Connecting Community: Multiplying Good Through Prayer and Action

Summary

The invitation is clear: every person has a vital role in connecting others to God and to community. Drawing inspiration from the image of a restaurant turnaround, where every staff member contributes to the success of the whole, the call is for each of us to own the mission of multiplying good in our context. God has already begun to multiply our efforts, as seen in the remarkable number of baptisms and affirmations of faith this year. These stories are never the result of one person’s work, but of a community—welcoming, praying, encouraging, teaching, and supporting. The vision for the next three years is not for a select few, but for all of us to be force multipliers for kingdom good, connecting more people to God, developing as authentic followers of Jesus, and engaging our world for good.

Paul’s words in Colossians 4 remind us that prayer is foundational. He urges the church to devote themselves to prayer, to be watchful and thankful, and to pray for open doors and clarity in sharing the gospel. Even while imprisoned, Paul recognizes the interconnectedness of the body of Christ—those who pray are as much a part of the mission as those who speak. Prayer is not a passive act; it is a way to participate in God’s work, to invest in others, and to strengthen the bonds of community. When we pray for one another, we become more deeply connected, and that connection is both compelling and attractive to those outside the faith.

But prayer is only the beginning. Paul’s instructions move from prayer to action: be wise in how we interact with those outside the faith, make the most of every opportunity, and let our conversations be full of grace and seasoned with salt. The way we live, speak, and respond to others lays down paving stones—pathways for people to encounter God. A rich, authentic connection to God is itself a powerful witness; people are drawn to the transformation they see in us. We are called to be intentional, to reflect Jesus in our words and actions, and to respond to others with love and grace. None of us can do this perfectly or alone, but together, as a community, we can create pathways for many to connect to God and to one another.

Key Takeaways

- Every person in the community has a part to play in connecting others to God and to each other. The mission is not reserved for a select few, but is a shared responsibility, much like every staff member in a restaurant contributes to its success. When we each bring our gifts, prayers, and presence, God multiplies our efforts for greater good. [06:38]

- Prayer is both participation and investment in God’s work. Even if we never meet the people we pray for, our prayers are a real contribution to their journey toward God. Prayer not only supports others but also deepens our own connection to the community, making us more invested in one another’s stories. [14:14]

- A strong, prayerful community is compelling to those outside the faith. When people see a group that genuinely cares, prays, and supports one another—even across lines of familiarity—they are drawn to that sense of belonging and love. This kind of community is rare and deeply attractive, reflecting what people are made for. [16:59]

- Tending to our own relationship with God is foundational for connecting others to Him. A life that is authentically connected to God—marked by prayer, watchfulness, and gratitude—becomes a living testimony. People are more likely to be drawn to faith when they see real transformation and peace in us, rather than just hearing well-crafted words. [21:18]

- Intentionality and grace in our interactions lay down pathways for others to encounter God. Being wise, making the most of opportunities, and letting our conversations be full of grace and “seasoned with salt” means we reflect Jesus in all we do. Even if we don’t have all the answers, our loving responses and authentic presence can help others take steps toward God. [25:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Gordon Ramsay and the Power of Shared Mission
[03:30] - Our Three-Year Vision: Force Multipliers for Kingdom Good
[04:30] - Celebrating Baptisms and Community Impact
[06:38] - Everyone’s Role in Connection
[07:44] - Introduction to Colossians 4
[09:00] - Context of Paul’s Letter
[11:21] - Paul’s Prayer Request and Our Shared Mission
[14:14] - The Power of Prayer in Community
[15:24] - A Testimony of Prayer and Support
[16:59] - The Attractiveness of True Community
[18:09] - Paul’s Instructions: Prayer, Watchfulness, Thankfulness
[19:17] - Tending Our Own Connection to God
[21:18] - The Compelling Witness of a Transformed Life
[23:10] - Laying Paving Stones: Intentionality and Grace
[25:19] - Reflecting Jesus in Conversation
[26:39] - Creating Pathways Together
[28:14] - Practicing Prayer for One Another
[29:31] - Ensuring Everyone is Prayed For
[30:36] - Closing Prayer and Sending

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV)
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Colossians 4:2-6, what are the specific instructions Paul gives to the church about prayer and their interactions with others?
2. In the sermon, what example was used to illustrate how everyone has a role to play in a shared mission? [[03:30]]
3. What evidence did the pastor give that God is already multiplying the church’s efforts in connecting people to God and community? [[04:30]]
4. How does Paul describe the relationship between prayer and the mission of sharing the gospel, even while he is in prison? [[11:21]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul ask the Colossians to pray for him, even though they may never meet the people he will share the gospel with? What does this say about the interconnectedness of the church? [[11:21]]
2. The sermon mentions that prayer is both participation and investment in God’s work. How might praying for others change the way someone feels about their church community? [[14:14]]
3. Paul tells the church to be wise in the way they act toward outsiders and to let their conversations be full of grace. What might this look like in everyday life, especially when interacting with people who don’t share your faith? [[18:09]]
4. The pastor said that a strong, prayerful community is attractive to those outside the faith. Why do you think this kind of community is so compelling? [[16:59]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon compared the church to a restaurant where every staff member contributes to success. What is one specific way you can “own the mission” of connecting others to God and community this week? [[06:38]]
2. Who is someone in your life (at work, school, neighborhood, etc.) that you could begin praying for regularly, even if you never get to see the results? How might this change your attitude toward them? [[14:14]]
3. Think about a time when you felt supported by prayer or community. How did that experience impact your faith or sense of belonging? [[15:24]]
4. The passage says to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” What is one practical step you can take to grow in watchfulness or gratitude in your relationship with God this week? [[19:17]]
5. Paul encourages us to make the most of every opportunity and to let our conversations be full of grace. Can you think of a recent conversation where you could have responded with more grace or intentionality? What would you do differently next time? [[25:19]]
6. The pastor said that a life authentically connected to God is a powerful witness. What is one area of your life where you want to experience more of God’s transformation, so that others might see it in you? [[21:18]]
7. As a group, consider choosing two people to pray for by name over the next few weeks, as suggested in the sermon. How can you support each other in this commitment? [[28:14]]

