LIFE Groups Discussion Guide

I Am A Church Member Book Discussion

Sunday, October 12 : Chapter 2 & 3
1. Tell about a time when you participated in a team (work or
play) or an organization where there was a great sense of
unity. How did the sense of unity affect your experience?
Chapter 2: I will Be a Unifying Member
2. Read Ephesians 4:1-3. How can the instructions in verse 2
help you to follow the instructions in verse 3?
3. If unity is so great, why is it so difficult to attain and maintain?
4. This chapter says a lot about the destructive results of gossip.
On page 26 we read, Second, if someone in the church begins
to share gossip with you, gently rebuke him or her. Does that
scare you? What are some practical ways that we can gently,
yet firmly, resist and even rebuke gossip?
Chapter 3: I Will Not Let My Church Be About Me
5. On page 34 we read, The strange thing about church
membership is that you actually give up your preferences
when you join. How did you respond when you first read
that?
6. This is an important topic because we all struggle with
selfishness and wanting our own way. It is natural to look out
for our own needs and preferences, but God calls us to put
others first! On pages 36-38 we find 10 self-serving behavior

patterns of inwardly focused churches. As you read through

the list, for which one did you say, oh, thats me.?
7. Read Philippians 2:5-11. If you have time, discuss how each
verse becomes a pattern for us to follow. If time is short, ask
group members to share which verse best speaks to them.
You might ask, In light of this passage, how is your attitude of
servanthood?
8. Conclude by reading through pledges 2 & 3 on pages 30 & 41.
Ask group members to consider whether they are willing to
make these pledges. What can they do this week to live out
these pledges? (You can decide if you want to have them
answer that out loud or just to themselves, or in prayer).

Remind group members that next week will be the last

week to discuss this book and that everyone should
read the last 3 chapters!

Concluding Prayer Time: Take a few minutes for prayer

requests and conclude the group time with prayer.