A New Chapter
🕊️ 1. Welcome & Opening
Icebreakers:
“Your Life in a Rhythm”
If your current rhythm of life were a soundtrack or song title, what would it be? (e.g., “Running on Empty,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Thunderstruck” 😄)
“The Bob Snider Moment”
Wesley’s story changed when someone invited him to church and lunch. Who has been a “Bob Snider” in your life — someone whose invitation changed your direction?
📖 2. Read Together — Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23
“A farmer went out to sow his seed…”
Encourage the group to imagine the scene and listen for which “soil” feels most like their current state of soul.
🌱 3. Personal Reflection — Our Stories Shape Our Soil
Read Aloud (from the sermon):
“Our stories form us — the experiences, voices, and mindsets we’ve carried. Our rhythms confirm our God-given identity or deny it. What if there’s a Holy normal — a genuine, God-given normal that can only be known in the presence of Christ and community?”
Discuss:
How have parts of your personal story (family, pain, experiences, habits) shaped your rhythm of life or your relationship with Jesus?
What “old rhythms” might have defined you in the past — and what “new rhythms” have brought healing or freedom?
When have you sensed Jesus saying, “I love you, you are my child, you are good and capable”?
🌿 4. Scripture Reflection — The Parable of the Soils
Invite four people to each read one soil description aloud (path, rocky, thorny, good).
Pause briefly between each for reflection.
Discuss:
Which soil best describes your current season — and why?
Where are you noticing God inviting you to till, deepen, or weed your life right now?
What distractions, pressures, or “thorns” have been choking your peace or focus?
What helps you stay “rooted” in God’s presence through your week?
🧭 5. Communal Reflection — A Rule of Life Centered on Christ and Community
Read Aloud (from the sermon):
“A rule of life is not about adding more to an already busy schedule… It’s about reordering what’s already happening around the presence of Jesus.”
Discuss:
How might a Rule of Life help you become more attentive to God’s presence in ordinary things — cooking, commuting, parenting, working?
What’s one daily or weekly practice that helps you stay centered in Christ?
How can our small group embody a shared rhythm — something we do together that roots us in prayer, rest, or service?
Group Activity (5–10 min):
Invite everyone to jot down one rhythm they want to live by (example: morning prayer, digital Sabbath, shared meal). Then, share and pray over each other’s commitments.
🤝 6. Invitation — Mature Faith Invites Others to Walk Alongside
Read Aloud (from the sermon):
“My new chapter in life started when someone further down the journey invited me to join him — Bob. He was “good soil” producing fruit never only intended for him. The next chapter of your faith journey might be inviting someone to join your journey?”
Discuss:
Who could you intentionally invite to walk alongside you this season?
For those more rooted in faith — how might you guide or mentor someone who’s just beginning?
What risks or hesitations do you feel about opening your life to others in this way?
Challenge for the Week:
Ask God to show you one person to intentionally walk with or invite into community.
Begin by praying for them daily — then take one simple step to connect (coffee, message, meal, invite).
🪴 7. Closing Reflection & Prayer
Prompt:
What new rhythm or seed is God inviting you to plant this week?
Closing Prayer:
Lord, till the soil of our hearts.
Soften what’s been hardened by hurry.
Deepen what’s been shallow.
Clear away the weeds that choke Your voice.
Root us in Your love and help us bear fruit —
fruit that nourishes others and glorifies You.
Amen.
📚 Suggested Resources for Further Growth
The Deeply Formed Life — Rich Villodas
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — John Mark Comer
Rule of Life Podcast
