These questions are a starting point to help spark discussion that digs deeper into today’s topic – feel free to adapt or add additional questions of your own.
These questions are a starting point to help spark reflection and conversation on today’s message. Feel free to adapt or add your own.
1. In Mark 1:1–13, there are many references to the wild/wilderness. How do you interpret “wild” — is it good, bad or neutral — and how does it contrast with the descriptions of the city later in this chapter? What might “wild” spaces or seasons look like in our lives today?
2. Jesus modelled the good news of the gospel through discipling, teaching truth, healing sickness, casting out evil, praying intentionally, and being moved with compassion. Which of these aspects of Jesus’ ministry feels most like “good news” to you personally, and why?
3. Jesus did many different things — teaching, healing, praying, and showing compassion. Do you think all of these are equally important? As followers of Jesus, how do we know which parts of His example we’re each called to live out?
4. When Jesus heals and restores people, He often reaches out to those who are marginalised or excluded. What does this reveal about the heart of the gospel?
5. Where do you see good news being most needed in your everyday life or community? What are some specific actions that you (or MCAC) could take to reflect the good news of the gospel in a practical way that really connects with people?
Please pray together at your table:
1. Praise God for who we have seen him to be
2. Pray for communities who may need what we have identified in our discussion
3. Pray for us as a church, that God continues to lead us
‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being involved in today’s discussion!
Discussion Questions 1 November 2025
‘Finishing the temple’
These questions are a starting point to help spark reflection and conversation on today’s message. Feel free to adapt or add your own.
1. Zerubbabel was a governor, not a priest, and God called him to rebuild the temple. How does his story challenge or affirm the way you see your role in God’s work today?
2. Transitions often reveal what we rely on most. At this time, what do you think God might be inviting our MCAC community to learn or rediscover about trust, unity or dependence on His Spirit?
3. Zerubbabel faced opposition and discouragement while rebuilding. What are some “mountains” (Zechariah 4:7) that might stand in the way of God’s work in our lives or church today? How might God’s Spirit enable us to move them?
4. Ezra 3:10–13 [click to read online] gives another account of the rebuilding of the temple. Read the reactions and emotions described in this passage. What does that teach us about how people experience new beginnings differently within the life of a faith community?
5. Today’s sermon reminded us that our church was founded by laypeople: ordinary members empowered by God. How can we, as modern “lay builders,” take ownership of the mission and ministry of our church during this next chapter?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being involved in today’s discussion!
Discussion Questions 25 October 2025
MCAC retreat: ‘In the valley of purpose’
These questions are a starting point to help spark reflection and conversation on today’s message. Feel free to adapt or add your own.
1. What part of Psalm 23 do you find most meaningful or which best represents where you are at in life right now?
2. James 1:2-4 tells us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. How does this perspective challenge or encourage you?
3. David was a king, but before that he spent years waiting, hiding and experiencing hardship. What does David’s story teach us about trusting God’s timing in the unfolding of our own purpose?
4. In what areas of your life might God be inviting you to move from comfort to discomfort, for the sake of growth or a calling?
5. Psalm 23 speaks of rejoicing in God’s abundance: “my cup overflows.” What does experiencing God’s faithfulness look like in your life?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being involved in today’s discussion!
Sermon: ‘Run Long’
These questions are a starting point to help spark discussion that digs deeper into today’s topic – feel free to adapt or add additional questions of your own.
These questions are a starting point to help spark discussion that digs deeper into today’s topic – feel free to adapt or add additional questions of your own.
These questions are a starting point to help spark discussion that digs deeper into today’s topic – feel free to adapt or add additional questions of your own.
These questions are a starting point to help spark discussion that digs deeper into today’s topic – feel free to adapt or add additional questions of your own.
Discussion questions: ‘Case for creation’
These questions are a starting point to help spark discussion that digs deeper into today’s topic – feel free to adapt or add additional questions of your own.
These questions are a starting point to help spark discussion that digs deeper into today’s topic – feel free to adapt or add additional questions of your own.