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Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
Leaving the Harbor
August 20,2023
Week 3: Connect In Groups
Jeff Griffin
Mark 3:13-19
God calls His followers to leave the security of the harbor and follow Him on a high seas voyage into the unknown. For the journey to be successful, there are certain skills we must master as we begin to learn the ropes. This week, we’re taking a look at how Jesus connected in groups and how we can do likewise.
When you were a kid, what was your favorite playground game or recess activity at school?
1. To help churches stay on mission, Jeff explained that Jesus’ hope for churches is they wouldn’t just be an event we attend, but instead, a family we belong to. How might joining in group Bible studies make a difference, moving us from merely being spectators in a weekly service to active participants in a like-minded community?
2. Jeff shared three basic benefits behind being in groups: We’re better together; we’re safer together in community we can help fight isolation when life is hard. How has being in a group made a difference on your spiritual journey? What advice would you give someone who’s started to consider joining a small group?
3. The first aspect of group life is starting one, which can involve risking a bit of rejection on this adventure. What can we learn from Jesus’ example in Mark 13:13-15 (NIV)?
“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
4. Another aspect of small groups is modeling. What benefits are there to seeing someone do something for you, versus reading about it in a text? What kinds of spiritual disciplines have you tried before, after seeing someone you know demonstrating that in their faith?
5. How do you think studying, application and accountability can move God’s Word from our head to our heart? When our lives are transformed, what happens to others around us?
Our time in groups studying the Bible can be a special place where we get encouragement, prayer, and the chance to celebrate life’s victories. Read Hebrews 10:24-25. And pray that your group members would not give up meeting together, but spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
“Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (MSG)