EKKLESIA: THE Church and This church
Join us this fall for a new series called “EKKLESIA” as we look at the first expression of the Church as recorded in the book of Acts. We will also explore who we are as a church here at Live Oak. What was the Church like THEN and how should that shape who the Church should be NOW? We will also explore who THIS church is by exploring our mission, strategy and core values, as well as start exploring “what’s next” for Live Oak Community Church.
Week 11: The Next Gen Matters
At Live Oak Community Church, we believe that the next generation is a mission field of great importance, and everyone should do SOMETHING to know and invest in the next generation. What is your something?
LIVE OAK CONNECTION POINT:
Is baptism your next step in your walk with Jesus? If so, we’d love to know! You can let us know by visiting Sign Up & Events on the Live Oak App & webbsite or here
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- What is one of your favorite memories from your childhood? Talk about it.
- What was one of the toughest seasons or situations from when you were a child or teenager? It doesn’t have to be THE toughest or most painful but pick out one that was tough and what it was like to go through that struggle.
- Was there someone older who invested in you when you were younger? Who was it? What did they do that meant something to you or made a difference?
READ: Psalm 78:1-8. What observations do you make about these passages? What are the next generation actions we are called to take? What does it tell us the result could be?
READ Deuteronomy 6:1-9. This passage tells us what we are to do, what we are to teach the next generation and even gives some practical examples of HOW to do it. Talk about this passage briefly, and then talk about some practical ways you could spiritually invest in the next generation.
- One of the best things you can do to impact the next generation, or impact anyone, is to grow a thriving faith because it serves as an example and faith is contagious.
How can you practically work on your own spirituality to have a greater impact? - When you think about you own spirituality, who are influences that have walked with you through different phases of your life? If you didn’t have the good faith influences, what did you need during your younger seasons in life?
- Who is in your sphere of influence of the next generation that you can connect with?
- At Live Oak we believe “Everyone should do something to know and invest in someone in the next generation.” It is one of Live Oak’s core values. What is your SOMETHING?
- Talk about some ideas and ways you could individually, or as a family, or as a small group DO SOMETHING to know and invest in the next generation. Brainstorm as many ideas as you can.
- What is one thing you will do this week to know and invest in the next generation?
- What spiritual legacy would you like to leave for the Next Gen?
- What else stood out from this week’s sermon?
NEXT STEPS:
Everyone has a next step to apply what we have learned. What is your next step? Be specific.
MEMORY VERSE: *Challenge yourself or your group to commit this verse to memory:
Psalm 78:4 “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
PRAYER:
Spend some time praying for each other. And pray this prayer as a group: “Jesus, build your Church and show me my part and show us our path. Amen.”
***Challenge your group to make this a daily prayer throughout this series.
Scripture References:
Mark 10:13-22; Psalm 78:1-11; Matthew 5:14-16; John 13:35; Deuteronomy 6:1-9
