Church Values

A 5-week series on the timeless values that make a church healthy.

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Value #1: We Look to God and His Word in All We Do

Posted: July 22, 2021
The Bible guides us in our everyday lives, not just on Sunday.

Talking Points:

  • We hold a biblical worldview, elevating God’s truth above our own opinions or the trends of our culture. We recognize that this will be more radical with each new generation. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • We submit to the Bible as the authoritative voice in our everyday lives. We recognize that true believers must come to God on his terms, not their own. 2 Peter 1:20-21
  • We commit to a personal pursuit of God through His Word, not just an intellectual pursuit. We recognize that even the Bible can become an idol if not handled correctly. John 5:39-40
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What are some of the family values you grew up with? If you have a family of your own now, how have those values shaped your family now?
  3. Identify worldviews in our culture today. How does a person’s worldview affect their lives?
  4. How have you seen a biblical worldview come under attack in recent years? 
  5. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. What does the Bible do for us? What happens when Christians don’t elevate God’s word in their lives?
  6. What does it mean that we come to God on his terms, not ours? How have you seen Christians violate this principle?
  7. Read 2 Peter 1:20-21. According to Peter, why can we trust the Bible?
  8. How have you seen Christians use their biblical knowledge to hurt or derail others? What’s at the root of that behavior?
  9. Read John 5:39-40. What is Jesus saying to the Pharisees about their attitude?
  10. What does it look like for you to submit to God’s word in every area of your life?
  11. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Value #2: We Work Hard at Healthy Relationships

Posted: July 28, 2021
We think the best of each other and speak the truth in love.

Talking Points:

  • Healthy relationships are authentic. Spiritual gifts in the church are worthless if we’re not bought into Jesus’ command to love one another. 1 Corinthians 13:2 
  • Healthy relationships are imperfect. This means we courageously confront what’s bad and affirm what’s good. Romans 12:9-10
  • Healthy relationships are nurtured. Good relational skills aren’t natural to anyone, but they can become second nature for those who walk by the Spirit. Romans 12:15-17
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Share about one of your most impactful friendships. How has that person both helped and challenged you?
  3. What does an authentic relationship look like? How have you seen inauthenticity in your church relationships?
  4. Read Romans 12:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 13:2. Why do you think Paul uses the word “pretend” when referencing love? Why are spiritual gifts useless if love isn’t at the root?
  5. Read Matthew 18:15 and Leviticus 19:17-18. What is the Matthew 18 protocol in your own words? What are these passages saying about the right way to confront someone?
  6. Read Romans 12:2. What does Paul warn against in this verse? How does the world encourage us to deal with grievances? How does God want us to think about those that hurt us?
  7. Read Galatians 5:22-23. How do each of the fruits of the Spirit help us to have healthier relationships?
  8. Read Romans 12:15-17. How can empathy change the course of a relationship? What does humility look like in your relationships? 
  9. Is there someone with whom you need to forgive an offense? What’s holding you back?
  10. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Value #3: We Win As a Team, Not as Individuals

Posted: August 25, 2021
We believe everyone has something to offer for the greater good.

Talking Points:

  • The drive to succeed in isolation is meaningless and depressing. God designed us to win together. Ecclesiastes 4:7-8
  • In the church, you’re invited to be a part of something bigger than you. By God’s grace, everyone brings something to the table. Romans 12:4-6, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10
  • God doesn’t want something FROM you when you serve, he wants something FOR you. We’re always more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Share an experience you’ve had on a team. Share what was rewarding and challenging.
  3. Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-8. How have or do you relate to these words in your own life?
  4. Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Share how this principle has been true in your life. How has your church supported you in tough times?
  5. Read Romans 12:4-6 and 1 Corinthians 12:7-10. If you know your spiritual gift share it. Looking at both lists, which one(s) do you believe you have and how can you use those gifts to bless your church?
  6. Read Acts 20:35 and Luke 6:38. How have you been blessed when you’ve served in the past? How have you been blessed by people serving you?
  7. How can you step up in serving in your church this year?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Value #4: We Give Up the Good For the Better

Posted: August 3, 2021
We’re not afraid to sacrifice - finances, preferences, etc.

Talking Points:

  • The church is one of the only organizations in the world that exists for its non-members. 1 Corinthians 10:33, Philippians 2:3-4
  • We’re willing to sacrifice what we think is best for us in order to give God’s best to those around us. Mark 10:43-44
  • Jesus is the model for the core value of sacrifice. He gave up his life for something he loved even more: us. Mark 10:45, John 3:16, 1 John 3:16
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Share a time you sacrificed something for someone else. How did you come to that decision and what impact did it make on those around you?
  3. Read 1 Corinthians 10:33. What are some things you might do to “please” unbelievers in order to build a relationship? How could someone take this idea too far?
  4. Read Philippians 2:3-4. What are some things you hear people complain about at church? How can your church make the Sunday morning experience more comfortable for outsiders?
  5. Review the “Good/Better” lists. Which one is hardest for you to give up? What would you add to this list with an unbelieving friend in mind?
  6. Read Mark 10:43-54 and 1 John 3:16. How does this passage challenge you as a Christian? In what ways do you need to sacrifice and serve more?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Value #5: We’re On Mission With Jesus

Posted: August 11, 2021
Jesus is the boss and his commission is our command.

Talking Points:

  • We exist to make disciples because Jesus said so. Helping people pursue God is a matter of obedience to the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18-20
  • We’re passionate about making “Full Circle” disciples. Spiritual maturity isn’t just about us, it’s also about helping others.
  • Every believer is qualified to make disciples. Jesus goes with us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Share your faith journey. Who was instrumental in bringing to faith in Jesus? How did they go about it?
  3. Share an experience you’ve had of bringing someone else to faith in Jesus.
  4. Read Matthew 28:18-19. What do you think the disciples were thinking during this conversation? Why do you think this was the plan that Jesus would leave and his people would spread the message of salvation?
  5. When you think about walking with someone in a pursuit of God, what makes you the most nervous?
  6. Read Matthew 28:20 and Acts 1:8. According to these verses, what qualifies you to help someone? How does helping someone else help you to grow spiritually, too?
  7. Read Acts 4:8-13. Why could Peter and John be so bold? How will you be more bold for Jesus moving forward?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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