Unlikely Disciples: Part 2 - Baby Steps
MICRO CHURCH GUIDE
April 24, 2022
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Tour
Stay after the service in the auditorium today for a 15 minute meet ‘n greet that we call “The Tour.” We’ll have some light snacks and refreshments, take a tour around the facility, learn more about why we do many of the things we do, and - most importantly- give you a chance to meet some people! Just look for the sign that says “The Tour.” And if you have kids, they can remain in Kid City until The Tour is over.
MyOneLife - A 4-Week Small Group Experience, Starts May 1
If you’re newer to OneLife or have been attending for a while but haven’t gotten involved, then MyOneLife is your next step! You’ll learn about the history, vision & values of our church, discover your personal mission and spiritual gifts, and have opportunities to get involved. MyOneLife is a 4-week small group experience that takes place on Sunday mornings during the 10:45am service in the Meeting Room at each of our campuses. MyOneLife starts May 1. For more information, check the “MyOneLife” box on your Connection Card.
Micro Church Launch & Lunch - May 22
To kick off the summer, we’re having a Micro Church Launch event on May 22 at 12:15pm at our North & East campuses. If you’re not a part of a Micro Church, this is the perfect opportunity for you to join one. At the event you’ll get to meet your new Micro Church and have lunch together. Childcare will be provided. Mark the Micro Church box on your Connection Card and we’ll follow up with more information. Also, if you’re interested in starting or leading a Micro Church, let us know on your Connection Card as well.
OneLife Students Serve Saturday - May 7
OneLife Students is going to West High School for our first ever Student Serve Saturday! This is going to be an awesome opportunity to serve our community and love on the faculty and staff. For more info write Student Serve on your connection card.
____________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
SERMON NOTES & DISCUSSION
BOTTOM LINE: Religious thinking expects big steps. Jesus thinking takes baby steps.
Luke 5:1-2 NLT
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.
Acts 4:13 NIV
13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
1. Jesus sees my potential more than my past.
Luke 5:3 NLT
3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
2. Jesus wants to use my boat.
Luke 5:4-5 NIV
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
3. The next baby step won't always make sense.
Luke 5:6-7 NLT
6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
4. My job is to take the step. Jesus' job is to produce the results.
Luke 5:8-11 NLT
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
5. Baby steps lead to bigger steps.
_____________________
Start Talking
When have you wanted to take the "big" step to get something accomplished, or maybe assumed the "big" step is what was expected or needed, but found out the real way to make it work was "baby steps"? What happened when you tried or expected the "big" step first? What was challenging or even frustrating about the "baby steps"?
Start Thinking
Read Luke 5:1-2. Why do you think the fishermen were working instead of listening to Jesus with the crowds? What are the things that might keep people today from joining the crowd to experience Jesus? What are the religious expectations we may place on them or they may place on themselves?
Read Luke 5:3. Why did Jesus ask Peter to take this specific baby step? What do you notice that Jesus did not ask Peter to do? What could have been the reasons that Peter said no to this baby step? And what would Peter have missed out on if he said no to this first baby step?
Why do you think Jesus started with this small of a step for Peter instead of something that we might consider more "meaningful" or difference-making?
Start Sharing
Read Luke 5:4-7. What was a baby step that you have taken in your faith journey that seemed inconsequential, but it led to a bigger step of trusting Jesus to go "deeper"? What was the "boat" that you used - the resource, ability, time that you already had to be used by God?
How did you experience that the results are up to Jesus? Did you get the results you expected? Even if you didn't, what was the real purpose for YOU in taking the step? How did your faith and trust in Jesus grow as you continued taking those steps?
Read Luke 5:8-11. When have you experienced Jesus in your life in a way that made you feel unworthy or unqualified? How do you relate to Peter telling Jesus to "leave him" because of that? What do the words of Jesus saying, "Don't be afraid" in response to this mean to you?
Start Doing
What is the next step you feel like the Holy Spirit is wanting you to take so that you can be used by God in some way to make a difference?
When you think about living on mission and making a difference in the spiritual lives of those where you live, work, and play, what is a baby step you can take in a relationship that you already have? No matter how small it may seem, remember Jesus' word - don't be afraid! Don't be afraid to take it and don't be afraid to share it with your micro church!
Start Praying
Pray for each person's next step that was shared. Pray that each person sees themselves as Jesus does - as someone with a potential that is far greater than their past!
