Dear Church | Week One - New City Church

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Dear Church | Week One

September 17, 2023 • Pastor Steve Andres

Week One Conversation Starters

Remember, discipleship is a series of conversations. Take time to discuss the questions below with a friend or in a group. The goal isn’t to answer all the questions, just to talk through the topic and process your thoughts and reactions.

1. Do you have any initial reactions to the video?

2. What are three or four defining moments in your story? How have they shaped your sense of who you are?

3. The message of the cross (the story of how Jesus suffered and died for sinners) seems like foolishness to some. Have you ever encountered skepticism or hostility regarding faith in Jesus? How did you respond?

4. The cross gives us both a high and low view of ourselves. Have there been times you have realized “you are more sinful than you dare admit”? Have there been times when you were reminded “you are more loved than you dare hope”? Talk about one of those moments.

5. How can we faithfully live out the message of the cross at home, school, work and with friends?

6. How does your family or community impact the way you see yourself? Does this ever conflict with what God says about you?

Dear Church | Week Eight

November 5, 2023 • Pastor Steve Andres

Week Eight Conversation Starters Remember, discipleship is a series of conversations. Take time to discuss the questions below with a friend or in a group. The goal isn’t to answer all the questions, just to talk through the topic and process your thoughts and reactions. 1. What are your initial thoughts or reactions to the video? 2. There are three ways to gain wisdom. Asking God for it, life experience, and walking with wise people. Share how one of these ways has operated in your life. 3. On a scale of 1-10, how teachable would you say you are? How teachable would those closest to you say you are? 4. Why do you think God gives us wisdom AND power? What happens when one of those is lacking? 5. What are some areas where you need to see God’s wisdom and power at work in your life?

Dear Church | Week Seven

October 29, 2023 • Pastor Steve Andres

Week Seven Conversation Starters Remember, discipleship is a series of conversations. Take time to discuss the questions below with a friend or in a group. The goal isn’t to answer all the questions, just to talk through the topic and process your thoughts and reactions. 1. What are your initial reactions to the video? 2. Paul's calling was to places hostile to the Gospel message. In what ways was he creative in his communication? In what ways was he bold or confrontational? 3. What does the phrase, "It's not a head problem, it's a heart problem," mean to you? Where has this been true in your observation or experience? 4. Have you ever been surprised to realize that God was near to you? Talk about your experience. 5. What does it mean for us to have "light that leads to life?" How do we shine that light?

Dear Church | Week Six

October 22, 2023 • Pastor Steve Andres

Week Six Conversation Starters Remember, discipleship is a series of conversations. Take time to discuss the questions below with a friend or in a group. The goal isn’t to answer all the questions, just to talk through the topic and process your thoughts and reactions. 1) What is your initial reaction to the video? 2) How does the picture of Paul and Silas singing in prison impact you? What are your thoughts about that moment? 3) How much of your joy is rooted in your circumstances? 4) Why might your praise matters to others around you? How does it impact them? 5) What is keeping you from offering praise today? What needs to happen for you to praise God again?