WARM UP

 

1. Prior to this weekend’s message, if you heard the word “evangelism,” what images or ideas would come to mind? Any feelings of nervousness, excitement, awkwardness, etc.?

• Additional Thought:
  “Evangelism” can stir a mix of emotions—fear, guilt, excitement, or even indifference—depending on our past experiences or how we’ve seen it modeled.
• Additional Question:
  What is one experience—good or bad—you’ve had with someone trying to share their faith with you?
• Additional Scripture:
  Romans 10:14-15 – “How can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
• Conversation Caution:
  Some may feel shame or regret about not sharing their faith. Keep it invitational, not condemning. Emphasize progress, not perfection.

2. Have you ever shared something personal with someone and weren’t sure how they’d receive it? (A creative work, an idea, a decision, feelings, etc.) How was it similar to or different from sharing your faith?

• Additional Thought:
  Sharing something vulnerable prepares us emotionally for the risk and trust involved in sharing our faith. It’s a parallel experience.
• Additional Question:
  What made it easier or harder to share that personal thing?
• Additional Scripture:
  Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron…” reminds us of the importance of relational risk in growth.
• Conversation Caution:
  Be aware that some stories may be deeply personal. Keep the tone light and optional; don’t force transparency.

3. What point or idea caught your attention the most in this weekend’s message?

• Additional Thought:
  This helps surface what resonated and may open up key themes for your group discussion later.
• Additional Question:
  Was there a particular phrase or Scripture Arnold used that really stuck with you?
• Additional Scripture:
  2 Corinthians 5:17 – a great place to anchor the conversation if someone doesn’t have an answer right away.
• Conversation Caution:
  Avoid letting this turn into a full sermon recap. Keep the responses brief to maintain flow.

KNOW IT   

1. After hearing the message and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, what is our responsibility in sharing the Gospel, and why does God invite us to do so?

• Additional Thought:
  We are ambassadors, not salespeople. The pressure isn’t to “win,” but to represent Jesus faithfully.
• Additional Question:
  What part of that passage challenged or encouraged you the most?
• Additional Scripture:
  Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8
• Conversation Caution:
  Be mindful of guilt creeping in. Encourage with grace—this is about opportunity, not obligation.

2. It’s not our job to save people, but to share our faith. Are there any verses you can find that might alleviate any unhealthy pressure or apply appropriate pressure for sharing your faith?

• Additional Thought:
  God’s Spirit does the work of transformation—we’re simply messengers and seed-planters.
• Additional Question:
  What kind of pressure (if any) do you personally feel around evangelism?
• Additional Scripture:
  1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Romans 1:16, Isaiah 55:11
• Conversation Caution:
  This question could lead into doctrinal debates on salvation. Keep the focus on encouragement.

 

3. The “Romans Road” (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 8:1, 10:9-10) is a helpful tool for sharing the Gospel with someone. Which verse in the Romans Road do you think is the most challenging for people to accept or understand, and why?

• Additional Thought:
  Romans 6:23 and 10:9-10 often challenge modern worldviews—eternal consequence, repentance, and submission to Jesus as Lord.
• Additional Question:
  Which verse stands out to you personally? Why?
• Additional Scripture:
  • Full Romans Road:
    • 3:23 – All have sinned
    • 6:23 – Wages of sin
    • 5:8 – Christ died for us
    • 8:1 – No condemnation
    • 10:9-10 – Confess and believe
  • Conversation Caution:
    Avoid assuming everyone understands these concepts already—use this moment to teach gently, if needed.

4. What is valuable about sharing the Romans Road in addition to your own story? How does it help address questions about salvation that your personal story alone might not answer?

• Additional Thought:
  Our stories show the Gospel’s impact—Scripture shows the Gospel’s foundation.
• Additional Question:
  If someone only heard your story without Scripture, what might they miss about salvation?
• Additional Scripture:
  1 Peter 3:15 – “Be prepared to give an answer…”
• Conversation Caution:
  Be careful not to downplay personal stories. Both story and Scripture are tools God uses.

 

SHARE IT

1. How comfortable do you feel sharing your story or displaying your faith? Are there situations or relationships where you feel more comfortable than others?

• Additional Thought:
  Comfort levels vary—and that’s okay. God can still use us powerfully through our personalities.
• Additional Question:
  Is there a recent opportunity you had to share, even in a small way?
• Additional Scripture:
  2 Timothy 1:7 – “Not a spirit of fear…”
• Conversation Caution:
  Watch for group members who feel “disqualified.” Reassure them their story matters.

2. Has someone ever shared their story with you in a way that left an impact? How did they do it?

• Additional Thought:
  Testimonies are powerful. They show God’s work in real life.
• Additional Question:
  What made their story resonate with you?
• Additional Scripture:
  Revelation 12:11 – “They overcame… by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.”
• Conversation Caution:
  If sharing gets heavy, create space afterward for encouragement and prayer.

3. Arnold emphasized that every believer has a story to share, and it’s as simple as 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes it. In two minutes or less, describe the “old” you in contrast with the “new” you when you became a new creation in Christ, or up until this point in your faith. Make a list if it helps you answer the question.

• Additional Thought:
  This is great practice for putting faith into words. Encourage brevity and honesty.
• Additional Question:
  What helped bring about that transformation?
• Additional Scripture:
  Titus 3:3-7 – a clear before/after Gospel description
• Conversation Caution:
  Some may feel like they don’t have a “dramatic” story. Remind them every story of transformation is a miracle.

 

LIVE IT

1. What are the unique opportunities you have to share your faith because of where you specifically are in your life? Is there something you could challenge yourself to do in these areas?

• Additional Thought:
  Our workplaces, family circles, and neighborhoods are the “mission field” we’ve been entrusted with.
• Additional Question:
  What would courage look like this week?
• Additional Scripture:
  Colossians 4:5-6 – “Be wise in the way you act… let your conversation be full of grace.”
• Conversation Caution:
  Don’t let the question drift into complaining about secular environments—focus on possibility and prayer.

2. Who is one person in your life that you would like to know the Good News of Jesus? What’s one step you can take as Christ’s ambassador for this person—whether it’s praying, being patient, inviting them to a meal or church, getting to know them better, or offering to pray for or share your story with them?

• Additional Thought:
  God has placed you in their life for a reason—and the Spirit is already at work.
• Additional Question:
  What’s a small step you could take this week to move toward that person spiritually?
• Additional Scripture:
  Luke 15 – parables of pursuit; 2 Peter 3:9 – God’s desire for all to come to repentance
• Conversation Caution:
  Some people may share painful stories of loved ones who seem far from God. Listen well, offer hope, and consider praying for each name shared.

Take time to pray together as a group for this person.

TIPS ON GROUP PRAYER

Prayer is an important part of being in a Life Group. Over the years, we’ve found that group prayer goes better when we follow three simple guidelines.

WE PRAY FOR ONE TOPIC AT A TIME – Anyone in the group is free to introduce a prayer request, either before prayer begins or during prayer time. Once a topic is introduced, the group focuses on that request alone. Once it’s covered, the group moves on to the next topic.

PRAY MORE THAN ONCE – Because the group is focusing on one topic at a time, each person is encouraged to pray several times during the prayer time for those topics they feel most led to pray about. No one is required to pray.

WE KEEP OUR PRAYERS SHORT AND SIMPLE – Group prayer goes better when members keep their prayers short and to the point. When someone prays for a long time, it’s hard for the other members to stay focused, and long prayers tend to intimidate those who are just learning to pray out loud in a group. No one is required to pray out loud.