Next

Series: Next
Connect by John Burke, January 27, 2008

We’re starting a new series this week designed to help us figure out where we are on our spiritual journey, and where we need to be going next. John’s message to day started where the original church started directly after Jesus sent the Holy Spirit: they started together. At the heart of the early church was connection. So that’s the focus of this discussion.

1. John began by describing what can be a defining experience in making connections for many of us: Junior High (aka Middle School). You can use this to relate some of your own early experiences in making connections. Try this exercise: Think for a minute about one word that describes your own Junior High experience – or at least an important aspect of it. Then, go around the group, relate your word, and explain something about why that word fits your experience. (10 minutes)

2. One of the things that usually describes many connections at Junior High age is “cliques”. But, getting locked into “us” and “them” thinking is certainly not limited to Junior High. Why is that? What are some of the reasons that we tend to lock ourselves into a set group or groups? Spend some time talking about the things (needs, fears, aspirations, etc.) that lead to this type of behavior. (10 minutes)

3. As John talked about in the message, it is so common for people to feel like they are on the outside looking into other peoples’ groups. Have you ever had the experience of being “left out” of a group? Take a few minutes for the people who feel comfortable to talk about what that feels like? (5 - 10 minutes)

4. Despite the “challenges”… most of all get into one or more groups someway or another. Think for a minute about a group you belong to that is important to you… What got you ”connected”? (Or maybe you have an example of a time where you brought another person into one of your groups… or helped them settle into a group.) Discuss around the this group and keep a list of the types of things that make connections happen. (10 minutes)

5. John used the book of Acts in the Bible to describe the early church (see the passages below). As John noted, one of the words that keeps coming up is “together”. However, too often the church can feel like Junior High. Why is that? What are some of the reasons that people don’t get connected at Gateway? (5 - 10 minutes). Since this is clearly NOT what God wants for the church, try to come up with some practical ways we can better get our act “together” and help make connections at Gateway? (5 - 10 minutes)

6. Close with some personal application… but today try two different applications. First, John asked us to begin to think about where we are on our spiritual path: discovering, developing, or deepening (more info on this at the Gateway website on Next. We’ll explore these more over the next few weeks, but for now, do you have an idea which of these might best describe the stage you are in right now? If so, note that, and plan to recheck this in the coming weeks to see what’s next for you. Second, where are you in terms of connections? Is there a step you feel you should make to have more connections in your spiritual journey? (The website above or bulletin has some options ). Or, is there something you feel God wants you to do to help other people get more connected? Write down any thoughts/actions you can commit to and pick a day and time to check in with God in the next week to ask for His help in making this next step toward building connection. (5 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
Romans 15:7

They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together…All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had…Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25

Get more - go further:

• Consider the questions at the Next Steps site to help you decide where you are on your path.
• Check out connections options at Gateway.
• You can search for related books on-line at the Gateway Bookstore or look for books at the "reality" bookstore in the "Garage".
• Remember - each Sunday's message is available by 5 PM on the day of the message. Past messages are also available for listening and download. Just go to Gateway's Sunday Messages. Free CD's of the messages will be available after the services at Gateway the following Sunday.