09.11.22 - Small Group Discussion

SEEK

Deeper faith starts with a heart that is seeking God.

• What is something you’re REALLY in to?

• How do you see yourself being driven further into whatever that is?

• What was it like when you first came to Jesus?

• In what ways have you been driven to go deeper in your faith since then?

Read: Mark 12:28

• Are you familiar with this passage? What do you think of the religious teacher’s question?

Read: Mark 12:29-31

• Summarize the two greatest commandments. How do they play out in life?

• Walter talked about what Jesus meant by “heart, soul, mind, and strength.” What did they mean to the people of Jesus’ day?

Read: Mark 12:32-33

• Where’s the connection between “heart, soul, mind, strength,” and “seek, study, serve?”

• What are some ways you can “seek God?” Which one will you do this week?

Leaders Note: This would be a good time to walk your group through the Next Step Cards. We will be using them for three weeks on Sundays and in our small groups.

Prayer: Pair up and pray that God will deepen your partner’s faith this fall.

08.28.22 - Small Group Discussion

And Then What?

Faith is taking the next step, even when you don’t have all the details.

• What was your takeaway from Tim’s story on Sunday? Were you around during the building process?

Read: Acts 28:17-20

• Paul wastes no time here in presenting the Gospel. Have you ever presented the Gospel to someone? What was that like?

Read: Acts 28:21-24

• Walter noted on Sunday that although God had performed miracles through Paul, in this situation, Scripture was deemed enough to bring about faith.

• Do you think it would be easier to believe if you witnessed a miracle?

• Why do you think God doesn’t do miracles more often?

Read: Acts 28:25-28

• What held the people back from believing in Jesus?

• How do you listen to God? What do you do when you want to hear from him?

Read: Acts 28:30-31

• “And then what??” What do you believe is next for our church?

Prayer: Pair up, and then pray for your partner to boldly take steps of faith, especially when they don’t have a clear understanding of how things will turn out.

08.21.22 - Small Group Discussion

What Story Will You Live

Write the next chapter in your faith story by allowing God to lead.

• What did you think of Miguel’s story on Sunday?  What parts of it do you relate to?  Have you ever surrendered something to God because you knew you had to?

Read: Acts 7:54 to 8:3

• How would you describe the most intimidating person you know? How you would compare that person to Paul?

• How would you respond in a situation like this?  Would you find yourself running and hiding or would you be bold?  Why?

• Why do you think the disciples react differently?

Read Acts 9:1-19

• Why do you think God cared about Saul/Paul?

• How would you feel if you were tasked the job of Ananias in this passage?

• What if Paul had walked into a gathering you were attending after he was converted.  Would you freak out or be graceful?

Read Acts 20:22-24

• How does Paul’s life and work challenge you?

• How does the life of those who went before here challenge you?

• What do you need to surrender to allow God control of YOUR whole life no matter what the cost?

• Where can you start?

Prayer: Pray for one another in your group.  Pray that you will be able to allow God to control your whole life.  Pray that your group mates will have boldness also.

08.14.22 - Small Group Discussion

The Search

Jesus is what you’re searching for.

• What did you think of Dan’s story on Sunday? Have you interacted with the Batdorff family in any way?

Read: Acts 16:16-18

• What does this situation teach us about the power of God?

Read: Acts 16:19-21

• How do you understand the discrepancy between what got Paul and Silas arrested, and what they were charged with before the city officials?

Read: Acts 16:22-24

• What is your general reaction when you face hardship? What hardships have you faced?

Read: Acts 16:25-29

• Did you catch verse 25? What were the other prisoners doing?

• What can you do to be a witness to others, even in the face of severe hardship?

Read Acts 16:30-34

• The Philippian jailer and his entire family found what they were searching for, and came to faith in Jesus that night.

• In what ways do you see people searching for hope/salvation/meaning?

• In what ways does Jesus satisfy all of those things, and more?

Prayer: Pray that God will enable the members of your group to boldly proclaim Christ by the way they act and speak – just as Paul and Silas did.

08.07.22 - Small Group Discussion

The Response

Followers of Jesus step in.

