New Shape of Work: For Such a Time as This
Esther 4:11-17
Pastor Megan Dobrasz, Jeremy Kelley, Jeff Johnson
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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.
Thesis: This has been a tough season of work and life. What are some of the main ways that Covid has impacted our view/experience of work? How does God speak into that? Where is meaning? Where is grief & loss?
What has been your favorite work role? Whether that’s something you’re paid for or something you do because you believe in or want what it will accomplish?
Pastor Megan outlines three primary categories for interaction with others: Family, those we work with and a small number of friends we hang out with outdoors. Given that, where do you find more or less attention/time placed these days?
Do you find yourself as one of the 1 in 4 people in the US currently experiencing symptoms of depression? What would it look like to seek additional assistance at this time?
Group Leaders: Here is a list of external resources to help group members seek help. Pastors Phil and Don are also available as a resource, do not feel you have to be the single source of help to your group members.
In scripture we see a repeated narrative of God using the experiences of people to uniquely gift them to the situation they find themselves. Discuss how Esther is one of those examples. Consider re-reading Esther 4:11-17.
How do the examples of Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 1:4-7) and Paul (Ephesians 2:10) also demonstrate this?
In what ways does your focus need to shift to move from future oriented to present oriented? How would that impact your daily actions?
Jeff Johnson shared that “The ordinary rhythms we have established in Christ become extraordinarily grounding for our communities, neighborhoods, and cities during times of conflict and suffering.”
What ordinary examples have you seen make a lasting impact?
How have you seen the equation of ordinary+ ordinary + ordinary equals extraordinary play out recently?
How might God be inviting you to celebrate the little things? Take a moment to pause and thank God for these small moments of worship.
What is your "for such a time as this"? What might be the “for such a time as this” for the metaphorical person next to you that overlaps with yours?