Small Group Guide
Summary
In this sermon from Haggai 2:1-9, Mike Score addresses the universal experience of discouragement and how it can lead to disillusionment and cynicism. Speaking to a church plant context, he draws parallels between the discouraged Israelites rebuilding the temple after exile and modern believers facing challenges. The key message is 'Don't let discouragement define your direction.' Score emphasizes that when discouragement hits hard, we need to get around the right people - those with a track record of faith, who will tell us the truth, and who will celebrate our progress. He reminds the congregation that God values small beginnings and that they are part of something much larger than themselves.
The sermon encourages the church to 'go all in' despite feeling small or insignificant, reminding them that God has big plans for their future. Score shares the vision of planting 250 churches across their region to reach 33 million people who don't know Jesus, emphasizing that every small start matters to God and can lead to significant kingdom impact.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with open hearts and minds. We acknowledge that we all face times of discouragement and uncertainty in our lives. As we gather together to study Your Word, we ask that You would speak to each of us individually and as a community. Help us to be receptive to what You want to teach us today through this discussion. Give us wisdom to understand Your truth and courage to apply it to our lives. We pray that You would use this time to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's one small thing you started that eventually became something bigger or more significant than you initially expected?
Key Verses
Haggai 2:3-4
Haggai 2:6-7
Haggai 2:9
Zechariah 4:10
Questions
How do you typically respond when discouragement hits? Do you tend to withdraw or seek out others for support?
Mike mentioned that everyone wants the church to stay the same as when they had their most significant spiritual experience. How can we balance honoring tradition while remaining open to change and growth?
What are some ways that discouragement has tried to define your direction in the past? How did you overcome it or how are you still working through it?
The sermon emphasized getting around the right people during difficult times. What qualities do you look for in people who can encourage you during challenging seasons?
How does knowing you're part of something bigger than yourself (like a church family or denomination) impact your perspective during difficult times?
Mike shared that 'small beginnings are not unimportant.' Can you think of a time when you almost gave up on something small that later proved to be significant?
What does it mean to you personally to 'go all in' with your faith and church community?
How can we as a group better support each other when discouragement tries to derail our spiritual growth or ministry involvement?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where discouragement has been trying to define your direction. Instead of withdrawing, intentionally reach out to someone with a track record of faith who can speak truth and encouragement into your situation. Take one small step forward in that area, remembering that God values small beginnings and is with you in the process.
Key Takeaways
Don't let discouragement define your direction - acknowledge it but don't let it control your decisions
When discouragement hits hard, get around the right people: those with a track record of faith, who tell the truth, and who celebrate progress
God values small beginnings and uses them for significant kingdom impact
We are designed to be part of something bigger than ourselves - community and connection matter
Going 'all in' for God's kingdom is never something we'll regret at the end of our lives
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of fellowship and discussion around Your Word. We're grateful for the reminder that You are with us in our discouragement and that You have plans for us that are bigger than we can imagine. Help us to be the kind of people who encourage others when they face difficult times, and give us courage to take small steps of faith even when the path ahead seems uncertain. As we go from this place, may we remember that we are part of Your greater story and that our small beginnings matter to You. Strengthen our resolve to go all in for Your kingdom, and help us to support one another as we grow in faith together. We pray this in Your precious name, Amen.
