Small Group Study Guide

Icebreaker Questions (Choose 1–2)

• When plans change unexpectedly (like snow cancelling normal routines), what’s your default reaction: adjust quickly, stress out, or shut down? Why?

• What’s one “foundation” you’ve relied on in life besides Jesus (approval, control, comfort, routine, a leader, success)?

• The worship pastor said, “We can be the church even when we’re not gathered.” What’s one simple way you’ve seen that lived out?

3) Read the Scripture Together

Read Aloud:
1 Corinthians 3:1–11

Then read one of these (optional):

• Philippians 1:3–6 — God will finish what He started

• Matthew 7:24–27 — wise builder foundation

4) Discussion Questions (Work through in order)

A. The Big Question:

How firm is your foundation?

In your own words, what does it mean for Jesus to be your foundation—not just a “feature” you add when needed?

The sermon stated:

“If Jesus isn’t your foundation, change feels like destruction. If Jesus is your foundation, change is just restoration.”

Where have you experienced that to be true?

B. “Who do I follow?” (1 Cor. 3:3–4)

Paul says division reveals immaturity: jealousy, quarreling, and “living like people of the world.” What are modern versions of “I follow Paul/I follow Apollos” in church life today?

What’s a healthy way to appreciate leaders without attaching your faith to them?

C. “Am I a part or the point?” (1 Cor. 3:5–9)

Paul says: planting and watering matter, but God makes it grow.

• Where do you tend to take too much responsibility for outcomes?

• Where do you tend to take too little responsibility and call it “trusting God”?

• What’s one area where God might be inviting you to simply do your part—plant or water—without trying to control the results?

D. “Who is Jesus to me?” (1 Cor. 3:10–11)

Paul says we must be “very careful” how we build on the foundation. What does “careful building” look like in everyday life (habits, relationships, priorities)?

The message highlighted grief and love during change. How can a church grieve a transition without losing mission?

E. Hope for the Future (Phil. 1:3–6 )

Paul says, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks.” What is something you’re genuinely thankful for God doing in/through FCC over the years?

How does Philippians 1:6 change the way you view the future of the church—and your own spiritual growth?

5) Dig Deeper Passages (Pick 1–2 for the Group or the Week)

• Matthew 7:24–27 — Two builders, two foundations. What does Jesus say the storms reveal?

• Psalm 62:5–8 — God as rock, salvation, refuge. What changes when your refuge is God, not control?

• Ephesians 2:19–22 — The church built on Christ as cornerstone. How does this shape unity in transitions?

• 1 Peter 2:4–6 — Jesus the “living stone,” we become living stones too. What does that imply about your role?

• Acts 2:42–47 — A picture of church life that can happen in homes. What can your group practice this week?

6) Application Steps (Make it Specific)

Choose one personal and one community action step.

Personal (Foundation Check)

• Name your foundation: Write down one thing you’ve been leaning on besides Jesus (control, comfort, a person, stability, routine). Confess it to God this week.

• Rebuild a habit: Pick one practice to “build on Jesus” daily for 7 days:

• 10 minutes in Scripture

• 5 minutes of silence/prayer

   

• One act of obedience you’ve delayed

   

Community (Be the Church Where You Are)

• Neighbor love: Do one practical act of service this week (help a neighbor, shovel snow, meal drop, text encouragement).

• Plant/Water: Identify one person you can “plant” or “water” with—share your story, invite to church, ask how you can pray, send a verse.

   

Church (Stay Engaged)

• Commit to presence: Decide now how you’ll stay connected in the transition (attend, serve, give, pray).

• Pray for leaders: Pray by name for the worship pastor Nick, the elders, interim leadership, and the next lead pastor.

   

7) Closing Prayer (Leader Reads or Group Prays Together)

Jesus, You are our firm foundation.

When plans change and seasons shift, anchor our hearts to You—not to preferences, personalities, or comfort. Forgive us for the ways we’ve treated church like it’s about us, or treated leaders like they’re the point. Teach us to be faithful servants—willing to plant and water—trusting You for the growth.

We pray for Fork Christian Church: protect unity, deepen love, and keep the gospel central. Give wisdom and courage to leaders, and raise up people who will step in and serve. And for each of us, help us build carefully on Christ—through obedience, humility, and trust.

We remember Your body broken and Your blood poured out for us. Thank You for saving us, sustaining us, and finishing the good work You started.

In Jesus’ name, amen.