The Arrival

Table purpose statement (Can be shared at the start or before the Discovery section):

This group exists for the purpose of discipleship. A disciple is someone who loves and obeys Jesus. (John 14:15) That means our focus is hearing from God and taking steps of faith. Our goal is to multiply another healthy Table. That means one day, some of you will lead a group like this!

‍

Table Talk (⅓ of meeting) 

• High, Low, Buffalo! Tell us something about your week that was good, hard, or weird. 
• Share a step of faith you have taken lately.
• Christmas brings one of the most spiritually open times of the year, making it a great time to be invitational with others. How might God be prompting you in your everyday life and relationships? What opportunities do we have as a group to make the most of this season (think parties and serving)?
• Pray over the people and places God has called us to. Then, close by asking Holy Spirit to open our hearts to God’s Word. 

‍

Discussion Guidelines 

1. Everyone shares in sentences, not paragraphs. 
2. Focus only on what this passage is saying. (This keeps everyone on the same page) 
3. Share from your perspective – we won’t argue or give advice. 
4. Give everyone time to respond. Silence is OK. 
5. The facilitator will facilitate discussion, not teach. 

‍

Discover what God is saying to you. (⅓ of meeting) 
Big idea: Hope means trusting that God is at work- even in the waiting, and even when we struggle to believe.

‍Read Luke 1:5-25 and notice what sticks out to you. 

• Have someone retell this story. Take turns filling in any other details.
• What do you find most challenging about this story? What is most encouraging?
• Advent emphasizes waiting on God as we prepare for His arrival. How did the inability to speak serve a spiritual purpose for Zechariah? 
• Zechariah is a faithful servant with an angel standing in front of Him, and he still couldn’t believe God’s message. Why is it hard for you to trust that God’s plan is the best plan? 
• Who do you see as an example of hope in a world full of doubt? 

‍

Go do it. (⅓ of meeting)

• How do you bring these ideas into your everyday life? 
  
  • As a follower of Jesus, in what ways can you be an example of hope? 
  • The focus of Advent is waiting/preparing for Christ’s arrival. How can you make room to focus on the spiritual purpose of this season?
• What have you been praying for recently where you are waiting on God? Break into twos or threes and pray for those needs.