Smithton-Culloden Free Church Community Groups
Discussion Questions Wednesday 22nd February 2017
Christ and His People - Session 1 – Bible/Local Church
This is the first of four group discussions about the convictions God has given us about the sort of church
that Smithton should be. We are at a transition point in our ministry and outreach – with a new minister,
a full building and still surrounded by a lost and needy community. The basis for our discussions will be on
scripture passages relating to the theme and the book “Christ and His People”. That book was written by
a pastor facing a terminal illness who wrote down his own eight key convictions about the local church.
We will be considering two chapters at each discussion – stating with the Bible and the Local Church.
Please read the following bible passages prior to the study: Genesis 1: 1-31; John 1: 1-14; Matt 16: 13-20;
1 Peter 2: 4-10.
Bible – The word of God does the work of God through the Spirit of God in the people of God
Local Church – The local church is the primary place where the Kingdom of Heaven impacts the kingdoms
of this world
1. What vision do you have for Smithton Church in 10 years’ time?
2. What do we mean by the “Word of God”?
3. The book (p17) suggests that “the regular teaching of the Bible shapes strategy through the
shared leadership of the church”. Is that the right way to determine strategy? Is there a place for
vision statements, strategies and plans?
4. How should we as a church develop a Bible-shaped strategy for the future? What is the input of
the leaders, members and others to that strategy?
5. “Present obedience is more important than blue-sky planning” (p17). What does the author mean
by that? How can we measure “present obedience?
6. Read Isa 30:19-22. Do we hear the voice behind us saying “This is the way. Walk in it” How?
7. There is no New Testament “model church” (fortunately!). But there are examples of churches
being brought into existence by the gospel given in the passages listed on p22 – Acts 14: 21-28;
15:41; 18:23; 1 Pet 1: 1-2. What can we learn from them?
8. How does Smithton Church strengthen its people? Any ideas for improvement?
9. The author considers that running a local church is an “all absorbing demand” (p23). That isn’t the
Smithton model because we have a “team leadership” and we want to play a key part in the
wider Church (in the Free Church in particular but broader than that locally, in Scotland and
worldwide. Discuss if we have the right balance between local church (both Smithton and Nairn as
one congregation) and broader denomination. And if we agree with the author’s model.
10. Is the Word of God central to our church life in Smithton? What are the areas of strength in the
use of the Word that we should build on? What are the areas of weakness in the use of the Word
that we should improve on?