Grow Group Questions - September 26th

Announcements

See the final challenge on responding to Engage, specifically the current need we have as we respond to the growing refugee crisis. Also reminder about Marriage Conference Oct 8-9. We have 117 signed up so far.

Conversation Starter/Questions (10 minutes)

• What is your experience engaging your community and the world? If you have had the chance to do a mission trip how did that experience go?

Sermon Based Questions (15-20 minutes)

Read Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:6-8 (emphasis on 8)

• Acts 1:7 Does not knowing God's plan ever scare you from doing things for him? How can we learn from the apostles and disciples and their trust in God’s perfect timing? 
• Acts 1:8  What do you think about being doing “both/and” and not just “either/or” when it comes to engaging and missions.
• Pastor Billy spent time describing the word “witnesses” in verse 8. How did that definition change how you saw that word in that verse or call to the church?

Digging Deeper (20-25 minutes)

One of our Values is “missional living” . It says “We intentionally commit our hearts, resources and time as we interact with people in our church, homes, neighborhoods, communities and world resulting in everyone we come in contact with, knowing more about Jesus Christ.”

• Instead of asking how “We” as a church are doing… How do you feel you as an individual might be doing at helping Bethany be successful at living out this value?

How have you responded to things like the refugees and foster's kids being a focus of Bethany’s outreach and call to Engage?

• Do you see them as God bringing them to us to be Obedient as an engaging Church?
• How do you think the church and you should respond to these groups that need Jesus?
• What excites you about what you see God is doing?

What are some personal roadblocks or fears that may keep you or others from being able to share the love of Jesus and the Gospel with other people?

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

Is there something we can learn from the Thessalonians and how they were such an example of Christ and the power of the Gospel?

Challenge and Prayer (10-15 minutes) 

• Are there any special ways we, as a group, could bless the Afghan refugees? Let’s look at the Link together before we pray and Consider signing up for a different area of need in the refugees
• Please take time to offer prayer and praise for all that God has been doing in engaging our community and the refugees. Pray for God to guide us in how to purposefully Engage the world around us.