Session One: Becoming the Good News

Read "Good News" text from the State of the Church. 

Sharing God's Word

Jesus' words are the foundation for a life of discipleship. They also formed the foundation of Bishop Schol's 2009 State of the 2009 Address. Read together the Bible verses: 

"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of."   - John 10:10

"Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?"   - Matthew 16:26

"Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But here is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in Lord's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."  - Matthew 22:37 (Eugene Peterson's The Message)

Review Section 1 of the State of the Church: Extreme Discipleship

"Extreme disciples are believers who are willing to risk it all for a Kingdom adventure; disciples who through the Holy Spirit are shaping the church to be the body of Christ. These disciples take time to be quiet and listen with their heart to hear the voice of God. They are also disciples who speak through actions of justice and mercy. They are Good News, offering God's grace through Jesus Christ."

Reflect and discuss

1. In your own words, and from your own life experience, how would you define what "an extreme disciple" is?
2. Disciples take risks for a Kingdom Adventure. What one time in your life have you taken a risk for the sake of the Gospel? What might you consider risking in the future?
3. What one or two ways might your life change if you lived "out of abundance, rather than scarcity?"
4. What one person in your life tends to "demonstrate love rather than indifference?" What lesson(s) have you learned from that person?
5.  "Resurrection power does not shrink under the weight of a challenge," the bishop said. In what one area would you like to see your congregation "rise up with hope and daring?"

Going Deeper, Wider, Further

Explore the four areas of focus that the denomination has adopted. How might your church enhance its ministries so that it is in alignment with these vital ministries? Is there anything your church might have to say "no," to in order to say "yes" to new opportunities?

Close with Prayer

Redeemer God, we long to be the people and the church you intend for us to be. Be present with us in the Adventure, as we bring your Spirit alive for the transformation of the world. Amen

State of the Church study guide:
Session 1: Becoming the Good News
Session 2: Grow Mission
Session 3: Grow Disciples
Session 4: Grow Spiritual Leaders
Session 5: Grow Congregations