Acts 25-26: How to Share Your Testimony Effectively

Bible Verse of the Day

1 Peter 3:15 (NLT): “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”

Welcome

Welcome, everyone! We’re excited to delve into Acts 25-26 today and explore how to share our personal testimonies effectively, just as Paul did before Festus and Agrippa. Our stories are powerful tools God uses to impact lives, and we’ll learn how to share them with clarity and boldness. Let’s begin with a heart of expectation and prayer.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with hearts open and ready to learn. As we study the example of Paul in sharing his testimony, we ask for your guidance and wisdom. Grant us boldness to speak your truth, clarity to articulate our stories, and above all, a deep trust in your power to use our testimonies to touch the lives of others. Prepare our hearts to receive your word and empower us to be effective witnesses for your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Wins for the Week

Before we dive into our study, let’s take a moment to celebrate the victories and blessings we’ve experienced this past week. Sharing our ‘wins’ helps us recognize God’s faithfulness in our daily lives.

Prompt: Share a moment from this past week where you felt God’s presence, saw His provision, or experienced a personal victory, no matter how big or small.

Talking Points

• Divine Opportunities: Any moment can be a divine opportunity to share our faith. We must be ready, like Paul, even when facing challenges. (Acts 24:27, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Peter 3:15)
  

  “After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.” – Acts 24:27 (NLT)

  “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not…” – 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)

  “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

• Audience Awareness: Paul tailored his message to his audience. Understanding others’ perspectives helps us connect our stories to their journeys. (Acts 25:17-19, 1 Corinthians 9:22-23)
  

  “But the accusations made against him weren’t any of the crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.” – Acts 25:18-19 (NLT)

  “…Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NLT)

• Life Before Christ: Sharing our struggles before Christ helps others see the power of transformation. Paul described his past, including his opposition to Jesus. (Acts 26:4-11)
  

  “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene… Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.” – Acts 26:9-11 (NLT)

• Turning Point: Describing the turning point and how our lives have changed matters. It doesn’t have to be dramatic, just clear and honest. Share how Jesus is still shaping you. (Acts 26:19-22)
  

  “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do.” – Acts 26:19-20 (NLT)

• Gospel Connection: Paul tied his story back to Jesus and the message of salvation. The ultimate goal is to highlight God’s grace and invite others to experience it. (Acts 26:17-18, Acts 26:22-23)
  

  “Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.” – Acts 26:17-18 (NLT)

  “that Christ must suffer and must be the first to rise from the dead, so that he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” – Acts 26:22-23 (NLT)

Discussion Questions

1. As you reflect on the talking points and scripture references we’ve covered, what resonates with you personally, and what challenges you in your own journey of sharing your faith?
2. Have you ever had an unexpected opportunity to share your faith? What happened?
3. What was your mindset or lifestyle before you met Jesus? How did you view faith? What questions or doubts did you have?
4. What was your turning point? How did you realize your need for Jesus?
5. In what ways has following Jesus changed your perspective, priorities, or lifestyle?
6. How can you make sure your testimony ultimately points people to Jesus, not just to your own story?
7. What holds you back from sharing your testimony? Fear? Doubt? Uncertainty?
8. How can you “put yourself in a seeker’s shoes” when sharing your testimonies? What practical steps can we take?
9. How can we cultivate a mindset of looking for divine encounters everywhere?

Conclusion

Sharing your testimony is one of the most effective ways to witness for Christ. By following Paul’s example in Acts 25-26, you can share your story in a way that is:

• Relatable (Start where they are)
• Personal (Tell your journey)
• Gospel-Centered (Point to Jesus)
• Bold (Trust God with the response)

Your testimony is unique and valuable. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God can use your story to bring others to Him.

1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) – “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”

Are you ready to share your testimony?

Life Application Tips

• Be Prepared: Take time to reflect on your testimony and how you can share it effectively.
• Seek Opportunities: Be intentional about looking for moments to share your story, rather than waiting for the “perfect” time.
• Know Your Audience: Consider the background and perspective of those you’re speaking to, and tailor your message accordingly.
• Focus on Transformation: Highlight how your life has changed since encountering Christ, emphasizing the specific impact He has had.
• Point to Jesus: Ensure your testimony ultimately directs people to Christ and the gospel message, rather than focusing solely on your own experience.
• Be Bold: Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back from sharing your story. Trust God with the results.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Paul and the reminder of the power of our personal testimonies. We ask for your strength and courage to share our stories with boldness and clarity. Help us to be sensitive to the leading of your Spirit and to trust you with the results. May our testimonies be used to draw others to yourself, and may we always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Additional Notes

• For Members:
  • Consider how you can refine your personal testimony this week, focusing on clarity and connection to the gospel.
  • Pray for opportunities to share your testimony and for boldness to speak when those opportunities arise.
  • Reflect on how you can better understand the perspectives of those you share your faith with.
• For Leader:
  • Encourage a supportive and non-judgmental environment for sharing.
  • Be prepared to offer guidance and encouragement to those who may be hesitant to share.
  • Remind the group that the focus is on glorifying God through their testimonies, not on personal performance.
  • Allow time for silent reflection and prayer after the discussion, giving members space to process what they’ve learned.
  • Consider sharing your own testimony as an example, if appropriate and relevant to the discussion.