• What do you know about The Bystander Effect? Have you ever experienced it, on either side?

• On Sunday, Shirley shared a story of how SLCC has been a blessing to other believers in times of crisis. When else have you seen our church respond to emergencies in other places?

Read: Acts 11:19-21

• The first church’s mission expanded to include non-Jews. How would you have felt if you were a Jewish Christian? What makes it hard to accept people who are not like us?

Read: Acts 11:22-26

• In this passage, the church recognized what God was already doing among them. What kinds of changes or new things do you see God already beginning here at SLCC that we maybe have yet to get on board with?

Read: Acts 27-30

• The prophet Agabus warned of the coming famine, and the church responded by raising support for believers in Jerusalem. Are you aware of any churches around the country or around the world who may need our help?

• What are you going to do about it?

Read: Matthew 25:34-40

• Does this passage encourage you or convict you? Why? 

Prayer: Pray for your group to have an opportunity to meet a need together in Jesus’ name!

07.31.22 - Small Group Discussion

Careful Attention

Church should be the one place no one gets overlooked.

• Share a time when the church showed up for you or someone you know.

Read: Acts 6:1

• What does this verse tell us about the practice and priorities of the first Christians?

Read: Acts 6:2-4

• How do you feel about the Apostle’s response to this conflict?

• On Sunday, Walter said, “We ALL have a role to play in the church, but we don’t all play the same role.”

Read: I Corinthians 12:27-31.

• Where do you see yourself in this list?

Read: Acts 6:5-6

• What do you know about these seven people?

• Walter shared that the Greek word for “serve” in this passage is where we get our term “deacon.” How much do you know about the deacons’ ministry in our church?

• If church should be the one place no one gets overlooked, then we need to get to know our church!

• How well do you know the people in our congregation? What can you do to get to know some of them better?

• Of those you know, who needs help right now? What can you and your group do about that?

Read: Acts 6:7

• What will it take for God’s message to spread in the Lansing area, for the number of followers of Jesus here to increase, and for people of all faith backgrounds to come to Jesus?

Prayer: Pray for your group to have an opportunity to meet a need together in Jesus’ name!

07.24.22 - Small Group Discussion

Missions

• When you think of “Missions” what comes to your mind?

• In what ways has the kingdom work of SLCC affected you?

• Can you think of some examples of how Christians have made Missions work either too easy or too hard to do?

Read Acts 1:1-8

• When it comes down to it, Missions is going and telling people about Jesus. When was the last time you did that? How was it?

• Eric spent some time, describing the different levels or circles of missions needed in God’s kingdom. Which circle is the easiest for you? Which is the hardest for you? Why?

Read Acts 2:42-47

• How can you be a part of what SLCC is doing to make our community like the one in Acts 2:42-47?

• The main point of the sermon on Sunday was “For Christians, Kingdom work isn’t an option; It’s Essential.” Armed with this new definition of kingdom work, where do you need to step up when it comes to Kingdom work?

• In what ways, can you help others, or need to be helped yourself to be a better Kingdom Worker?

Small Group leaders consider sharing what your group discusses here with the leadership of South so that we can better help you and your small group serve those around you.

07.17.22 - Small Group Discussion

High Ratings

In God’s Kingdom, people are rated differently.

• Share a time when someone discounted you without really knowing who you are.

• Do you struggle with rating or ranking people according to what they can do for you?

Read: Luke 18:9-10

• What have you heard about Pharisees and about tax collectors in the Bible?

Read: Luke 18:11-12

• Have you ever encountered someone like that Pharisee? How about this: have you ever been like that Pharisee?

Read: Luke 18:13-14

• What are the implications of Jesus’ words in v. 14? When do you think this exalting and humbling will take place?

Read: Luke 18:15-17

• Do you find it easy or difficult to go out of your way for others? Why is that?

• How do you see South Lansing Christian Church fulfilling this call to welcome everyone, no matter what they can do for us?

• How can our church do better in this area? What are you going to do to help us be better?

Prayer: Pray for a moment of inconvenience this week, in which you are forced to go out of your way to help someone who can’t pay you back.

