Different churches have different styles, traditions, and methods. But certain practices are normal when Christians gather, as part of our life together. This lesson introduces five practices of the church that every Christian should understand.

Talking Points:

  • Practice #1 Teaching. Preaching and teaching from the Bible is a central part of what we do when we gather. Every Christian needs to regularly be listening to good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2
  • Practice #2 Singing. God deserves a joyful response from us because of who he is and what he has done. He is a great God and Savior. One way we express our thankfulness and praise to him is by singing. Psalm 95:1-3
  • Practice #3 Remembering. Jesus gave us two symbolic actions to remember, when we gather with other Christians, what he has done for us. The first is called the Lord’s Supper or “communion.” The second is baptism. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Matthew 28:19
  • Practice #4 Serving. Every Christian has been given some kind of ability from God for the purpose of serving others. 1 Peter 4:10-11
  • Practice #5 Mentoring. The Bible tells us to pass on God’s truth to others, who can pass it on to others in turn. Churches have called this “making disciples” based on Jesus’ command (Matthew 28:18-20) to create and cultivate followers for him. 2 Timothy 2:2
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Read 2 Timothy 4:2. Why is listening to sound biblical teaching important to the Christian life?
  3. Do you like to sing? Why or why not? Describe a time when music moved you emotionally.
  4. Read Psalm 95:1-3. What is it about music that makes it a fitting way to express joy and gratitude to God?
  5. What rituals do you observe in your family to help you remember important events or people?
  6. Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and Matthew 28:19. What do these two practices symbolize? How do they help you remember Jesus?
  7. Read 1 Peter 4:10-11. Do you think your gifts for serving others lie more on the “speaking” side or the “helping” side, and why?
  8. Read Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Timothy 2:2. Who mentored you on your faith journey? What did they do?
  9. On a scale of one to ten, how confident do you feel that you can mentor someone else in their faith, and why?
  10. Let’s say you invite an unchurched friend to church. What have you learned in this lesson that would help you explain what to expect?
  11. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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