Discussion Questions

1. Think back to your very first impression of church or religious experience growing up—what was one funny, weird, or vivid memory, and how does that compare to how you view church today? 

2. In the message, we heard about "spiritual ladder-building"— creating unspoken rules or insider culture that make people feel like they don't fit in. Have you ever felt like you were on the outside looking in, either at a church or in another community? How did that experience impact your view of God or faith? 

3. Jesus was famously called a "friend of sinners," and people who were nothing like Him loved being around Him. When you look at your own weekly routine and relationships, how easy or difficult is it for "outsiders" to feel truly drawn to your presence? What gets in the way? 

4. Read Luke 15:1-7 alongside Acts 15:19. 

A. Jesus describes leaving 99 healthy sheep in the open country to search relentlessly for the one that is missing. What emotions surface when you realize that church isn't meant to be a comfort station for the 99, but a 'search & rescue' mission for the 1? 

B. In practical terms, what is one "unspoken barrier" or personal preference we hold onto that might be making it unnecessarily difficult for "the one" to find Jesus? 

5. A core takeaway from Sunday is that "we sacrifice our personal preferences for the benefit of others." What is one personal preference (e.g., your ideal worship style, seating choice, schedule convenience, or comfort zone) that God might be asking you to lay down so Riverway can reach more people? 

6. If our mission is to make connecting with God simple and accessible, who is one person in your immediate orbit—a neighbor, coworker, family member, or friend—who needs an invitation to "come as they are"? What is one tangible step you will take this week to show them the irresistible love of Jesus? Will you invite them to our "Tailgate Sunday" kickoff on September 13th?