All Categories

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?

March 30, 2025

3/31/2025

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

DENYING THE SELF

Icebreaker
Share a time when you had to give up something you wanted for the sake of someone else. How did it impact you?
Study Questions

What does Jesus mean by “deny yourself” in Matthew 16:24?
How did Jesus model self-denial in his life and ministry?
What does Philippians 2:3-8 teach us about self-denial?
Why is self-denial difficult in our culture today?
How does self-denial draw us closer to God?
How does self-denial benefit society?

Application Questions

What is one area of your life where you struggle with self-denial?
How can you practice putting others first this week?
What is one step you can take to surrender more fully to God’s will?

March 23, 2025

3/24/2025

CONTENTMENT IN THE WILDERNESS: WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED
Icebreaker
Share about a time you received a hand-me-down or something secondhand. What did you feel in that moment—grateful, disappointed, content?

Study Questions

Read Philippians 4:10–14.
What do you notice about Paul’s tone and mindset as he writes from prison? How does he frame his gratitude and contentment?
Look at verse 12.
Paul says he “learned the secret of being content.” Why do you think contentment needs to be learned? What does this tell us about spiritual maturity?
Explore verse 13.
How does the context of this passage reshape the meaning of this verse? What's the difference between the misunderstood statement, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” and the more accurately translated statement, "I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength"?
Read Psalm 23.
How does this psalm reflect the idea that contentment is rooted in who God is? Which phrase in Psalm 23 most speaks to your heart right now?
Read Habakkuk 3:17–19.
What stands out to you in Habakkuk’s response to crisis? How does this passage deepen our understanding of rejoicing even in seasons of lack?

Application Questions

What are some areas of life where you’re currently feeling discontent? Are these longings good, misplaced, or a mixture of both?
In what ways have you seen God meet your needs in past seasons—especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty?
Paul, the Psalmist, and Habakkuk all testify to God’s sufficiency. What would it look like for you to daily practice contentment through gratitude?
Reflect on the idea that contentment is not about detachment, but about trust in Christ. How does this reshape how you engage with pain, longing, or uncertainty?

Prayer
Take turns sharing one longing or area of discontent with your group. Then, as a group or in pairs, use this structure to form a simple prayer together:

Name the longing: “Lord, I long for ___.”
Add a faith statement: “…and I know this is something you long for too” or “and I’m learning to be content through your strength.”
Close with gratitude: “Thank you that I have everything I need in you.”

Close your time praying for one another by name, asking for Christ’s strength, God’s peace, and the gift of growing contentment.

March 16, 2025

3/16/2025

Walking through the Wilderness

Icebreaker
Did you grow up observing or otherwise encountering Lent? If so, what do you remember about that? Or what was something that you or your family would do on a regular (daily, weekly, monthly or annual) basis? What memories of that do you have?

Discussion

Have someone read Ephesians 1:15-23 outloud while everyone else listens quietly for references to each person of the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Then read it through a second time, slowly, having the others in the group stop (interrupt) the reading whenever they see a reference to a person of the Trinity and say what person they are seeing.
Then, consider each person of the Trinity, in turn, summarizing and discussing their unique role as expressed in this passage.
Did you uncover, or appreciate in a new way, any aspect of the character or nature of God?
List and summarize the blessings in this passage.
What do those blessings express about the character and nature of God?

Application

Given your uniquenesses and individuality, at this moment in your life, what thing or things can you do to best participate in knowing God and in experiencing the blessings described here?
Again, given your uniquenesses and individuality, at this moment in your life, where might you experience "wilderness difficulty"? Where might you need sacrifice, commitment, self-discipline to do those things that might lead to knowing and experiencing God?
In what ways do other people help you learn and grow in your faith and understanding? Is it formal studying? Or supportive fellowship? Or learning from teachers, authors, or others via books, podcasts, online content? Maybe all of the above? Give specific examples of each, where possible.

Prayer
Ask people if they have any prayer requests. Then pray for each other's spiritual growth based on the above discussion and each other's prayer requests.

March 9, 2025

3/12/2025

Faith in the Wilderness

Icebreaker
What's a "guilty pleasure" of yours that usually proves too tempting to pass up?
Discussion

Review Matthew 4:1-3. Why do you think "the tempter" waits until after Jesus has already fasted 40 days to begin his tests?
Review Matthew 4:5-7. Why do you think it was important for Jesus not to "put God to the test" in this way?
What is it that finally drives Satan away from Jesus during this encounter?

Application

Which of the tempter's three tests would you find easiest (and hardest) to overcome?
What impresses you most about the way Jesus responds to the tests?
What challenges you most about Jesus' responses?
How are you personally inspired or convicted by this passage of Jesus overcoming tests and temptations?

Prayer
Take prayer requests from everyone, then pray about the above discussion and any prayer requests.

<<Previous

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

March 30, 2025

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

March 23, 2025

March 16, 2025

Walking through the Wilderness

March 9, 2025

Faith in the Wilderness

ABOUT

CATEGORIES