Day 37 of 50

READING GUIDE:

• Read today's devotion below and Matthew 16.
• During days 36-42 (at your own pace) read chapter 19 from Joining Jesus on His Mission.
• After days 36-42, meet with your small group and follow the back-of-the-book discussion guide for SESSION 6.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another..." (Hebrews 10:24-25a ESV)

Finke in chapter 19 defines a missional community as such, "A smaller group of people who gather regularly in order to support each other as they learn to seek, recognize and respond to what Jesus is doing around them every day as he carries out his redemptive mission."

What elements of this definition do you find in Jesus' missional community (His disciples) as read about in Matthew 16?

How does Finke's definition of a missional community compare with the small group and/or ministry team of which you are a participant? How could your small group or ministry team take on the characteristics of a missional community? What first step would be necessary for this to happen? How and when will you and your group/team take this first step?

Just one idea - how about adding a missional and/or outreach discussion time to your next meeting? At St. Paul/Aurora, as part of our small group studies which complement weekend sermons, an outreach component is included in each week's study. Check them out and feel free to re-purpose for your needs. No need to cite us! A unique outreach discussion is included each week's study.