Blueprint Questions Chapter 9 Pg171 – top of Pg178

1. Do you have a catch-all hiding place (spare room, garage, junk cupboard or drawer etc.) that you use so that you can create the appearance of a neat and tidy house? Has it been discovered by a visitor/ have you discovered someone else’s? (expand)

2. Have you ever felt that who you really are is not the person you need to be to successfully share your faith? How can/does the belief you are not the person you need to be to present your faith influence you when it comes to making disciples?

3. Have some Churches/Christians presented an unrealistic version of being a Christina to non-believers and each other? What has this done to the long-term development of new believers?

4. How do you determine what areas of your life are appropriate to present just as they are when sharing your faith and what areas need to remain private (no right answer but this is very important to work through)?

5. Take time to reflect on your faith journey. Write down events that you see as representative of the ongoing transformation and peace that can only happen through the power of God. Commit them to memory and update them as needed. Sharing God’s transformation in your life is a great way to present your faith.

6. Is there a difference in the way you act compared to the world that will compel others to ask the reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15)? How can you change the landscape and décor (the way you present yourself around non-believers and believers) so that others will see you as different from the rest of the world?

Pray and reflect – if you are in a small group share as you feel comfortable.

God, show me your transformation of my life that I often take for granted.

Holy Spirit, inspire my speech so that people see the power of redemption and transformation available through Jesus Christ.

Jesus, teach me to be salt and light in a dark and dying world.

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Blueprint Questions Chapter 9 Pg178 – Pg183

1. Have you had a church experience that caused you to feel like something wasn’t right (people acted fake, too friendly, the service was too professional or overproduced)? (expand)

2. Do you recognize the struggle the collective of Christ followers goes through as it seeks to be authentic without appearing unprepared or lazy? Does your church create an authentic experience? Would newcomers agree?

3. If you visited your church, would you feel like you were a part of the fellowship of believers or just an observer of people doing church?

4. What does a church service at your church communicate about following Christ?

5. What does a church service at your church communicate about the need for each Christ follower to belong to a collective of Christ followers?

6. What does a church service at your church communicate about the required components of Christ following (Blueprint uses the metaphors: footings, foundation, structure and protective covering)?

7. What areas has culture shaped your church and its message? Are these changes an asset or hindrance to communicating the real struggles of following Christ? (expand)

Pray and reflect – if you are in a small group share as you feel comfortable.

God, show me how to be a part of creating an authentic presentation of your word in my collective of Christ followers.

Holy Spirit, reveal the areas of my church experience that are culturally driven rather than Christ centered.

Jesus, make everything we do at our church point to you.