Building Community 6: Growing

Theme: Growing Together
Passages: Ephesians 4:11–16 | Acts 2:46–47a

Welcome & Context

This is the final week in our Building Community series. We’ve looked at devoting, expecting, worshipping, gathering and giving — and this week we focus on growing together. Not just spiritually as individuals, but growing as one body, maturing in love and purpose, becoming more like Jesus as we do life together.

In Ephesians 4, Paul talks about Christ giving different gifts to people — apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors — not to elevate anyone, but to build up the body of Christ until we all grow up into Him. That growth isn’t just about head knowledge or spiritual gifts — it’s about being joined, held together, speaking truth in love, and becoming whole.

And in Acts 2 we get this beautiful snapshot of what that together-life looks like — shared homes, shared meals, glad and sincere hearts.

Opening Song (optional)

Suggested song: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong UNITED
(or something that reflects trust, maturity, stepping out, or deepening faith)

Bible Readings

•              Ephesians 4:11–16

•              Acts 2:46–47a

 Read both passages aloud and invite a moment of quiet to notice what stands out.

Discussion Questions

1.           What stood out to you in Sunday’s talk or in the readings today — a word, image, or idea?

2.           Paul says we are to grow up into Christ — joined and held together, each part doing its work.

◦         What does that image of the body say to you about your place in the church?

◦         Do you feel connected — or stretched — right now?

3.           “Speaking the truth in love” is a key part of growing together.

◦         When have you experienced that in a life-giving way?

◦         What makes it hard to do? (Including pitfalls and the ways this phrase can be misused!)

4.           Acts 2 shows a community full of gladness and sincerity — breaking bread together daily.

◦         How do we create that kind of community now, when life is so busy?

◦         What would you love to see more of in the church family?

5.           Every part doing its work — Paul stresses that growth happens when everyone is involved.

◦         Where do you think your gifts lie?

◦         Are there any hidden or underused gifts in you?

6.           What does spiritual maturity mean to you?

◦         How do you know if you’re growing?

◦         Who helps you grow?

7.           Looking back on this whole series — what’s stirred in you about community, devotion, and church life?

◦         Has anything shifted in your perspective or desires?

Challenge:

Think of one relationship in your church life — it could be someone you know well or hardly at all.
This week, send them an encouragement, or invite them for coffee! 

Prayer Time

Invite people to share what they’d like prayer for, or use prompts like:

•              For deeper connection and unity in our church

•              For confidence to use our gifts, even in small ways

•              For love to grow where there’s been hurt or disconnection

•              For God to keep shaping us into a community of grace and truth