Series: OneLife
Title: Insights From New Followers
Summary: This message highlights God's profound heart for "the one" who is far from Him, drawing from Luke 15 to illustrate Jesus' active pursuit and celebration of those who repent. Through candid interviews with Eric, Shannon, and Ron, who shared their journeys from pain, loss, and skepticism to faith, the sermon reveals how ordinary believers, authentic friendship, and community are instrumental in spiritual transformation. It challenges us to move beyond passive faith, encouraging prayer, compassionate listening, and practical steps to love and walk alongside hurting individuals, ultimately joining God's mission to bring others to new life and joy.
Icebreaker Question
If you were to describe your current season of life using a weather forecast (e.g., sunny, partly cloudy, stormy, foggy), what would it be and why?
Last Week's Commitment
Last week's "I Will" statement: "I will pray and share my life with my One."
- How did you pray for your “One” this week?
- Did you find any opportunities to share your life or faith story with them? What was that experience like?
Discussion Questions
1. Lostness and God’s Heart (Luke 15)
In Luke 15, Jesus shares three parables (the lost sheep, coin, and son) to reveal God’s heart for the lost—those who feel far from Him, overlooked, or broken. Rodney emphasized that Jesus repeatedly highlights God’s active pursuit and overwhelming joy when even one person turns back to Him.
- When have you felt “lost” or far from God—whether because of pain, doubt, or life circumstances? What emotions did you experience, and how did God pursue you during that season?
- Reflect on what it means for God to seek you personally. How might this shape your attitude toward others who are struggling or spiritually distant?
2. Wrestling with Doubt, Pain, and the Questions of Faith
The testimonies shared in the message were marked by loss, addiction, skepticism, and disappointment with God. Rodney acknowledged that even mature Christians experience doubt and struggle. He said, “You know what they call Christians who have no doubts? Liars, right?”
- Share a time when pain or loss made you question God’s goodness or presence. How did you process those doubts? Did you find ways to move forward in faith, or are you still wrestling?
- Consider what honest faith looks like. How can we support each other when faith feels hard or questions remain unresolved?
3. The Transforming Power of Friendship and Community
Each person on stage described ordinary people—friends, mentors, group leaders—who saw them, reached out, and walked with them through crisis. Rodney said, “Discipleship is about relationship. It’s about care.”
- Who in your life has shown you God’s love by walking with you through hard times or inviting you into community? What difference did this make in your journey?
- Think about someone around you who might need a friend or encourager. What is one step you can take to be that person this week?
4. Serving Before You Feel “Ready”
The message noted that Eric, Shannon, and Ron began serving others even as they were still healing and growing. Rodney observed that for the new followers, "serving was pretty immediate," demonstrating that purpose is activated immediately, not just after years of study.
- Have you ever hesitated to serve or help others because you felt unqualified or unfinished? What happened when you decided to step out anyway?
- Consider how God might use your current story—even if it feels incomplete—to encourage or serve someone else.
5. The Joy of Heaven Over “The One”
Rodney highlighted Jesus’ words: “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7). He challenged us to consider, "Who is your one?"—that specific person in your life who is hurting, far from God, or simply needs a friend. Drawing from the examples in the message, such as sending a caring text, praying for someone, or making a meal for a person in crisis—"ordinary things that are extraordinary"—think of one specific person who needs to experience this kind of love.
- What is one tangible next step you could take toward that person this week to show them the presence and compassion of Christ, as Ron, Shannon, and Eric encouraged: by being present, loving, and bold?
- What would it look like in your life or our group to intentionally celebrate when someone takes a step toward Jesus? How can we cultivate a culture of welcome, celebration, and encouragement for those who are returning or just beginning their faith journey?
- Brainstorm practical ways your group can express joy, welcome, and encouragement to “the one” in your circles.
28 Days of Prayer
Join the 6:00 AM Prayer Call
Every weekday morning, Monday through Friday at 6:00 AM, our Pathway Family is gathering on a video call, wherever we are, to pray for our "Ones" together. You don't have to be a morning person or a prayer expert. Just show up.
Text PRAYER to 316-444-4180 to get connected. You'll get a reminder each morning with the link to join.
Prayer Prompts
- Thank God for His heart to seek and save “the one” who is lost, and for the stories of transformation in our church family.
- Pray for anyone in your group who has a specific need or is walking through a difficult season—invite group members to share prayer requests.
- Ask God to put someone on your heart who may feel far from Him, and to give you compassion and boldness to reach out.
- Pray for courage to take a practical next step this week—whether it’s offering prayer, sending encouragement, or inviting someone into community.
Rewatch the Message
If you or someone in your group would like to revisit the message, or if you know someone who could be encouraged by these stories of hope, you can rewatch or share this week’s message at: