“We are all called to initiate involvement in each other’s lives… We covenant together to work and pray for unity, to walk together in love, to exercise care and watchfulness over each other, to faithfully admonish and entreat one another as occasion may require, to assemble together, to pray for each other, to rejoice and to bear with each other, and to pray for God’s help in all this.” –  Mark Dever.

The church is a place of refuge and comfort to many, with believers often viewing it as their second home. It is a place of worship where people can connect spiritually with God, while also forming meaningful relationships with one another. For individuals who attend church services regularly, it is not just a place to learn theology, but also a place where they can form deep and supportive connections with other members of the congregation.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of strong relationships within the church, and it’s no wonder why. In John 13:34-35, Jesus instructs His followers to “…Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” From this passage, it’s clear that relationships are essential for demonstrating and sharing one’s faith. Still, for that to happen, believers must first be actively engaged in developing relationships with those around them.

Relationships within the church go beyond the superficial. Beyond being places to find spiritual guidance, churches can also serve as places for believers to find emotional support and encouragement.

Caring for each other in the body of Christ is everyone’s responsibility, not just the church leadership. We are all responsible for seeing and meeting the needs of the body of Christ. That means we need to take the time to get to know one another on a deeper level, beyond just surface-level introductions.  It also means that being present and listening to one another is essential in fostering meaningful relationships. Listening with empathy and understanding demonstrates that you are truly engaged in the conversation and that you want to learn more about the other person. And while physical relationships are an essential part of the church membership, we can also nurture spiritual relationships with one another through prayer.

Relationships are an integral part of the church experience, and believers must make a conscious effort to foster meaningful connections with one another. By being present, listening, and taking the time to get to know one another, members of the church can create strong and lasting relationships. These relationships will make the church experience more enjoyable and enriching,

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we better show love and grace to one another, even when we have disagreements? 
2. In what ways can we encourage and support one another in our walks with God? 
3. How can we be more intentional about building relationships with people we don’t normally interact with in church? 

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” – Matthew 6:34 (MSG).

Have you ever been telling a story, recalling events, expressing an opinion, or asking for advice when you notice that the person across from you is not paying attention? Maybe they are watching somebody walk by or glancing at their phone in response to a text alert. Or perhaps they have that glazed-over look accompanied by that pretending-to-listen head nod.

We’ve all been there. While it may seem that ‘just listening’ is a passive act, good listening is an active act of love. Loving others involves taking the time to offer a listening ear to other Christians in our community. Pausing to hear the concerns of a fellow believer, even if you don’t see eye-to-eye on an issue, shows them that they are loved, seen, heard, and a valuable part of God’s family.

It is an act of love because it requires us to focus on another person’s inner world, not our own. In a church setting, listening to other believers is crucial for fostering a healthy and thriving community. It promotes mutual encouragement, understanding, and spiritual growth.

The Gospels depict Jesus as someone who consistently listened to others, both to God the Father and to the people around Him. He modeled active listening, demonstrating care and understanding for those He interacted with. Jesus frequently prayed and listened to His Father, particularly before important events or decisions. For example, in John 11:41-42, Jesus prays aloud before raising Lazarus from the dead, stating, “…Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” This highlights His constant connection and receptivity to God’s will.

Jesus actively engaged with people from all walks of life, demonstrating empathy and attentiveness to them. He stopped to heal the sick, engage with those who were marginalized, and answer the questions of those seeking the truth. His listening wasn’t passive; He asked questions, showed genuine interest, and responded with compassion. We should do the same.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian who died in a Nazi prison. This passage from his book on Christian community, titled Life Together: “The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God’s love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear. It is, therefore, His work that we do for our brother when we learn to listen to him. Christians, especially ministers, so often think they must always contribute something when they are in the company of others, that this is the one service they have to render. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking.”

Listening well is also loving because sometimes it leads to getting involved in other people’s lives. “Oh wow, that must be hard. Is there anything I can do to help?” Being available in practical ways is yet one more way we can serve with the hands of Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. What distractions keep you from giving someone your full attention in a conversation? How can you minimize them? 
2. Choosing to Listen: What does it mean to “choose to listen?” And how can you do that well? 

“Forgive, forget. Bear with the faults of others as you would have them bear with yours. Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious.” – Phillips Brooks.

Forgiveness is our calling. Jesus calls us to make forgiveness a way of life as we follow Him. Jesus taught His followers to “…forgive one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). He offered them a model prayer that includes the phrase, “forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12).  In Matthew 18:22, where Jesus instructs Peter to forgive “seventy times seven.” or 490 times.

