Knowing that Voice

Small Groups

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

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or small groups, discuss what “abundance” means to you. Is your notion different from anyone else’s? How do you quantify “abundance” in intangible things?

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read John 10:1-10.

• The Good Shepherd says that his sheep know his voice. How do you discern the voice of God in the midst of so many competing ideologies, ideas, lies, half-truths, promises, and assurances? What “voice” do you trust the most?
   
• The Good Shepherd also says that he leads the sheep to “go in and go out.” To where do you “go in and go out”? Where is the safety of the “sheepfold” or “pasture” for you? How does respite there prepare you for going out? What do you “go out” to do for the Good Shepherd?
   
•  Jesus said that whoever enters by him would be saved. What are you saved from? What are you saved for? What difference does this make in your life and your community day by day?
   
• Following Christ, the Good Shepherd, is an exercise in abundant living. What does this mean to you? If your life feels something other than abundant, what needs to change? How might that happen? What disciplines or spiritual practices will bring you more closely into the “sheepfold”? Is this something you want? How diligently would you be willing to work at it and for it?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

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

Loving God of salvation and abundance, we yearn for your clear voice above the din of dissension and chaos. Lead us into the safety of your fold so that we may be empowered and equipped to go out into the world to be your bold and faithful witnesses. Amen.