1) Jeff Keuss read a poem by Wendell Berry that presents the notion of "the objective." He outlined the cost of pursuing "the objective" as opposed to the invitation of God to another way. What "objectives" are being communicated by the world for our lives?
2) In what ways have the "objectives" of this world taken ahold of you? What has pursuing these objectives cost you?
3) How has/is/could God use you as a "wounded healer" (i.e. taking your places of brokenness, redeeming them, and using them as a source of blessing for others)?
4) How are you being invited to be a living sacrifice for God's work in the world? Conversely, how are you being conformed to the confines of "the objective"?
5) In what ways is God "remaking" you in the midst of your brokenness?
6) Jeff Keuss described consequences or costs to both living for "the objective" and as a living sacrifice. What "costs" have you experienced in your life of following Jesus?
7) As a living sacrifice we are given a new identity by Christ. He has called us out as "blessed." What some of the characteristics of this blessed identity of which we've been given? How do you see this identity manifest in other members of your group?
8) What areas of darkness do you hope for Christ to ignite with the flame of the Holy Spirit, bringing light and warmth? How might you in faith and works participate with Christ in being a torchbearer of Christ's light in that area of darkness?
9) Are there areas in your life that you are trying to "make work" that fall short of who we were created to be? (e.g. career, relationship/s, etc.)
10) How do you measure faithfulness? How might we measure faithfulness as a church community?
11) What metric are you using to measure the quality of your life? How might shifting this metric to 'faithfulness' alter the way you live?