Empowered to Flourish: Our Mission as God's People
Summary
In our journey as God's people, we are called to a mission that transcends time and culture, a mission that began with a promise to Abraham and finds its continuity through Jesus Christ. This mission is not merely an inward accomplishment but an outward mandate to bring flourishing to all corners of the earth. As followers of Christ, we inherit this mandate, empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and set captives free. Our mission is to carry this flourishing wherever we go, transforming our environments just as bees bring life to gardens.
Our church is committed to this vision of flourishing, not just within our walls but extending to the entire community. We are called to be like bees, gathering in the hive to be equipped and energized, then dispersing to our respective gardens to bring about transformation. Each of us has unique spaces where we can bring flourishing, whether it's our workplaces, schools, or neighborhoods.
This year, we are focusing on several key areas to foster this vision. First, we are deepening our personal spiritual formation, recognizing that everything we do forms us into who we are becoming. We are intentional about growing in our relationship with God and His Word, creating spaces to delve deeper into theological understanding and spiritual practices.
Secondly, we are nurturing our community's inner life, striving to create a flourishing hive for every generation. We value peer-to-peer discipleship, open hearts, and relentless prayer. We aim to build an intergenerational community where we can learn from each other and grow together in our God-given potential.
Thirdly, we are committed to raising leaders within every generation and area of our church community. We recognize the importance of identifying and nurturing the leadership potential in others, as well as stepping into our own leadership identities.
Furthermore, we are focusing on our children's ministry, aspiring to create a vibrant space for our young people within our building. We also have aspirations for the Freedom Center, seeking to develop it further as a place where business, culture, government, and the arts can flourish.
As we move forward, we invite every member of our church to engage with their role in the hive and the spaces they influence outside of it. We encourage sharing stories of flourishing, as these testimonies have the power to inspire and encourage others.
Key Takeaways:
- Our mission as believers is not a static concept but a dynamic calling to bring flourishing to every environment we touch, just as bees pollinate and bring life to gardens. We must recognize our individual gardens and commit to nurturing them with the love and truth of Christ. [49:33]
- Spiritual formation is an ongoing process that shapes us into the likeness of Jesus. It requires intentional actions and decisions that align with God's will, fostering growth and maturity in our faith journey. This year, let us be deliberate in pursuing spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to God. [56:13]
- Intergenerational community is vital for a thriving church. We must create spaces where wisdom and energy can be exchanged between generations, fostering a culture of mutual learning and respect. This year, let us embrace the diversity of our church family, recognizing the value each person brings to our collective growth. [01:00:34]
- Leadership development is not reserved for a select few but is a calling for all who influence others. By recognizing and stepping into our leadership roles, we can contribute to the kingdom in meaningful ways. Let us be attentive to those around us who may need encouragement to embrace their leadership potential. [01:13:26]
- Our children's ministry is not just a program but a foundational element of church life. Investing in the spiritual growth of our children is investing in the future of the church. This year, let us prioritize creating spaces and opportunities for our children to encounter God and grow in their faith. [01:15:29]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
> "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
2. Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV)
> "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
> "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific mission did Jesus proclaim in Luke 4:18-19?
2. According to Genesis 12:2-3, what was the promise given to Abraham, and how was it meant to impact all families on earth?
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the mission described in the sermon summary?
4. In the sermon, what analogy is used to describe the church's mission and how does it relate to the concept of flourishing? [50:11]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' mission in Luke 4:18-19 reflect the broader mission given to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3? What continuity do you see between these passages? [47:17]
2. What does it mean to "bring flourishing" to our environments, as described in the sermon? How does this concept align with the biblical passages? [49:26]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of intergenerational community. How can different generations within the church learn from and support each other? [01:00:34]
4. Leadership development is highlighted as a key focus. What qualities or actions are necessary for someone to step into their leadership potential within the church? [01:13:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal "garden" or environment. Where do you feel called to bring flourishing, and what specific actions can you take to nurture that space with the love and truth of Christ? [52:22]
2. Spiritual formation is an ongoing process. What spiritual disciplines can you commit to this year to grow closer to God and align more with His will? How will you incorporate these into your daily routine? [56:13]
3. Consider the intergenerational relationships in your church. How can you actively contribute to creating a thriving, intergenerational community? What steps can you take to bridge gaps between different age groups? [01:00:34]
4. Identify someone in your church or community who shows potential for leadership. How can you encourage and support them in stepping into their leadership role? What specific actions can you take to mentor or guide them? [01:13:26]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of children's ministry. How can you personally invest in the spiritual growth of the children in your church? Are there specific ways you can volunteer or support this ministry? [01:15:29]
6. Reflect on the concept of the "hive" and "gardens" from the sermon. How can you balance being equipped and energized within the church (the hive) and then going out to bring transformation in your daily environments (the gardens)? [50:11]
7. Share a story of flourishing from your own life or someone else's that has inspired you. How can sharing these stories within your church community encourage and motivate others to engage in the mission? [01:29:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating Spiritual Gardens
As believers, we are entrusted with the sacred task of bringing life and flourishing to the environments we inhabit. Just as bees pollinate gardens, we are called to spread the love and truth of Christ in our own "gardens"—the places where we live, work, and interact with others. This mission is dynamic and ever-evolving, requiring us to be attentive to the needs around us and proactive in our efforts to nurture growth. It is about recognizing the potential for transformation in every encounter and seizing the opportunities to sow seeds of faith, hope, and love. By doing so, we become agents of God's kingdom, actively participating in the divine work of restoration and renewal. [49:33]
"Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." - Matthew 13:43 ESV
Reflection: In what specific "garden" of your life is God calling you to bring flourishing today, and what is one practical step you can take to begin this process?
