Northwestern Ohio Synod - Study Guide for "Called Forth To Be..."

A Community

What are some of the images in scripture that suggest we are not meant to be "lone ranger" Christians? Take a look at Jn 10:14-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-27, 1 Pet. 2:7-10.
What happens in your congregation that reveals that we are a community in Christ?
What are some implications of saying that the Church is Christ's?
How is Christ present and at work in your congregation?

Centered in Word and Sacrament

What does God want to give us through the gifts of Word and Sacrament?
What hinders this from happening among us here? In your own life?
What do you think it would take to make our congregation "come alive" in Christ?
What are your favorite Bible stories or verses? Why are these important to you?

Formed by Law and Gospel

When you think of Law, what comes to mind?
Why did God give us the Law? How does the Law work in us? Take a look at Romans 3:20-23.
What is the power of the Gospel? See Romans 1:16-17.
Why do we need to hear both Law and Gospel? Why not just Law? What not just Gospel?
Why is it important to know the difference between Law and Gospel?

Reconciling in the Face of Confict

Can you think of some conflicts mentioned in the Bible?
Why do conflicts arise among God's people? Describe how they develop and escalate.
What does the Lord want for us as his people? Take a look at 2 Cor. 5:18-19.
Why can you be a reconciler in the face of conflict? See Rom 5:11.
What can you do to be a reconciling force in your congregation? In your family? In the world?

Outposts for Mission

Why did God create the Church? What do you think the purpose of the Church is? See Mt. 25:1-9; 28:18-20; Eph. 3:7-12; 1 Peter.
How has your congregation been doing as a "Mission Outpost?" Give some examples of your congregation's Mission Outpost behavior.
What prevents us from being a Mission Outpost? What might "turn us around?"
Does your congregation have a mission statement? What do you think it should say?

Working for Justice

How do we know God cares about justice in this world? Take a look at Mt. 25:42; Lk. 4:16-21; Acts 10:31; Micah 6:8.
How is social justice related to the Gospel? How is it different? How is it the same?
How does your congregation work toward spreading God's Shalom or wholeness in society? How do you participate in this effort?
Share the story of someone you have helped. How did that make you feel? Why don't we do more of this?

Committed to the Church beond the Congregation

Read John 17. What does Jesus want for us as his church?
Has Jesus' prayer been answered? What would need to happen for it to be answered fully?
Why is it important that Jesus' prayer bear fruit? What impact would it have on your congregation? on your community? on the world?
What could your congregation do to improve relations with other denominations? How should we deal with those things that are irreconcilable between us as churches?

A Priesthood of Believers (1 Pet. 2:9)

What is a priest and what does a priest do? See Heb. 5:1-10
How is this different from the work of the pastor? How is it the same?
What opportunities does your congregation provide for you to exercise your calling to the Priesthood of Believers?
What do you need to help you be a more effective member of this priesthood?

Supportive of those Called and Ordained

Stewards of God's Grace (2 Cor. 8-9)

Empowered by the Lord of the Cross