Talking about Jesus | Week 1 (Mar 12-Mar 18)
The Practice of talking about Jesus : Week 1 | March 12 - 18, 2023
Communities @ Grace
45 minutes: Welcome, Pray, Eat + Mingle
Question 1- What can you easily talk about with people you know?
Question 2 - Have you ever grown to like someone you didn’t care for at first?
45 Minutes : Introduction of Practice + Discussion Questions
Read and discuss these passages:
Matthew 5:14 - 16
I Peter 3:15
Psalms 96:1-4
Leader - read and discuss the following statements.
When we love people, we’ll value and accept them for who they are and it will increase the likelihood that they will be open to who we are, which includes being a follower of Jesus. This allows everyone to be their authentic self.
When we don’t include Jesus in our conversations we are excluding the most important part of who we are.
What challenges or obstacles do you face when it comes to including Jesus in your everyday conversations?
(Leader - we want to foster people discussing their own obstacles, BUT, if needed, discuss why people might feel sad, mad, fearful, anxious, worried.)
How do you show love to others?
How do you grow a deeper love for God?
15 Minutes: Practice Together
Take a few minutes to think about 1 - 3 people you have established a relationship with who are not followers of Jesus. Write their names down.
Invite people to tell the group a little about one of the people they thought of, then pray for that person.
See next page for Practices next week, consider giving a copy to each member.
10 Minutes : Pray for One Another + Close
Consider praying as a whole group or in triads for personal prayer requests.
End on time in order to honor everyone’s time.
5 Minutes : Options for practices for the week ahead
Pray everyday for one of the people on your list.
Make an effort to connect with that person this week
Do something to serve or love them this week.
Include the name of Jesus in your conversation (this could be about something of his creation, work in your life, etc.)