Kingdom Influence Part 2 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Influence Part 2 Discussion Guide

Summary

Pastor discusses the importance of understanding and engaging with our local communities to have kingdom influence. Using the example of Jesus sending out 72 disciples to specific towns, he emphasizes that effective ministry requires understanding the unique ‘soil’ of each community. The pastor draws parallels between farming and ministry, explaining that while the gospel message (the seed) remains constant, different communities require different approaches. He highlights the Apostle Paul’s strategy of becoming ‘all things to all people’ to win some for Christ, emphasizing that our primary mission is to introduce people to Jesus rather than sharing personal opinions that might hinder our witness.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside our preconceptions and be receptive to Your Spirit’s leading. We pray that You would give us eyes to see our community the way You see it, and hearts that are willing to be used by You to bring Your love and hope to those around us. Guide our discussion and help us to encourage one another as we seek to understand how we can better serve You in the places You have planted us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one thing about your neighborhood or community that you’ve noticed recently that you hadn’t paid attention to before?

Key Verses

Luke 10:1-3
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Luke 10:5-6
Luke 10:9

Questions

How well do you really know the people that God has placed around you? What might be preventing you from knowing them better?
Paul said he became ‘all things to all people’ to win some for Christ. What does this look like practically in your daily interactions?
The pastor mentioned that sharing personal opinions can sometimes hinder our ability to share Jesus. How do you balance having convictions while remaining approachable to those who might disagree with you?
What are some specific ‘wounds’ or needs you’ve observed in your community (loneliness, addiction, family breakdown, etc.)? How might God be calling you to bring healing to these areas?
Jesus told the disciples to look for ‘people of peace’ – those who are receptive to the gospel. Who in your life might be showing signs of spiritual openness?
The sermon emphasized understanding our community’s unique ‘soil’ rather than copying what works elsewhere. What makes your community unique, and how should that influence your approach to ministry?
How can we ‘serve without an agenda’ while still having the goal of introducing people to Jesus?
What’s the difference between trying to change your community versus understanding it so God can work through you?

Life Application

This week, practice ‘seeing more’ rather than ‘doing more.’ Pray daily: ‘Jesus, help me see my community the way that you do.’ Make one intentional movement toward understanding your community better – have a longer conversation with someone, walk your neighborhood, learn someone’s story, or listen without trying to fix. Look for where God is already at work and consider how you might join Him.

Key Takeaways

You can’t influence a community you don’t understand – we must learn to ‘exegete’ our communities just as we study Scripture
The gospel message never changes, but how it takes root looks different depending on the ‘soil’ of each community
Our primary mission is to win people for Christ, which sometimes means setting aside personal opinions that might hinder our witness
Look for ‘people of peace’ – those who are receptive to the gospel – rather than forcing influence where it’s not welcomed
Effective kingdom influence comes from understanding local pain and stepping into it with compassion, presence, prayer, and service

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for placing each of us in specific communities where You want to use us for Your kingdom purposes. Help us to see our neighbors, coworkers, and community members through Your eyes of love and compassion. Give us wisdom to understand the unique needs and opportunities around us, and courage to step into those places where You are already at work. May we be faithful witnesses who bring Your hope and healing to the broken places in our community. Help us to love well, listen carefully, and serve humbly so that others might come to know You. Use us as instruments of Your peace and agents of Your kingdom influence. In Your precious name, Amen.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.