Self-Reflection Guide | Multiply - Part 2

Welcome
This is the second week of our series, Multiply. Last week we reflected on the roots of our faith and what it means to be a creator of faith, not just a consumer. Remembering our roots reminds us of our mission. This week we reflect on the branches of our faith. As we grow up in our faith we are also called to grow out.

Once again, there is no right or wrong way to use this guide, no right or wrong answers to these questions. Start with a centering breath and a moment of gratitude for this opportunity to pause and reflect. Invite God to join you in this space and see where the Spirit leads you.

The Head
When Jesus first began his public ministry, crowds of people gathered around to hear him teach, watch him heal, and experience his miracles. In some ways, being a follower of Jesus was kind of easy, and fun! But eventually, Jesus called these followers together and told them it was time to take the next step in their discipleship, to go deeper. Read this story from the gospel of Luke:

Luke 10:1-9

1 After these things, the Lord commissioned seventy-two others and sent them on ahead in pairs to every city and place he was about to go. 2 He said to them, “The harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest. 3 Go! Be warned, though, that I’m sending you out as lambs among wolves. Carry no wallet, no bag, and no sandals. Don’t even greet anyone along the way.

5 Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘May peace be on this house.’ 6 If anyone there shares God’s peace, then your peace will rest on that person. If not, your blessing will return to you. 7 Remain in this house, eating and drinking whatever they set before you, for workers deserve their pay. Don’t move from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a city and its people welcome you, eat what they set before you. 9 Heal the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘God’s kingdom has come upon you.’”

• What stands out to you in this scripture? What images or metaphors resonate the most?
• Imagine you were one of the disciples who first heard these instructions from Jesus. How would you interpret Jesus’ main message? How would you respond? 
• How does this Luke scripture influence what you think it means to “go deeper” in faith?
• Why was it important for Jesus to give this commission to his followers?

The Heart
As followers of Jesus we are called to move beyond being consumers of faith. Jesus urged his first disciples to not just watch and learn, but to actively get engaged with the work of ministry right alongside him. And Jesus extends this same invitation to us today.

• Where do you feel a nudge from God right now? What are the ideas, the whispers, the dreams that keep coming back to you?
• When it comes to stepping out in faith and taking that next step, what feelings come up? Excitement, worry, anticipation, unworthiness, fear? Sit with that emotion for a little bit. Where is it coming from, and how does it color those nudges you get from God?
• As you think about going deeper in your faith, what barriers do you experience? What holds you back from growing and stretching towards a deeper relationship with God?

The Hands
Sometimes in life we feel stuck – stuck in a rut, stuck in a holding pattern, stuck in a faith that feels empty, boring, and disconnected from a greater sense of purpose. These are the times we need to stop thinking about our faith and start living into it.

• What is a role, ministry, or service opportunity you have generally avoided because you did not feel qualified or “ready” to serve in that capacity? 
• What is one small step you could take to move from being a casual observer to an active participant in some aspect of your church involvement?
• In the Luke scripture above, Jesus sent his followers out in pairs to do this work. Who do you need to invite to join you on this process of going deeper in your faith?

Closing Prayer
God, thank you for this opportunity to pause and reflect on the message this week. Thank you for the gentle nudges you give us and the invitations you extend to join you in your ministry.

To grow, I must go.

How are you calling me to grow, Lord? Physically, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. 
Please help my faith to grow in both depth and breadth in this season. 

To grow, I must go.

Where are you calling me to go, Lord? Show me the way. Lead me, guide me, strengthen me, and challenge me to live out my faith in new and greater ways. 

Amen.