Connect20-25 minutes
Connect with your group about life this past week, any reflections on Action Steps from last week, and then discuss the following questions.
- Where in your life do you most want to see growth or change right now?
- When you think, "I thought I was further along than that," what area comes to mind?
- What does "remaining connected to Jesus" actually look like in your real, everyday life?
Learn 5-7 minutes
You will watch a short clip of the message from this series to set up your group discussion. The full version of the message is also available
online to reference before or after your group meeting.
Discuss20-30 minutes
- Where do you see the difference between appearing connected to God and actually being connected to Him in your own life?
- When you sense God prompting change (a habit, relationship, mindset), what is your typical response? Do you lean in, push back, or ignore it? Why? What in this world may be fighting against you?
- Have you ever experienced something difficult that later produced growth in you? In what ways could that have been "pruning?"
- Read John 15:1-6 and 1 John 2:1-6. What do you notice? How can we apply what is said here? Discuss the harder parts of these passages.
- Read Romans 7:18-19. Can you relate to this struggle? Now, dive deep: read Romans 8:1-14. What do you see in this passage that further helps us understand how to "abide" in Christ?
Next Steps:
We talk about the 3E’s as a way to take steps in our discipleship. When you think about the 3E’s, what is your next step? Talk with your group about what you think. You can pull up thecrossing.church/calendar to check out offerings.
Explore Truth: Groups and Classes
Will you consider doing another group experience in the fall? Have you taken all three of the Core Experiences—Genius of One, Explorations, and Dinner at The Crossing?
Experience God's Grace: Experience the Weekend Service
How regular is your attendance? Do you typically try and come to the same service?
Express the Love: Serving and Giving
What does it look like to use your gifts to serve the church? If you have questions about serving or giving, please reach out to pastors@thecrossing.church. We’d love to meet with you.
Pray10-15 minutes
Ask for prayer requests and then you may opt to pray the following prayer.
Heavenly Father,
We are so thankful that You never give up on us. Jesus, You said that apart from You we can do nothing. Help each of us to abide in You, whatever that looks like. Holy Spirit, help us to see what that looks like in our lives so that we remain connected to You always. God, where You are pruning, help us to trust You. Where we’ve been passive, wake us up. Where we’ve been pretending, God, please lead us into something real. We trust that You are working for our good because You are a good Father. We love You, and we give You all the glory.
Amen.
Action Steps5-10 minutes
Here are some suggestions for action steps.
Attend the Weekend Service: Note any takeaways, next steps, or reflections in a notebook. These will help you as you prepare to participate for your small group, and your small group will benefit from your insights and questions as you learn together.
Another Practical Action Step:
- Consider the 3 E's and what your next step could be. Pray about it and see how God nudges you.