Sunday, September 13

Scattering and Gathering

John 16:32-33, Hebrews 10:19-25
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor, www.spiritsoulbody.org

• There are times of scattering
• Even in separation, connect as you are able 

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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.

• As we focus on what it is we do know, including that these times of scattering are riddled across the history of the church, how might we look to the examples of the past in how we might respond today?

• Consider reading James 1 and Hebrews 10 with rotating readers.
• How does the example of Hebrews written in a time of persecution parallel to this time of pandemic?
• Discuss how endurance is cultivated as you walk through various trials.
• In what ways, might you have experienced the interdependency of social connection, positive human touch and anxiety/stress intensifying with the loss of the former?  

• Would you describe yourself as one who has been craving the loss of community or relishing in the solitude (perhaps somewhere in between)?
• How might you be an encouragement to someone who lands on the opposite end of the spectrum from you?
• Reviewing the Rule of Life Handout with this same dichotomy in mind, which “inhaling” or “exhaling” practices do you find easier?
• Pastor Richard proposes that not meeting, AND not being able to be alone are both not normal. What would be one step towards embracing this as a time of transformation look like for your life, for your small group?
• Consider taking 3 minutes of silence to think and prepare to share an answer to the following:
• What is ONE good thing God is doing that came to mind this past week?
• Who is one person you will encourage tomorrow? (Option: Plan to report back to the group how this went at the next gathering!)

Note to Leaders: This silence may feel awkward, but go ahead and lean into that! You can also play some quiet background music and stop the music to indicate the transition or set a timer but let folks know you’ll bring them back and that they don’t have to manage the time.