The sermon for this week from the series “Shift: Learning to Live Missionally” will be titled “Seeing the World in a New Way“.

It’s never to late to sign up for a small group. You can do it by calling the church office at 858-490-3995 or via this site by clicking HERE.

The small group discussion questions for week 3 of the current sermon series are below. Click HERE if you would like to download and print the questions.

START IT - Connecting with each other

• As a child, what “big dream” did you have about what you would be when you grew up?

STUDY IT - Mark 4:26-29

• Read Mark 4:26-29 out loud.  What stands out for you in this passage?  What questions do you have?
• Which of the interpretations of the parable mentioned in the sermon resonates most with you?  Why?
• In v. 26, Jesus says, “This is what the kingdom of God is like.”  In your own words, how does this parable describe the kingdom of God?
• Read Mark 4:30-32, another parable about a seed.  How does this parable describe the kingdom of God?
• How does the parable in Mark 4:30-32 complement what Jesus says in Mark 4:26-29?

LIVE IT - Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• At what stage is the kingdom in your life now:  Still a seed?  Sprouting?  Producing a harvest?
• Think of someone you know in whose life God is at work, even though it might not be obvious.  Share about that person with your group.  Are there ways that you might join God in what God is doing in that person’s life?
• What hope does this parable (and the one in vv. 30-32) give you when you feel that you, your church, or your work for Christ is insignificant?

PRAY IT

• Application:  Have each person say a short, one sentence prayer for someone they know in whose life God is working.  Simply say, “Lord, I pray that you would continue to work in _____________’s life.”  If a group member would like to add to that prayer, feel free.
• Joys and Challenges:  What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Here at Northminster:  Pray for Northminster Preschool.  Ask God to be with the kids, the parents, and the teachers, and that God would be at work in all of their lives.
• Beyond Northminster:  Pray for Nate Landis’ organization, Urban Youth Collaborative (UYC). Pray for the Christian lunch clubs at high schools and middle schools all over San Diego and pray for Nate as he becomes Northminster’s new Parish Associate in December.