Weekly Discussion Guide

WEEK #1 | Shifting Gears Series
For those of you who have driven a car with a stick shift, or ridden a bicycle, you’re aware of the reality and need for gears. Various situations require you to shift into a different gear to successfully navigate the landscape in which you find yourself.

Have you ever thought of the gears you might use in your own life, as situations require something different of you?

Think about the life of Jesus. He knew how to shift into the right gear to be present and effective in what was before Him. In this series we’re going to dig into understanding the gears of life as they pertain to our spiritual, relational and overall health.

MY STORY | Starting Place
Talk about a time when you were facing a challenge, and the people involved were either moving too fast or too slow.

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
Jesus modeled “shifting gears” at various times in His life. Think of when He went away to pray, preached and ministered for hours, slept on the boat, and turned over the tables in the temple the week of his crucifixion.

As a group, skim one of the Gospels and talk about different examples of Jesus “shifting gears”. Look for clues whether the circumstance compelled Him to shift gears, or if He shifted in order to change what was happening.

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
Of the following areas, what is your most natural mode? Which one is hardest to get into?

Focused Work Mode Task/Teamwork Mode
Social/Group Mode Connect/Intimate-Connection Mode
Recharge/Personal-Time Mode

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith In Action
Think about a friend who is trying to tackle a challenge, but he or she is in the wrong gear. (Maybe you find yourself in that situation). In either case, talk with that friend about what’s going on—and the best possible gear to be in for that challenge.

What is the one important thing you will take away from this weekend’s message or our community group discussion? Is there any challenge, difficulty or praise that you would like to share with the group for prayer?