Life Group Discussion

Welcome to a New Way of Thinking

Which truth about your new identity in Christ—being loved, forgiven, secure, or free—was most meaningful to you this week, and why?
What false identity or old label are you still tempted to believe—and how can you replace it with the truth of who you are in Christ?
Which parts of your identity (ethnicity, culture, family history, personality, etc.) feel most central to how you see yourself—and how is God reshaping those through your identity in Christ?
In what area of your life is it hardest to trust that you are secure in God’s care or fully forgiven by His grace? What helps you move toward trust?
How does baptism identify you with Christ and shape the way you see yourself and live out your faith in everyday life?
How does knowing you are a citizen of heaven impact the way you live in this world—your priorities, relationships, and choices?

Welcome to a New Way of Thinking

Best Practices for Discipling New Believers

Why is it important for new believers to build a strong foundation in who they are in Christ, and how might that shape the rest of their spiritual journey?
How can we help someone move beyond simply learning about God to actually walking with Him—growing closer to God, engaging Scripture, practicing prayer, and obeying what they’re learning?
What role does relationship play in discipleship, and how can we create spaces where people feel safe to grow, ask questions, and be honest about their struggles?
Why is it helpful for new Christians to understand the big story of the Bible—and how can that understanding give meaning and purpose to their everyday lives and choices?

A New Beginning

In what ways have you experienced God’s initiative to restore your relationship with Him?
How does knowing you are part of God’s family impact your daily decisions?
What areas of your life do you sense God is beginning to transform now that you are His?
How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions this week?

Confirmation & Grad Sending Sunday

Icebreaker
What’s a quirky or funny ritual you or your family has—like the “Kellander Cup” in the sermon?
(Examples: Sunday pancakes, weird birthday songs, or matching pajamas on Christmas morning.)

Study Questions

Read Numbers 9:1–12. What does this passage reveal about God’s character in allowing an alternate time for those who were unclean or traveling to still participate in the Passover?
What is the purpose of the Passover according to Exodus 12 and Numbers 9? How did it function as a ritual of remembrance for the people of Israel?
In the New Testament, what ritual did Jesus give us to remember Him? Read Luke 22:19–20. What similarities do you notice between Passover and Communion?
What is the meaning and purpose of Confirmation? How has this ritual in the life of the church been meaningful to you?

Application Questions

What rituals—spiritual or otherwise—help you remember who God is or what He’s done in your life?
Are there any rituals in your life that have lost meaning? What would it look like to reclaim or refresh their significance?
What kind of positive daily rituals (like prayer, Scripture, gratitude, service) might God be inviting you to embrace more intentionally?
How can rituals help you strengthen relationships with others? Is there a personal or family tradition you want to preserve or reintroduce?

Prayer
Ask God to help you not just "go through the motions," but to see the meaning behind spiritual and relational rituals. Pray for awareness, gratitude, and discipline in the rhythms that shape your life. Then take time to share and pray for each other’s personal needs and requests.

May 25, 2025

5/24/2025

What If I Have Doubts About God?

Icebreaker
Share about a time when you doubted something important — big or small. What did you do with your doubt? Were you surprised by the outcome?

Study Questions

Read John 20:24–29. What stands out to you about how Thomas expresses his doubt? What does his honesty reveal about his relationship with Jesus?
How does Jesus respond to Thomas' doubts? What does that tell us about God's character?
In John 20:29 (NIV), Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." What do you think it means to be "blessed" even when we don't have all the proof we might want?
Compare Thomas' reaction in verse 28 to Jesus' invitation in verse 27. What led Thomas from doubt to deep faith?
How does this story challenge the way we sometimes think about doubt and faith?

Application Questions

Have you ever had to deconstruct any beliefs or parts of your faith?
When people deconstruct their faith, what do you think helps them stay rooted in Jesus instead of walking away entirely?
When you experience doubts about God, how do you usually respond — push through, ignore them, pray, research, withdraw, etc.?
What would it look like for you to bring your doubts honestly to Jesus this week?
Who can you stay connected with in community when you are wrestling with questions or struggles of faith?
How might you encourage someone else who is going through a season of doubt right now?