07.10.22 - Small Group Discussion

Wise Investment

How you spend reveals what you believe.

• What stood out to you from Mike’s interview on Sunday?

Read: Luke 12:13-15

• Has your family ever experienced an estate settlement or inheritance dispute. How did that go?

• In your opinion, what motivates these kinds of disagreements?

Read: Luke 12:16-20

• In this parable, what are all the ways in which the rich fool focuses on himself?

• What do you think of God’s response to him?

Read: Luke 12:21

• Would you say it’s easy or difficult for you to be “rich toward God?” Why is that?

Read: Luke 12:22-26

• What are the financially-related things that cause you worry?

• Is it possible to follow Jesus’ instruction to “not worry” about these things?

Read: Luke 12:32-34

• Do your financial practices show that you are a follower of Jesus?

Prayer: Pray that we can boldly proclaim Christ by how we spend our money.

07.03.22 - Small Group Discussion

Stories of the Church - Kingdom Gardening

Faith that lasts is faith that holds on.

Leaders note: If you haven’t yet had a chance to view Debbi’s interview, take a moment to do so with your group HERE.

• What stood out to you from Debbi’s interview?

Read: Luke 8:4-8

• Have you read or heard this parable before? What questions do you have about it?

Read: Luke 8: 9-10

• What do you think of Jesus’ statement here? It does seem a bit exclusionary!

• Have you ever felt like your faith makes you seem a bit unhinged to non-Christians? How do you deal with that?

Read: Luke 8:11-15

• Where do you see yourself in this story? What kind of seed have you been?

• In this parable, those who are good seed “cling” to God’s word, and “patiently” endure. What does that look like on a practical level?

• How can our church be one that sows seeds? What do YOU need to do to make that happen?

Prayer: Pray that our church would find creative ways to sow the seeds of the Gospel in our South Lansing communities.

06.26.22 - Small Group Discussion

Growing the Next Generation 

We must continue to grow the faith of the next generation. 

• Who was a role model to you when you were young?

• How did their influence shape you?  Share some stories.

Read: Luke 2:39-40

• Wally said on Sunday that Jewish boys started learning/memorizing the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) around age 6.  And they had it all memorized with the Prophets by age 12.  Do you think that is something you could do?

• If we had a system in place, could our younger students do something like that?  What would hold us back?

• If we didn’t want to get that crazy, what are things you think the kids should learn?

Read: Luke 2:41-52

• Why were Jesus and his family in Jerusalem? 

• Look up some other times on your phone/internet when the Israelites were supposed to travel to Jerusalem for a festival.

• How would you as a parent reacted in this situation as a parent losing a child?

• Why do you think Jesus responded the way he did?

• Wally made the statement: How are you influencing/shaping/impacting this current young generation?  (It is not a yes or no question)  Who are you influencing?

• Share a name or two of who you are going to lean into and write them in your journal to pray over.

Prayer: God, help us to model the example we see in Scripture and the examples we see in South.  Pray for each of the names shared in the group.

06.19.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Parents, Round 2

It takes self-sacrifice to honor your parents.

• What rating would you give your parents on their job performance? Are they good parents? Do they fall into the “disinterested” category?

• What rating do you think Jacob’s kids would have given him?

Read: Genesis 43:15-28

• At this point, Joseph still hadn’t revealed himself to his brothers. Why do you think that is?

Read: Genesis 44:1-17

• So Joseph concocted this scheme to detain Benjamin and send the rest of the brothers home. By that point, both Reuben and Judah has promised their father to watch out for Benjamin. How would you have felt if you were them?

• After all that Jacob had put his family through, was he worthy of respect?

Read: Genesis 44:30-33

• In this story, Judah honored his father by offering himself in the place of Benjamin. What do you see as his primary motivation for this action?

• How can you honor a parent who has acted in ways that are not worthy of your respect?

Read/Recite: Galatians 5:22-23

• Which fruit have you noticed the Holy Spirit growing fruit in you over the last 8 weeks?

