DON'T MISS THIS. This November, join us for GIVING TABLES. This is an opportunity to support families in the West Michigan area through our partnerships with local mission organizations. Our focus over the next two weeks is Fill the Pantry. We are collecting food items for our Hand2Hand pantries to help eliminate weekend hunger for kids in our community. To learn more, click HERE.

GROUP VALUES. This week, we continue our focus on the value of CARE. How we care for one another in Christian community is one of the unique ways we grow together. Pastor Aaron’s sermon explores Luke’s account of the early church and unpacks its growth and devotion. The believers were devoted to carrying one another’s burdens. Reflect on a time when your group cared for one another. How did your faith grow or change during that season of support?

GROW AS A LEADER. If there’s one thing we consistently hear, it’s that leaders who meet together grow together. Don’t miss the chance to participate in LEADER 2 LEADER GATHERINGS happening this month at your campus. These gatherings are the perfect opportunity for you to connect with other community group leaders, learn what’s working, and process any challenges your group might be facing. They take place on Sunday, November 15. Reach out to your Group Life contact for more information.

ICEBREAKER

What is the most memorable group you have been a part of? (e.g., a sports team, small group, or college suitemates) What made it memorable?

THIS WEEK'S TEXT

Have someone read Acts 2:42–47 aloud.

What do the believers devote themselves to?

How does the passage describe the way believers care for one another?

What happens as the believers live this way?

THIS WEEK'S SERMON

Pastor Aaron Buer continued our sermon series THE DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY by discussing how Jesus calls his followers to grow together in community. As a group, recall the sermon’s big ideas and main points.

Many people today hesitate to make a long-term commitment to a group, a team, or even a friendship. Why do you think committing to a church family feels hard for so many people?

What does someone miss when they try to follow Jesus without regular participation in a church community?

The early church studied the apostles’ teaching both in large gatherings and in homes. What have you gained from discussing God’s Word with others that you might have missed by only hearing a sermon?

Read Proverbs 27:17. How has God used a relationship with another believer in the past to help you grow?

Everyone who trusts in Jesus is adopted into God’s family and has nothing to prove. How would anchoring your identity in Jesus change the way you show up in your current relationships?

Gospel-fueled friendship involves showing up with joy, being humble and secure, and carrying one another’s burdens. Which of these three is most challenging for you? Why?

Have someone read Acts 2:42. The word “devoted” carries the idea of stubborn persistence, even when we don’t feel like it. In what ways is God asking you to persist in your devotion to him?

Gospel-fueled fellowship brings joy, is vulnerable with others, and looks out for those in need. Which of these three will you focus on this week?

WRAP UP

This week, we discussed how we grow as Jesus followers in community. 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.