Prayer
Pray that we would bring our real doubts to Jesus and trust Him to meet us there. Thank God that He is patient, gracious, and faithful even when we struggle to believe.

May 11, 2025 - Mothers Day

5/11/2025

Strength for the Weary

Icebreaker
What’s the most tired you’ve ever been? (Bonus points if it involved falling asleep in an awkward place, forgetting what day it was, or accidentally putting the milk in the pantry.)

Study Questions
Feeling Overwhelmed & Weary

Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him. What are some practical ways we can do this in our daily lives?
Read Matthew 11:28-30. How can those who are not mothers encourage or support the mothers in their community?

Comparison & Societal Pressures

In what ways do you see unrealistic expectations placed on mothers today?
Read Galatians 1:10. How does seeking God’s approval instead of people’s approval bring freedom?

Worry & Anxiety About Children

Worry can feel overwhelming, especially when thinking about loved ones. What are some ways we can replace anxiety with trust in God?
Read Philippians 4:6-7. How has prayer helped you during a season of uncertainty?

Lack of Support & Loneliness

Why do you think so many people (not just mothers) struggle with loneliness today?
Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. What are some ways the church community can better support and encourage one another?

Feeling Spiritually Dry

Jesus calls us to stay connected to Him like branches to a vine. What practices have helped you stay spiritually nourished during busy or exhausting seasons?
Read John 15:5. How can we encourage one another to prioritize time with God, even in the midst of life’s demands?

Application Questions

Which of these challenges resonated with you or the mothers you know the most, and why?
Think of a mother or caregiver in your life. What is one way you can encourage or support them this week?
What is one practical step you can take this week to find rest in God and let go of unnecessary burdens?

Prayer
Spend time praying for those who are weary—whether it’s from parenting, caregiving, grief, burnout, or life’s burdens. Ask God to renew their strength and help them feel His presence in a tangible way. Take time to pray for each other’s needs.

May 4, 2025

5/4/2025

Is There More to Life Than This?
Icebreaker
Have you ever chased after something only to realize it didn’t bring the satisfaction you expected?

Study Questions

What does Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 tell us about our longing for meaning?
How does this passage challenge worldly views of success and fulfillment?
What does it mean that God has “set eternity in the human heart”?
How does trusting in God’s plan help us navigate life’s uncertainties?

Application Questions

What is one way you can shift your focus from temporary satisfaction to eternal fulfillment?
How can you encourage someone else who is searching for meaning?
What is one step you can take this week to seek God more intentionally?

Prayer
Ask God to reveal the deeper purpose He has for your life and to satisfy the longing in your heart that nothing else can fill. Pray for the courage to seek Him with honesty and openness this week.

April 27, 2025

4/29/2025

Marta Klein - Grief and Lament

Marta Klein is one of our global partners with the Evangelical Covenant Church to the Democratic Republic of Congo. She was with us on Sunday, April 27, to share about her ministry and her journey through grief.

Icebreaker
What is one thing that recently brought you unexpected joy, even during a challenging time?

Study Questions

Read Matthew 5:4 and Psalm 23:4. How do these verses speak to God's presence and comfort during seasons of grief?
Marta said that grief is the deep emotion we feel, and lament is the expression of that emotion. Why do you think expressing our grief openly (lamenting) is important for healing?
In Marta's experience in Congo, grief is expressed immediately and openly through wailing and community support. How does this contrast with how grief is often handled in American culture?
Marta shared that grief and healing are not linear — sometimes we cycle through anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance multiple times. Why do you think it’s important to give ourselves (and others) grace during the grieving process?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:8–10 and Philippians 4:4–7. How do these passages encourage us to find hope even while we are still grieving?