Forgiveness, especially when it feels impossible, is an act of God’s power and love in our lives. On our own, it’s beyond our capability. But with God, we can accomplish things we never thought possible, including forgiving what the world may consider unforgivable. Jesus commands us in Matthew 6:14-15, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This shows that forgiveness is not just a suggestion. Forgiveness is presented as a fundamental concept in Christianity, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the example of God’s forgiveness.

In moments when it feels impossible to forgive, we must remember what Jesus did on the cross. As He was being crucified, an innocent man bearing the weight of humanity’s sins, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). If Jesus could forgive on the cross, how much more are we called to extend that same grace?

The healthy church embodies forgiveness. The church should be a community where forgiveness is practiced and extended. By embodying forgiveness, the church can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of grace. Jesus taught about forgiveness as a way of being in the community as the church – the body of Christ.

If we are committed to living in community, we have to recognize that we will inevitably hurt, annoy, and anger one another. We will create resentments. And unless we are going to walk away from each other or sit in distant seats on Sundays and refuse to interact, we will need to learn how to forgive as a way of being together. This is the only way the church community can thrive and provide a paradigm or model for the larger community. It is something the world desperately needs.

Each time we can bring ourselves to forgive another person, the act of letting go leads us in the direction of deeper relationships and a more connected community, and also to greater strength in forgiving in the future.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some common misunderstandings or myths about forgiveness that can hinder its practice within the church?
2. In what ways does God model forgiveness to us through Christ, and how can the church embody this same spirit of grace and mercy? 
3. What steps can individuals take to cultivate a forgiving heart and be more intentional about extending forgiveness to those who have wronged them?

 “Many Christians today think of salvation as leaving earth for heaven, but the story of Scripture is quite the opposite. The message of the kingdom of God is not an escape from earth to heaven but God’s reign coming down from heaven to earth. The focus of God’s reign is his people, but the scope of God’s reign is all of creation.” – Jeremy Treat.

While Jesus was on the earth, the focus of His teaching and ministry was on the Kingdom of God. In the ESV translation, “kingdom” is mentioned 126 times in the Gospels. For example, Luke 17:20-21 (ESV) says, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed… for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” The book of Acts is filled with accounts of works of the Kingdom of God.

In Christian terms, the Kingdom of God primarily refers to God’s rule and reign, both now and in the future. It’s about God’s authority being recognized and followed, both in individual lives and in the world as a whole. It’s not just a future hope, but also a present reality experienced through faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught the Kingdom of God as a new way of living and thinking, not as a physical kingdom with walls and a castle.

Because Jesus spent a significant amount of time teaching about the Kingdom of God, it should be an essential part of our understanding as Christians. Not only can we understand God’s Kingdom, but we can live in it and carry its message. Seeking first the Kingdom of God also means prioritizing God’s values and principles in every aspect of our lives. It involves making decisions that align with God’s will, cultivating spiritual disciplines such as prayer, studying the Scriptures, and actively participating in the Christian community.

When we hear the phrase “kingdom of God,” we often picture something distant and future — a heaven beyond the clouds, a reign of Christ that will arrive sometime in the future. But Jesus flips that expectation. The kingdom is already among us. It’s not found in pomp or pageantry, but in the quiet transformation of lives touched by His grace.

The kingdom of God is wherever God reigns — and that begins in the human heart. It is both already and not yet — present in the hidden work of the Spirit in the world now, and yet to be fulfilled completely when Christ returns.

This means the kingdom is not something we wait for passively. It’s something we live into daily. When you forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it, the kingdom breaks in. When you serve the poor, bless your enemies, pursue justice, or speak the truth in love, the kingdom advances. When a heart turns to God, heaven celebrates because the Kingdom has advanced.

God’s rule is not about political power, cultural dominance, or visible status. It’s about humility, love, mercy, and truth taking root in everyday life.

Discussion questions:

1. How does the Kingdom of God impact our daily lives? How does it shape our priorities, decisions, and relationships?
2. How can we participate in God’s Kingdom? How can we live out the values of the Kingdom in our homes, workplaces, and communities?

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27.

When many people hear the word “church,” they think of a building: stained glass, windows, pews, pulpits, and Sunday services. “You gotta have one to get married in,” or “It’s the place where kids should go on Sunday.”

