7th+8th
grade Axis Guide Sheet: Acts
Small Group time (6:30-7:30)
Takeaway – Church was & always will be a messy
affair. What we have in common is the Gospel message & the presence of the
Holy Spirit.
Key verse – Acts 1:8
Discussion starters:
-When
is a time you experienced a huge change within a subject or circumstance you
felt you had a good handle on or understanding of?
-What has been
your most memorable church/faith related experience to date? What happened, how
did you feel, has that changed your belief or faith at all?
-In your opinion,
what do you think the church is for?
-We often use the
word church to talk about the
buildings & the people who worship there, the believers. What are the pros
& cons of this? What does it tell you that we can use the same word for
both?
-Is it possible
for God to be at work outside of the
church (including its people, believers)?
-What do you think
would make an ideal faith community?
-Name one thing
our church should have but doesn’t…
-Until now, how
have you understood or experienced the Holy Spirit? Or is this your first time
really considering it (that’s ok!)?
Further
readings to check out: (Have different volunteers read the passages)
-
Things
to think/talk about as you read: What does this say to me personally? What
questions come to mind? What does this tell me about who God is?
o
Read
the introduction to Acts in their Bibles.
o
Acts
1:6-11
§ Does it seem like
Jesus’ disciples understand him yet? What would you expect Jesus to do right now? Is it surprising that Jesus
trusts the disciples to be his witnesses when they keep misunderstanding him?
§ What do you think
Jesus means by his disciples being his witnesses “to the ends of the earth?”
o
Acts
10:44-48
§ Surprise &
astonishment seem to be a common reaction of the early church witnessing the
movement of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit surprising in this passage?
§ Where or with whom
would you be surprised to see evidence of the Holy Spirit today? Do you even
think the Holy Spirit can still surprise us today?
Activity Ideas:
You’re invited! – In the book of Acts, we hear
about all sorts of people being included in the church who had never been
included before. Think of someone who might not know they are invited &
welcome here at church with you. Write them a note/letter that would give them
reasons to join you here at Axis or at worship on a Sunday. In other words,
what are the reasons you come, or feel excited about/engaged in, here at
church, & how could you share that with someone who might want to
experience it too?
Church Building – A church is not just a building. It’s
you, your family, your friends! It’s all the people who gather to hear the
Gospel, take part in the sacraments & encourage one another in the faith.
If you had to start a church from scratch, how would you do it?!What would you
include to help this community thrive?
You can consider a broad description or pick a
specific aspect to focus on from below…
-Kinds of
people.
-Location.
-Music style.
-Activities (the things you would do).
-Outreach.
-Communication style.
Do come up with a
name & logo for your faith community. Describe it as much as you’re able.
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