
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Matthew 18:20 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Given that many groups take weeks off during the summer for rest or vacation, what discussions are you having among your group members about how and when you meet again? What are ways you plan to stay in touch with one another during this time?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: As we begin our return, in what areas will you and your Group members seek to serve at FP?
Engaging in Community and the World: Where is your Group planning to serve on Serve Day, July 11th?
Expand God’s Kingdom
Now is a great time to reach out to someone who has recently accepted Christ, started attending FP online, or looking to take their faith to the next level. Pray that God will show you someone that He wants you to start pouring into and helping.
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.
