May 4th - May 9th Life Group Notes

May 4th, 2026
by Nancy Wiltshire

GOSPEL OFFENSE- No Overtime

Matthew 10:26-42

LEADERS - Take attendance in the TLC app. Read group guidlines.

Open in Prayer

Welcome/Introductions/Cast Vision - Remind the Life Group of the Guidelines- See bottom of page.

Doing the Mission: Did anyone share Jesus or last week's passage?

Does anyone have a God story?

Opening Question: What's something that the Lord showed you/told you that you knew you were supposed to share with someone else? What was the result?
Share background for the passage: Jesus is commissioning his followers out to tell the world everything that He has first taught them and encourages them to be bold and unafraid.

Thought/Focus: Jesus wants us to be on the offense by sharing what He has done for us with others.

Have someone read or tell this week's passage/story: Matthew 10:26-42

Discuss these questions: Go deeper as led. Remember Head, Heart, Hands.

In verses 26-27 what are Jesus' commands for us?
What does Jesus want us to learn about the Father's love for us in verses 28-31
How does it make you feel when your read verses 34-37? What do you think it means?
What do you think Jesus means in verses 38-39? How can we "take up our cross" by sharing the message of Jesus with others?
How often do you focus on the possibility of good outcomes/rewards as opposed to negative outcomes when thinking about sharing your faith?
What verse(s) most encourages you from this passage?
What verse(s) most challenge you from this passage?
What is your main take away from this study? How can you apply it in your life?

Next week's passage/story: TBD
Select someone to tell next week's story
Dismiss in Prayer

Life Group Guidelines

This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing with one another. Below are some group guidelines that will help create a safe environment.

CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group.

LISTEN: Let's value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond or what you are going to say next.

PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing a chance to finish and the group the opportunity to consider what was just shared before responding.

NO "CROSS TALK": Be considerate of others as they are sharing- no side conversations.

NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Speak truth is love, give
encouragement, empathize, point to Jesus. You may share solutions God has led you through. The other person should never feel shame or failure, but rather connection & hope.

NO HIJACKING of shared stories.

NO RESCUING: When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people.

SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time you share.

SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides an opportunity for someone else to share and for members in the group to process the topic or question being considered.

BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are personally affecting the environment through your words, actions, and non-verbal communication.

"I"STATEMENTS: It's easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use "I" statements rather than "them', "they", "you", "the church", "us", "we", etc.

FIGHT FOR RELATIONSHIP: We will commit to resolve conflict biblically. When conflict or sin issues arise between group members, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with these issues. We will fight for relationship. I will discuss the struggle with the person I am in conflict with first, & if not resolved, seek wise advice. The following are a few key Scriptures in this regard (there are many others.)