DON'T MISS THIS. This past weekend, we began a new sermon series, THE DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY, where we will explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and discover practical ways to follow him. Throughout the New Testament, we see BAPTISM as a step of obedience for a follower of Jesus (Matthew 28:19–20). If you have trusted Jesus but haven’t been baptized, this is a great time to take that step. To learn more about baptism or to register, click HERE.

GROUP VALUES. This month, we are focusing on CARE, specifically caring for one another in your small groups. Each small group has the unique opportunity to provide care for one another, whether it is through a difficult or joy-filled season. This could be an unexpected job loss, a death in the family, the birth of a child, or a big move. Groups that grow together are groups that care for one another. Consider prayerfully how you might offer care to someone in your group this week.

GROW AS A LEADER. In our new series, THE DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY, we start by looking at what it means to follow Jesus and how that plays out in our everyday lives. The goal of our faith is to become more like Jesus. As you lead your group, what does this look like in your own life? What is one thing you need to leave behind to take your next step in following Jesus?

ICEBREAKER

When you were a kid, who did you most want to grow up to be like, and why?

THIS WEEK'S TEXT

Have someone read Matthew 4:18–23 aloud.

What were these four men doing when Jesus called them?

 How quickly did the fishermen respond to Jesus's invitation?

 What did James and John leave behind to follow Jesus?

THIS WEEK'S SERMON

Pastor Aaron Buer talked about what it means to follow Jesus. As a group, recall some of the sermon's big ideas and main points.

In Jesus's day, a disciple was an apprentice who closely followed a rabbi to become like him. Who or what do people in our culture tend to model their lives after?

Jesus invites us to become more like him in the way we think, speak, act, and live. How is becoming like Jesus different from simply trying to be a good person?

Jesus made the first move and called ordinary fishermen. He makes the first move with us as well. If Jesus makes the first move, why do we still feel like we have to prove ourselves to him?

Following Jesus is not a requirement for grace but a response to grace. What is one way you could respond to Jesus’s grace this week?

Jesus doesn't erase who we were but redeems it. What part of your story do you sense Jesus wants to redeem right now?

Jesus does the transforming work, and our part is to put ourselves in the spaces where he works: weekend worship, reading God's Word, small group, and serving. Which of these spaces do you most need to make room for in this season?

Even though it’s human nature to resist change, Jesus wants to transform every area of our lives. Why do you think we hold on so tightly to certain areas instead of letting Jesus change them?

The disciples left their nets, their boat, and even their father to follow Jesus. What is one thing you need to leave behind to take your next step in following Jesus?

WRAP UP

This week, we discussed what it means to follow Jesus as his apprentices and become more like him in the way we think, speak, act, and live. What from this conversation or the sermon encouraged or challenged you the most?

Close your time in prayer, asking Jesus to shape each person to become more like him this week.