WARM UP

1. What apps do you use the most? (Hint: If you’re not sure, you can check in your phone settings.)

• Additional Thought: This playful opener draws people into an everyday topic. It’s also a great way to transition into spiritual habits through digital tools.
• Additional Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
• Additional Question: Are there any apps you’ve found spiritually helpful or harmful?
• Conversation Caution: Watch for unintentional app-shaming or defensiveness. Keep the tone fun and curious. Also some people may not have a smartphone or use apps.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Have everyone guess each other’s most-used app before revealing it!

2. Let’s do a little in-app Scavenger Hunt! Download or update the North Coast Church app and create an account if you haven’t already.
   • Follow someone from this Life Group in the app. (To follow someone, go to your profile. In the top left corner of your app screen, you will either see your photo or your initials. Click on that circle. Under your name, you will see “Follows” and “Find People to Follow.” To search for someone to follow, click “Find People to Follow” and type in their name.) 
   • What was today’s Daily Scripture passage? (This is found on the “Daily” Page – the second button on the bottom ribbon of the app. To find the Daily Scripture video, scroll down to the bottom of that page.) 
   • How many episodes have been released of the first App Exclusive series? (This is on the “Discover” Page – the fourth button on the bottom ribbon of the app.)

• Additional Thought: This is a great chance to teach engagement with the app in a hands-on, social way. It builds familiarity and boosts digital discipleship.
• Additional Scripture: Hebrews 10:24–25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another…”
• Conversation Caution: Be ready to help those less tech-savvy so no one feels left behind. Also some may be resistant about the app. That’s okay; the conversation can be about useful ways we use our phones that help our walk with Jesus.

3. What part of this weekend’s message resonated with you the most, and why?

• Additional Thought: People may focus on John 15, Romans 12, or the app challenge—each response is a window into how God is working.
• Additional Scripture: John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit…”
• Conversation Caution: If the app part of the message distracted some, redirect to the core spiritual truths beneath the tools.

 

KNOW IT

1. You could say Chris’ favorite word is “remain.“ Looking back at John 15:1-11, what does the word “remain” communicate? How is it different from just believing or following?

• Additional Thought: Remaining is not a one-time belief—it’s daily reliance, consistent connection, and staying when it’s hard.
• Additional Question: What helps you personally “remain” in Christ when life is chaotic or dry?
• Conversation Caution: Some may confuse “remaining” with performance. Reframe it as relationship, not rule-keeping.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Have group members describe the metaphor of the vine and branches in their own words.

2. This weekend, Chris mentioned Romans 12:1-2 as an integral part of being a true disciple. Being that we are not called to be conformed to the world, but rather conformed to Jesus, give 3-5 hallmarks of what a transformed life should look like.

• Additional Thought: Traits might include humility, mercy, patience, service, and sacrificial love. Encourage specific, lived-out examples.
• Additional Question: How can we tell if transformation is happening inwardly even if it’s slow or messy?
• Conversation Caution: Avoid a “checklist” mentality. Transformation is ongoing and grace-filled.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Brainstorm and list these traits together—then ask which one is hardest for each person.

3. Romans 12 begins with the word “Therefore,” which points us back to what came just before. Read and discuss Romans 11:33–36. How do these verses set the stage for Paul’s call to live as true disciples? How could they motivate us to “stay the course” when following Jesus gets hard?

• Additional Thought: Romans 11 ends with awe and worship—Paul essentially says, “Look at how amazing God is!” That awe becomes the fuel for transformation in Romans 12.
• Additional Scripture: Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
• Additional Question: How would awe, wonder, and gratitude shift how you obey or follow Jesus?
• Group Dynamic Tip: Read this aloud slowly—maybe even twice—and ask each person to reflect on one phrase that stood out. Don’t rush through Romans 11. Let the beauty of God’s depth and wisdom sink in.

SHARE IT

1. This weekend, we looked at six key steps in the life of a Jesus follower—these are also the six ‘badges’ you’ll find in the app. Can you share about a time you took one of these steps for the very first time and how it impacted or transformed you?

• Additional Thought: These moments often mark major growth milestones—baptism, volunteering, sharing faith, or giving for the first time.
• Additional Scripture: James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”
• Additional Question: Which of these six steps would you like to revisit or grow in right now?
• Conversation Caution: Some may feel shame for not doing “enough.” Encourage sharing from wherever people are in their journey. Also be mindful that someone could have all their “badges” lit, but that doesn’t mean they are remaining with Christ- it may mean they have just done the steps.  The goal is being close to Jesus and walking in obedience to Him.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Allow people to choose one step they’ve taken and one they’re still wrestling with—this invites everyone in.

2. Jesus repeats “remain” 11 times in John 15, showing how central it is to our walk with Him. Can you think of a season when it was hard for you to remain in Him? What made it difficult, and how did you experience His faithfulness during that time?

• Additional Thought: This opens space for real stories of doubt, dryness, or hardship—precisely when “remaining” matters most.
• Additional Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:13 – “If we are faithless, he remains faithful…”
• Additional Question: What helped bring you back or keep you connected to the vine during that season?
• Conversation Caution: Be mindful of unresolved pain or loss. This is a tender space—lead with empathy and gratitude.
• Group Dynamic Tip: This may be a great time if your group is mixed genders to break into men’s and women’s separate groups.

 

LIVE IT

1. As you reflect on this weekend’s message, what is your next step of discipleship (whether it is one of the six badges or not)?

• Additional Thought: This is a moment for clarity and commitment—not pressure. Steps may be small but significant.
• Additional Scripture: Philippians 1:6 – “…he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
• Additional Question: What’s one action you can take this week toward that next step?
• Conversation Caution: Resist comparing steps. Growth is not a competition.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Invite everyone to write down their next step and bring it back next week for accountability and celebration.

2. Challenge: Complete the Daily Habits in the app every day for a week. (Bonus: Follow each other in the app and get notified when someone in your group has a prayer request or is praying for you). Come back next week and share about the experience.

• Additional Thought: This is both a challenge and an invitation into daily rhythms with God. Small daily faithfulness leads to lifelong transformation.
• Additional Scripture: Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
• Additional Question: What would help you build consistency with daily habits?
• Group Caution: If people miss a day, affirm grace. Progress over perfection!