Bible Verse: “I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” – Acts 23:1 (NLT)

Welcome

Welcome, friends! Today we’re diving into Acts 23-24 to learn from Paul’s example about cultivating a clear conscience. In a world that often dismisses or distorts the idea of conscience, it’s crucial for us as Christians to understand what it truly means to live with a clear conscience before God. Let’s open in prayer, asking God to speak to us through His Word.

Opening Prayer

We thank you for this time to gather together and study your Word. We ask that you would open our hearts and minds to understand what it means to have a clear conscience before you. Help us to see ourselves honestly, to surround ourselves with godly people, and to boldly confess our faith in Jesus. May your Holy Spirit guide us and empower us to live lives that are pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Wins for the Week

Please share a time this week when you experienced the freedom and joy of a clear conscience.

Talking Points

Conscience Defined:

• The World’s View: Often seen as an internal moral compass or a subjective feeling about right and wrong.
• The Biblical View: Shaped by God’s truth and involves submitting our whole selves—thoughts, feelings, and intentions—to the way of Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:5, Romans 8:1)

Examine Yourself: A clear conscience begins with self-examination, acknowledging our imperfections, and trusting in God’s verdict of “not guilty” through Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)

As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. Corinthians 4:3-4 (NLT)

Community Matters: The company we keep significantly influences our conscience. Surrounding ourselves with godly people who uphold God’s Word helps us stay rooted in truth and grow in Christlikeness. (Psalm 1:1-2)

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law ¹ of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. – Psalm 1:1-2 (NLT)

Confess Your Faith: Boldly identifying with Christ, even when it’s costly, demonstrates a clear conscience that comes from a submitted life, not a perfect one. (Acts 24:14-16)

“But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.
I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.” – Acts 24:14-16 (NLT)

Ongoing Repentance: Cultivating a clear conscience is an ongoing process of confession and repentance, relying on Christ’s blood to cleanse us from guilt. (Hebrews 10:22)

Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. – Hebrews 10:22 (NLT)

Discussion Questions

Acts 23:1 – Paul’s Boldness: What stands out to you about Paul’s declaration of a clear conscience in Acts 23:1? How does his boldness challenge you?

“I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” – Acts 23:1 (NLT)

Worldly vs. Biblical Conscience: How does the world define conscience today? How does this differ from the biblical view? What are the implications of these different perspectives?

The Purpose of a Clear Conscience: Why does God desire for us to have a clear conscience if our salvation isn’t based on works? How does a clear conscience impact our relationship with God and others?

Guilt and Shame: Have you ever felt like guilt or shame kept you from truly loving God or others? How can understanding the biblical concept of conscience help us overcome these feelings?

Self-Judgment vs. God’s Verdict: Have you struggled with self-judgment? How can trusting in God’s verdict of “not guilty” through Christ bring freedom and peace?

The Influence of Community: Who influences your thoughts and actions the most? Are they pointing you toward or away from Jesus? How can we intentionally cultivate a godly community that supports our spiritual growth?

Living Out Your Faith: Is it hard for you to openly admit and live out your faith? What holds you back? How can we overcome these obstacles and boldly identify with Christ?

Challenge: Identify one practical step you can take this week to cultivate a clear conscience before God. Share your commitment with the group for accountability.

Conclusion

Summary: A clear conscience is not about achieving moral perfection, but about surrendering our whole selves to Jesus and living in alignment with His truth. This involves self-examination, surrounding ourselves with godly influences, and boldly confessing our faith, even when it’s costly. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we can experience the freedom and joy of a clear conscience.

Life Application Tips:

• Regularly examine your heart and motives before God.
• Seek out and cultivate relationships with mature Christians who can encourage and challenge you.
• Be open and honest about your faith with others.
• Practice daily confession and repentance, relying on Christ’s blood to cleanse you from guilt.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank you for the reminder that we don’t have to strive for a clear conscience through our own efforts. Thank you that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can come boldly into your presence, forgiven and cleansed. Help us to live in the freedom of that truth, walking in obedience and pursuing lives that honor you. Give us the courage to examine our hearts, the wisdom to choose good company, and the boldness to declare our faith in you. May our lives reflect the transforming power of the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Additional Notes

• For Members: * Reflect on the specific areas where you need to grow in cultivating a clear conscience.
  • Consider how your relationships are influencing your walk with Christ.
  • Pray for courage to live out your faith authentically.
• For Leader: * Encourage the group to share personal experiences and challenges related to conscience.
  • Facilitate a discussion that promotes vulnerability and accountability.
  • Emphasize the importance of grace and forgiveness in the journey toward a clear conscience.

