Kingdom Community Primer

Set the Table

(before the gathering)

Communion: Have elements ready (bread and juice).

Atmosphere: Consider worship music to encourage quiet reflection.

Prayer: Take a moment to stop, pray, and prepare your heart before the Lord.

Bible: Have your Bible present and ready.

KINGDOM COMMUNITY

Conversation and Connection that Honors the Lord

(45 minutes)

Shared Meal: Facilitate the shared meal if the group is participating (consider sharing the act of cooking by inviting everyone to contribute each week).

Conversation: This is the time when people can get to know each other and learn about the daily events in each other's lives.

PURSUING THE PRESENCE

Partake in Communion

(15 minutes)

If you don’t already have a liturgy, invite someone to read Luke 24:30–35, the moment the risen Christ was revealed in the breaking of the bread. Then pause for a moment of worship and awe.

“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him… They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’”

Take a moment to ask Jesus to make himself known to you afresh as you break bread in his name.

Encourage quiet reflection.

Explain: “We take communion to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and proclaim His death until He returns. 1 Cor. 11:26

Take the Bread & Cup:

Bread: “And He [Jesus] took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” - Luke 22:19 (Eat together)

Cup: “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” - Luke 22:20 (Drink together)

Close in Prayer: “Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice. Help us walk in Your grace and love. Amen.”

TRANSFORMATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP

Read and Discuss

(45 minutes)

Read: Romans 8:1–11 (ESV):

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Discuss: The following questions—help by leading the conversation and creating space for more than one person to speak. Every person does not need to answer every question.

Leader Note: Questions such as “what do you not like?” are designed to encourage conversation about difficult parts of scripture or to better identify what is misunderstood about scripture. Sometimes simply recognizing discomfort may lead to a greater understanding. Do not feel responsible for removing discomfort or explaining. To avoid "fixing" behaviors, set the tone for the group by saying, "It's okay to feel this way; we don't need to fix it. We are here to be honest and open, not to fill the role of the Holy Spirit.”

What did you like from the scripture?

What did you not like from the scripture?

What did you learn about God?

What did you learn about yourself?

What decisions are you being challenged to make?

SACRIFICIAL MISSION

Serve Together

(10 minutes)

Leader Note: This is an opportunity to teach the group about the many things that encompass “Sacrificial Mission,” such as how our church serves the nations through mission trips and the all people project, how we serve the community through Serve Saturday, Neighborhood Network, refugee ministry, and Go Week, the difference between tithes and offerings, and how Sacrificial Mission is more than money. This is not a space to create shame or pride - it is designed to create dialog among brothers and sisters who love one another and may have questions. As we grow in spiritual maturity together, part of development requires teaching and sometimes accountability. We can have honest and vulnerable conversations with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Did you know New Song Church is able to reach so many because of generosity?

Alpha Course: New Song is part of a network of churches around the world that host the Alpha Course which helps create a space for honest conversation around some of life’s biggest questions. It is designed to provide guests an opportunity to connect with one another while providing the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a safe and caring environment. Alpha helps bring people together while providing the chance to encounter Jesus. Millions of people worldwide have tried Alpha, and it has been translated into 112 different languages. If you’re interested in how you can serve, support, or pray for the Alpha Course and the attendees, contact [email protected]

Generosity: What does generosity look like in your life?

Optional Prayer (Giving Liturgy): Heavenly Father, everything I have is from you. You are the owner of all things. My money and possessions are rentals to be stewarded in love for the sake of others. Jesus generously gave himself on my behalf, and as His apprentice, I am learning to live my life in the key of extravagant generosity. I am committed to following the pattern of Christ in all areas of my life. To take what you have given me and use it only for myself is the way of the world. You have called me to swim against selfishness and to live sacrificially, making your Kingdom my priority. I desire to be a person of increasing, mindful, and joyful generosity until no one is in need among us. I yield to the transformative power of Christ in me. Amen.

PRAYER

Bring it Home

(5 minutes)

Pray: Close in prayer