ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

FROM SUNDAY 17 JUNE 2007

JOHN 4:1-26 - GOOD NEWS FROM JOHN - NEW WORSHIPPERS

With the Impact Mission almost upon us, we're going to look at the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4 from the perspective of learning about how to reach out to others more effectively.

1. To begin with, take some time to share some the reasons - both good and not so good - why most of us find evangelism hard.

2. Now read through John 4:1-26.

3. What is there here to indicate that this opportunity came at a time which wasn't particularly convenient for Jesus?

4. Can you think of times when opportunities to reach out to others have come at inconvenient times for you? What did you do?

5. What is unconventional and surprising about the encounter described in John 4?

6. What sort of people might we assume that God would never use us to reach out to? Does anyone in the group have an example where such assumptions were overturned?

7. What exactly does Jesus offer her? What does he mean by it? What does she have to do in order to receive what he offers? Why?

8. Can you describe in a nutshell what God offers us and how we can receive it?

9. What is it that makes the woman uncomfortable in this conversation? Why is this? How does Jesus help her to stay on track?

10. What can we learn from Jesus about how to reach out to others more effectively?

11. Pray for one another in the light of this study. And pray too for the young Christians of Newbury as they prepare to make full use of the Impact Mission in reaching out to their friends.

The main focus of the church's Prayer Day on Thursday this week is on the Impact Mission. Home Groups are invited to join in whenever they meet. See http://www.st-nicolas-newbury.org/prayer-day.htm for details.

David Stone
15 June 2007