Prayer: Pray that you would see God would grow selflessness and goodness in each of your lives this week.

06.12.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Kids, Round 2

Every kid deserves to be fully loved

• Who’s the favorite in your family?

• Have you ever been harmed by someone playing favorites? What was that like?

Read: Genesis 42:1-5

• Can you see any justifications for Jacob’s preferential treatment of Benjamin?

Read: Genesis 42:6-13

• At this point, Jacob’s sons don’t know they’re talking to their brother. How would you have felt if you were in their shoes? 

Read: Genesis 42:14-20

• What’s your take on Joseph here? Some think he was justifiably testing his brothers. Some think he was tormenting them. How do you understand this situation?

Read: Genesis 42:29-38

• Jacob obviously played favorites. From your understanding of the story, in what ways did that harm his family?

• On Sunday, Walter said that every kid deserves to be fully loved, and that you can do that by making sure they’re fully known, fully celebrated, and fully guided. Which of those three things is your family best at?

• [FOR PARENTS]: If you’re a parent, what can you do to help your kids know they’re loved this week?

Prayer: Pray that your small group can generously love others without showing preference or favoritism.

Bonus: Read James 2:1-9 and discuss.

06.05.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Spouse, Round 2

Sex beyond marriage brings brokenness, but God can restore broken sexuality.

• Did your parents ever have “the sex talk” with you? How’d that go?

• How do you feel about discussing sex in church?

• On Sunday, Walter said that “our church believes that God’s plan is for marriage to be between one man and one woman for life. We also believe that the only appropriate place for sexual activity is within this covenantal marriage relationship.” What is your reaction to these statements?

Read: Genesis 38:6-13

• The practice of marrying a widow to her husband’s brother in order to carry on the family lineage is known as levirate marriage. Had you heard of the practice before Sunday?

Read: Genesis 38:14-23

What’s your take on this section of Scripture?

Read: Genesis 38:24-26

• Where else in the Bible do you see Scripture teach this truth: sex beyond marriage brings brokenness, but God can restore broken sexuality.

• Have you ever been in an accountable relationship with another believer? If so, how has that worked out for you? If not, what’s holding you back?

Prayer: Pray for each other to find support as you each work toward sexual integrity.

 Accountability Form

05.29.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Siblings, Round 2

Peace in your family start with forgiveness.

• Do you have a special connection with one or more of your siblings? Describe it!

• On Sunday, Walter said, “Those who know you best also know how to best hurt you.” Have you found that to be true?

Read: Genesis 37:1-4

• What do you think of the situation between Joseph and his brothers? In your opinion, who was right and who was wrong?

Read: Genesis 37:5-8

• If you were one of Joseph’s brothers, how would you have reacted to these dreams?

Read: Genesis 37:18-20

• If you are willing, share a time when frustration in your family boiled over into active conflict.

Read: Matthew 5:22 and I John 3:15

• What’s your response to these two verses?

• Walter shared that forgiveness is a choice to give up anger and retaliation, that it doesn’t depend on emotion, and that it only requires one person. Does that sound reasonable to you?

Prayer: Pray for the members of your group to freely give and receive forgiveness.

05.22.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Kids

 We need to keep God at the Center so we can teach the next generation to be faithful 

• What are some things your parents purposely taught you?

• What are some things they taught you that they didn’t necessarily want to?

Read: Deuteronomy 6:1-3

• What is the fear of the Lord?  Why is it good?

• What are the promises given for those who keep the decrees and obey?

• Why does God want obedience?

Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

• What are some practical ways you can love God with your heart, soul, and strength?

• What are some practical ways we can do the commands to help the next generation learn how to be obedient?

• What are some things similar to the phylacteries and mezuzahs that we can do to keep God more present in our day to day lives?

Read: Galatians 5:19-23

• On Sunday, Wally challenged us to think deep about the bad list in Galatians.  What are the things that we need to stop doing?  If you feel safe enough, share with your group and then take some time and pray for one another

• How are you going to carry out these changes?

Prayer:  Pray that you have a desire to move God closer to the center of your life so you have a better chance of helping the next generation be obedient to God.

