Pastor Jesse called us to look forward—considering where God is leading Prairie Lakes over the next ten years. This week, we’ll explore what it means to follow Jesus together, not just for ourselves, but for our neighbors.

Discussion

1. Let’s start where Pastor Jesse started this weekend—in prayer. Because visions only get realized when they are inspired, aligned, and empowered by God. Pray for your conversation about this mission to “Follow Jesus together for our neighbors.”

2. Pastor Jesse entered Prairie Lakes Church (First Baptist at the time) with a certain set of expectations based on his previous experience—and learned that God’s love doesn’t depend on him. Share how you first came to PLC and one way your understanding of God, the church, or yourself has grown here.

3. “No Matter” is a great motto, but not a great mission. It falls short of capturing what we’re trying to accomplish. How are you processing this phrase becoming our “badge” or “guarantee” rather than our mission? Do you have any questions that are worth talking about together?

4. Revisit and read Luke 5:11-32. Before anyone does anything right, God loves. Which part of the father’s response stands out to you, and how might that shape the way you engage with your neighbors who are far from God or have made mistakes?

5. Pastor Jesse said, “We’re gonna be a church who is more interested in who needs to get here than who’s already here.” Over the next decade, where might you be tempted to make church about you? What might you need for investing in others’ stories to become the fuel in your own walk with God?

Application

• Pray. Ask God to align your heart with His mission of following Jesus together for our neighbors.
• Reflect. Let this new mission spend time in your heart. Notice where it aligns and where you feel tension, and pay attention to where and how God is moving in you.
• Notice. Start looking for the moments when this mission shows up in your life and those around you. Keep track of what you notice and where God might already be pointing you.