OPTIONAL COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION IN LIGHT OF OUR CURRENT EVENTS:

Conversation & Prayer in a Fractured Culture

“Truth Without Violence: A Guided Dialogue & Prayer Night”

Designed as an optional add-on night to process the week’s events (e.g., the Charlie Kirk shooting) without partisanship—centering on Jesus’ call to courage, gentleness, and free, peaceful discourse.

Tone & Ground Rules (2 min)

  • We will be biblical, pastoral, and non-partisan.

  • We speak with conviction without contempt.

  • We listen to understand; we don’t try to “win.”

Scripture Frame (5 min)

  • James 3:13–18 – Wisdom from above is peaceable, gentle, open to reason.

  • Romans 12:17–21 – Overcome evil with good.

  • Matthew 5:9–10 – Blessed are the peacemakers… those persecuted for righteousness.

Brief Reflection (Leader, 3–4 min)

  • Violence silences dialogue; the gospel calls us to truth shared in love.

  • As Christians, we defend the dignity of every image-bearer and the freedom to reason together—because our own gospel witness depends on it.

Guided Discussion (20–25 min)

  1. Shared Ache: Where did you feel grief, fear, or anger this week?

  2. Mirror Check: Where do I tend toward contempt or caricature? (James 3)

  3. Courage & Gentleness: What does non-anxious courage look like for Christians in public today?

  4. Constructive Presence: One practical way we can be a peacemaking presence in our city (online/offline) this week?

(Leaders: redirect from party politics to Christian character and presence.)

Prayer & Practice (20 min)

  • Lament: Name violence and fear before God (2–3 people pray brief laments).

  • Intercession: Pray for victims, families, leaders, campuses, and a renewed culture of debate without violence.

  • Commissioning: Lay hands on one another for boldness + gentleness (Acts 4:29–31).

  • Practice for the Week (choose one):

    • Peacemaker Posture: Initiate one across-difference conversation (listen first, ask 2 sincere questions, share 1 hope).

    • Hospitality Night: Share a meal with someone outside your “tribe.”

    • Bless, Don’t Blast: Replace one reactive post this week with a blessing or a prayer.

Closing Prayer

“Prince of Peace, make us peacemakers.
Spirit of Truth, give us courage without contempt.
Father of mercies, heal our city.
Send us as people of Your Word—gentle, bold, and full of love. Amen.”

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