Session One: (Intro/Chp 1)
Catch up/introduce everyone
What struck you about this chapter? Anything stand out? Find yourself nodding at/underlining anything? What was most helpful?
Anything you found yourself disagreeing with?
Where do you find it most difficult as an individual and a pastor to be “peculiar” or different in a Jesus-y way? What about your community- where is that most difficult?
Where have you sensed God leading you into a more Christ-like character in this last season?
What makes it difficult? Where do you get the most pushback on that?
Session Two: (Ch 2-3)
Catch up
What struck you about these chapters? Anything stand out? Find yourself nodding at/underlining anything? What was most helpful?
Anything you found yourself disagreeing with?
How do you do at sharing your faith (outside of church)?
How does your community do?
Any connection?
Smith says “The old way of life, built on competition and vanity, dies with Jesus. What emerges is a new life, hidden from us, but no doubt real, safe, and secure. It is our true self.” How do actively push back against competition and vanity in your life?
The serving community:
Smith quotes Willard as saying the most important task we have is to pray for the success of neighboring churches. How do you do at that? Is that something that’s modeled in your community?
What’s a situation your community is facing or dealing right now where the answer will be different if you come at from inside or outside the Kingdom of God?
Session Three: (Ch 4-5)
Catch up
What struck you about these chapters? Anything stand out? Find yourself nodding at/underlining anything? What was most helpful?
Anything you found yourself disagreeing with?
Who does your community have trouble accepting? Who do YOU have trouble with?
How does your community do with forgiving each other? How do you do?
Are there any practices or rhythms we could adopt which would help us and our communities be more accepting and forgiving?
Session Four: (Ch 6-7)
Catch up
What struck you about these chapters? Anything stand out? Find yourself nodding at/underlining anything? What was most helpful?
Anything you found yourself disagreeing with?
Would you describe your community as a high bar or low bar community? Why is it? How is that working?
How well does your community do at balancing comfort and challenge?
What about “accountability?” (challenge+support)
Are there any areas where your community suffers from a “scarcity” mentality? What would it look like to grow more generous there?
Session Five: (Ch 8/9)
Catch up
What struck you about these chapters? Anything stand out? Find yourself nodding at/underlining anything? What was most helpful?
Anything you found yourself disagreeing with?
How do you talk about worship in your community?
How do your people do with worship?