Search
Close this search box.

Soaring Week 3

Soaring Week 3

Relational ecosystem

SERIES TITLE

Soaring Week 3

SERIES OVERVIEW

Wondering how to make 2024 your best year? As we kick off a new year, Gene shares essential tools for your spiritual, relational, and personal goals. Did you know God likens us to eagles, creatures designed to dwell in high places? As believers, we are born to overcome and reach great heights.

SERMON TITLE

A Relational Ecosystem

Sermon Summary

In the sermon “A Relational Ecosystem” by Gene Appel, the focus is on the importance of community and relationships. Appel discusses how our self-focused culture neglects the power of connecting with others. He argues that our need for connection comes from being created in God’s image and points to examples in the Bible that highlight the value of community.

WARM UP

Begin with some conversation, checking in on how people are doing. You can talk about whatever you’d like, but here are a few potential questions to get the conversation going.

If they were to make a documentary about your life, what would be your favorite scene?

DISCUSSion
  1. Rate yourself in the following areas:

    Spiritually

    Relationally

    Financially

    Physically

    Where areas need more focus this year?

  2. Read Philippians 3:10-13 (NLT). Why is community important in our spiritual growth?

    Who are some people in your life who have positively influenced your spiritual growth? How can you foster stronger connections with them?

  3. How does the concept of God as a Trinity relate to the importance of community and relationships?

    How can understanding God as a relational being impact how you approach your relationships and involvement in a community?

  4. Read Proverbs 27:17 – what does ‘Iron sharpens iron’ mean, and how does it apply to the idea of being in a community?

    In what ways have you experienced ‘iron sharpening iron’ in your own life, whether through friendships or small group interactions?

  5. Read Acts 2:46. How did God design community to happen in His church? Why does Gene believe that attending church services alone is not enough for spiritual growth?

    What differences have you noticed between attending church services and being involved in a small group or intentional community?

  6. How can we prioritize and invest in community, even when it may seem difficult or time-consuming?

    What barriers might prevent you from prioritizing community, and how can you overcome them to experience the benefits of a relational ecosystem?
wrap up | prayer
  • Ask for prayer requests from the group.

  • Pray for God to help us shift our focus from a self-centered mindset to one that acknowledges the value of community in our lives.

  • Pray for God to guide us in building strong bonds with others, understanding that we are designed to live in togetherness and community as God exists in a perfect community as the Trinity.

  • Pray for God to help us recognize the importance of small groups in our spiritual growth and to give us the courage and commitment to join one, even if we feel we don’t have everything together.