ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

PICTURES OF THE CHURCH 1: THE PEOPLE OF GOD

For home groups that would like them, here are some questions based on the first of our series on Pictures of the Church. There's no need to answer them all - just tackle the ones you have time for. You don't need to stick to the areas mentioned here - feel free to discuss any other issues that arise for you.

1. Do you ever wake up on Sunday morning and feel that you can't face going to church? Why? What makes you come along anyway (assuming you do!)?

2. Read 1 Peter 1:1-2. How do you feel about being described as 'God's elect'? How about 'strangers in the world'?

3. In the New Testament 'church' always refers to people and never to buildings. What problems arise for us as a result of calling our church buildings 'churches'?

4. How do you respond to the idea that 'church' is God's idea first and a human institution second? Which do you think St Nicolas feels more like? Why?

5. How would you answer someone who said that they can worship God perfectly well on their own and don't need to belong to a church?

6. Now turn to 1 Peter 2:9-12. According to Peter, what is the church for? To what extent do you think we are fulfilling this?

7. What do you make of the idea that a Christian is someone who puts into practice the fact that they belong to God?

8. Read Ezekiel 36:22-28. What does this passage underline about the privileges and responsibilities that come with belonging to God?

9. What does holiness mean for you in practice?

10. Take some time to pray for one another in the light of what you have discussed in this study.

David Stone
22 May 2008