Disturbing the City

Acts 16:16-34

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

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In groups of two or three, respond to the following, “When might being disturbed be good?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read: Acts 16:16-34

• What is the mission statement of The United Methodist Church? [“Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.”]
• Paul was annoyed (v.18); the owners of the slave girl were seething (v. 19); and the jailer was in despair (v.27). All were experiencing a disturbance. Perhaps the most interesting disturbance occurred when Paul and Silas were praying and singing (after a flogging [v . 23]). Not only do others join in, but they also don’t do what is most logical following yet another disturbance, an earthquake. They don’t escape or even attempt to do so. What is the reaction of the disturbed jailer (v.30)?
• How were Paul’s and Silas’ actions a witness to God’s love and mercy to the jailer?
• (R) Read Acts 17:1-9. What might it look like for Christians to be disturbing in a way that we might be described as “turning the world upside down”?
• (R) How might God be calling you to be a witness to those with whom you are in regular?

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

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

God who continues to disturb us out of our routines and superficial contentment. Help us to be open to your guidance however it might disturb us or challenge us and those we encounter. Help us, Good Shepherd, to be led by your grace, mercy, and love as your witness to the world. Amen.