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February 14, 2010

BELONG
Open with a game or prayer. Review the church announcements and allow time for “catching up.”

GROW
Read Matthew 4:18-22.
Discuss the three points made about this passage in the message:

First, one must hear the invitation of Jesus to follow. Discuss what it means to follow Jesus. Are you willing to make the first step and simply follow Jesus?
(Perhaps a few people in the group can share their story of answering the invitation to follow- what was it like to start following Jesus? What changes occurred in your life? Was it all good, or difficult to get started? Don’t be surprised if your stories are all very different.)

Second, following Jesus always means leaving something behind. Discuss what you left behind to follow Jesus, or what Jesus is asking you to leave behind to follow him more closely?

Third, Jesus gives only one incentive to follow him- the promise that he will make his followers “fishers of men.” What does it mean to be a fisher of men/women? Do you even want to become a fisher- why or why not? What does it look like to make a catch?

REACH
One very real way we can apply this passage to our lives is to begin seeing ourselves as fishers of men and women. In this exercise you will actually map out your “fishing pond.” Draw your street and the houses around your home. Fill in as many names of households as you can.

Your job, as a “fisher,” is to fill in the blanks by getting to know your neighbors, finding ways to care for them, and looking for opportunities to share God’s love with them. Commit to pray for and reach out to your neighbors.