January 26, 2025
John Harris
Healthy Church: Mission-Focused
God uses ordinary
Seven Principles for Sharing the Good News
- Realize that God can
- Remember that
- Don’t let
- Start with genuine
- Share the Gospel with
- Trust God’s
How would you describe your 2025 so far?
Read Acts 8:26-40. Compare Philip’s approach to the Ethiopian official with modern evangelism methods you’ve experienced or observed.
As a group, brainstorm modern-day scenarios equivalent to Philip’s “chariot moment.” Where do people in our community naturally gather and potentially seek understanding about spiritual matters? How could we be more attentive to these opportunities?
The text mentions several potential barriers between Philip and the Ethiopian official (cultural, social status, ethnic background, religious understanding). Which of these barriers do you find most challenging in your own interactions with people different from you? What can we learn from Philip about overcoming these barriers?
Philip was described as being “spiritually attuned” to recognize divine appointments. What practices in your daily life help or hinder your ability to notice God’s promptings? How could you create more space for spiritual awareness in your routine?
Practice Philip’s approach by doing the following: Have one person in the group share a spiritual question they have (real or made up), while the other members practice active listening and asking clarifying questions (not immediately jumping to answers). Then discuss as a group: How did it feel to be truly listened to? What was challenging about listening without planning your response?
Philip stepped out of his comfort zone in multiple ways in this story. What would stepping out of your comfort zone for the sake of sharing your faith look like this week? Be specific, and consider how your small group could support each other in taking these steps.
The sermon mentioned sharing the gospel with “clarity, courage, and respect.” In your small group, take turns explaining the gospel in your own words, as if to someone who has never heard it. How can the group help each other develop more clarity and confidence in articulating their faith?