Group discussion
Each number below includes a set of questions that
relate to the scripture text. I offer a few answers, but your perspective may be
better. The point is to discuss, not to get 100% agreement. Rule of thumb: the
fewer questions you ask, the better. Save time for “the big question.”
Read Acts 6:1-7 aloud.
1. Kevin is continuing his Game-Changers sermon series. What from
his sermon today stuck or resonated with you?
What is something he said that you might want to question or get
some clarification on? Why?
What is something he said that you felt like was a new insight for
you? Why is that a meaningful insight for you?
4. How would you say this conflict impacted the health of the church
(7)?
Why do you think the church was able to use this situation as a
catalyst for growth?
How else might conflict produce positive results for a church?
Hint: One way is that conflict can clarify expectations of the parties
involved.
When you face conflict, what helps produce a good outcome?
What advice would you give to a new Christian who struggles to do
conflict well?
2. How would you describe the problem in the story (1)?
5. Central to the resolution from these leaders was picking people
who were “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (3).
Why was this a problem worth addressing?
How do you know if someone is full of the Spirit and wisdom?
How do you know, in the life of a church, when a problem is worth
addressing?
Who is someone you think of that is filled with the Spirit and
wisdom? What about them makes you describe them that way?
What might be some “questions” that a person could ask when they
are trying to decide if they should address a problem or not—either a
problem with another member or the leadership of a church?
How might someone go about cultivating the Spirit in his or her life?
How might someone go about cultivating wisdom in his or her life?
How does it make you feel to know that the church faced conflict and
difficulty even in the early stages of its existence?
 The million-dollar question If you ask only one question, this is it. Go
3. What strikes you about the way the leadership chose to respond
(2-6)?
Are there any details that Luke gives to us that you find particularly
important? Why?
Is there anything that happens in this story that might be instructive
for leadership at our church? If so, then what part is instructive?
What does this story teach us about the priorities of the church?
around the circle and give each person an opportunity to answer. It’s okay to
pass, but even the quiet people deserve a chance to respond.
One witness from this story is the power of laying hands on each
other when praying for them (6). To close your group’s discussion
have everyone share one specific thing they need prayers for in the
next month.
Close by having people pray for each other while laying hands on
the person for whom they are praying.
College Hills LIFE Group Guide
May 2015 Guide 2
Resources
Bible notes
The issue in our story revolves around two groups. Grecian Jews
where those not born in Judea, primarily speaking Greek, and more
heavily influenced by Greek culture. The Hebraic Jews were from
Judea, primarily spoke Aramaic, and preserved traditional Jewish
culture. The conflict was a clash of cultures in many ways.
Game Changers: Game Changing Leadership –
Acts 6:1-7
By Wilson McCoy ([email protected])
Kid-friendly activity. An activity designed to help kids and adults grow in faith
together. Do this first, then dismiss the kids so the adults can talk.
“What Do/Don’t You Like” Game
Start by playing the “I don’t like” game...
Go around the circle. In your funniest voice say something you don’t
like. (“I don’t like green beans, yard work, bedtime, etc.)
The theme: One of the first issues the early church worked
through was an issue of growth. Increasing numbers caused
some people to be left out. Increasing numbers also caused a
need for new leaders to step up. This week we will talk about
leadership and how the church should treat one another.
After all share, then ask: What should you do when you don’t like
something? Hint: Use the examples that the kids just gave to help
them think about how they handle their dislikes.
After discussion, then note: The earliest Christians had some things
they did not like. Read Acts 6:1-7 aloud.
What is the thing they do not like?
How did the people who were unhappy deal with it?
How did the church respond to the problem?
What can we learn from this story about dealing with things we don’t
like? What other kinds of things might we learn from this story?
Close by playing the “I like” game...
In your funniest voice tell the group something that you do like. You
might also close your time by having everyone in the group share
something they like about the other people in the group.
Go ahead and make plans now to be at Grill and Chill! Bring your
LIFE Group, friends, and family. The event will last from 5-8 pm. We
will have grills and ice provided. We encourage you to bring your
own food and games. And yes, there will be a return of the Cornhole
Extravaganza! Go to collegehills.org for a detailed schedule.
Relate
Use a few to introduce the theme, check everyone’s spiritual pulse, and
“break the ice.” No right or wrong answers – maybe goofy but not wrong! Look for
opportunities to affirm and encourage through these questions.
 What are some differences between the north and the south?
 When is a time you experienced culture shock?
 What are your favorite ice cream toppings?