Small Group Discussion Guide: "Woven Together: The Tapestry of Belonging"

"If you could have dinner with any biblical character, who would it be and why? What would you ask them or talk about over the meal?"

Introduction

Briefly share your initial thoughts on the sermon "Woven Together: The Tapestry of Belonging."

How did the sermon impact your understanding of community in the church?

Scripture Reflection

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

How does the early church's dedication to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer inspire your view of Christian community?

What is different and what is the same from how they did church life and how we do church life?

Discuss ways we can emulate the early church’s practices in our current church community.

Ephesians 2:19–22 ESV

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Reflect on the idea of being “no longer strangers and aliens” but part of God’s household.

How does this change your perception of your role in the church?

In what ways can we strengthen the foundation of our church community, with Christ as the cornerstone?

Romans 12:4–5 ESV

4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

What are your thoughts on comparing the church to a body with many members?

How do you see yourself as a part of this body?

Discuss the importance of interdependence in the church community.

1 Peter 2:9–10 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

As a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” what responsibilities do we have towards each other in the church?

Share ways we can declare God’s praises within our community and beyond.

John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7-12

1 John 4:7–12 ESV

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

John 13:34–35 ESV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

How can we practically show love to one another in our church community?

Discuss the challenges and rewards of living out Jesus’ commandment to love one another.

Application Questions

Personal Connection:

Reflect on your sense of belonging in the church. Do you feel like you're coming home when you enter your church?

Participation:

Identify ways you currently contribute to the life of the church.

Are there untapped gifts or talents you could offer?

Fellowship:

Share experiences of meaningful interactions with church members outside regular services.

Support:

Discuss how you have given or received support within your church community.

Growth:

Share how being part of the church has aided your spiritual growth.

What steps can you take to deepen your faith?

Inclusivity:

Brainstorm ways to enhance inclusivity in your church, especially towards newcomers or marginalized individuals.

Mission:

Reflect on your understanding of the church’s mission.

How can you better contribute to it and share Christ’s love?

Conclusion

What are one or two changes you can make in how you live as a result of what we’ve studied today?