We all have someone like Tom in our lives; someone who is at the point where he knows he needs Jesus, is interested in Jesus, and even longs for the healing only He can give. But no matter how much you invite Tom to church, he just isn't ready to walk through the doors. Tom is open to Jesus; he just needs Jesus to meet him where he is. What if you are the one God is calling to bring him Jesus? Join us this week as we learn how to make our fifth shift: from more programs...to more mission.

Ephesians 5:8-17

8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

Acts 11:19-21 - The Church in Antioch

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Ephesians 5:1-2. 

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. What does “making the most of every opportunity” mean to you? Do you see yourself as a missionary with a unique mission field to carry the fullness of Jesus into your unique corners of society?

2. In lesson 1, you discussed the mystery of Jesus and the church having the capacity to fill everything in every way. If the church is to carry the fullness of Jesus into every nook and cranny of society, how will that happen? Can it happen with the strategy Faith currently has for mobilization?

3. What would it look like for a church focused on disciple-making to see its core strategy as mobilizing everyday missionaries (on their Ephesians 2:10 calling) to unique mission fields where each person lives, works, learns, and plays? What are the benefits of this type of approach? What are the obstacles? What would have to happen to make this a reality? 

For Families with Kids

1. Read and memorize Ephesians 5:2.

2. Schedule a family day and find a park that has a trail you can walk together. Don’t rush - enjoy God’s creation and being with one another.

3. God tells us through Paul to “walk in love.” What’s the difference between walking and running? Is it harder or easier to talk to someone when they’re running? Why? Maybe we’re told to “walk in love” because walking takes time; it is slow and deliberate. That’s our call from God to love and disciple those around us: it might be slow, but stick with it, because the end is worth it...being together with Jesus!

4. Pray as a family for God to help you slow down, maybe even stop certain things/activities in this season, from less “running” to more “walking.”