Discussion Guide I - May 24, 2008
The Mennonite
Poverty in the suburbs - May 20, 2008
Discussion guide for May 24, 2008
Release and groth
By Rachel Gerber
Page 2
Gerber said she struggles with the Luke 13:6-9 text. How do you respond to it when you read it?
Name some things you hold on to or "the branches in your life that you cling to"?
Poverty in the suburbs
By Valerie Weaver-Zercher
Page 8
"1.2 million more people in poverty now make their homes in suburbia than in cities," writes Weaver-Zercher. Does this statistic surprise you? Why or why not?
Do you agree that suburbs are designed to "keep people in need out" (Samson)? Why or why not?
How does your congregation currently engage poverty? Does it come easily or is it a challenge?
What is God's vision for your congregation in terms of relating to impoverished people?
Living without the answers
By Kenneth L. Gibble
Page 12
Gibble says he feels angry when he hears messages like "Christ is the answer." How do you react when you hear messages like that?
Describe a time when you asked God for an answer. Then describe what happened.
When you have asked God for answers, has he ever sent more questions? What did that feel like?
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