Deepen the Body | Deep and Wide | Week 2
Opening
Give each group member space to share what practice has been the most pivotal for their spiritual growth. If people are hesitant to share, you go first and give them some ideas.
Overview
One of the aims of Deep and Wide is to deepen the body. That means that each person who calls Waymaker.Church home will be becoming more spiritually mature. But there are things that hold us back and keep us stuck and immature. Spiritual growth is not easy; it’s not instant or uniform; it is not independent.
Stuck and immature believers don’t simply not grow. Often they resist, run from, or ruin what will move and grow them. Any one of us can be this person so we must actively work toward maturity together. We want each person to be equipped to be with Jesus, be like Jesus, and do what Jesus did at each stage of their faith.
Discussion Questions
- Is it easier for you to be with you, be like Jesus, or to do what Jesus did?
- What step could your group take together to grow in one of these areas?
Practice
Acts 2 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Prayerfully read the Scripture passage out loud and invite reflections on how your group both resembles and contrasts with the early church. Make a list of ways your group could deepen together and then spend time in prayer together asking the Holy Spirit to reveal one focus your group should have moving into 2024. How can you together learn a new practice that will equip you to be with Jesus, be like Jesus, or do what Jesus did?
Closing
Together with your group, commit to the step that the Spirit revealed to your group. Pray for unity and dedication and for the church to go both deeper and wider because of what God is doing in your group.