Discussion Topic: The Reach of Real 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 11:19-30

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?

• What did community look like during this time of persecution?
• Did persecution stop or prevent their mission from being accomplished?
• Where were they when they began reaching to the Gentiles?
• In what way were they ministering to these “strangers”?
• What was the result of their preaching, and why was it successful?
• When the Jews at Jerusalem heard about this, what did they do?
• What did Barnabas do when he arrived at Antioch?
• Describe how community was being developed between these people of different cultures.
• What 3 characteristics were used to describe Barnabas?
• How did the church grow during Barnabas’ ministry in Antioch?
• Why do you think Barnabas went to find Saul?
• How long were Saul and Barnabas at Antioch, and what did they do during that time?
• What was the result of their efforts?
• Describe how “community” was being developed during this time.
• These Gentiles in Antioch (non-Jews) were the first to be called what? Why do you think this is?
• What did Agabus prophecy would happen? Who would be affected by it?
• What did these new Christians in Antioch do in response to the prophecy?
• What does this tell us about Christian Community?
• What can we learn about nurturing Community in our own church?
• What about outside of our local church?
• What are some threats to community within the church, and how could we prevent them?
• What can you personally do to create community?
• What can you personally do to nurture community?
• What can you do to engage in 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 invite someone into my church community who isn’t currently a part.
• Lord, this week I will fill the need of someone in my church community.
• Even better, write your own!

Next Week’s Scriptures

For next week’s discussion, read Acts 12:1-17.