WE'RE A 

CHURCH OF

SMALL GROUPS.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

James 4... I will live a life of integrity. 

  1. Have you ever had your integrity questioned? How did you respond?
  2. Read James 4:1 and James 1:13-14. James uses vivid words from hunting and fishing, like "dragged away" and "enticed," to describe what it’s like to be tempted by sin. In what ways does sin "bait" you to do something while hiding the consequences?
  3. As you think about your life, how is this metaphor an accurate way to describe the deceitful and destructive nature of sin?
  4. Though it’s convenient to blame the devil or our circumstances when we drift from God, James points to our heart and "unchecked desires." Why is it harder to admit the problem is inside us rather than outside us? 
  5. As humans, why do we shift the blame and fail to take responsibility for our actions? 
  6. Self-justification (making excuses and thinking we’re better than we actually are) is the opposite of repentance (owning what is wrong and humbly turning from it). Why is self-justification deadly to spiritual growth?
  7. This series is about taking a step forward with God and moving from "Will I?" to "I Will." What is one area where you will align yourself with God and grow in integrity?

James 5... I will persevere in prayer.

  1. What has the Lord taught you about prayer and what it means to persevere in prayer?

  2. For most people, it's easier to pray during seasons of suffering, stress and struggle. How does "praying in every season" keep you from being "tossed around" by your emotions or circumstances?

  3. What do you know about God that helps you pray with boldness and confidence?

  4. What do you know about God that helps you pray with desperation and humility?

  5. It’s easy to say, “I’ll pray for you,” but forget shortly after. What are some practical ways we can be more consistent in praying for one another as a small group?

  6. More than talking about prayer, we want to spend some time praying as a group. What’s one big, bold prayer request that you want to see God answer this year?


How does a sermon-based small group work? Whether you’ve studied the Bible for years or are new in your faith, a sermon-based small group is designed to help you read, understand and apply God’s Word as you examine the passage from three perspectives:

STEP 1: What does this passage say? How would I answer these questions? The first part of a sermon-based study is to read the passage for yourself. We want you to study the passage on your own before hearing the sermon on Sunday because this simple practice will change the way you come to church. Read carefully and look for details. Make observations, write down notes, look for connections in the text and discern what’s happening in the passage. In addition to reading the passage, we also want you to think through the discussion questions. This will help you prepare and be ready to participate with your group. 

STEP 2: What does this passage mean? What will I take away from today? Now that you have spent time observing the passage by yourself, the second part of this study is based on the sermon. Rather than introducing the passage for the first time, the sermon will clarify the author’s intent and move your study from observation to interpretation. Working through the same passage as a reader and listener, will help you engage God’s Word in deeper levels. Take notes, write down questions and be ready to share your takeaways with your group. If you miss the sermon, we encourage you to listen to it or watch it online prior to attending your small group. 

STEP 3: How does this passage relate to me and how will I respond? What should I do this week to apply these truths? The final part of this study will combine your personal study with the sermon as you discuss the weekly passage with your group. Remember, your preparation will help your participation. The goal of a small group isn’t to rehash the sermon but to press the truth of God’s Word into your life. Through personal application, group discussion and responding to the message, this is what helps us be doers of the Word as we allow Scripture to shape how we live. 

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

Go deeper. Go farther. Go beyond the surface.

Where and when do small groups meet?

Groups meet in various homes on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. We also have some groups that meet at church. We currently have groups in Danville, Heritage Lake and Plainfield.

How often do groups meet?

Most groups meet two times a month from the middle of August through the middle of May. We take a break during the winter holidays and summer. The groups that meet at church (men, women, and care groups) typically meet every week and then take a break between various studies.

What is the commitment?

Joining a group requires an 8-10 week commitment each semester to attend the weekly gatherings and prepare ahead of time. Commitment is key to building group momentum and deep relationships. We understand that illness, work commitments and family trips come up; however, the depth of each group depends on the commitment of each member.

How important are groups at Northview?

Groups are the heartbeat of our church because we believe circles are better than rows. This is the place where a large church feels small and you are missed when you don't show up. Groups are also the place where ownership and discipleship can happen during the week as groups gather around God's Word, grow deeper together and then go back to their sphere of influence.

Is childcare provided?

It depends. Our groups are not designed as family groups where everyone interacts together. Groups are intended for adults. While some groups can offer childcare, parents are ultimately responsible for arranging childcare during their group. This can include hiring a babysitter, coordinating childcare with other families or swapping childcare with someone from another group who meets on a different night. We know this is a challenge for many families, but groups are trying to minimize distractions and create the right kind of environment for God to work in a powerful way.

How are groups selected?

We have lots of options. Some groups are self-selected based on your interest or availability. While there is no specific formula for assigning members into various groups, some factors include: group size, available openings, stage of life, location, requested person(s) and the dynamics of each small group. Ultimately, the best way to join a group is to ask to be a part of an existing group.

Do I have to be a member of Northview to join a group?

No. Membership is not required in order to join a group. However, if you are joining a group that is doing a sermon-based study, we do expect for you to attend the service or watch the service online so you can participate in your group discussion and get the most from your group.