Discussion Guide: Serving Christ

This sermon focuses on sustaining church growth through active participation from all members. The pastor emphasizes that growth requires more than just attending church - it demands that every saved member use their spiritual gifts to serve Christ and the church body. The message covers three key areas: the non-negotiable nature of church attendance, the mandatory aspect of service through spiritual gifts, and practical ways to apply these gifts including evangelism, discipleship, community engagement, and church infrastructure. The pastor stresses that every believer receives at least one spiritual gift upon salvation and has a responsibility to use it for God's glory and the growth of the church.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us in this time together. We ask that You would help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and that You would show us how we can better serve You and one another. Remove any barriers or distractions that might prevent us from hearing Your voice clearly. Help us to approach this discussion with humility and a genuine desire to grow in our faith and service to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one skill or talent you have that others might not know about, and how did you discover you had this ability?

Key Verses

1. Hebrews 10:23-25

2. 1 Peter 4:10-11

3. Matthew 28:19-20

4. 1 Corinthians 12:1

5. Matthew 20:26-28

Questions

1. The pastor mentioned that attendance is 'non-negotiable' for sustaining church growth. What are some practical barriers that prevent consistent church attendance, and how can we overcome them?

2. According to the sermon, every believer has at least one spiritual gift. How can someone discover what their spiritual gift is, and why is it important to know?

3. The pastor stated that 'there is no retirement age in the kingdom of God.' What does this mean for how we view service throughout different seasons of our lives?

4. How does the pastor's definition of a disciple as a 'learner' change your understanding of what it means to follow Christ?

5. The sermon mentioned that 50 people have joined the church since 2021, but many are no longer attending. What role does discipleship play in helping new members stay connected?

6. What is the difference between evangelism and discipleship, and why are both necessary for church growth?

7. The pastor emphasized having a 'servant's attitude' rather than wanting things 'our way.' How can we cultivate this mindset in our daily lives and church interactions?

8. What are some practical ways our church can better engage with our community beyond just inviting people to Sunday services?

Life Application

This week, take the spiritual gifts survey mentioned in the sermon (or research spiritual gifts online) to identify your spiritual gifts. Once you've identified at least one gift, commit to using it in service to God and others. This could be through volunteering at church, serving in your community, or using your gift to encourage and build up fellow believers.

Additionally, make a commitment to consistent church attendance and consider how you can help disciple or encourage someone else in their faith journey.

Key Takeaways

1. Sustaining church growth requires active participation from every saved member, not just pastoral leadership

2. Church attendance is non-negotiable and serves to affirm our hope, consider others, and provide mutual encouragement

3. Every believer receives at least one spiritual gift upon salvation and is expected to use it in service to God and others

4. True discipleship means being a learner who becomes more like Christ, not just a church attender

5. The church must engage the community through evangelism, discipleship, and practical service to reach the lost and grow spiritually

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection on Your Word. We are grateful that You have equipped each of us with spiritual gifts to serve You and build up Your church. Help us to move beyond just being hearers of the Word to being doers. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones and use our gifts for Your glory. Show us practical ways we can serve one another and reach our community with the gospel. Help us to have servant hearts like You demonstrated when You came to earth. May our church continue to grow both numerically and spiritually as we commit to faithful attendance, active service, and intentional discipleship. We pray this in Your precious name, Amen.