Get an E-Life: Wikipedia

Series: Get an eLife
Wikipedia by Ted Beasley - August 12, 2007

1. Gateway was created to be (to use Ted’s words) “a safe haven for spiritual misfits and skeptics and those recovering in the been-burned-by-church unit.” Maybe that fits you and maybe not. But let’s find out… what drew you to Gateway initially? Take a few minutes to go around the circle and share why you started to come to Gateway… and if you are a regular attender, what makes you come back. (10 – 15 minutes)

2. For this next question, pair off and talk about which of the different things going on/activities at Gateway are part of what you like about the church. Use this to make a list of the different activity areas (some people call them “ministries”) that you use/enjoy/benefit from when you come toGateway. If you have gotten directly involved in any activity area yourself, make sure you add that to the list. Then, in group as a whole, make a list of all the activities you can that are part of the Gateway “experience”. (10 – 15 minutes)

3. Now let’s shift gears…. Think back over the last few years… have you been into any “open source” activities? (I’m thinking of things that are most likely outside of your work or family like a hobby or service organization you’ve been involved in … but maybe you have an intentional, planned activity in your family or work as well). Think about one or two of these things and then think about what impact there has been as a result of your involvement – in whatever way you are involved. Next think about what impact that activity has had on you. Do you see any relationship between what you put into it (i.e., the amount of time you spend, your individual talents (i.e., your “gifts”), or some other factor) and what comes out of it (the impact you have or what you gain)? In the group, talk about what makes an activity a good “fit” for someone: they either have or get a high impact. If possible, make a list of what things “work” in terms making an activity area a good fit. (5 – 10 minutes)

4. Now, let’s talk about ideas and motivations…. In either your life, or in the world around you, what are your “hot topics”: something (or 2-3 things) that is/are REALLY important to you - whether directly “spiritual” or not? (If you’re stumped… think about conversations you have over the last few weeks and whether there was anything that really got you pumped and want to “talk about that for hours”. Or, is there a topic on Wikipedia that you would read every entry on… and/or be likely to contribute your own entry?) Now… pair off again, and with your discussion partner brainstorm about each other’s “hot topics”. Using the list of Gateway activity areas from Question 2, try to identify the ones that seem like they could be a good fit with your personal hot topics. If there is nothing that fits an area that is particularly important to you – can the two of you think how that interest/gift/skill could contribute to Gateway in some new way – and what would be needed to make that happen? (10 minutes)

5. I hope at this point you can think of at least a few ways you could get excited by doing something – or starting something through Gateway. Take 3-4 minutes for some personal prayer and reflection. Do you sense God really nudging you into some area (or maybe it’s a lot more than a nudge….). If so, write that down, and then write down what you can specifically do in the next week to follow His lead. If you don’t have anything that really jazzes you…. then ask God to bring some area where you can contribute to your mind in the next week… and keep then pick a time at the end of the week to see whether you’ve had any new prompts (and be sure to keep your eyes and ears open)! (5 minutes)

6. (Optional) If there is more time for discussion, see if anyone would like to share about some Gateway activity they have been involved with and how they have liked it … or NOT liked it if it was not a good fit.

Bible verses from the message:

In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
Romans 12:5-6

All the believers were one in heart and mind . . . There were no needy persons among them.
Acts 4: 32 and 34

You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God.
I Peter 2:9

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If you speak, you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If you serve, you should do so with the strength God provides.
1 Peter 4:10-11

Related Next-Step Resources:

• Take a look at lots of different ways to get involved at Gateway along with a test gauge your talents and spiritual gifts at Gateway activities at the One Body Gateway website.
• Check out spiritual growth resources at Gateway's Way of Christ Next-Steps Website)
• Prior Sunday message is usual available by the Tuesday following the message (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive)