Small Group Discussion Guide

Message Details

• Sermon Series Name: Care For Every Family
• Message Title: A Strong Defense - Preventing Children from Entering Foster Care
• Short Summary: This message explores the importance of family, both biological and spiritual, and challenges us to expand our understanding of family to include the vulnerable and marginalized in our community. By reflecting on Jesus' teachings in Matthew 25, we are called to see people as the mission and to actively protect and care for those in need, particularly focusing on the foster care crisis right here in Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Icebreaker Question

• Share a memorable family tradition or moment that taught you the importance of looking out for one another. How did it shape your understanding of family?

Review of the Previous Week’s "I Will" Statement

• Reflect on last week's commitment: I will confess and turn away from one sin in my life. Did you experience a specific challenge in identifying one sin? How can the group support you in continuing to turn away from this and grow in your faith?

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

1. Reflecting on the Message:
   • Question: How does Matthew 25:34-40 challenge your current understanding of who is included in your "family"?
   • Context: In the message, we explored Jesus' teaching about serving "the least of these" and how it expands our definition of family beyond biological ties to include the vulnerable and marginalized.
   • Life Application: Consider ways you can expand your definition of family to include those who are vulnerable or marginalized. What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to someone outside your immediate circle?
2. Personal Experience with Vulnerability:
   • Question: Describe a time when you felt vulnerable or in need of protection. How did others respond, and what impact did it have on you?
   • Context: The message emphasized the importance of family protection and support, highlighting how we are called to protect and care for one another, especially those who are vulnerable.
   • Life Application: Reflect on how you can be a source of protection and support for someone in a similar situation. Identify one person you can reach out to this week to offer support or encouragement.
3. Cultural Reflections:
   • Question: How do you see the tendency to focus inwardly on our own families and communities playing out in your life or in society?
   • Context: The message discussed the cultural tendency to insulate and focus on our own, often neglecting the broader community and those in need.
   • Life Application: Identify one practical step you can take to shift your focus outward and engage with the broader community. Consider volunteering or participating in a community event that supports those in need.
4. Engaging with the Foster Care Crisis:
   • Question: What are your initial thoughts or feelings about getting involved in the foster care crisis in Sedgwick County?
   • Context: The message highlighted the growing foster care crisis and the need for the church to stand in the gap for vulnerable children and families.
   • Life Application: Explore specific ways you can contribute, whether through prayer, financial support, or direct involvement. Commit to one action you can take this month to support foster care initiatives.
5. Understanding Jesus' Kingdom:
   • Question: How does Jesus' perspective on His kingdom, focused on people rather than power, challenge or affirm your current understanding of what it means to follow Him?
   • Context: The message emphasized that Jesus' kingdom is about people, not power or drawing lines, and that we are called to see people as the mission.
   • Life Application: Consider how you can embody this kingdom mindset in your daily interactions and decisions. Reflect on one area of your life where you can prioritize people over personal gain or status.

• I will defend the vulnerable with my time or resources. Pathway partners with CarePortal to help meet the needs of those in crisis in our community. If you want to learn more or sign up, visit the Foster Care Awareness website at pathwaychurch.com/fostercare or you can find it in the Pathway App.

If you would like to learn more about other ways you can serve, like babysitting, providing temporary respite, what it takes to be a licensed foster family, or helping with food or prayer, Pathway Church will be hosting an informational meeting on August 17, 6PM at the Westlink Campus. This is a no pressure meeting to discover how everyone can play a part in supporting families. You can find out more by clicking here.

Prayer Prompts

1. Prayer Requests: Invite group members to share personal prayer requests.
2. Prayer for Vulnerable Families: Pray for the families in your community who are struggling, particularly those involved in the foster care system.
3. Prayer for Personal Action: Ask God for guidance and courage to take actionable steps in expanding your understanding of family and serving those in need.

Rewatch the Message

• For further reflection, you can rewatch the message at www.pathwaychurch.com/messages.