Grace Community 3rd Anniversary Celebration Philippians 1:27

1) How would you explain what it means to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ”? Why should the gospel message create in us a desire to pursue righteous living? (Consider 1 John 5:1-3)

2) Philippians 1:27 describes the church as standing firm in one spirit and striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. How can we, as a church, build a community that stands firm and strives side by side? In what ways can we build stronger unity within our church, and how could elders help in that goal? Why is it so important to build a strong unified community that is centred around solid teaching of the gospel of Christ? (Consider 1 Peter 5:8-9, Philippians 3:2, Colossians 3:16)  

3) Striving for the faith of the gospel can mean a defensive, supportive stance, but it could also mean an offensive, proactive stance. What are some ways our church could strive to take the faith of the gospel to the community around us? What are some ways you have seen other churches do this well?

4) Do you think it is important for external missions to have a high profile within the church? Why? How could we, as a church, foster a greater missions focus?

5) What are some ways that Grace Community could encourage a greater prayer life in our community?