Small Groups

Introduction

OCF has long found the great benefit of biblically focused small groups for mutual encouragement of Christians and reaching out to neighbors and fellow service members. Whether deployed or aboard ship, living on base, or in one of the communities surrounding our bases, there are others sharing the military experience. Some may be believers but shy or unsure of themselves in a military, secular context. Others may be non-believers whom God is calling. The Lord can use you to gather some believers and neighbors together in some type of Christian group—for fellowship, Bible study and discussion, prayer, service, and mutual encouragement.

 

Scripture references

Study the following biblical references and consider how they address the questions listed below. If using this outline with a Small Group, consider assigning different Scriptures to different individuals and relating them to one or more of the questions. Then scroll down the page to review our recommended resources for the topic of Small Groups and consider how the various articles or podcasts provide further insights relating to this topic.

Samuel 10:5-6; 19:18-24; 2 Kings 2:3; 4:38; 1 Kings 19; Psalms 95, 107, 133, 134; Matthew 18:19-20; John 15:1-25; Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; Acts 4:23-31; Acts 17:10-12; Hebrews 10:24-25.
 

Questions

  1. What were some reasons there were schools of prophets in the OT?
  2. When we are alone, what can happen? How was Elijah encouraged by (or about) others?
  3. How do pronouns here differ than most Psalms? Why is corporate worship vital?
  4. What condition does Jesus give for His presence? Who are your “two or three”?
  5. In addition to a connection with Jesus and the conflict with the world, what other relationship does Jesus address? What admonition does He give us?
  6. Describe characteristics of early Christian fellowship? How is yours like this?
  7. After Peter’s testimony, what do the Christians do? What is their intake and output?
  8. How did Bereans receive what Paul said? How do you assess preaching and teaching?
  9. What does the Hebrew writer warn us not to do? Why?

Recommended Resources

Following are a series of carefully selected resources that provide perspectives and experiences of various authors, most having military experience. These articles and podcasts are intended to stimulate further thinking and reflective application for individuals or to act as the basis of discussion in small groups.