WARM UP

1. Have you ever tried a new hobby or activity that turned out to be way harder than you expected? What went hilariously wrong?

• Additional Thought: Humor is a great way to start the night and build rapport. Let this question lighten the mood and ease people into the conversation.
• Additional Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:13 – Finding joy in life’s simple and even silly moments is a gift from God.
• Additional Question: What did you learn about yourself through the experience?

2. Throughout this Foundations of the Faith series, we’ve discussed God’s existence, evidence for the bible, why we’re here, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, eternity, discipleship, the church, sex, money, evangelism, and faith. Which of these topics has stood out to you the most and why?

• Additional Thought: This reflection is a great way to tie the series together and remind people how far they’ve come.
• Additional Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-8 – Growing in our faith involves deepening in multiple areas.
• Additional Question: Was there a topic you wish we could’ve spent more time on?
• Conversation Caution: Be aware that people may still express confusion or disagreement on different topics—acknowledge this as part of growth.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Split into groups of three to discuss, then have one person from each group share a highlight.

3. This weekend, Larry shared some thought-provoking points about faith. Did his message call into question or change any of your views on faith? If so, how?

• Additional Scripture: Romans 10:17 – Faith comes from hearing the message.
• Additional Question: What definition or illustration of faith from the message impacted you the most?
• Conversation Caution: Be ready for different levels of theological understanding. Encourage honesty without overcorrecting someone’s reflections.

KNOW IT   

Leader Note: I would pick one of these passages to dig into with my group instead of trying to go through both of them! 

1. Read or listen to Hebrews 11 and pay special attention to the action steps that were taken by these heroes of faith. In what ways did they obey God, and how did God respond to them? Highlight or write down a few that resonate with you.

How does the faith described in Hebrews 11 compare to our modern understanding of faith?

• Additional Thought: Biblical faith consistently involves action, risk, and obedience without full clarity.
• Additional Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25, Hebrews 12:1-2
• Additional Question: What example from Hebrews 11 feels most relatable to you right now?
• Conversation Caution: Some may feel discouraged if they compare themselves to the “giants of faith.” Remind them that faith starts with small steps.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Have each person choose one character that stands out to them and share why.

2. Read Matthew 14:22-33. How does this passage frame faith? Is it big steps or simply staying focused on Jesus–or both?

Peter takes two key actions: boldly getting out of the boat to walk on water and desperately crying out to Jesus as he sinks. Which part of Peter’s experience—stepping out or crying out—do you relate to most, and how so? There’s no wrong answer.

• Additional Thought: This moment shows how faith is both courageous and dependent—it’s okay to do both.
• Additional Scripture: Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 94:18-19
• Additional Question: When have you felt God asking you to step out or cry out?
• Conversation Caution: People may feel guilty about past moments of “sinking.” Affirm that Jesus responds to both bold faith and desperate cries.

SHARE IT

1. Who is in your “hall of faith”? In other words, who are the people who have inspired and strengthened your faith through their example?

• Additional Thought: Faith heroes are often ordinary people who chose to trust God in difficult circumstances.
• Additional Scripture: Hebrews 13:7 – Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you.
• Additional Question: What’s one quality in them you want to grow in yourself?
• Conversation Caution: Be mindful that not everyone may have a spiritual role model. Encourage reflection on any kind of positive faith influence.

2. Can you think of a time when you felt God calling you to do something, but you were afraid to do it? Did you obey, and how did it turn out?

• Additional Thought: Obedience doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s the small, quiet yes that changes everything.
• Additional Scripture: Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and courageous.
• Additional Question: If you didn’t obey at first, what changed later—or what still holds you back?
• Conversation Caution: Be sensitive—some stories may carry regret or pain. Keep the tone grace-filled and forward-looking.

LIVE IT

1. We learned this weekend that there are two kinds of doubt: the kind that brings fear but we obey God anyway, and the kind that gives way to disobedience. What doubts hold us back from obeying God? How can we get to a place of surrender despite struggling with doubt?

• Additional Thought: Doubt is not the enemy of faith—disobedience is. Help your group see that faith can flourish even in the presence of fear.
• Additional Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5-6
• Additional Question: What’s a lie or fear you’re currently battling?
• Conversation Caution: Doubt can be a vulnerable topic—avoid fixing or prescribing solutions too quickly.

2. Is there a next step of faith or obedience you feel called to take? Share it with your group so we can pray for and support each other.

• Additional Thought: Sharing your next step with others helps you stay accountable and encouraged.
• Additional Scripture: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
• Additional Question: What’s one action you can take this week toward that step?
• Conversation Caution: Don’t pressure people to share if they’re not ready. Create space for silent reflection too.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Close in prayer circles of 2–3 where each person is prayed for by name regarding their next step.