General Description of Series

This study explores what it means to be the Church. In Ephesians 1:22–23, Paul describes the Church as the body of Christ, with Jesus as its head. In Acts 2:42–47, we are given a beautiful picture of what this looked like in practice: a community devoted to Jesus, to one another, to prayer, to worship, to generosity and to sharing the gospel.

The Church is more than a building, a Sunday gathering or an organisation. We are the people of God, brought together as the body of Christ and called to embody the life and mission of Jesus in the world.

As we explore these passages, we'll consider what it means not simply to attend church, but to genuinely belong to and participate in the body of Christ.

Looking Back

Centre Yourself

Begin by taking two or three minutes in silence.

Invite everyone to put aside distractions from the day and become aware of God's presence. As you sit in silence, consider this simple prayer:

"Jesus, you are here. You are the head of your Church. Help me to be present to you and present to those around me."

After the silence, invite the group to share one word that describes how they are arriving tonight.

Reflect

Over the past fortnight, where have you experienced God at work in your life? What has encouraged, challenged or surprised you?

How have you experienced Christian community over the past two weeks? Was there a moment where you gave or received encouragement, support, hospitality or prayer?

Looking Up

Read

Read Ephesians 1:22–23 together.

Then read Acts 2:42–47.

Take a few moments to sit with the passages before beginning the discussion.

Discuss

1. Ephesians describes the Church as the "body of Christ." What do you think Paul means by this image?

   What does this tell us about the relationship between Jesus and his Church? How might this change the way we think about our place within the Church?

2. Acts 2 gives us a picture of the early Christian community. What characteristics stand out to you?

   Make a list together of everything the believers devoted themselves to. What do you think made this community distinctive?

3. The early Christians shared their lives deeply — eating together, praying together, worshipping together and sharing their possessions. Why do you think community was such an important part of following Jesus?

   What are some of the challenges that prevent us from experiencing this kind of community today?

4. Acts 2:47 says that "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." What connection do you see between the life of the community and its witness to the world?

   What might this teach us about the relationship between being the Church and making Jesus known?

Optional Resource

Watch BibleProject's "The Church" video together before discussing the questions. Use it as a starting point for thinking about what the Bible means when it talks about God's people as a community.

Looking Ahead

The picture of the Church in Acts 2 challenges us to move beyond simply going to church and towards being the Church.

As the body of Christ, every person has a place, a role and a contribution to make. Following Jesus is not something we were designed to do alone.

Discuss

1. Where do you currently feel most connected to the body of Christ? Where might you be tempted to remain on the edges?

   What would it look like for you to take a step towards deeper participation?

2. Acts 2 describes a community marked by devotion, generosity, hospitality, prayer and shared life. Which of these areas is God inviting you to grow in?

   What is one practical action you could take over the next fortnight?

3. Who is someone outside your immediate Christian community that you could intentionally invite into your life?

   How could your relationships, hospitality or generosity become an opportunity to help someone encounter Jesus?

Take a Step

Before finishing, invite each person to identify one concrete step they will take over the next two weeks to become more deeply involved in the life and mission of the Church.

It could be as simple as:

• Inviting someone into their home for a meal
• Joining or serving in a ministry
• Praying regularly for their church community
• Reaching out to someone who is isolated
• Practising greater generosity
• Inviting a friend to church or Life Group
• Encouraging someone in their faith
• Asking someone to pray with them

Prayer

Jesus,

Thank you that you have called us to be your people and that we are part of your body, the Church.

Teach us what it means to follow you together. Give us a deeper devotion to your Word, to prayer, to worship and to one another.

Make us a community marked by generosity, hospitality, authenticity and love. Help us to notice those who are on the margins and to make room for others.

Give each of us courage to play our part in your Church and to use what you have given us for the sake of your mission.

May the way we live together point people towards Jesus.

Amen.