Special Instructions
We have a unique opportunity to put this week’s message into practice in a deep and powerful way. Some of us may not think that our story is a great one. But when God changes a life, the result is a great story–a story too good to keep to ourselves. As Jeff talked about, we have a new resource at the end of this group guide to help us craft and share our story. Be sure to save about 10 minutes of your group time to go through the “How to Share Your Story Guide” (starting at question #8).
Discussion Questions
- Who first invited you to Chase Oaks or told you something about God? Who first explained to you how to have a relationship with God? Talk a little bit about the conversation and its ripple effect.
- Sharing the good news of Jesus can be difficult: it can cause problems in our relationships, push people further away, and lead to questions we cannot answer. What challenges have you faced in sharing your faith?
- Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. What words or phrases stand out to you in this passage, and why?
- From this passage, Jeff talked about two helpful aspects to sharing our faith. The first is to “create pull” through living a compelling and connected life the way Jesus did and staying connected to those who don’t yet know God. What are some ways that you see people living a compelling life?
- What opportunities do you have to stay connected to those who don’t yet know God?
- The second part to sharing our faith is to “be prepared” by being ready to share in a helpful way the story of what God is doing in your life with Jesus in it. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being “I’m prepared to share my story right now” and 1 being “I’m in no way ready”), where would rank your readiness to share your story, and why? Remember, there is no shame or guilt if you are at a 1.
- Read John 4:28-30. How did the woman in this passage model the “sharing your story” approach?
- To put this into practice, we have a special resource called “How To Share Your Story Guide” to help you craft and share your story. Let’s take a look at this introductory video together.
- Your assignment is to go through “How To Share Your Story Guide” (available at the bottom of this group guide) before our next meeting. We will take some time at our next meeting for each of us to practice sharing our story.
- Let’s pray for God to help us live out 1 Peter 3:15-16 and for the people God is placing in our lives that need to hear our story.
Verse to Meditate on and Memorize This Week
And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
Put It into Practice (During the Week)