Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 3

Welcome
We’ve been talking about sharing our faith in this sermon series. This week, let’s focus on exactly who we are trying to share our faith with, and how we know when to share. We will examine a few of the ways Jesus shared with others to help inform the ways we share.


Opening Prayer
Dear God, thank you for this time together as a group. We pray you will bless this conversation and help us to understand your heart for others as we consider sharing our faith. Be with us as we discuss these Bible passages and questions and help us grow in love towards each other and towards you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.


Ice Breaker
Last week, we broke the ice by asking you for one thing you’d like to share with others (TV show, book, music artist, etc). So this week, let’s turn the table: What is something another person recently shared with you that you ended up really enjoying? How/when did they share it?


The Head
So far in this sermon series, we’ve talked about the why’s and how’s of sharing our faith. This week, let’s dive into “who” we share our faith with. It can sometimes be difficult to decide when to speak up about our faith or initiate that invite to church with another person. At the beginning of Luke 5, Jesus calls his first disciples – fisherman, friends, and neighbors. Then he cleanses people, heals people, teaches people, answers their questions, engages them in meaningful conversation… and word is starting to get out!

Luke 5:27-32 (CEB)

Afterward, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at a kiosk for collecting taxes. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Levi got up, left everything behind, and followed him.

Then Levi threw a great banquet for Jesus in his home. A large number of tax collectors and others sat down to eat with them. The Pharisees and their legal experts grumbled against his disciples. They said, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.”

• What jumps out to you about the story of Levi as described in this passage?
• Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus repeatedly reaching out to the down-and-out folks of society (the sick or injured, the disabled, and those rejected by others like “tax collectors and sinners”), hence the verse about sick people needing a doctor. Why do you think Jesus specifically chooses these people to connect with and invite?

John 1:35-42 (CEB)

The next day John was standing again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesuswalking along he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard what he said, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked, “What are you looking for?” They said, “Rabbi (which is translated Teacher), where are you staying?” He replied, “Come and see.”

• Why do you think the two disciples just asked Jesus where he was staying instead of asking him for more details about his mission or who he was?
• Why do you think Jesus invited them to simply “come and see” instead of explaining more about his mission and what it means to follow him?

The Heart
Jesus seemed to offer the same “come and see” message both to his disciples who had open hearts toward his mission as well as to those often overlooked or cast aside in society. Let’s think some more about what it might look like to share our faith with people like this.

• Have you ever shared your faith or extended an invitation to another person or group of people? If so, how did it go, and how did you go about sharing the message?
• Recall a previous conversation you may have had with another person who seemed to be looking for something. What were some signs in their words or body language that indicated they would be open to invitation of some sort?
• Jesus invited his soon-to-be disciples to “come and see.” How do you think this could translate to the way we share and invite others in today’s world?

The Hands
Think of specific people or groups around you that may seem open to an invitation or hearing about your faith journey. As we’ve discussed the types of people Jesus shared his message with, names may begin to come to your mind.

• Are there specific people in your life right now who you know might be open to hearing your story with faith? If so, why do you think they would be open to this? Are there things they’ve said or ways they’ve acted in the past that indicate to you that they could be interested in learning more?
• Jesus also shared his message through networks of connected people. What networks are you a part of that God might want to use through you?
• What are some unique or genuine ways you’ve seen others share their faith? How do you think we could apply those methods in our lives when we’re talking with others and the subject of faith or spirituality comes up?

Closing Prayer
Dear God, thank you again for bringing us all together and giving us this time as a group to discuss your heart for the world. Give us the ears to hear and the eyes to see the moments in our lives when you may be prompting us to share our faith with others or initiate that invitation to come to church or just learn more about you. Help us to be genuine and understanding when others may not be open-minded or nervous about diving back into the world of religion and spirituality. And help us to find the words when we’re speaking about our faith to others so that we can welcome them in the same way you did, by offering an invitation to “come and see.” Bless us this week as we go about our lives and bring us back together safely in the weeks to come. Thank you for your grace and love, and it’s in your son’s name we pray, Amen.


From Pastor Charity
FAITH IN PRACTICE CLASSES: GROW IN GROUPS
Saturday, October 19 from 9:00am - 11:00am
Led by Pastor Matt

If you want to grow in your faith, attend these classes to get started, to grow, or to stretch your faith. This is the Year of The Practices. Here we have six practices: prayer, worship, grow in groups, serve, give, and invite. Pastors and Staff will lead classes offering historical, biblical, and contemporary perspectives on each of our six practices. The classes are for YOU. Whether you're questioning, curious or committed to Jesus or the church, these classes are for you. In addition, you will be able to practice the practices in community with others. These classes will be held on various days throughout the year at the McCausland site in the Sanctuary. 

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