Discussion Questions

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

1. Think back to one of your first days of school. Did you dread it or look forward to it? What is your best or worst memory of that first day of school?
2. What do you remember most about your first best friend? What made that connection stick?
3. Jeff pointed out research that shows churched people have more connections than unchurched people. 75% of churched people surveyed said their lives feel meaningful, while only 49% of unchurched people said the same. Do you see a correlation between having connections with others and feeling your life is meaningful?
4. Read Romans 16:1-16. What stands out to you from this list of people? Why do you think the author of this passage, Paul, took time to name these people and describe their roles in his life?
5. Jeff said that some of our strongest bonds come from serving together on a shared mission. He gave an example of his deep bond with Jack Warren, which has grown from their choice to work together in ministry throughout much of their lives. Can you think of someone you have shared a mission with, whether big or small?
6. Jeff also shared that if you want to increase connection, one way to do that is through expressed affection and affirmation. How comfortable are you with expressing affection or affirmation to others?
7. Jeff shared a story about an experiment done to measure the stress level of a monkey in two scenarios. It was discovered that the monkey’s stress level lessened when a companion monkey was put into the cage with him; it helped just to be together through hardship. Have you ever experienced someone going through a mutual sacrifice with you, especially in a hard time, and how did that impact your relationship?
8. Think of one or two people you would like to deepen connection with, such as a friend, co-worker, sibling, spouse, child, or parent. Which of the three connectors (Shared Mission, Expressed Affection, Mutual Sacrifice) could you use to grow closer with them this week? What could it look like practically?
9. What are some ideas we can consider this season to grow connections in our group?
10. In the spirit of mutual sacrifice, let’s take some time to share prayer requests and pray for one another.

Verse to meditate on and memorize this week

Greet one another with a holy kiss. (Romans 16:16)

Put It into Practice (Between Meetings)

• Shared Mission: Join a Serve Team! If you're not already serving, choose one area at church or in our community to serve alongside others. Better yet, invite a friend to serve with you.
• Expressed Affection: Each day this week, write down 1-2 affirmations or appreciations for someone in your life, and share them with that person.
• Mutual Sacrifice: Practice the ministry of presence by choosing one person who is walking through a difficult season. Be there for them physically or emotionally—no advice needed, just presence.