State of the Church
February 10-11, 2018
Ron Williams
- Icebreaker Question: Pastor Ron stated that sometimes we focus more on what can’t be done versus what can be done. When have you had someone like this in your life? How was your relationship affected by this outlook?
- What challenged you, confused you, or changed you during the weekend’s message?
- Read Numbers 13:26-33. What were the positives from their report? What were the negatives? Why do you think Caleb encouraged the Israelite community to go up and take possession of the land? What were the other 10 spies focusing on who gave the bad report?
Ron outlined three choices each of us must make to move forward as a church:
- CONSUMER or CALLED: Consumers are focused on what they can get out of something. What are the outcomes of a church when church attenders are only “consumers”? READ 2 Timothy 1:9 and Ephesians 2:10. Describe the differences between a consumer and being called in your own words.
- CRITIC or CHAMPION: The thesaurus describes critics as reviewers, evaluators, appraisers, or those that judge, detract, or oppose. Champions are described as moving forward, defenders, supporters, backers and advocates. Read 2 Corinthians 13:11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11. In what ways do you see yourself as a critic? In what ways are you a champion?
- COMFORTABLE or COMMITTED: To be comfortable means to be relaxed, cozy, secure or snug. Pastor Ron said that to be committed, we need to leave our comfort zone so God increases our capacity and trust in Him. Read Philippians 3:12-14 and Matthew 16:24. How do these verses challenge you to move, in faith, outside of your comfort zone?
- Life at Home Question: Ron talked about Pathway’s values of Connect – Grow – Serve – Go. Which of these values are you pursuing in your own life? Which area do you feel you need to deepen your commitment in to move forward with Pathway?