Striving Side by Side

Small Groups

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer the question, “When you need encouragement, who do you turn to? Why?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). You may not get through all the questions in your time together. Consider inviting group members to work through any remaining questions on their own throughout the week.

• Read Philippians 1:21-30 aloud. Invite participants to have the scripture in front of them, either in a Bible, on a phone app, or printed on paper. Encourage participants to highlight or write down the word or phrase which stands out to them. Share these with the group.
• In Philippians 1:21, Paul states, “For to me, living is Christ, and dying is gain.” What do you think Paul means by this?
• Paul is writing this letter to the church of Philippi while he is in prison. He is facing uncertainty about what his future might look like. Living in prison is not enjoyable, and he finds it challenging. What does Paul discover is his reason to continue living?
• Following Jesus is not always easy. In our own faith journeys, we can be discouraged or uncertain. Think of a time in your faith where you were discouraged. What brought you joy to press on?
• What do you think it means to “live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?” (Philippians 1:27)
• The Greek for “live your life” can also be translated as “live as citizens” indicating when we live for Christ our faith is public and should be seen by others. In what ways do you want to make your faith a public act? (ex: evangelism, advocacy, volunteering)

Taking Action:

• This week, be intentional about living your life in a manner of Christ. Write down three ways you can show your faith to others. Then throughout the week check them off whenever you do it. For example, your list might include- volunteer at my local food bank, call and pray with my friend, write a thank you letter to your biggest encourager.

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests. After each prayer respond: Hear our Prayer.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer.

Generous God, at times we face challenges in our faith and in our world. We want to journey faithfully, yet we struggle with doubt and discouragement. When we face these troubles, help us to live fully as true citizens of Christ: showing compassion to our neighbors and encouraging our friends. May we experience the joy of Christ to press on every day. Together we pray. Amen.

Rev. Maddi Baugous is an ordained elder in the Great Plains Annual Conference where she serves as University Minister at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska. Maddi is passionate about encouraging young adults in their faith through justice and education.