Three Things Every Child Needs - Group Guide

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.

1. Jeff shared a story about his son Collin’s first night home and the overwhelming feeling of parenting without a manual. What’s a memorable parenting or mentoring moment—funny, tough, or special—with a child in your life (as a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, sibling, or mentor)?
2. Read Mark 1:9-11. God affirmed Jesus at his baptism, before Jesus began his ministry. Why is it important to affirm a child’s value apart from their achievements? How have you seen this kind of unconditional belief impact a child (or yourself)?
3. Jeff shared how his dad celebrated his “37” on a math test, showing love beyond performance. Share a time when someone believed in you despite a failure, or when you offered that kind of belief to a child. How did it shape the outcome?
4. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. God’s commands should be on our hearts before we impress them on our children. How have your habits (good or bad) influenced a child? What’s one way you want to model godliness better?
5. Jeff mentioned the power of intentional conversations, like asking, “What was your one big take-away?” after church. What’s an everyday moment you can use to talk about faith or wisdom with kids?
6. Jeff shared the story of the unauthorized doughnut stop and how it taught him about modeling honesty. Share a parenting mistake that became a teaching moment. What did you learn?
7. Read Hebrews 12:5-11. God’s discipline is loving and restorative, not punitive. How does this differ from common views of discipline? Share an example of a time you experienced or offered discipline that was restorative rather than just punitive.
8. Jeff’s story of eating ice cream with his dad after being disciplined showed a balance of consequences and grace. How can you balance consequences with grace when disciplining a child?
9. Jeff shared, “Rules without relationship produces rebellion.” How can you ensure discipline strengthens your relationship with a child rather than creating distance? Share a practical idea or strategy.
10. Jeff emphasized that God is our perfect model for parenting—believing in us, instructing us, and disciplining us for our good. Which of these three areas (belief, instruction, discipline) do you feel called to focus on most right now in your relationship with a child? Why?
11. Pray for each member’s parenting/mentoring challenges, asking for God’s guidance and grace, and for the kids in their lives to grow in faith and wisdom.

VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Here are some additional application questions to reflect on, journal, and put into practice:

• Jeff reminded us that none of us are perfect parents or mentors, but God offers grace. Where do you feel you’ve fallen short in influencing the next generation? How can God’s grace as a perfect Father encourage you to keep going?
• Jeff encouraged us to parent or mentor like God, who believes in us, instructs us, and disciplines us in love. What’s one way you’ve seen God parent you in these ways? Send a message to your group sharing how they can pray for you as you seek to influence the next generation.
• Write a short note of affirmation to a child or young person in their life, expressing belief in them (e.g., “You are mine, I love you, I’m proud of you”). Encourage them to deliver it this week.

NOTES FOR FACILITATORS

1. Create a Safe Space: Parenting and mentoring can be sensitive topics. Encourage group members to share without judgment, especially if they feel vulnerable about their struggles or perceived shortcomings.
2. Encourage Application: Push group members to identify one specific action they can take this week to apply the sermon’s principles. Follow up in the next meeting to see how it went.
3. Include Non-Parents: Remind the group that these principles apply to anyone who influences the next generation (aunts, uncles, mentors, etc.). Invite everyone to participate, even if they don’t have kids.
4. Time Management: Aim for 60-90 minutes. Start with 1-2 icebreaker questions (10-15 min), dive into 4-5 sermon-based questions (30-40 min), and close with 2-3 application questions and prayer (15-20 min).
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