The Church Determined to Stay on Mission

The Church Determined to Stay on Mission

By Phud Chambers

January 11, 2026

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

1. Does anyone have a testimony to share with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” session?

Engage: Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

2. Read Acts 6:1-7 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

3. In what ways can we, as individuals, contribute to the mission of the church, especially when facing potential distractions or conflicts?

4. Why is it essential for spiritual leaders to be committed to prayer and preaching, and how can congregations support them in these priorities?

5. How can individuals discern their specific calling or spiritual gifts within the church, and how can they effectively use them for the common good?

6. Why is it important for church members to understand that their gifts are primarily given for the benefit of others within the church?

7. How can the church community foster an environment where every member feels encouraged and empowered to use their gifts for God’s glory and the congregation’s edification?

Respond: Choose one or two applications from Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

Option 1: Discover Your Gifts

• Take a spiritual gifts assessment (many available online or ask your group leader)
• Pray and ask God to reveal how He’s uniquely gifted you
• Share your results with your group next week

Option 2: Step Into Service

• If you’re not currently serving, contact a ministry leader this week and ask how you can help
• If you are serving, evaluate: Am I doing this to bless others or primarily for myself?

Option 3: Prayer Focus

• Commit to praying daily this week for your church to stay on mission
• Pray specifically for your pastors to have time and focus for prayer and the ministry of the Word
• Pray for the gospel to spread in Spartanburg

Option 4: Gospel Clarity

• Practice articulating the gospel (as summarized in the sermon) to another group member
• Ask someone this week: “Can I share with you what I believe about Jesus?”