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Devotional

Day 1: We All Have a Part to Play in Connecting Others to God

Every person in the community, regardless of their role or visibility, is essential in helping others connect to God and to one another. Whether through welcoming, praying, encouraging, or simply being present, each act contributes to the larger story of faith and transformation. Just as a restaurant’s success depends on every staff member, the flourishing of the church’s mission relies on everyone’s participation. No one is too insignificant or too far removed to make a difference; together, we create the environment where spiritual growth and connection can happen. [06:38]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV)
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.

Reflection: Who is one person in your church or community you can intentionally encourage or support this week, knowing your involvement matters in their journey toward God?


Day 2: Prayer is Our Shared Pathway to Participation

Prayer is not just a private act but a powerful way to participate in God’s work and in the lives of others. When you pray for someone—whether you know them well or not—you become invested in their story and in the opportunities God is opening for them. Prayer weaves us together as a community, strengthening our bonds and making us part of each other’s spiritual journeys. Even if you never meet the person you’re praying for, your prayers are a vital part of what God is doing in their life. [14:14]

Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

Reflection: Who is someone—inside or outside your immediate circle—you can commit to praying for by name this week, trusting God to work through your prayers?


Day 3: Tending to Your Own Connection with God is Compelling

A vibrant, authentic relationship with God is not only life-giving for you but also deeply compelling to those around you. When you cultivate a life of prayer, watchfulness, and gratitude, the transformation in your own life becomes a living testimony that draws others in. People are searching for the peace, direction, and joy that come from a real connection with God, and your lived example can be more persuasive than any words you speak. [22:16]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can deepen your connection with God this week—through prayer, gratitude, or attentiveness—and how might that overflow to those around you?


Day 4: Be Intentional and Gracious in Every Opportunity

Opportunities to connect others to God often come in everyday interactions. Being intentional means being aware of these moments and engaging with wisdom, authenticity, and grace. It’s not about treating people as projects, but about letting your faith naturally inform your conversations and actions. When your words and presence are full of grace and seasoned with the love of Christ, you help lay paving stones that guide others toward God and community. [24:38]

Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Reflection: Think of a recent or upcoming interaction with someone who may not share your faith—how can you intentionally bring grace and authenticity into that conversation?


Day 5: Community Prayer Strengthens and Attracts

When a community prays for one another, it creates a powerful sense of belonging and care that is both rare and attractive. This kind of investment in each other’s lives is not only encouraging for those within the community but also draws in those who are searching for genuine connection. The act of praying for others, even those you may not know well, builds a strong, welcoming environment where people can experience God’s love through the care of others. [16:59]

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Reflection: How can you show someone in your church or neighborhood this week that they are being prayed for and cared about, even if you don’t know them well?

Quotes

Folks, we're all a part of one another's story. We all have a part to play if we're willing to pray. We're all part of seeing more people connect to God, connect to community, and deepen in their engagement with community. And we become a stronger community community when we participate together through prayer. [00:16:51] (25 seconds)  #InvestedInEachOther Edit Clip

Connecting people to God starts with tending to our own connection to God. He tells them, and the counsel applies to us here as well. He tells them first, spend time talking and listening to God. If we're going to invite people into relationship with God, let's be in relationship with God. [00:19:39] (23 seconds)  #LiveWhatYouBelieve Edit Clip

If we're going to talk to people about the promise of peace in laying our burdens before the Lord, let's lay our burdens before the Lord in prayer. If we're going to talk about how how great it is that there is a God who gives us direction and guidance, let's listen for that direction and guidance. It will transform us. It will shape us. [00:20:02] (23 seconds)  #IntentionalConnections Edit Clip

``You might ask, what does tending to my relationship with God have to do with connecting other people to God? It's something so obvious that it will seem so clear as soon as you hear it. It's that a rich connection to God is compelling. When people see someone with a rich connection to God, a life well lived in God, it can be as compelling a witness as a well -crafted message. [00:21:33] (30 seconds)  #GraceFilledConversations Edit Clip

People can hear messages about life change that comes in following Jesus, but it lands differently when they've seen that life change in someone. They need to be able to connect the dots. Now, they need the word. Someone needs to explain, but they need to know also that it's real, that it happens, that there's change. Your connection to God is compelling because the fruit of your connection to God is the thing that everyone was made for. [00:22:16] (35 seconds)  #FruitOfTheSpirit Edit Clip

Speak and listen in ways that will draw people in. It's part of what he's getting out with conversations being full of grace and seasoned with salt. It's not that they would be fascinated with you. It's not that you would be the most interesting man or the most interesting woman in the world. It's about that they would be fascinated through you in the God who is forming you. [00:25:00] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

How cool would it be if every word you speak and every time that you listen, people would be able to have a sense that there is love, there is joy, there is peace, there is patience, there is kindness, there is goodness, there is faithfulness, there is gentleness, and there is self -control. People will lean in. People will want to know more. [00:25:33] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

But between all of us, we can lay down a path for our neighbors. We can lay down a path for our classmates. We can lay down our path for our colleagues. We can lay down a path for our family in the county and beyond that connects them to God. We're all part of how we're going to see more people connecting to God and connecting to community. [00:26:47] (25 seconds) Edit Clip