The real church is not defined by architecture, location, or programs. It’s the living body of Christ—made up of believers. Wherever God’s people gather in His name, whether in cathedrals or living rooms, coffee shops or prisons, that is the church. Not brick and mortar, but flesh and spirit.

We get sidetracked sometimes—measuring the health of a church by its attendance numbers, worship style, or even the polish of its sermons. The true church is not defined by size, wealth, or popularity, but by its devotion to Christ and its commitment to His word. It is marked by something much deeper: love, unity, truth, and mission. The true church is composed of individuals who have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, making Him the center of their lives.

The true church exists to help people deepen their relationship with God by establishing a connection with Jesus Christ. The genuine church will disciple individuals and help them develop their God-given talents to be used in magnifying the Lord.

It is a place of real faith. Faith is the absolute belief that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven and eternal life. That type of faith should compel a person to explore and deepen their relationship with Jesus by living for Him every day. It’s not about being perfect as much as it is about recognizing how much you need Jesus and understanding that repentance leads to transformation.

It is place of real boldness. Boldness can be a risky business, but only if we do it on our own. When the Lord leads the way, we can follow Him without fear, knowing the outcome is always in His capable hands. When the disciples prepared to share the gospel, they prayed, “…give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word” (Acts 4:29). They knew they couldn’t drum up boldness on their own, so they called on God to help them be unafraid and unapologetic.

The Lord quickly answered the disciples’ prayer: “After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). Boldness is really about God, then, and not about us.

“The Bible is not the light of the world; it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible; the world reads Christians! You are the light of the world.” (Charles Spurgeon).

Discussion Questions:

1. Do I view church primarily as a place I attend, or a people I belong to?
2. How am I contributing to the life and mission of the real church?
3. Are there ways I’ve limited my understanding of church to something less than God intended?

We read the stories of Jesus—his joy, his resolute peace through uncertainty, His unanxious presence, his relaxed manner, and how in the moment he was—and think, I want that life. We hear his open invitation to “life…to the full” and think, “Sign me up.” We hear about his easy yoke and soul-deep rest and think, Gosh, yes, heck yes. I need that. But then we’re not willing to adopt his lifestyle. But in Jesus’ case, it is worth the cost.” – John Mark Comer.

Surrender is not a popular word in our culture today. We do not generally applaud submission. Surrender implies weakness to most people and evokes the unpleasant images of admitting defeat in battle, forfeiting a game, or yielding to a stronger opponent. The word is almost always used in a negative context. In today’s competitive culture, we are taught never to give up and never give in – so we don’t often hear much about surrendering.  Studied in Scripture, however, surrender to the will of God is seen as the heart of worship. So how do you live with Jesus in the center of your life?

Listen to the Apostle Paul’s words: “Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life” (Romans 6.13).

“Give yourselves completely to God.” Other versions put the same thought in different words: “yield yourself to God,” “offer yourselves to God,” and “present yourselves to God.” The key to living with Jesus at the center of your life is surrendering control to Him day by day and moment by moment.

Jesus lived a life of continual surrender to the Father. ”So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” (John 5:19). As He said to the Father when the time came to surrender His life, “I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:42).

Walking with Jesus means continual surrender, trusting that the God who made you has a plan for you and loves you. You aren’t surrendering your God-given identity and uniqueness when you surrender to Christ. We surrender not for fear or threat but in the hope that the One to whom we surrender has a better life for us.

In surrender, God may—or may not—give us what we want. But when we surrender, He always wants to provide us with Himself. When we surrender, we always receive what is best: the Lord Jesus. When we surrender our lives, we give up ourselves minute by minute, day after day. We give up our will, fears, comfort, and control.

Surrender isn’t about giving up; it’s about giving in to the One who knows what is best for us, to the One who knows us most and has a perfect plan.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is an area of your life that you know you need to surrender to God?
2. What might you be giving up if you do surrender that area to God?
3. Do you believe that surrendering to God could benefit you? How?

“For many of us, the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted, rushed, and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.” – John Ortberg.

When Christ called us, He called us to live a radical life. Our allegiance to Him is something that should affect every area of our lives. Following Jesus is not just sitting in church on Sunday. It is a radical commitment. There is no such thing as a passive, purposeless lifestyle among those who embrace Jesus.

