This is the final week for our time in "Starting Point." Its been an exciting time for our small group. From the outset of this study people came in with a heat postured for transparency and vulnerability - that is always amazing because God uses that to show people just how much people need the Savior.
Questions for reflection
Section one:
1) When have you felt the need for deeper meaning in your life?
A few years ago I could remember an epiphany: I know a lot about the Bible, I have degrees in theology, but I'm getting my butt kicked in marriage. I'm frustrated. I'm highly highly critical. I'm angry. I have doctrinal language and a systematic handling of sin, but shoot, i'm a loose canon. I knew progressively that something was off. I thought to myself, "there has to be more to Spirituality than this!" I was also surrounding myself with likeminded people, but since nobody was owning to the same issues, I began to be confused. Were they just hiding their own struggles or is it just me? I wanted something deeper than what systematic theology was giving me. I wanted something practical.
2) What do you see as your gifts and talents?
Since I was a young kid, I have had the ability to make friends of different backgrounds, colors, personality types and religions. When I was in high school I had friends who were black, brown and even had some skinhead friends, which was weird being that I'm not even white.
3) What do you think of the idea that God has a plan for your life?
I'm absolutely thrilled that i'm here for a purpose.
Section two:
1) What do you associate with the word "Church"?
I have several initial thoughts. I think of the traditional "church" settings I knew throughout my childhood and adulthood. Then I also think of small house church ministry that I was exposed to a few years ago. I think of church on the fly when I used to be stationed on a ship. I think of major movements and I think of tons of people gathering but only a few being connected with what it meant to be broken and in need of the Savior.
2) Do you feel like the church has drifted from what Jesus originally intended? If so, how?
Absolutely. Protestants are highly critical of what the Roman Catholics have done with tradition, but at the same time Protestants are highly traditional. From an "order" of service to routines that have no biblical backing.
3) What would your response be if Jesus were to ask you, "Who do you say I am?"
You are Savior! You are my Savior. The living, resurrected Christ!
Section three:
1) Where could you see your gifts and passions being used in the church?
In a small groups, mens ministry, home church group, training and equipping. I've learned a lot about ministry over the past two decades and I want to bring that to the fight. I want to point the world to the Savior by showing them how much I need him. I will go fearlessly into battle knowing HE has won the war. I will go in with transparency and vulnerability. The time is short and people need to see the love of God. I do.
2) What will you take away from this Starting Point group experience?
I will never forget how all the men went straight to the top on day one. From one guy saying, "This is the most heinous thing I've ever done, to the guy who shared, "nobody knows this, but I trust you guys..." THAT was amazing. It took me years to get there and those guys went there in full faith. I love watching what God is doing in mens hearts.
3) What feels like the very next step for you in your faith journey?
The next step is to find out who wants to reach and submit my body, soul, and spirit to the cause. I want God to love others around me through my words and deeds.
No comments:
Post a Comment