Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…

19 September 2021 - 11am Service

First Things First Series

This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Dave is looking at what we believe community means at Woodlands and what it looks like to join in and belong.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read 1 Corinthians 3, Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42-47 and John 15:12-13.

‘You are God’s building, God’s field’ - 1 Corinthians 3:9.
‘I Will build my church and the gates of Hades will not stand against it’ - Matthew 16:18
‘Every human being has an irreducible need to be noticed and loved’ - Brene Brown

There are so many verses about community in the Bible! Israel is God’s community; community solidarity is a foundational world view. The twelve disciples Jesus calls reflect a new Israel, renewed community. Jesus clear priority was to build community. We often read the Bible individualistically when in fact community is being addressed. The hallmarks of following Jesus and his commands demand community expression; Baptism is initiation into new community as well as a personal expression of discipleship. Communion is the central rite of the Church, a gathering and sharing of a meal, with Jesus in the midst by His Spirit.

Why is being in community vital to being a Christian and following Jesus?
What are the attributes of a community that make it ‘Church’, a community of the

Kingdom of God? What distinguishes Church from any other human organisation? What were the hallmarks of the community that Jesus gathered and had in mind for the future?

21st Century Western society celebrates individualism. How does this affect our view of Church?
Being noticed and loved, having a part to play in community is key to the experience of community. How can growing communities retain those values? How big can community be?
How does Woodies express community? What’s expected of me in the community of the Church? What does it look like to belong?