Community Group Questions
Practice of Community: Sharing Joys & Sorrows
(August 31, 2025)
This week we are practicing what Jesus modeled in Mark 14—sharing both our joys and our sorrows in community.
Step 1 – Gather for a Meal
Share food together (potluck style, ordered in, or something simple).
Remember: the meal doesn’t have to be fancy—the point is being together.
Step 2 – Put Jesus at the Center
Begin with prayer or reading a short scripture.
This week you might use Acts 2:42–47 or John 15:11 (“That my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete”).
Step 3 – Share Your Highs & Lows
Go around the table and let each person share a joy (high) and a sorrow (low) from their week.
The goal is not to fix each other’s problems but to listen, encourage, and pray.
Optional Conversation Starters
If you need a way to break the ice before going deeper, here are some fun table conversation starter resources:
Start Small: Click here for “Start Small” questions
Go Deeper: Click here for “Go Deeper” questions
Discussion Questions (from the sermon)
Use these as time allows:
Dr. Lustig argues that our culture is addicted to chasing short-term pleasure (dopamine) rather than lasting happiness (serotonin). Where do you see that most in your own life or in the people around you?
Why do you think Jesus designed community life to center around the table? What does a meal around a table offer that other settings don’t?
Jesus modeled both joy (the Agape Feast, John 15:11) and sorrow (Garden of Gethsemane, Mark 14). Which is harder for you personally to share with others—your joys or your sorrows? Why?
Nehemiah said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” How have you experienced joy giving you strength to endure hardship or resist temptation?
What do you think it will take for our group (or for you personally) to move from superficial conversations to sharing life—both joys and sorrows—around the table?