Discussion Topic: Developing a Strong Community

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Mission Talk

Each week you’ll spend some time sharing about the previous week’s mission. What was your mission, what were your results, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Read Acts 9:23-31

1. One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
2. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Retell

1. Choose one person to begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person each week is great!)
2. As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally, and to the mission and direction of our Church.

Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

• Saul was once a hero of the Jews, but now they wanted to kill him. Why do you think this was?
• v. 23 says, “after many days were past”. What affect do you think “time” has on developing relationships and community?
• How long did it take for you to become comfortable in this church? What could have been done differently, either by you or by others, to help in that process?
• Previously the disciples were afraid of Saul, but now they were helping him escape. What changed?
• How many people might it have taken to let Saul down in a basket? What different jobs had to be done for this to happen?
• In Jerusalem, Saul tried to join up with more disciples. What was their feelings about him, and why?
• Were they justified in their fear of Saul?
• What does this say about the need for getting to know others? What does it say about our personal responsibility to let ourselves be known?
• What did Barnabas do to fix this problem of fear?
• What is the importance of having an advocate in a faith community?
• In what ways could you BE an advocate for someone else?
• What value might there have been in going to the Apostles? 
• What role do leaders play in protecting their community?
• How did Saul persuade the Apostles of his sincerity? What value does a personal testimony have in community?
• What level of acceptance and freedom does verse 28 imply Saul had with the Disciples at Jerusalem? What caused, or allowed for this freedom?
• How have you experienced “trust” in a group of friends? What was the result of trust?
• Have you ever broken trust? 
• Has someone else ever broken yours?
• How can trust be developed within a community of disciples?
• When Paul was speaking to the Grecians (also called Hellenists, or Greek-speaking Jews) they tried to kill him. What did the disciples do for him?
• What was different about their attitude toward Saul now versus when they first met him? Why do think this was the case?
• What 5 things were the result of having “harmony” in their faith community, according to verse 31?
• Knowing this, how would you say a person should be welcomed into your faith-community?

Mission

In light of what we now know about this passage, what is God calling you to do this week? As a group, take just a couple of minutes to silently pray to God asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do this week because of what I’ve seen today?” Briefly write this down as a personal mission statement for the week,

“Lord, this week, I will __________________________.”

Some possible suggestions:

• Lord, this week I will intentionally make a fellow disciple more welcomed.
• Lord, this week I will ask someone in church to lunch to hear their testimony.
• Lord, this week I will introduce a newer disciple to someone else to build community.
• Lord, this week I will do an act of kindness for a fellow disciple (be specific).
• Even better, write your own!

Next Week’s Scriptures

For next week’s discussion, read Acts 9:36-43.