How Religion Works

October 3, 2010
Series: "howstuffworks.God"
Week 1: “How Religion Works”

Opening
Review the Connection Group Commitment for any new comers. Give attention to the primary purpose of our Groups: “A place to Belong, Grow and Serve.” Make sure folks understand the expectations for the group, and from group participants.

Learn It
Have a few folks share a time when they felt like an outsider.

• How did that make you feel, and what could they have done to make you feel welcomed?

Read Acts 15:1-11, 19-21.
Verses 1-11 of Acts 15 describes an early disagreement among the early church about whether or not Gentiles should be allowed to into the church. Some of the church leaders viewed them as outsiders and should be treated as such. In verses 11 and 19, Peter stands up and declares that the church should not exclude the Gentiles and the church “should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” (v.19)

• Describe a time when you felt like an outsider at a church. How did that experience affect your attitude towards the church?
• Why do you think it is easy for churches to forget that church is for everyone not just for “church people”?

One of the primary reasons we make others feel like outsiders is because we are too comfortable in our current surroundings. We must get out of our comfort zone. Share a time when you jumped out of your comfort zone to do something God was leading you to do.

• How did your stepping out of your comfort zone help you grow as a person and in your faith?
• What changes in our mindset can each of us make Connections be more welcoming?
• What are some of the ways Connections successfully creates an environment that is welcoming?
• Who would you like to see find a place in our church? What would it take for them to be comfortable at church? Ask someone to join you and pray for them.

Live It
Next Sunday take some steps in helping make our worship service more inviting. Here are a few suggestions of things you can do:

• Don’t rush out of the church after your worship experience. Spend some time in the lobby visiting with those you do not know and especially those who are visitors.
• Before, during and after your worship experience, keep an eye out for someone who looks lost or could use some help. Step out of your comfort zone and do what you can to assist them.
• Consider serving in an area of ministry that is instrumental in creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, like our children’s ministry or greeting.

Each of us can do our part to insure that our church does not make anyone who walks through the doors feel like an outsider. Pray and ask God to help you jump out of your comfort zone and step up your efforts in making your church a welcoming place for everyone.  And, keep the conversation going this week with your family, group and online on our Facebook Fan Page.

E 100 Challenge Readings, October 3-9
Day 10: Genesis 32-33
Day 11: Genesis 37
Day 12: Genesis 39-41
Day 13: Genesis 42
Day 14: Genesis 43
Day 15: Genesis 45-46:7
Day 16: Exodus 1-2