05.15.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Siblings

God is the hero of your family’s story.

• Share a favorite story that your family tells at family gatherings.

• Does your family’s history have more heroes or more villains?

Read: Genesis 32:3-5

• What do you think of Jacob’s plan to “test the waters” here with Esau?

Read: Genesis 32:6-8

• Have you or one of your family members ever been estranged from the family? How did you deal with that?

Read: Genesis 32:9-12

• What areas of your life do you try to control the most?

• How do you see God being the hero in this story?

Read: Genesis 33:1-4

• On Sunday, Walter encouraged us to “start with prayer, and then live in patience.”

• When it comes to your family – and especially your siblings, how easy is it for you to be patient?

Read: Galatians 5:16-21

• How good of a job are you doing at letting the Holy Spirit guide your life?

• In what family relationship do you most need patience to grow?

Prayer: Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to grow his fruit in your family relationships this week.

05.08.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Spouse

 Honoring your parents begins with honesty.

• What’s your relationship like with your parents? Or, if your parents are no longer with us, what is something valuable that you learned from them?

• What do you think it means to honor someone?

Read: Genesis 31:1-4

• Have you experienced a breakdown of relationship because of dishonesty? What was that like?

Read: Genesis 31:14-20

• What do you think of Jacob’s, Leah’s, and Rachel’s character here? What about the way they treated their father?

Read: Genesis 31:25-28

• When Laban caught up to his family, he expressed his frustration at their flight. Do you feel like he was justified?

Read: Genesis 31:48-50

• On Sunday, Walter said that, “Dishonesty in a relationship is only ever going to be temporary.” Have you found that to be true or not?

• How can honesty be part of honoring your parents? Do you need to have a conversation with them?

Read: Galatians 5:22-23

• We’re focusing on faithfulness this week , which in Galatians 5 Walter said was linked to fidelity, or to being trustworthy.

• What can you do to be a more faithful person this week in your relationship with others, and especially with your parents?

Prayer: Go around your group and pray for each person to grow in honesty and faithfulness.

05.01.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Spouse

Marriage should not be transactional

• What do you know of the story of Jacob, his two wives, and his twelve sons

Read: Genesis 29:16-20

• Can you imagine working seven years to get the right to marry someone? What do you think that was like for Jacob?

Read: Genesis 29:21-30

• How would you have reacted if you were in Jacob’s shoes?

Read: Genesis 29:31-35

• Here, and up through Genesis 30:24, the conflict between Jacob and his wives escalates into a series of back-and-forth score keeping. Have you experienced a relationship that devolved into a series of transactions? How did things turn out?

• On Sunday, Walter said that instead of score keeping, marriage should be defined by love. What’s your definition of love?

• Love, from a Biblical understanding, is putting another person’s highest good above your own. If you are married, what can you do to love your spouse this week? If you are not married, what can you do to love your parents, your siblings, or those around you this week?

Read: Galatians 5:22-23

• What does it look like to invite the Holy Spirit to grow this fruit in you?

• We’re challenging everyone to transcribe Galatians 5:22-23 one time each day this week. How’s that been going for you? What have you noticed?

Prayer: Ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you grow love in your relationships with others over the next seven days.

04.17.22 - Small Group Discussion

Glad Tidings of Easter (4.17.22)

God is FOR you. 

• Share a time when you thought that someone was against you, but were either not ani-you, or were actually for you.

Read: Matthew 28:1-4

• How do you think the two Mary’s felt as they walked toward the tomb that Sunday morning?

• Have you ever felt like God was against you, or was unhappy with you?

Read: Matthew 28:5-10

• The angel told the women to “come and see,” and then to “go and tell.”

• Share a moment when you’ve seen God work in your life.

• Who have you told about Jesus and his church?

• What do you do to regularly remember Jesus, his sacrifice, and his resurrection for you? What might you need to start doing?

Read: Romans 8:31-34

• How many things in this passage are described as being done “for us?” Discuss each one.

• How confident are you that God is for you?

Prayer: Thank Jesus for his sacrifice and resurrection, as they prove that God is for us.