Changing the World Together: Week 5
People of Presence
Find your new group! vccindy.org/groups
Start Talking: Find a conversation starter for your group or use one of these.
Share one small habit or routine you have that grounds you in the present moment. What do you do to clear or focus your mind?
1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT
"When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some."
• What are some examples of common ground we often overlook, and how can we actively seek it out?
Romans 15:7 NIV
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
• Why is it important to accept people exactly where they are, even if we don’t agree with their current path?
1 Thessalonians 2:8 GNT
"Because of our love for you we were ready to share with you not only the Good News from God but even our own lives. You were so dear to us!"
• What fears or barriers do we face when we share our own personal stories, and how can we overcome them?
Ephesians 3:20 GW
"Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power He can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine."
• In what ways can we rely on God’s guidance as we take these steps together?
1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT
"When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some."
• What are some examples of common ground we often overlook, and how can we actively seek it out?
Romans 15:7 NIV
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
• Why is it important to accept people exactly where they are, even if we don’t agree with their current path?
1 Thessalonians 2:8 GNT
"Because of our love for you we were ready to share with you not only the Good News from God but even our own lives. You were so dear to us!"
• What fears or barriers do we face when we share our own personal stories, and how can we overcome them?
Ephesians 3:20 GW
"Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power He can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine."
• In what ways can we rely on God’s guidance as we take these steps together?
Start praying: Be bold and pray with power.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling us to be people who make a difference right now - right where You’ve placed us. Help us to show that we truly care by finding common ground with others, by accepting people as they are, and by having the courage to share the story You’re writing in our lives. Give us eyes to see opportunities to love, ears to hear the needs around us, and hearts that trust You to do what only You can do. May Your Spirit empower us to take risks of compassion, steps of faith, and actions that reflect Your kingdom. Lord, as we go from this place, remind us that we don’t change the world alone-we do it together, and we do it with You. Use us this week to shine Your light in real and practical ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Leader: Make time to pray for and with each other. Break into groups of three, take time for healing prayer or pray with individuals requesting prayer. This is important!
Things to think about this Week:
Step out in faith - Choose one person in your life you can intentionally care for this week - find common ground, accept people where they are, share a small piece of your story, and pray specifically for God to work in their life.
Philemon 1:6 NIV
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”
Philemon 1:6 NIV
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”
Download the weekly Talk It Over guide below:
Changing the World Together: Week 4
Love Your Neighbor
Find your new group! vccindy.org/groups
Start Talking: Find a conversation starter for your group or use one of these.
Can you think of a difficult moment in your life that taught you a big lesson? Please share this.
Please read Matthew 3:13-19 aloud.
• How did Jesus start building the group and what kind of a relationship do you think the apostles had with Him?
Please read Luke 9: 52-56 aloud.
• How have you seen calm and grace inspire others to rise to their best, even in difficult moments?
1 Thessalonians 5:14 MSG
"We appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not in their place of battle. Be skilled at gently encouraging those who feel themselves inadequate. Be faithful to stand your ground. Help the weak to stand again. Be quick to demonstrate patience with everyone."
• What is one specific step you can take this week to live that out with someone who’s going through a rough time?
Please read Mark 14:32-34 aloud.
• In the above passage, Jesus tells His closest friends that His soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. What does Jesus’ willingness to share His deepest pain with His friends teach us about true friendship - and how might that challenge the way we open up to others today?
Please read Matthew 3:13-19 aloud.
• How did Jesus start building the group and what kind of a relationship do you think the apostles had with Him?
Please read Luke 9: 52-56 aloud.
• How have you seen calm and grace inspire others to rise to their best, even in difficult moments?
1 Thessalonians 5:14 MSG
"We appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not in their place of battle. Be skilled at gently encouraging those who feel themselves inadequate. Be faithful to stand your ground. Help the weak to stand again. Be quick to demonstrate patience with everyone."
• What is one specific step you can take this week to live that out with someone who’s going through a rough time?
Please read Mark 14:32-34 aloud.
• In the above passage, Jesus tells His closest friends that His soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. What does Jesus’ willingness to share His deepest pain with His friends teach us about true friendship - and how might that challenge the way we open up to others today?
Start praying: Be bold and pray with power.
Lord, we thank You for the example of Jesus, who welcomed others fully into His life. Help us to be bold in inviting others in sharing not just the easy moments, but also the hardest parts. Inspire us to lift one another up, just as You do, so that we reflect Your love and grace. Give us the humility to let others help us, and the courage to be real. May our friendships be a light, guiding each other toward hope in You. Amen.
Leader: Make time to pray for and with each other. Break into groups of three, take time for healing prayer or pray with individuals requesting prayer. This is important!
Things to think about this Week:
Galatians 6:1-3 MSG
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
Paul reminds us that showing up is not optional - it is Christlike love in action.
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
Paul reminds us that showing up is not optional - it is Christlike love in action.