How People Change, Chapter 5

Chapter 5 – Change is a Community Project

1. What are some of your positive and negative reactions to the ‘small group’ story at the beginning of this chapter?
2. Why do we want – and not want – friendships? (p. 65). What are some of your fears related to friendship?
3. Why does being made in the image of God make us long for relationship? (p. 67).
4. Read Ephesians 4:1-6 and Ephesians 2:14-22. How are both of these passages a call to community? (p. 68-70).
5. How does the vision that Christianity is corporate as well as individual impact you? (p. 71). Do you have relationships that are deep enough to help you change? Consider the list of obstacles on page 71 that hinder redemptive relationships. Which of these or other reasons keep you from deep, God-based relationships? How can you make changes?
6. What are some of the difficulties with being in close relationship with people? How can these difficulties be turned into positives? (p. 72). Give a personal example.
7. Read Ephesians 3:14 -21. Comment on this passage from a community perspective (p. 73).
8. Read Titus 2:11-14. What are your ideas on how people in community can help each other say ‘no’ to ungodliness?
9. Where are your gifts needed in the body of Christ? The author suggests that we view needs in the church through the lens of our giftedness. What needs do you see that you should be moving towards? (p. 76-77).
10. What was the most important point for you in this chapter?
11. Action point this week: