Big Idea

People find their way back to God when they are invited.

Scripture

Luke 14:16-24 (Context Luke 14:1-14)

Ice Breaker and Opening Thought

1. Have you ever planned a large event? If so, what was it? What was it like to plan?
2. The church is meant to be a place filled not only with VIPs but with every type of person, where we are all welcome and beloved. Each person we meet is worthy of love and needs to find the radical inclusivity of the Kingdom of God. Has the church been a place of welcome and inclusivity for you in your spiritual journey? If so, how? If not, what was missing?

Bible Discussion

3. Read Luke 14:12-24. What stood out to you? What struck you?
4. This banquet is an analogy about the Kingdom of God. What does it tell us about the Kingdom of God?

Life Application

5. Read this quote from NT Wright and discuss its implications for our lives: “It isn’t enough to say that we ourselves are the people dragged in from the country lanes to our surprise, to enjoy God’s party. That may be true, but party guests are then expected to become party hosts in their turn.” -NT Wright, Luke for Everyone
6. Why would you want to invite someone to a service, event, or small group? What are you hoping they experience?
7. What does it mean to you to be included and loved? What actions or feelings help you feel that way? How can we become that?
8. Who are you praying will engage with our church? What opportunities could lead to an invitation?
9. What’s holding you back from asking “Your Five” to church and/or small group?
10. Commit to engage every week with COMMUNITY this fall by being present, intentional. Commit to praying for five people you could invite to engage with us this fall, and then ask them to come and see.