_____________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, Click Here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
April 24, 2022
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Tour
Stay after the service in the auditorium today for a 15 minute meet ‘n greet that we call “The Tour.” We’ll have some light snacks and refreshments, take a tour around the facility, learn more about why we do many of the things we do, and - most importantly- give you a chance to meet some people! Just look for the sign that says “The Tour.” And if you have kids, they can remain in Kid City until The Tour is over.
MyOneLife - A 4-Week Small Group Experience, Starts May 1
If you’re newer to OneLife or have been attending for a while but haven’t gotten involved, then MyOneLife is your next step! You’ll learn about the history, vision & values of our church, discover your personal mission and spiritual gifts, and have opportunities to get involved. MyOneLife is a 4-week small group experience that takes place on Sunday mornings during the 10:45am service in the Meeting Room at each of our campuses. MyOneLife starts May 1. For more information, check the “MyOneLife” box on your Connection Card.
Micro Church Launch & Lunch - May 22
To kick off the summer, we’re having a Micro Church Launch event on May 22 at 12:15pm at our North & East campuses. If you’re not a part of a Micro Church, this is the perfect opportunity for you to join one. At the event you’ll get to meet your new Micro Church and have lunch together. Childcare will be provided. Mark the Micro Church box on your Connection Card and we’ll follow up with more information. Also, if you’re interested in starting or leading a Micro Church, let us know on your Connection Card as well.
OneLife Students Serve Saturday - May 7
OneLife Students is going to West High School for our first ever Student Serve Saturday! This is going to be an awesome opportunity to serve our community and love on the faculty and staff. For more info write Student Serve on your connection card.
____________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
SERMON NOTES & DISCUSSION
BOTTOM LINE: Religious thinking expects big steps. Jesus thinking takes baby steps.
Luke 5:1-2 NLT
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.
Acts 4:13 NIV
13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
1. Jesus sees my potential more than my past.
Luke 5:3 NLT
3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
2. Jesus wants to use my boat.
Luke 5:4-5 NIV
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
3. The next baby step won't always make sense.
Luke 5:6-7 NLT
6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
4. My job is to take the step. Jesus' job is to produce the results.
Luke 5:8-11 NLT
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
5. Baby steps lead to bigger steps.
_____________________
Start Talking
When have you wanted to take the "big" step to get something accomplished, or maybe assumed the "big" step is what was expected or needed, but found out the real way to make it work was "baby steps"? What happened when you tried or expected the "big" step first? What was challenging or even frustrating about the "baby steps"?
Start Thinking
Read Luke 5:1-2. Why do you think the fishermen were working instead of listening to Jesus with the crowds? What are the things that might keep people today from joining the crowd to experience Jesus? What are the religious expectations we may place on them or they may place on themselves?
Read Luke 5:3. Why did Jesus ask Peter to take this specific baby step? What do you notice that Jesus did not ask Peter to do? What could have been the reasons that Peter said no to this baby step? And what would Peter have missed out on if he said no to this first baby step?
Why do you think Jesus started with this small of a step for Peter instead of something that we might consider more "meaningful" or difference-making?
Start Sharing
Read Luke 5:4-7. What was a baby step that you have taken in your faith journey that seemed inconsequential, but it led to a bigger step of trusting Jesus to go "deeper"? What was the "boat" that you used - the resource, ability, time that you already had to be used by God?
How did you experience that the results are up to Jesus? Did you get the results you expected? Even if you didn't, what was the real purpose for YOU in taking the step? How did your faith and trust in Jesus grow as you continued taking those steps?
Read Luke 5:8-11. When have you experienced Jesus in your life in a way that made you feel unworthy or unqualified? How do you relate to Peter telling Jesus to "leave him" because of that? What do the words of Jesus saying, "Don't be afraid" in response to this mean to you?
Start Doing
What is the next step you feel like the Holy Spirit is wanting you to take so that you can be used by God in some way to make a difference?
When you think about living on mission and making a difference in the spiritual lives of those where you live, work, and play, what is a baby step you can take in a relationship that you already have? No matter how small it may seem, remember Jesus' word - don't be afraid! Don't be afraid to take it and don't be afraid to share it with your micro church!
Start Praying
Pray for each person's next step that was shared. Pray that each person sees themselves as Jesus does - as someone with a potential that is far greater than their past!
_____________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, Click Here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
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