After Big Sunday 2022 we wanted to give Growth Groups a chance to reflect, chat and pray through some of the changes that are approaching for our church family.

Find a printable version of this study here.

 

Intro

Q. Think back to the Big Weekend; what were some of the things that stood out to you personally?

 

3 John and Our Gaius Moment

Read 3 John again together

1 The elder,

To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.

 
 

Q. What is it about Gaius that John takes great joy in? (And how is this different to Diotrephes?)

 

Video - Christians and Change

 

Discuss in groups and share together

Q. Think back through your life so far. Share one of the biggest life changes you’ve experienced.

Q. How does the gospel give Christians a solid foundation when facing change?

Q. Which of these do you resonate with as you think about the plans for church in 2024 (it could be multiple at once!)

  • Excited

  • Hopeful

  • Curious

  • Eager

  • Optimistic

  • Apprehensive

  • Anxious

  • Confused

  • Indifferent

  • Sad

  • Overwhelmed

  • Worried

 

Video - Towards 2024 Together

 

Discuss together

Q. What were some of the big reasons Greg mentioned about why we’re all going through this change? How do these (or other reasons) help you?

Q. What principles do you think are important to remember as we all approach making decisions in the future?

Q. If you haven’t already, share what you’re personally thinking about for 2024, and how certain you’re feeling about it.

Q. What are the questions you still have? Maybe chat through some of these as a group and see how the gospel might help answer them?

 

Pray together

Take some time either as a whole group or in smaller groups to bring these plans to God, along with how we feel.

We’d also love to know any questions you might have. Please feel free to email towards2024@hunterbiblechurch.org and we’ll try to get back to you asap.