06.04.08
Small Group Plan - June 1, 2008
“Wait: Looking for Growth”
Windows on the Soul
Small Group Plan
June 1, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
Prayer is not a way
of being busy with God
instead of people …
[It’s] standing in front of him
without anything to show, to prove,
or to argue,
and … allowing him to enter
– Henri Nouwen
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be afraid only of standing still.
– Anonymous
What grows makes no noise.
– Anonymous
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Who in your family (current or growing up) could grow anything? Why?
· Who killed everything? What made the difference?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
QUIET GROWTH
Mark 4:26-29
26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain — first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.
· Spiritual growth is sometimes hidden and sometimes visible. Where do you see these two aspects at work in spiritual growth today?
· This story is filled with the theme of patience.
· Why is patience difficult for some, but natural for others?
· Why do so many want “quick” results?
· The farmer anticipates the harvest but is not impatient. How can a person be eager and expectant, but not impatient?
· What does “the harvest” mean?
AMAZING GROWTH
Mark 4:30-32
30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.
· Why did Jesus choose the mustard seed to represent the kingdom?
· Why is it powerful for greatness to come from smallness or weakness?
· What hope does this story give you when you feel that your life, your family or your church is insignificant?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· Does knowing that the power to grow is ultimately in God’s hands cause you to rest more or work more? Explain.
· At what stage of growth are you: A seed? Sprouting? Growing? Producing? Drying up?
· Where do you want to be?
· When did you see something small grow into something big? How did it happen?
· Which of the three lesson applications is the most difficult for you:
- Waiting for God?
- Stilling the noise?
- Yielding control?
Close with a time of quiet, personal prayer.