We are pretty ordinary people, but the gospel ministry belongs to ordinary people doing ordinary things with radical devotion to Christ. It is not only the task of paid professionals, but also the task of the body of Christ, to engage in the mission. Well, what does that look like in practical terms? How can each of us play this role? It is not that complicated. It begins with a radical commitment to Jesus: to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did. A radical commitment that we don’t get to follow Jesus, but a privilege that we get to follow Him.

Dwight L. Moody, an American evangelist who founded the Moody Church, Moody Bible Institute, and Moody Publishers, said, “If this world is going to be reached, I am convinced that men and women of average talent must do it.”  Jesus picked ordinary men as His disciples. Ordinary men. Fishermen, tax collectors, etc.. God turned their weaknesses into strengths and used them to change the world. The disciples were deeply committed to following Jesus, as evidenced by their actions and the teachings recorded in the Bible. This commitment included dedicating themselves to His teachings, fellowship, prayer, and sharing meals. Their radical commitment led to persecution and even martyrdom for their faith.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Christians lived a life radically committed to Jesus? When a person does something Christ-like or glorifying to God, it is regarded as special, as if something extraordinary. However, if the church were radically committed to being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing as He did, it would be commonplace.

When we obey God and live ordinary radical lives, we can turn the world upside down. But obedience can cost us. Jesus told us that we must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily if we are to follow Him (Luke 9:23). He laid down His own life for the sake of someone else—and there is nothing more radical—so we are called to do the same.

If we call ourselves Christians, we must be willing to let God use every aspect of our ordinary lives in radical ways.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are initial thoughts when hearing the phrase “radical commitment to Jesus?” How does this challenge or confirm your understanding of discipleship?
2. How does Jesus’ teaching in passages like Luke 14:26-27 about the cost of following Him shape the understanding of “radical commitment?” What do these passages suggest about the level of devotion Jesus expects?

Summary: A “church on the move” signifies a community of believers actively engaged in God’s mission, demonstrating a commitment to growth, service, and outreach. It’s a church that doesn’t settle for comfort or complacency, but actively seeks opportunities to impact the world around them with the love and message of Jesus Christ. This involves a willingness to step out in faith, embrace change, and respond to the community’s needs.

A church on the move recognizes that God is constantly working and moving, and they strive to align themselves with His activity. This may involve adapting to new circumstances, embracing new technologies, or exploring new ways to connect with people. This type of church doesn’t shy away from the brokenness and heartache in the world, but instead moves toward it, offering help, hope, and healing. They are generous with their time, resources, and talents, seeking to meet the needs of others.

A church on the move understands that it is a steward of God’s resources and lives a generous life, reflecting God’s generosity. This generosity extends beyond financial giving to include acts of service, compassion, and love. They rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern God’s will and direction, trusting that He will lead them to new and exciting places. This requires a willingness to be led, to be obedient, and to trust in God’s faithfulness.

In Exodus 35 (NIV), God told the people, “From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver and bronze” (Exodus 35:5). “Everyone who is willing.” We have that part down; we are willing.  In Exodus 35:21 we find out what happened. “and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.” They weren’t just moved; they got moving.

Many of us have felt that stirring in our hearts—the quiet whisper during worship, the conviction while reading Scripture, the tear in our eye when we hear a powerful testimony. That’s being moved by God. It’s real, it’s powerful, and it’s necessary. But being moved is not the same as moving. We can sit in church, deeply touched, and still walk out unchanged. We can be stirred in our spirit, but never take a single step in faith.

Being moved by God is the beginning. But moving with God requires surrender, trust, and action. It looks like Abraham leaving his homeland. Like Peter stepping out of the boat. Like Mary saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true”

In essence, the future church is about more than just attending services or participating in church activities. It’s about actively living out the gospel, demonstrating God’s love and grace to the world, and being a catalyst for positive change in the lives of others. We often pray for God to move—but He already is. The better question is: are we moving with Him?

The story in Exodus 35 ends in Exodus 36:4-7 (TLB) where re read, “We have more than enough materials on hand now to complete the job!” So Moses sent a message throughout the camp announcing that no more donations were needed. Then at last the people were restrained from bringing more!”

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean for a church to be “on the move?” What picture comes to mind when considering that phrase?
2. How has your understanding of “church” shifted from a building or event to something you are, a living body of believers actively participating in God’s mission?
3. What can we do as a church and as a body to move forward?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

One of the most heartfelt and moving moments during church services is seeing individuals respond to God’s call and raise their hands, saying “yes” to God.  “Yes” to living for Jesus. “Yes” to being set apart for His Gospel. “Yes” to doing things His way. “Yes” to obeying His voice. “Yes” to studying His Word.” “Yes” to making the changes that are needed to follow Him.

