Sending Path · Introduction to Serving · Lesson 1: What Is the Church? · The Body of Christ
This lesson in one sentence: The church is the body of Christ, not a building; serving begins with noticing the members around you.
Timing (about 60 minutes)
- Opening5 min
- Read Together10 min
- Discussion30 min
- This Week10 min
- Pray for One Another5 min
Opening
When did you first feel ‘I belong to this church’?
Read Together
He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:22-23 · WEB
The assembly, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:23 · WEB
Discussion
- “the assembly, which is his body” (Ephesians 1:22-23)—how is this different from saying ‘go to church’?
- “He is the head of the body, the assembly” (Colossians 1:18)—if the church belongs to Christ and not to any person, how does that change our attitude in serving?
- “nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly” (Ephesians 5:29-30)—in your church, who most needs to be nourished and cherished?
This Week
This Lord’s Day, notice someone who always comes alone and leaves alone; go over, talk with them for a few minutes, and remember their name.
Each person names the person they plan to get to know this Lord’s Day (‘an older lady who usually sits alone’ is enough).
Closing
In pairs, pray one sentence for the person your partner will get to know this week.
Tips for the leader
- Make clear at the start: the Sending Path only helps people prepare; the actual sending is done by each person’s own church; this group does not ordain or assign anyone.
- If members come from different churches, don’t compare which church is better; talk about how each of you can be a member of the body.
- If someone is disappointed in a church or has been hurt by one, listen first; don’t rush to defend the church.
General principles for leaders
- The leader is not a teacher but someone who walks alongside everyone.
- Give everyone a chance to speak; with someone who talks a lot, you can gently say, ‘Let’s also hear from friends who haven’t spoken yet.’
- Don’t rush to give answers. If someone is silent, wait a few more seconds.
- For a question you can’t answer, you can say, ‘I don’t know either; let’s look it up together,’ and note it down for next time.
- What is said in the group stays in the group.
- At the opening, the leader can give their own answer first, showing that it can be simple and honest.