Values Series
WEEK 4: Mission (OUT)
The following discussion guide is based off of Pastor Glenn’s message on Citylights’ 4th value: Mission
Tonight’s discussion is about sharing our faith — why it matters, how Jesus modeled it, and how we can grow in doing it with compassion, curiosity, and courage.
Icebreaker Question:
“When was the last time someone shared their faith with you? How did it make you feel?”
Section 1: Why Share the Gospel? (15–20 min)
Key Passages
Matthew 28:18–20 (The Great Commission)
Acts 1:8 (Power to be witnesses)
Romans 10:14 (How will they hear without someone preaching?)
Key Insights
Darrin Patrick: We can worship, pray, and read the Bible in heaven, but we can’t share the gospel with the lost there.
Penn Jillette: If we believe heaven and hell are real, not sharing is the ultimate lack of love.
Discussion Questions
How does it change your perspective to think of evangelism as something you can only do on earth?
What fears or barriers keep you from sharing your faith with others?
How does knowing Jesus has “all authority” (Matthew 28:18) encourage you?
Section 2: Compassionate (15 min)
Key Passages
1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 (“…we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”)
C.S. Lewis: “To love at all is to be vulnerable…”
Key Insights
Compassion literally means “to suffer with” someone.
Protecting ourselves can make our hearts “unbreakable” and unable to love.
Loving people enough means overcoming fear to share Christ with them.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think compassion is essential for sharing the gospel?
How can we “enter into” someone’s pain or story without becoming overwhelmed ourselves?
Who in your life right now might need you to “share your life” as well as the gospel?
Section 3: Curious (15 min)
Key Passages
1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (Becoming all things to all people)
Proverbs 20:5 (“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters…”)
Key Insights
Simply stating truths (“You need a Savior”) won’t resonate if people don’t understand the concepts.
Ask questions to understand someone’s story before sharing yours.
Example questions: “What’s your spiritual background?” “Who is Jesus to you?”
Discussion Questions
Why is curiosity about someone’s life and beliefs important for evangelism?
What are some good questions you could ask a friend to start a spiritual conversation?
How might becoming a better listener make you a better witness?
Section 4: Fearless (15–20 min)
Key Passages
Galatians 1:10 (Seeking God’s approval, not man’s)
2 Corinthians 4:3–6 (The gospel is veiled; Satan blinds minds)
Key Insights
Evangelists aren’t born—they’re made.
The enemy works hard to keep us silent; opening our mouths can open people’s eyes.
Fearlessness grows through prayer, practice, and dependence on God’s Spirit.
Discussion Questions
How does the reality of spiritual warfare change the way you think about evangelism?
What’s one area where you need to grow in courage when sharing your faith?
Can you think of a time when God gave you boldness to speak? How did it go?
Practical Steps (5–10 min)
Pray for specific people (family, neighbors, coworkers).
Invite them into your life — meals, church, events.
Serve them — show genuine care.
Share resources — books, sermons, podcasts.
Speak the gospel — tell your story, tell His story.
Prompt:
“Who’s one person you can pray for, invite, or intentionally love this week?”
Closing (5–10 min)
Pray together as a group for boldness, compassion, and opportunities to share the gospel.