Bible Verse: “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.” – Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT)

Welcome Notes

Welcome, everyone! Today we’re tackling a question that every Christian grapples with: How can we know God’s will for our lives? It’s not always easy to distinguish between God’s voice and our own desires or the well-meaning advice of others. Let’s open with prayer, asking God for wisdom and clarity.

Opening Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this opportunity to gather together and study Your Word. We ask for Your presence to be with us now, guiding our hearts and minds as we seek to understand Your will for our lives. Help us to be open and teachable, willing to listen and obey. Give us wisdom to discern Your voice amidst the noise and confusion of the world. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wins for the Week

• Please share a time this week when you felt God’s leading or experienced His peace in a decision.

Talking Points

The Deceitful Heart: Our hearts can be misleading, often leading us toward what we want rather than what God desires for us. (Jeremiah 17:9-10, 2 Timothy 4:3)

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” – Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT)

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” – 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)

Conflicting Messages: Even Spirit-filled believers can misinterpret God’s will, especially when emotions are involved. Paul experienced this when others, also led by the Spirit, advised him against going to Jerusalem. (Acts 20:22-23, Acts 21:4)

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. – Acts 20:22-23 (NLT)

“When we arrived, we found some believers there and stayed with them a week. They kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to go on to Jerusalem.” – Acts 21:4 (NLT)

Clarity Through Commitment: Consistent devotion and a daily practice of listening to God are essential for discerning His will.

The Difficult Path: God’s will doesn’t always align with our comfort. Sometimes, the path of obedience involves hardship and sacrifice. (Acts 9:15-16)

“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’” – Acts 9:15-16 (NLT)

Surrender and Trust: Ultimately, discerning God’s will requires deep commitment, a willingness to embrace challenges, and a pattern of obedience. (Acts 21:14)

“When he would not be dissuaded, we finally gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”” – Acts 21:14 (NLT)

Discussion Questions

Jeremiah 17:9-10 & 2 Timothy 4:3 – The Deceitful Heart: How have you experienced the deceitfulness of your own heart in trying to discern God’s will? How can we safeguard against this?

Acts 20:22-23 & Acts 21:4 – Conflicting Messages: Paul received conflicting messages from other believers. How should we handle situations where wise, faithful people give us different advice about God’s will?

Clarity Through Commitment: How can we cultivate a daily habit of listening to God? What are some practical ways to deepen our commitment to Him?

The Difficult Path: In what areas of life are you tempted to take the easy road instead of trusting God’s potentially harder path? How can we prepare ourselves to embrace challenges as part of God’s will?

Acts 9:15-16 – Suffering and God’s Will: This verse says that Paul would suffer for Christ. How does this challenge our understanding of God’s will? How can we reconcile suffering with God’s goodness and plan for our lives?

Acts 21:14 – Surrender and Trust: “When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’” What does this verse teach us about surrendering to God’s will, even when we don’t fully understand it?

Practical Steps: What are some practical ways we can test whether something is truly God’s will? How can we involve trusted believers in the discernment process without simply seeking confirmation of our own desires?

Conclusion

• Summary: Discerning God’s will is an ongoing process that requires humility, commitment, and a willingness to embrace challenges. It’s not always easy, and we may encounter conflicting advice or difficult paths. However, by cultivating a deep relationship with God and seeking His guidance through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel, we can learn to recognize His voice and follow His leading with confidence.
• Life Application Tips:
  • Spend daily time in prayer and Scripture.
  • Surround yourself with mature believers who can offer wise counsel.
  • Be willing to embrace challenges and discomfort as part of God’s plan.
  • Trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, even when things are difficult.

Closing Prayer

(A brief prayer for continued guidance, strength, and trust in following God’s will.)

Additional Notes

• For Members: * Reflect on the areas in your life where you need to surrender more fully to God’s will.
  • Consider how you can cultivate a deeper commitment to listening to God’s voice.
  • Pray for wisdom and discernment in your own decision-making.
• For Leader: * Encourage the group to share personal experiences and struggles with discerning God’s will.
  • Facilitate a safe and open environment for discussion.
  • Emphasize the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance in all things.

Introduction

Welcome everyone! It’s great to be back together after the break and to welcome our new members. This week, we’re diving into Acts 18 and exploring the challenging topic of when to “shake the dust” and move on, and when to continue investing in someone spiritually. Let’s start with prayer, asking God to open our hearts to His wisdom.

