Disciple (Week Nine)-- Come and Die Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Read Matthew 28:19. Jesus does not command his disciples to tell others about Him, but rather to “make disciples.” Why is this significant?

Take a closer look at Matthew 28:18-20.

1. Who was present? (see also 1 Corinthians 15:6)

2. What is the command? How is it to be accomplished?

3. What phrase in the Great Commission makes this command ongoing? (that is, self-perpetuating for all Christ-followers)

4. If you were present for this commission, what would you have considered to be your own personal responsibility? Should this make a difference?

Consider your own journey as a disciple. Did you cross over from “come and see” to “go and die” overnight? How can you be an encouragement to disciples who are not as far along on their journey as you are?


Who is God calling you to disciple?

"Home-Grown" Leaders

Community Christian Church pastor Eric Metcalf discusses the process of reproducing groups and leaders. Sunday night at our pre-drive training we'll discuss one of the biggest challenges we have as group leaders: identifying and equipping potential apprentices. In preparation of Sunday's gathering (4:45 pm at ZCC) watch this video and consider these questions:

1. Who identified you as a potential Life Group leader?
2. What are the "must-haves" for apprentices in our ministry?
3. What is your next step when it comes to identifying and equipping an apprentice for your Life Group?

One Day: Sunday, September 5th

Zion’s One Day is Sunday September 5th. On this day we will gather in three locations at 9:00 (ZCC, ZJC, & ZPV) for worship, prayer and teaching then scatter to serve our community. The motivation for this year’s One Day is found in Jeremiah 29:7, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city.”


Jefferson County

Canvassing—Walk through the streets of Brookville with invitations to give to people to the launch of Zion of Jefferson County on October 10th

YMCA— Help with painting projects at the Brookville YMCA (the home of Zion of Jefferson County)



Petroleum Valley

Sugar Creek Nursing Home/Chicora Medical Center- visit in a local nursing home connecting with residents.

Petroleum Valley Youth Center—General repair and cleaning of the youth center.

Preschool childcare- so others with small children can serve.



Clarion County

AAA Life Services—help with landscaping at current and future facility.

SAMS/Children and Youth Services—detail the company cars for this local social service organization.

Clarion Borough—join others in painting parking meter posts throughout downtown Clarion.

Golden Living Center—help with landscaping and outdoor clean up.

Clearview Nursing Home—visit and minister to the residents.

Lunch crew- help prepare lunches for the hundreds of volunteers for the day.

Shippenville- Help install wheelchair ramp at home for a family in need.

Children and Youth Services—Repair/replace window screens for clients in the community. The work will be done on Zion’s campus.

Clarion Borough—help with electrical work for wheelchair bound individual.

Clarion Borough—help with landscaping for wheelchair bound individual.

New Bethlehem—help with roofing for widow.

Summerville—help with gutter repair for elderly couple.

Summerville—help with roof repair for older gentleman.

Preschool childcare- so others with small children can serve.

Disciple (Week Eight)-- Come and Die Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Jesus modeled a lifestyle of prayer to his disciples. In turn, this made the disciples eager to learn to pray. The following scriptures reveal occasions where Jesus prayed. What did Jesus pray for? What can be learned from each occasion?

Luke 3:21-22—

Mark 1:35-39—

Luke 6:12-16—

Luke 9:28-29—

Luke 10:21-22—

Luke 22:31-32—

Matthew 26:36—

Mark 15:33—

Jesus often withdrew early in the morning to spend time praying to the Father. This allowed Him to be free from the distractions and demands of the crowds.

As Jesus’ disciple, how does prayer help you gain perspective?

Jesus modeled prayer when faced with key decisions about selection and leadership. He had to discern what was in His disciple’s hearts, and relied on wisdom from the Father.

In what areas do I, as a disciple, need prayer for wisdom?
Jesus tells Peter He prayer for him, knowing challenged he faced. This provided Peter with needed perspective to later repent and encourage his fellow disciples.

For whom am I interceding lately, and have I taken time to let them know how I am praying for them?

Jesus was often at prayer, alone but within earshot of the disciples. This made them eager to learn to pray, and so they ask him to teach them to, and how to pray.

Is my prayer life visible to those close to me, especially my family, in ways that attracts them and causes them to appreciate the value of prayer?

Disciple (Week Seven)-- Come and Die Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What role has relationships with fellow disciples played in you becoming a Christ-follower?

2. Read John 17:20-23. For whom does Jesus pray in this passage?

3. John 17:21a reads, “May they all be one, as You Father, are in Me and I am in You”, What was Jesus’ specific request?

4. How is fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer an evidence for genuine Chrsitianity? (John 17:21b, see also John 13:34-35)

5. What distracts you from connecting with others in community?

6. What are your current opportunities for community?

Disciple (Week Six)-- Come and Die Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Week Six: Surrenders/Sacrifices/Commits

1. The message, The Disciple Surrenders, sacrifices and commits is based on Jesus’ teaching in Luke 9:23-27. Read Luke 9:21-22. What insight does this context give to understanding what follows?

Read Luke 9:23-27.

2. The cross in Jesus’ day was an instrument of execution, much like our electric chair. What does Jesus mean by “take up his cross and follow me”?
3. What are to two ways of taking up one’s cross?
4. Ask yourself the following questions:
o Am I willing to risk my reputation and be rejected by others?
o Am I ready to sacrifice the temporal for what is eternal?
o Am I willing to let go of what is most precious to me?

5. What can be learned about discipleship from Jesus’ responses to the three excuses?
6. Are you ready to “go and die?” If not, what do you yet need to see from Jesus?