To kick off the year, Pastor Jesse introduced our 2025 rallying cry: To build deeper relationships in the right direction. Throughout this year, we’ll challenge ourselves to grow in true fellowship - a partnership with our church and one another to live out Jesus’ mission for the sake of others.
Discussion
1. Revisit and read 1 John 1:1-4. John’s use of the word koinonia (fellowship) emphasizes partnership for a shared mission. How does this differ from simply being part of a group? What examples of true fellowship have you seen or experienced?
2. Revisit and read Matthew 4:18-22. Jesus called his disciples into both deep relationships and sending them out on a wide mission. And often, that wide mission is what drove deep community. Share about a time when working on a project or being on a team ended up creating meaningful relationships for you.
3. With the previous question in mind, are you experiencing something similar with your church right now? Could you describe your relationship with PLC as a partnership? Why or why not?
4. Based on your answer, what’s next? How might you need to change your mindset, or what action might you need to take, to move toward finding partners in your life with God? (Use the application section below as a starting point.)
5. More specifically, what might God be asking you to prioritize or let go of in 2025 to better align with who he’s calling you to become?
Application
- Redeem. Steps like attending church, serving, giving, or being in a group can easily become “just another thing I have to do.” Spend time reminding yourself that these may actually unlock the community you deeply desire and the growth you need.
- Explore. Check out what’s coming up at your campus on the PLC website to see what immediate opportunities may exist for you to take a step toward becoming a partner.
- Decide. Spend some time with God clarifying what may be next – then make some kind of practical commitment to make it happen. If you aren’t sure, just give something a try and find out.
- Remember why. It’s about living out the mission together for the sake of others. If you find your deep relationships and engagement are simply serving yourself, it may be time to reevaluate.