Application Questions

Marta mentioned the importance of naming and recognizing different types of loss (permanent loss, living loss, layered loss). What types of loss have you experienced recently that you might need to name before God?
Reflecting on the four steps of lament (Turn to God, Talk to God, Ask for Help, Trust God), which step is the easiest for you? Which is the hardest right now?
How could you create more space in your life to honestly express your grief to God, either personally or in community with others?
What is one practical way you can offer support to someone you know who is grieving — not trying to "fix" them, but simply being present?

Prayer
Spend time praying for each other, asking God to meet each person in whatever grief, loss, or struggles they are facing. Thank God that He sees, hears, and walks with us through every valley.

April 20, 2025

4/23/2025

Easter Sunday - He's Still Rolling Stones
Icebreaker
What’s one thing you’ve tried to fix or overcome on your own, only to realize you needed help?

Study Questions

Read Matthew 27:57–60.
What does Joseph of Arimathea’s action tell us about courage, compassion, and sacrifice?
Read Matthew 28:1–6.
What's the significance of the angel rolling the stone away, even though Jesus had already risen?
Read Matthew 16:24.
How is the path of resurrection connected to denying yourself and taking up your cross?
Read Romans 6:4 and Colossians 3:5.
What are we called to “put to death,” and how does that relate to experiencing new life in Christ?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17.
What does it mean to be a “new creation” in Christ? How have you experienced that

Application Questions

What tomb (emotional, relational, or spiritual) do you feel stuck in right now?
What is the stone sealing it—fear, pride, shame, something else?
What would it look like for you to begin walking the road of the cross—through humility, repentance, or obedience?
How can this group support you as you step into resurrection life?

Prayer
Pray for each other as you follow Jesus in putting to death the sin in your lives, asking God to roll the stones that stand in your way of stepping out into new life and freedom.

April 13, 2025

4/15/2025

Follow Me

Icebreaker
What’s one time in your life when you really had to trust someone to guide you? What made you trust them?

Study Questions

Read John 10:11–18. What stands out to you about the way Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd?
What does it mean that the Good Shepherd “lays down his life” for the sheep? How is this different from a hired hand?
Jesus says, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (v14). What kind of relationship is Jesus inviting us into?
How do verses 16–18 show the inclusiveness and mission of Jesus? Who are the “other sheep” today?
How do John 10:11–18 and Matthew 16:24 work together to describe the cost and calling of following Jesus?

Application Questions

How well do you feel like you’re hearing and recognizing Jesus’ voice in your life right now? What helps you stay tuned in?
Where is Jesus inviting you to trust Him more deeply right now?
Who might God be calling you to love sacrificially this week—even if it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable?
If you’ve never decided to follow Jesus before, what questions or hesitations do you have? What would it mean for you to say “yes” to His invitation?

Prayer
Pray that each person in your group would grow in intimacy with the Shepherd, clearly hear His voice, and boldly follow where He leads. Take time to listen in silence, then share prayer requests and pray for one another.

April 6, 2025

4/8/2025

Taking Up Your Cross

Icebreaker
Have you ever had to do something really hard for the sake of someone else? What kept you going?

Study Questions

What does it mean to take up your cross daily (Luke 9:23)?
Why does Jesus say we must count the cost of following him (Luke 14:25-33)?
How does taking up the cross relate to perseverance in faith?
How did Jesus carry his cross, and what does that teach us?
How do we differentiate between general suffering and suffering for Christ?

Application Questions

What personal sacrifices might God be calling you to make for His sake?
How can you develop resilience in your faith?
In what ways can you be a leader who serves rather than seeks power?

<<Previous

June 15, 2025

Welcome to a New Way of Thinking

June 8, 2025

Welcome to a New Way of Thinking

June 1, 2025

Confirmation & Grad Sending Sunday

May 25, 2025

What If I Have Doubts About God?

May 11, 2025 - Mothers Day

Strength for the Weary

May 4, 2025

April 27, 2025

Marta Klein - Grief and Lament

April 20, 2025

April 13, 2025

Follow Me

April 6, 2025

Taking Up Your Cross

ABOUT

CATEGORIES