Study Guide: First Steps

Sunday September 5, 2021 | Grace McJohnson, Greg Boyd, Rob Kistler, Shawna Boren

Brief Summary:

This panel discussion concludes the four-part series on participating with God in order to share his love with the world. The panel participants provide a new imagination for how we can share Christ with others.

Extended Summary:

This final sermon of the four-part series, “Seekers, Saints, and Sinners,” is a panel discussion that includes Greg Boyd, Shawna Boren, Rob Kistler, and Grace McJohnson, where they talk about evangelism and what it means to share our faith with family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. They confront traditional views of evangelism and offer new ways of leading people to Christ. Some of the questions they address include:

What are some triggers people have about practicing evangelism?
If evangelism means sharing the good news, why is it that we experience it as news that is not good?
What is wrong with the pressuring view of evangelism that seeks to force people to make a decision for Christ?
What are some first steps that anyone can take to share our faith with others?
What are some simple ways we can serve others who are not Christians?
How do we find people who are open to Christ and the gospel?
How do you hear the Spirit as you are trying to be a witness to those who don’t know Christ?
What are some resources that can empower you for sharing your faith?

The goal is to provide practical steps for how we can share the gospel with the world, one where people are not looking to come to church buildings, but are open to being loved with a Jesus-looking love, as demonstrated by the cross.

Reflection Questions:

What stood out to you the most from this discussion?
What is your previous experience with evangelism? How does this discussion challenge that notion?
What does it mean to see people as being at different places in their faith? How does this change how we minister to people?
Think of a friend who needs Christ? Where are they on the journey? What do they need in order to be nudged toward Christ?
What is God speaking to you through this panel discussion? Is there an action that God is calling you to do?