Discussion Questions 1 November 2025

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

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!

Discussion Questions 18 October 2025

Discussion Questions 18 October 2025


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. Can you think of a time when it was hard to keep caring — but you chose to stay kind or patient anyway? What helped you not give up on love, kindness, or grace?

2. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas stayed in prison even after God opened the doors — a surprising choice! Why do you think they stayed when escaping seemed like the obvious answer?
What might this story teach us about how to respond when doors in our lives seem open or closed?

3. Jesus “loved His own to the end” (John 13:1), even when that love was misunderstood or rejected. What’s the difference between love that stays out of compassion and love that stays out of fear or obligation? How can we tell when staying is faithful — and when stepping back might actually be the more loving choice?

4. In Matthew 24, Jesus warned that “the love of many will grow cold.” Where do you see love growing cold today — in the world, the church, or even in your own heart? What helps keep love warm and steady when it’s tested?

5. Think about one relationship or situation in your life that needs “love that stays.” What might it look like to love faithfully in that space this week — through patience, prayer, forgiveness, or presence? How can we as a community help each other keep going when love feels costly?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being involved in today’s discussion!