Day 2: Shaped by Divine Intimacy
Spiritual formation is the process by which our character is molded to reflect the image of Jesus. It is not a passive occurrence but an active pursuit, involving deliberate practices and disciplines that draw us closer to God. As we engage in prayer, study of the Scriptures, and other spiritual disciplines, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. This year, let us commit to deepening our spiritual roots, allowing the truths of God's Word to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. As we do, we will find ourselves growing in wisdom, strength, and maturity, better equipped to face the challenges of life and to serve those around us. [56:13]
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 ESV
Reflection: What is one spiritual discipline you can implement this week to deepen your relationship with God, and how will you hold yourself accountable to it?
Day 3: Bridging Generational Wisdom
The church thrives when it embraces the diversity of its members, including the rich interplay between different generations. An intergenerational community allows for the exchange of wisdom, energy, and experiences, creating a dynamic environment where all can learn and grow. This year, let us be intentional about fostering relationships that cross age barriers, recognizing that every person, young or old, has something valuable to contribute. By doing so, we build a stronger, more resilient community, united in our pursuit of God's purposes and equipped to support one another in our spiritual journeys. [01:00:34]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." - Psalm 145:4 ESV
Reflection: How can you actively engage with a different generation within your church community this week, and what might you learn from their perspective?
Day 4: Empowering Everyday Leaders
Leadership in the kingdom of God is not confined to the few but is a calling for all who have influence. Each of us leads in various capacities, whether in our families, workplaces, or social circles. This year, let us be attentive to the leadership potential in ourselves and others, encouraging and equipping each other to step into our God-given roles. As we do, we will see the church strengthened and the mission of God advanced, as more people are mobilized to serve and lead in their unique contexts. [01:13:26]
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." - 2 Timothy 2:2 ESV
Reflection: Who is someone you can encourage in their leadership journey this week, and what specific encouragement or support can you offer them?
Day 5: Nurturing Future Generations
Our children's ministry is a vital part of the church's life and mission. By investing in the spiritual formation of our children, we are shaping the future of the church and the world. This year, let us prioritize creating engaging and meaningful experiences for our young people, where they can encounter God and grow in their faith. As we pour into the next generation, we are sowing seeds that will bear fruit for years to come, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues to thrive and expand. [01:15:29]
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to the spiritual growth of a child in your community this week, and how can you make that a consistent part of your life?
Quotes
1) "Everything at all times is forming you to be someone. Spiritual formation is the intentional thinking about actually what is my inner life looking like, who am I becoming." [56:46](Download | )
2) "We want to feel like we're moving forward and this doesn't happen by accident. It's about saying by the end of this year I don't want to be the same person that I am today." [57:21](Download | )
3) "We're committed to raising leaders within every generation and in every area of church life. We're committed to seeing each generation nurturing the Next Generation." [01:13:26](Download | )
4) "We want to create a hive that is a place of equipping, encounter, service, challenge, and collaborative growth but here it is across all ages and within every generation." [01:00:34](Download | )
5) "We are the bees in the kingdom of God. We come in the hive and we go out of the hive. The Hive is our gathered spaces, and there are spaces where we work together, serve one another." [50:11](Download | )
6) "We want to see our children's ministry flourish. Investing in the spiritual growth of our children is investing in the future of the church." [01:15:29](Download | )
7) "Our hope through the course of this year is that you know what part you're playing in building in the hive and what space you're bringing flourishing to out of the hive." [01:29:41](Download | )
8) "We want to be a group of people in 2024 that are intentionally thinking about who we are becoming as God's people. We want to feel like we're moving forward." [59:22](Download | )
9) "We want to see a whole group of people that say actually yeah I want to move forward, I don't just want to sit where I am or settle where I am." [57:52](Download | )
10) "We want to invite you to reign in messages and say I want to actually engage in what God's called me to in this and we want to call out the dormant calling in this house." [01:28:51](Download | )
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