Community Group Guide

> Why We Gather

At The Springs Church, we desire for community groups to be a place where we BEHOLD JESUS, BECOME LIKE JESUS, and BELONG IN COMMUNITY. This means that our primary goal for groups is to gather around the transforming presence of Christ. As we gather around the transforming presence of Jesus, we believe by faith that we will be incrementally transformed into His image and likeness. With that in mind, let's begin in prayer by asking the Holy Spirit to lead our time together, move on our hearts, and help us behold Jesus, become Like Jesus, and experince the gift of belonging in community. Let's pray.

> Announcements

  • Baptism Sunday is taking place this Sunday, February 1st!
  • Our next Membership Class is on Monday, February 23rd! Click here to learn more or register.

> Give Thanks

Take a few moments to briefly share about anything that you are thankful unto the Lord for? Perhaps you've witnessed God answer a prayer or experienced a moment that strengthened your faith. Feel free to share any recent occurrences that have encouraged you or instances where you've felt God's presence at work in your life.

> Scripture Reading

Read scriptures below...

> Discussion Questions

Practicing Mission from the Home

Read Mark 2:1-12.

When Jesus was on earth, He didn't wait for people to come to a church building. He went to their homes, and He welcomed people into the homes where He stayed. In Mark 2:1-12, so many people crowded into a house to hear Jesus that four friends had to lower their paralyzed friend through the roof! Jesus saw their faith and healed the man. Our homes can be places where people experience God's love too. When we invite neighbors over for dinner, let a friend hang out after school, or make space for someone who needs help, we're practicing mission right where we live.

Reflection Question: Think about a time someone welcomed you into their home and made you feel special. What did they do that made you feel that way?

Reflection Question: In Mark 2, the four friends were so determined to help their paralyzed friend meet Jesus that they tore through a roof. What does this story teach us about the lengths we should go to in order to bring people to Jesus? How can our homes be part of that mission?

Reflection Question: The homeowner in Mark 2 had their roof destroyed but got to witness an amazing miracle. Sometimes hospitality is inconvenient or costly. Can you think of a time when an inconvenience led to something good? How can we develop a willingness to be inconvenienced for God's mission?

Prayer Fuels Mission

Read Acts 16:25-34.

In Acts 16:25-34, Paul and Silas were in prison when an earthquake shook everything loose. The jailer was so amazed that he asked, "What must I do to be saved?" That same night, Paul and Silas went to the jailer's home and his whole family believed in Jesus. Prayer was a big part of this story, even in the darkest moment. Luke 11:5-10 teaches us to keep praying and asking God for what we need. Our homes can be places of prayer where we lift up our family, our friends, and our neighbors. When we pray for the people around us, God starts working in ways we might not even see yet.

Reflection Question: In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns in prison at midnight, even after being beaten. How does their example of prayer in difficult circumstances challenge the way we pray in our own homes? What can we learn from their faithfulness?

Serving Others

Read John 12:18

In John 12:1-8, Mary took expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet at a dinner in Bethany. She gave something valuable to honor Jesus. She served him in a beautiful way right there in someone's home. Practicing mission in the home means looking for ways to serve others, whether that's cooking a meal for someone going through a hard time, helping a neighbor with yard work, or just listening when someone needs to talk. When the jailer in Acts 16:33 believed, he immediately washed Paul and Silas's wounds and fed them in his home. He didn't wait. He served them right away. We can do the same thing.

Reflection Question: Mary's act of pouring expensive perfume on Jesus' feet was criticized by Judas, who said the money should have been given to the poor. Jesus defended her. Why do you think Jesus valued her act of worship and service? What does this teach us about serving others in ways that might seem wasteful or extravagant to others?

Reflection Question: What's one specific way your family or household could serve someone this month, starting from your home?

> Confession and Prayer

Reflect and Pray: As we sit with this passage, ask God to bring to mind anything you need to confess or need prayer for. Take a moment to share and pray for one another. Feel free to split up into pairs depending on the group size.