6-19-24 Life Group Questions
^ Click Take A Note ^ Remember to write down some short notes for each of the questions below before heading to life group.
1.
Share 1 thing that stood out to you about Sunday's Message (1 minute max please) Also press play button in image above to listen to Sundays message if you missed it or just to refresh your memory. (Each Individual)
2. Spiritual Fathers - Elders
1 Peter 5:1-4
1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
In our Western, Industrialized, Educated, Rich, Democratic, Ex-Christian, and Romantic (W.I.E.R.D.E.R.) society, does this role of Elder/Shepherd/Pastor still truly exist in people's lives? Is the biblical church Elder a thing of the past or still part of God's plan and order for His churches/flocks/members? What are some of the challenges this form of governance/leadership/authority face in today's society? What is lost when Elders don't lead with this authority? What is lost when Elders don't lead sacrificially and compassionately as commanded in these verses? Describe a church with this type of leadership and one without it. (Group Discussion)
3. Spiritual Sons & Daughters - Saints
1 Peter 5:5-7
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
On Sunday Pastor Vaughn talked about the accountability and judgement of God that starts with the Elders. After that Pastor Vaughn talked about the command for members to subject themselves or submit themselves under the authority of their Elders. It may be hard to embrace the "idea" of active church Eldership but it is definitely hard for many to embrace the "reality" of submitting themselves under that authority. Humility is prominent in these verses drawing our attention to the internal challenge of living this way.
Why do you think Peter has to share this teaching/direction with these churches? What makes this challenging today for many church members? Are people rebelling against this OR are most people unaware of God's actual plan for the relationship between Elders/Shepherds and Members/Sheep? (Talk to Jesus if you don't like being called sheep 🐑) It seems that maybe many believe in going to church to hear a Pastor speak as opposed to being the church that gathers to be led by a Shepherd? That includes Under-Shepherds and the Chief Shepherd. (Group Discussion)
4. The Father of Spirits - God
Hebrews 12:9
9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
Both of the above principles are connected to Fatherhood inside and outside of the church. On Sunday Pastor Vaughn talked about Fathers, Surrogate Fathers, Spiritual Fathers, and our Heavenly Father. Discuss the importance of all 4 and the roles they play in our lives. (Group Discussion)
* Remember to pray for each other before heading home from life group and to stay in communication here in the app throughout the week on your life group messaging thread!