WE'RE A

CHURCH OF

SMALL GROUPS.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

WEEK 1: The Heavens Declare - Psalm 8

What was the last thing you saw that left you in awe? What made this moment powerful?
What are some everyday experiences and ordinary places where you see the majesty and glory of God on a regular basis?
How would you describe the majesty and glory God?
How does embracing your smallness compared to the size of the universe lead to a greater sense of security rather than despair?
In a world that chases achievement, success, attention, and production, how do you struggle with defining your identity by what you do rather than who you are in Christ?
Read 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 10:31 and Isaiah 41:13. What stands out in these verses about God’s care for you?

WEEK 2: The Heavens Declare - Psalm 136

Psalm 136 repeats the phrase "His love endures forever" twenty-six times. Why do you think the author repeats this phrase so many times?
Reading Psalm 136 what line stands out to you the most? Why?
Psalm 136:23 says, "He remembered us in our low estate." What does this phrase mean to you? How does knowing that God sees you move you toward gratitude?
How is God unlike the ancient gods who were unpredictable, moody and unstable? How does this Psalm reinforce or shape the way you view the Lord?
When the world around you feels chaotic and crazy, how is it comforting to know the Lord is stable and reliable?
As you look back on this last year, what are you most grateful for?
How have you seen God work in your life, your family, or the people closest to you?

WEEK 3: The Heavens Declare - Psalm 19

Most people don’t struggle with believing God can speak—they struggle with believing God is speaking to them. In what ways have you struggled at times to hear God’s voice?
Imagine you were talking with a close friend who doesn’t believe in God. How would you describe the way that God speaks to you without sounding like you are crazy?
When it comes to God’s voice, the issue is usually not God’s silence. The issue is our hearing. How does this statement challenge you to consider your pace of life or habits?
As God speaks through creation, He often reveals His character and what He is like. For example, a sunrise says, "God is faithful," a mountain says, "God is strong," and the ocean says God is big. What are some other examples of God's creation that reveal who God is and what He is like?
What are the biggest "noise-canceling" distractions, worries, or habits in your life that may be drowning out God's voice?
The Spirit's voice was compared to a gentle vibration in your soul or a whisper. How do you discern the difference between hearing God’s voice and hearing your own thoughts or desires?
God speaks constantly through creation, clearly through Scripture, and closely through His Spirit. Which of the three do you need to tune into this week, and what is one step you will take?

ABIDE: 40 DAYS WITH GOD

Abiding with Jesus is not some new-age spirituality. This is from Jesus on the night He was betrayed.

Standing in a vineyard on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Jesus taught how a relationship with Him is possible when He is no longer here. Like Jesus, we must step away from the pressures of life and pursue rhythms of solitude and silence. This is how we can encounter Him through His Spirit.

Moments later, Judas betrayed Jesus. Swords were drawn. Jesus was handcuffed, and the disciples scattered into the darkness. From this night, a picture of a vine and branches was etched into the minds of the disciples forever.

In this 40-day devotional, you will practice three simple habits of reading, praying, and meditating on the words of John 15:1–11. Through this study, you will discover the way to remain attached, connected and rooted to Jesus—the True Vine.

PURCHASE HERE

Sharing your story is an essential part of every small group. This includes where you come from, challenges you have faced, formative experiences that have shaped you, ways you have grown, people who have influenced you, and ultimately how God is working in your life. Sharing your story will help you take your group to the next level. What's your story?

SHARE YOUR STORY

We are living in the most connected society in history, but when it comes to relationships, many of us are disconnected. Is this what God intended? Do you have someone who encourages you? Prays with you? Do you have someone who holds you accountable? Do you have people who are helping you become more like Christ? This doesn’t happen when you walk alone.

RELATIONSHIPS MATTER

If our church disappeared, would our neighbors and community notice? Something special happens when groups serve together. Serving forces everyone outside the comfortable living room and into the community. This is where we have the opportunity to love our neighbors and live out our faith. We encourage every group to serve at least once a year.

SERVE TOGETHER

Small groups are more than friend groups, interest groups or support groups. More than having a place to belong, small groups are a community of people who are committed to the same goal. Becoming more like Jesus is our number one priority. Sustained spiritual growth does not happen on its own. It takes the Word of God, Spirit of God and the people of God.

BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS

We're not just a church with small groups, we're a church of small groups. Groups are a core part of our ministry and the heartbeat of our church. Do you have a heart for God? Do you have a desire to lead other people and point them to Christ? If your answer is yes, it's time to take your next step and consider leading a group. We're here to help you along the way.

MULTIPLY MINISTRY

If you are a new leader or have been leading for a long time, you know that it can be difficult to monitor progress or know if you’re doing the right thing. At times, it’s easy to become discouraged and doubt if God is working in your small group or question if your group members are moving in the right direction. Here are three simple questions to measure your group.MONITOR PROGRESS