Saying “yes” to Jesus is foundational for spiritual formation and living a life of purpose. It means choosing to trust and obey God’s will, even when it’s challenging, and involves surrendering your desires and plans to His. Christian spiritual formation is simple, yet it encompasses many components. It’s saying yes to a lifelong and forever journey with Jesus.

What happens when we say YES to God’s calling on our lives? We have no way of knowing for sure what the outcome will be. But we do know that saying yes to Jesus is better than anything or anyone else. In this world, we will find nothing greater than Jesus. Saying yes to Jesus leaves the past behind and trusts the future to Him. Often, we are held back by our past mistakes or the things that we want to accomplish personally. We put up roadblocks when it comes to following what God has for us. But if we say yes, God takes care of our future and covers our past mistakes with His blood.

Saying yes means that God is your authority; you are placing your hope, trust, and loyalty in Him. He is the ultimate authority, and you should gladly submit your life to Him. You experience His faithfulness when you say yes. God is always faithful to us. He will finish what He begins. His timing is perfect. His ways are perfect. God will show up in ways that you would never expect when you say yes to whatever it is that He is calling you to.

But yes is yes even when things go south. You will have moments when it’s not fun to follow. You will have moments when you don’t want to follow. You will have people who will encourage you to say “maybe” or “no.” In these times, yes needs to stay yes and trust in God.

You have no idea how God may use you when you say yes. Peter did not know that he would write 1 and 2 Peter. He had no idea that he would preach the first sermon in the church and that 3,000 people would get saved. He just followed Christ.

As we follow Jesus, we will often encounter things that require courage and faith. When we feel resistant, afraid, and tempted to say no to Him, we need to remember all the things we are saying yes to. God’s grace, love, help, and purpose are better than anything this world could offer us.

Discussion Questions:

1. What comes to mind when you say “yes” to Jesus?
2. How can we ensure ‘yes’ stays ‘yes’ when we face hard times?

“Nothing in or of this world measures up to the simple pleasure of experiencing the presence of God.” – Aiden Wilson Tozer.

The life of Joseph, as recounted in the book of Genesis, is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. God used Joseph mightily, but as often is the case, that comes with great suffering. Joseph was mistreated, slandered, and betrayed by his own family. As a result, he had to learn how to forgive others.

 After Joseph was wrongfully sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, he was wronged again by his Egyptian master’s wife. Still, through his God-given ability to be blessed in all situations and to interpret dreams, he rose to the second-in-command position over all of Egypt.  In that position, Joseph then had the opportunity to wield power over his food-seeking brothers during a severe famine.  Rather than seeking revenge for being wronged,  Joseph talked about his heart for God and gave us an object lesson in forgiveness. Genesis 41:51  says, “ Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, “God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.” In that statement, we have the blueprint for forgiveness in 2025.

 God has caused me to forget:  Joseph recognized that true forgiveness comes from God, and does not come naturally to people. God’s action in forgiveness is very specific; it comes through me.  It is not for someone else; I must respond to God, even ask Him, to cause me, as Joseph did, to forget our troubles. And then he forgot: it was gone from Joseph’s mind.

What did God cause Joseph to forget?  Not his brothers, as he instantly recognized them when they came before him for food.  He forgot the difficulties and the consequences – the pain and humiliation – of the wrongs done against him.  Once those are forgotten, which only God can do, the offense can disappear or at least seem less important. His brothers’ jealousy, his father’s favoritism, and his innocent prideful behavior led to his brothers’ hatred of him.  All of those things were taken from his mind.

For a believer, forgiveness is a central tenet of faith, encompassing both receiving and extending forgiveness. It involves letting go of resentment and anger towards others, even those who have wronged them, and also recognizing one’s own need for forgiveness from God. This process is rooted in God’s forgiveness of humanity through Jesus Christ and is a pathway to spiritual, mental, and emotional healing.

Once again, Joseph’s focus was on God and what He could do in the midst of evil and unhappy circumstances. For those who struggle to forgive, entrust it to God. Ask Him to change your heart and trust that He will bring you to a place of peace. The journey may be challenging, but with God, it can be a rule of life.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some key biblical examples of forgiveness that inspire you, and why?
2. How does understanding God’s forgiveness of our own sins impact our ability and motivation to forgive others
3. How can forgiveness be a rule of life?