Series Name: Goal
Message Title: Building Community for the Next Generation
Short Summary: Passing on faith to the next generation isn't something parents can do alone—it takes an entire community. This message explores how the early church in Acts 2 created life-giving communities where people were known, belonged, and were pointed toward Jesus. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, mentor, or friend, you have a role in helping kids discover communities with trusted voices and godly friendships that will shape who they become.
Icebreaker Question
Think back to your childhood or teenage years. Who was one person outside your immediate family who made you feel truly known and valued? What did they do that made such an impact on you?
Review the Previous Week's "I Will" Statement
Last week, we were challenged: "I will invite a child to serve along with me this week."
Reflection Questions:
- Did you get a chance to serve alongside a young person this past week? If so, what did you do together, and what stood out to you about the experience?
- Whether you did or didn't follow through, what did you learn about the opportunities (or challenges) of inviting kids into serving? What would make it easier to do this regularly?
Discussion Questions
Question 1: Reflecting on Acts 2:42-47
Read Acts 2:42-47 together. The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer—creating a community where people truly belonged. What stands out to you most about this description of community? How does it compare to the communities you're part of today?
Context: The message highlighted that the early believers didn't just learn information—they learned from trusted people who walked with them, encouraged them, and challenged them.
Application: Consider the communities you're currently in (church, small group, workplace, neighborhood). What's one characteristic from Acts 2 that you'd like to see grow in your own community? What would it take for that to happen?
Question 2: The Power of Trusted Voices
The message reminded us: "Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives and follow the example of their faith" (Hebrews 13:7). Who has been a trusted voice in your spiritual journey, someone whose life was worth following? What specific qualities or actions made them trustworthy?
Context: Kids need more than parents; they need coaches, teachers, small group leaders, and church family who live lives worth emulating and teach truth worth listening to.
Application: Now flip the question: Is there a young person in your life who might be watching how you live? What's one way you could be more intentional about being a trusted voice for them, whether through your words, your example, or simply being present?
Question 3: Friendship and Influence
Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." Share about a time when your friend group (either as a kid or as an adult) influenced you, for better or for worse. What did that experience teach you about the power of community?
Context: The message emphasized that people shape people. Our kids will find their people. The question is, what kind of people will they find?
Application: If you're a parent or mentor, how are you helping the kids in your life find friendships that point them toward Jesus? If you're not in that role, what kind of friend are you being to those around you—are you someone who walks with wisdom?
Question 4: Making Hard Decisions for Community
Pastor Jarred shared about choosing Wednesday night Ignite over soccer practice because building spiritual community was the greater goal. What's a decision you've had to make (or are currently facing) where you've had to prioritize spiritual community over something else that felt important? What made it difficult?
Context: Prioritizing church, small groups, or faith communities often requires saying no to good things in favor of the best thing—helping kids be known, belong, and be pointed toward Jesus.
Application: What's one area where you might need to re-evaluate your priorities to make more space for life-giving community—either for yourself or for a young person in your life?
Question 5: Taking the Next Step
Galatians 6:9 encourages us: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." The message acknowledged that some of you might feel like it's too late or too hard to build community for the kids in your life. What's one fear, doubt, or obstacle that's holding you back from taking that next step?
Context: Whether it's prayer fatigue, relational difficulty, or feeling unqualified, many of us face barriers to investing in the next generation. But the Holy Spirit is ready to guide us if we're willing to be devoted.
Application: What would it look like to take just one step this week—even a small one—to help a kid in your life discover community? It might be a prayer, a conversation, an invitation, or simply showing up.
This Week's "I Will" Statement
I will take one step to help the kid in my life discover community.
(Encourage participants to name specifically: Who is the kid? What is the one step? When will you do it?)
Prayer Prompts
Prompt 1: General Prayer Requests
Leader asks: "What's happening in your life right now that you need prayer for? Let's take time to share and support one another."
Prompt 2: Praying for the Next Generation
Leader prompts: "Let's pray by name for the kids and young people in our lives—that God would surround them with trusted voices, godly friendships, and communities where they are known, belong, and are pointed toward Jesus."
Prompt 3: Praying for Ourselves as Influencers
Leader prompts: "Let's pray for ourselves—that the Holy Spirit would give us wisdom, courage, and devotion to be the kind of people worth following. Pray that we wouldn't grow weary in doing good, and that God would show us the one step He wants us to take this week."
Rewatch the Message
Want to revisit this message or share it with someone?
Watch it here: