The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Series: Enter THEIR World
Week's focus: Sent
Scriptures: John 17:1-17, 20:21
Week of: June 10, 2007

TRACKING THE WORD IN WORSHIP
Word principles for decision, reflection & application

What does it mean to be "sent"? What difference does it make in my daily living?

1. God has placed incredible value on you, meaning in you, and purpose for you.

John 17:6-9, 18

A. Think of a time in your life when you have been selected for a mission, entrusted with a decision, or chosen to represent someone, your school, your church, or your family. How did that feel?

B. Instead of looking for things the world typically values in a person, on what basis do you think God values and views us?

C. What has Jesus given his followers, according to John 17:8?

D. State what you think is God's purpose for your life:

2. Your life is not your own, on your own terms, or in your own power.

John 17:11-19

A. When the Bible declares, "you are not your own, you were bought with a price," does that make you feel? List some one-word responses:

B. What does Jesus pray for his followers in John 17:11 and 15? Why do you think this is important for you?

C. God, who has entrusted us, also equips us, indwells us, and empowers us for every challenge in the mission we are sent to fulfill.

3. Your life is an important part of a divine adventure to reclaim, redeem and reshape broken lives and a sin-sick world.

John 17:20-26, 20:21

A. What are some evidences to you that God's redeeming love is needed in our world?

B. What is part of the mission of Jesus' followers according to his prayer in John 17:21?

C. Some aspects of the Christian mission require individual witness; other aspects can be fulfilled only by cooperation among believers.

List some of these:
Individual
Personal integrity
Singular welcome
Prayer for others
Personal mission
Individual influence
Glorifying God

Cooperative
Advocate justice, compassion, service
Inclusivity, hospitality
Symphony/concert of prayer
Shared mission/global vision
Gathered influence
Corporate worship/celebration

D. For which parts of God's divine adventure do you feel you are being sent forth to contribute?


MARKINGS FOR THE JOURNEY
Consider what other believers have explored about being sent

SENT BY JESUS. "Neither failure nor hostility can weaken the messenger's conviction that he has been sent by Jesus. That His word may be their strength, their stay and their comfort, Jesus repeats it. "Behold, I send you." For this is no way they have chosen for themselves, no undertaking of their own. It is, in the strict sense of the word, a mission. With this, the Lord promises His abiding presence, even when they find themselves as sheep among wolves, defenseless, powerless, sore pressed and beset with great danger. Nothing can happen to them without Jesus knowing of it." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer in The Cost of Discipleship

SHARED MISSION. "The missionary dimension of a local church's life manifests itself, among other ways, when it is truly a worshipping community; it is able to welcome outsiders and make them feel at home; it is a church in which the pastor does not have the monopoly and the members are not merely objects of pastoral care; its members are equipped for their calling in society; it is structurally pliable and innovative; and it does not defend the privileges of a select group. However, the church's missionary dimension evokes intentionality, that is direct involvement in society; it actually moves beyond the walls of the church and engages in missionary 'points of concentration' such as evangelism and work for justice and peace." - David J. Bosch

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

Return to the top
Return to main page