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Sermon Discussion Guide - 10/12/2025
Published October 11, 2025
Formed:
Connection
Sermon Recap
We were created to belong. Connection is part of God’s design from the beginning (Genesis 2:18). Jesus modeled a “with before sent” way of life, forming a connected community before sending His disciples (Mark 3:13–19), prayed that we would be one (John 17:20–21), and even forged family at the cross (John 19:26–27). Connection is risky, but it’s essential; when we value it like Jesus, church becomes a family we build, not just a place we attend.
Ice Breakers
- What’s the most “awkward hello” you’ve ever given or received, and did it work out in the end?
- What’s your unpopular Fall opinion (pumpkin spice, football, Halloween, etc)
- What’s your go-to soup or chili add-in that makes it elite?
Discussion Questions
1. When was a time you realized you didn’t want to do life alone? What tipped you off?
- Context: In Genesis 2:18 God declares it’s “not good” for humans to be alone, revealing that connection isn’t a luxury, it’s a design feature.
- Application: Where do you sense God inviting you to prioritize people over busyness this week, and what’s one practical step you’ll take?
2. Who has shaped your faith simply by letting you be “with” them?
- Context: At the start of His ministry, Jesus called the Twelve “so that they might be with him” before He sent them out (Mark 3:13–15). Presence preceded purpose.
- Application: How can your group practice a “with” rhythm (showing up, apprenticing, shared life) that strengthens everyone’s calling?
3. Have you ever pulled back from people after being hurt? What happened next?
- Context: Jesus built deep relationships knowing betrayal was possible (Judas is listed among the Twelve, Mark 3:16–19). He didn’t let risk cancel relationship.
- Application: What would a wise, healthy risk toward connection look like for you now (a conversation, a boundary, a new invite)?
4. Who feels like “spiritual family” to you, and how did that connection form?
- Context: On the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary and John to each other (John 19:26–27), turning followers into family.
- Application: Where could you intentionally “build family” in the next month - through hospitality, shared needs, or showing up in someone’s struggle?
5. What does “connection fatigue” feel like for you? What drains your relational energy?
- Context: The sermon named a gap: when connection isn’t a value driving our week, our practices drift (more attend, less belong).
- Application: Choose one doable habit to make connection a weekly value: invite someone to group, learn two names on Sunday, send three check-in texts, or schedule one table meal. Which will you adopt and when?
Prayer
- Thank Jesus for forming in us His heart for connection, and ask Him to teach us to value people the way He does.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to heal relational wounds and give courage to take wise, healthy risks toward unity and love.
- Thank the Father for adopting us into His family, and ask for grace to live as brothers and sisters who show up.
- Ask God to guide our group into simple, faithful practices this week so no one stands alone at Capital West.
Leader Tip
With before sent. Apprentice a co-leader the way Jesus did; have someone else run icebreakers, another lead prayer, another manage follow-ups. Shared roles create shared ownership, and shared ownership builds real belonging.