Week 1:
Habits of People on Mission


1) Have you met people who seem to be good at evangelism? Why did you think they were good at it?

2) When have you seen people’s actions or character used by God to point to Jesus?
 


***Read Colossians 4:2-6 (read it at least twice in the group using two different translations if possible)***
 


3) Why do you think watchfulness and thankfulness (vs 2) might be important in prayer?



4) In verses 3-4 Paul has some specific prayer points for him and his party of traveling missionaries. What are they and why might they be important for an evangelist to pray for?



5) In verses 5 and 6 Paul gives instruction to those who are not Apostles or missionaries but people seeking to live for Christ in their “everyday” lives. As a group summarise verses 5& 6 in your own words.



6) Look at the quote and chart from author Michael Frost below. Michael draws a distinction between those who are gifted evangelists and those who are evangelistic, but not necessarily gifted evangelists. Does this twofold approach to evangelism line up with what we have studied and with your knowledge of Scripture?



“…the apostle Paul assumes a twofold approach to the ministry of evangelism. First, he affirms the gifting of evangelists – interestingly, not the gift of evangelism but the evangelist herself is the gift (see Ephesians 4:11). Second he writes as though all believers are to be evangelistic in their general orientation.“ Michael Frost, “Surprise the World” page 2
 


7) Using Colossians 4 as a base Mike suggests that priorities for evangelistic believers in witness should be prayer, watchfulness and wise socialization. What might this look like in our lives?




Watch the Introduction video 
 

 
8) Does anything stand out for you in this video?


9) What habits or rhythms have you found helpful as you have sought to follow Jesus?



10) Do you agree that there are habits that could help you be more effective in living on mission?


Over the next five weeks we will be exploring 5 habits that can help us live the kind of lives that have an impact, the kind of lives that may get people curious. The habits are biblical and can be summarized using Mike Frosts’ BELLS model. Bless people. Eat together. Listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Learn Jesus Christ. And see ourselves as Sent by God.

This Week
Read chapter 1, 2 and 3 of “Surprise the World” (they are short chapters)

If you have time – Look at 1 Peter 3:15-16. What similarities do you see with Colossians 4:5-6?
 

Pray
Read Colossians 4:2-7 again and this time let it to prompt the direction of your group prayer time. Pray that the Holy Spirit would work in people’s lives drawing them to faith.