Leader Guide

Leader Guides

When you think about God’s involvement with the world, what are 3 words that come to mind?
What one thing do you most associate with Jesus?
Talk about a story, person, or experience that has influenced the way you look at God.
Share about a time when you realized that life was a bigger than just you. How did that experience change the direction of your life?
How and when did your faith journey get started?
How would you currently describe your perspective on faith?

Why do you think our culture is uncomfortable with the word “sin?”
Do you see evidence of sin in the world around us? If so, where?
What kind of reaction does the word sin stir in you? What do you associate with it?
Read Luke 15:11-32. What is most surprising to you about this parable? How does it challenge the way you view God?
Do you resist the idea that you are a sinner? Is there something offensive about that? If so, why? If not, why not?

Which of the following reflects your view? Why?
- God accepts me based upon my birth.
- God accepts me based upon my behavior.
- God accepts me based upon my belief.
- God accepts me based upon some combination of the above.
Have you ever taken a first step in restoring a relationship? If so, what was it like for you?
Do you believe adversity is part of God’s plan? Why or why not?
When have you seen someone demonstrate great faith despite his/her circumstances?
What experiences have you had that have made it difficult to trust God?
In what area of your life is God currently calling you to trust Him? What is one thing you can do this week to trust Him? What can this group do to support you?

What is it about a rule that makes it feel controlling instead of caring?
What happens to a relationship when someone breaks a rule?
In general, how do you react to rules? What rules are the hardest for you to keep?
Talk about a time when you made rules for someone else. What was the purpose of those rules?
Have you entered a relationship with God through the door of faith or have you been trying to behave your way in?

Growing up, did Christianity seem to be about what God wanted from you or what God had done for you? Explain.
What are some potential consequences of living with guilt and shame? How have you seen guilt and shame effect your life or the lives of others?
Is there anything about Jesus you find difficult or confusing? If so, what?
What are your thoughts on God providing a Savior so you can experience a relationship with Him?
What is one thing you can do to begin to build new memorials of forgiveness to replace the memorials to your past failures and sin? What can this group do to support you?

Talk about a time when someone let you off the hook or forgave a debt. How did that make you feel?
What do you believe God wants from you?
Do you see yourself as a person who needs God’s grace? Why or why not?
How does the phrase “God doesn’t negotiate because He doesn’t want something from you. He wants something for you” [Andy Stanley] change the way you view God and your relationship with Him?
Most people respond to the idea of unconditional grace with, “But what about . . . ?” What’s your “But what about . . . ?”
What is one thing you can do this week to shift from a bargaining posture to a posture of gratitude for what God has done for you? What can this group do to help you?

Think of a belief you hold—religious, political, economic—that has a major influence on the way you live your life. In what ways do you look for evidence to support that belief? In what ways do you filter out evidence that contradicts that belief?
The gospels record that when Jesus died, his disciples’ faith died. But, when they finally came out of hiding, their messages weren’t, “believe what Jesus taught.” They were, “you killed him. God raised him. We’ve seen him. Say you’re sorry.” In what ways do the disciples’ behavior and message challenge your assumptions about Christianity?
Read Acts 17:31. Do you agree that the “proof” of Jesus’ resurrection is a compelling basis for personal faith? Why or why not?
When you think about Jesus, do you tend to focus on his teaching or his death and resurrection? How does that focus influence the way you answer the question, “who is Jesus?”

Talk about a time when you were a member of a team or group with a shared goal. How did that experience help you grow personally?
What do you associate with the word “church?”
What are some things people think make them unworthy or disqualified from being fully engaged in the mission of the church? In light of Pauls’ story, how might God use those parts of their stories to draw others to him?
What are some things you can do to better understand how to use your strengths, weaknesses, and experiences to help draw others toward him?
What is your next right step for engaging more fully in the mission of the church? Putting your faith in Christ? Baptism? Serving on a team? Giving? Inviting a friend? How can this group support you as you take that next step?

LIFE IS NOT MEANT TO BE LIVED ALONE. YOU WERE CREATED TO EXPERIENCE LIFE WITH OTHER PEOPLE.