Icebreaker

• Share a brief story of a time you tried to share something important with someone, and how they reacted. (Keep it general and respectful – focus on your experience, not judging the other person).

Talking Points:

• In Luke 9:5, Jesus taught His disciples to “shake the dust from their feet” if a town rejected their message. This teaching applies to us today as we share the gospel, but it raises two key questions:
  • When should you move on?
  • When should you stick around and invest?
• When Paul faced opposition in the synagogue, he shook the dust from his clothes and redirected his efforts toward the Gentiles. Shaking the dust doesn’t mean giving up on someone; it means recognizing when to redirect your efforts. Acts 18:1-6
• God respects human choice and doesn’t force His truth on anyone, so neither should we. When someone has a stubborn and unwilling heart, rejecting the truth, it’s time to move on.
• Apollos was a gifted teacher but lacked a full understanding of the gospel. However, his teachable heart shows us that a person’s gifts aren’t the main factor for investment—it’s their willingness to learn and grow. Acts 18:24-26
• Moving on doesn’t mean burning bridges. God can still work in hearts over time. Even Paul, who shook the dust and moved on, later returned to share the gospel again in synagogues. Acts 18:19-21
• 2 Corinthians 5:20: So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

Scripture References (NLT):

• Luke 9:5: “And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”
• Acts 18:1-6: 1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla. They had left Italy because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. 3 Paul went to see them, and because he had the same trade, he stayed with them and worked. They were tentmakers by trade. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 But after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
• Acts 18:19-21: 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila behind. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21 But as he left, he said, “I will come back if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
• Acts 18:24-26: 24 Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke about Jesus with great enthusiasm and accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. 26 When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.
• 2 Corinthians 5:20: Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Discussion Questions:

Initial Thoughts: What are your initial reactions to these talking points? Did anything stand out to you, challenge you, or resonate with your own experiences?

Personal Experiences: Share (if comfortable) a time when someone refused to listen to advice or truth you shared. How did it feel, and how did you respond? Focus on your emotional response and what you learned from the situation, rather than judging the other person.

Luke 9:5 – Shaking the Dust: “And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” Why do you think Jesus instructed His disciples to shake the dust off their feet? What does this symbolic gesture represent? Consider the cultural context of Jesus’ time and the significance of dust.

Acts 18:1-6 – Paul’s Example: How does Paul’s action of shaking the dust in Acts 18:6 (below) relate to Jesus’ teaching in Luke 9:5? What prompted Paul to take this action? Discuss the balance between persistence and recognizing when to shift focus.

Acts 18:1-6 (NLT): 1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla. They had left Italy because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. 3 Paul went to see them, and because he had the same trade, he stayed with them and worked. They were tentmakers by trade. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 But after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Acts 18:24-26 – The Apollos Factor: What qualities did Apollos possess (see below)? What was his deficiency, and how was it addressed? What is “The Apollos Factor,” and why is it crucial for spiritual growth? Discuss the importance of teach-ability and humility, even in gifted individuals.

Acts 18:24-26 (NLT): 24 Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke about Jesus with great enthusiasm and accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. 26 When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.

When to Move On: How do we discern when it’s time to “shake the dust” and move on in a spiritual conversation? Is there a clear formula, or is it more a matter of prayer and discernment? Explore the balance between persistent love and respecting another person’s free will.

Burning Bridges: Why is it important not to burn bridges, even after we’ve felt we’ve done all we can? How does Acts 18:19-21 (below) illustrate this? Discuss the long-term nature of relationships and the possibility of future openness.

Acts 18:19-21 (NLT): 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila behind. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21 But as he left, he said, “I will come back if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

Reflection and Application: Reflect on your own heart. Are you open and teachable like Apollos? What’s one area where you could invite someone to help you grow? How does 2 Corinthians 5:20 (below) inspire you to approach sharing the gospel, even in challenging situations? Encourage specific, actionable steps for personal growth in teachability and sharing the gospel.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT): Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Conclusion

Let’s close with prayer, thanking God for His patience and guidance, and asking for wisdom in our interactions with others.

Additional Notes for the Leader:

• Be prepared to share your own experiences and struggles related to this topic, but keep the focus on facilitating discussion among the group members.
• Encourage respectful listening and avoid allowing anyone to dominate the conversation.
• Gently redirect the discussion if it becomes judgmental or focuses on criticizing individuals rather than exploring the principles in the passage.
• Emphasize the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance in discerning when to move on and when to continue investing in someone spiritually.
• Consider having printed copies of the talking points and scripture passages available for everyone.
• Be mindful of time and adjust the discussion flow as needed. You may not be able to cover all the questions in one session.
• If new people are present, make them feel welcome and included. Briefly explain the group’s format and purpose.

This guide provides a framework; feel free to adapt it based on your group’s dynamics and the direction the conversation takes. The most important thing is to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing and learning.