Plan A, Accepted?

Opening:

• Begin with prayer: “Jesus our Christ, grant us the wisdom to listen attentively to your presence all around us today. May we listen well to your dream for our communities, to our own lives, and to the people and places we call home. By your Spirit, enable us to discern your calling and give us courage to act. Amen.”

Icebreaker:

• Share a moment when a single word of direction from someone trustworthy (a coach, mentor, or friend) brought clarity to a confusing situation.

Scripture Readings: Read together. Ask: What stands out about Jesus’ authority, presence, and the call to go?

• Matthew 28:18–20

• John 1:14

• Acts 1:8

• Romans 8:11

Key Themes

1. Authority Redefined: Jesus’ authority restores, heals, forgives, and serves. It’s power for others, not power over others.

2. Sent Under Authority: We are not sent on our own strength but under the authority and presence of Christ.

3. Incarnational Mission: Like Jesus, we are to “move into the neighbourhood.” Our calling is not only to gather, but to go.

4. Spirit-Led Discernment: The Spirit empowers and directs us as we ask, “What if REUNION…?”

Discussion Questions

Personal Reflection

1. When you think about “authority,” what experiences—positive or negative—come to mind? How does Jesus’ example redefine authority for you?

2. Jesus promises, “Surely I am with you always.” Where in your life do you need to rely more deeply on Christ’s presence and power rather than your own ability?

3. John 1:14 says Jesus “moved into the neighbourhood.” What might that look like for you personally? Where is Jesus inviting you to be more present, attentive, or incarnational?

Communal Reflection

1. What might it mean for REUNION to live as a sent people versus come-and-see church?

2. How is the Spirit prompting our group to accept greater responsibility for our neighbourhoods?

3. When you consider our “What if REUNION _____?” question:

   • What dreams or possibilities come to mind for how we could love like Jesus right where we live?

   • What might need to change in how, where, or why we gather?

4. The early disciples waited for the Spirit’s power before they acted. How can our group practice this same posture of listening and discernment?

Application & Practices

This Week’s Practice:

• Begin and end each day with the discernment prayer above.

• In the evening, journal brief reflections on these questions:

  • What do I sense God wants us to do in light of what we know about ourselves and our neighbourhood?

  • If God shaped REUNION into the church He dreams it to be, what would that look like?

  • If REUNION ceased to exist in two years, what would our city grieve losing?

Group Practice:

• Take a prayer walk in your neighbourhood or around a significant community space.

• Ask God to reveal needs, hurts, and hopes in your area.

• Share what you notice next time you meet.

Closing

Invite people to share one “What if…” statement that captures something they sense the Spirit saying — even if it feels small.
Example:

“What if REUNION adopted our local park?”
“What if REUNION created a weekly table for neighbours?”
“What if REUNION partnered with a school to love teachers and families?”

Close by thanking God for His authority, His Spirit, and the courage to love like Jesus.