Jesus: Suffering Servant part one MOUNTAIN-TOP MOMENTS Small group devotion The purpose of this devotion is to share together our “mountain-top” experiences and discuss what role they have in our faith journey. It’s also a chance to talk about the “valleys” and the “plains” of life and what we do in these moments. Opening question: Share a mountain-top faith experience… Read more →
Jesus: Son of God part four QUEST FOR THE HISTORICAL JESUS Small group devotion The purpose of this discussion is get your group grappling with what they find hard to believe in the gospels. Can we pick and choose what we want to believe? How do we read scripture? Opening discussion: Today we’re looking at a story involving demon exorcism.… Read more →
Jesus: Son of God series part three SEEING THEIR FAITH Small group devotion The purpose of this discussion is to encourage your group to consider the power of vicarious faith, particularly in the hard times of our lives. Opening discussion: Share with one another a personal mentor in the faith. Maybe it’s your mum or dad, maybe it’s a… Read more →
Jesus: Son of God series part two DISCIPLESHIP Small group devotion The purpose of this discussion is to explore what discipleship involves and to challenge your group to “step out” of the boat and follow. Opening question: On a piece of newsprint, write two words: “Disciple” and “Discipline”. What positive/negative connotations do each of these words have? What are the… Read more →
Jesus: Son of God series part one MIRACLES Small group devotion The purpose of this small group devotion is to open a discussion on miracles. What are they? Should we expect miracles today? Opening question: Have you ever witnessed a miracle? If not, have you heard of someone else who has? Spend some time sharing stories. Watch the “Living vlog”… Read more →
It’s been a while since I last posted a blog, but following on our Judges series, I thought it would be good to explore a bit further how do we read the Bible responsibly? In some ways I don’t like that question… “Responsibly” is quite a limiting, restrictive, narrowing, and serious word. I believe as we encounter the living God… Read more →
Fruit series part five MEEKNESS Small group devotion Each week we’ll be digesting a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. This week: MEEKNESS. We’ll explore times when we feel out of control, and what we do about it. Opening question: Share a time you’ve felt out on control. How did you feel? How did you get through it?… Read more →
One of my favourite theological discoveries this year has been John Zizioulas. He is best read with a glass of French red, a furrowed brow, and an air of pretension. Among many other gems, he talks about remembering the future. No, it’s not a new sci-fi time-travelling thriller. No, he’s not a new-age soothsayer. No, it’s not heresy. I think.… Read more →
Fruit Series part four PATIENCE and SELF-CONTROL Small group devotion Each week we’ll be digesting a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. This week: PATIENCE and SELF-CONTROL. This is a chance for your group to share about the some of the trip-ups in their life. It could be a vulnerable time so it may be worth reminding the… Read more →
Fruit series part three PEACE Small group devotion Each week we’ll be digesting a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. This week: PEACE. How can we build peace in our personal lives and as a faith community? Opening activity: Jordan finished by talking about the origami crane as a symbol for peace. If you want, begin by constructing… Read more →