Launch Sunday – The Church I see
Preacher: Pastor Daniel Erasmus
Worship:
Build My Life – Pat Barrett
Check-in:
Take a few moments to connect as a group.
- If you could describe your ideal church in just three words, what would it be like and why?
OR
- What has been one of the most meaningful experiences you’ve had as part of a church family?
Key Scriptures:
- Mark 12:30
- John 13:35
- Acts 1:8
- Matthew 28:19-20
- Ephesians 3:20
Key Sermon Takeaway:
The church God calls us to become is not simply a place we attend but a people who love God wholeheartedly, love people deeply, and carry the hope of Jesus into the world around them.
Discussion:
1. Love God Wholeheartedly
Daniel spoke about loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. He reminded us that our love for God is a response to His love for us.
Discussion Questions
- Which of the four areas (heart, soul, mind, or strength) is easiest for you to give to God?
- Which area do you find most difficult to surrender to Him?
- How have you experienced God’s love motivating your obedience rather than guilt or obligation?
- What is one practical way you can deepen your relationship with Jesus this week?
Dig Deeper
Read 1 John 4:19.
How does understanding God’s love for us first change the way we approach following Him?
2. Love People Deeply
Jesus taught that people would recognise His followers by their love for one another. Daniel challenged us to build genuine relationships where people feel seen, known and cared for.
Discussion Questions
- Why do authentic relationships matter so much in our spiritual growth?
- Have you ever experienced God’s love through another believer? What happened?
- What can prevent us from building meaningful relationships within the church?
- How can our Life Group become a place where people can be honest about both victories and struggles?
Application Question
Who is someone in our church or community that may need encouragement, inclusion, prayer or friendship right now?
3. Change the World
The sermon reminded us that changing the world begins with taking the hope of Jesus to the people God has already placed around us.
Discussion Questions
- Who comes to mind when you think about someone who needs the hope of Jesus?
- What fears or obstacles sometimes keep us from sharing our faith?
- How does the promise of the Holy Spirit’s power encourage us to be witnesses?
- What would it look like to intentionally bless our community where God has placed us?
Dig Deeper
Read Matthew 28:19-20.
Why do you think making disciples involves more than simply helping someone make a decision to follow Jesus?
Personal Reflection:
Take a quiet moment and consider the question Daniel asked throughout the sermon:
“Jesus, what is my next step with You?”
Share, if comfortable:
- Is your next step to know Jesus more deeply?
- Is it pursuing a healthier relationship with someone?
- Is it serving, inviting, encouraging, or sharing your faith with someone?
- Is it trusting God in an area where you’ve been reluctant to surrender control?
Prayer Pointers
Spend time praying for one another specifically around the three themes of the sermon:
Love God: Pray for a deeper love for Jesus and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Love People: Pray for stronger relationships, unity and genuine care within the church family.
Change the World: Pray for courage and opportunities to share the hope of Jesus with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
Close by praying Ephesians 3:20-21 over your group:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
