Church Workers Retreat Bible Study #1: Fear (K)not

A.  Opening prayer

B.   Introduction

C.  Culture Scene Investigation – “Savin’ Me” by Nickelback
Prison gates won’t open up for me
On these hands and knees I’m crawlin’
Oh, I reach for you
Well I’m terrified of these four walls
These iron bars can’t hold my soul in
All I need is you
Come please I’m callin’
And oh I scream for you
Hurry I’m fallin’

[CHORUS]
Show me what it’s like
To be the last one standing
And teach me wrong from right
And I’ll show you what I can be
Say it for me
Say it to me
And I’ll leave this life behind me
Say it if it’s worth saving me

Heaven’s gates won’t open up for me
With these broken wings I’m fallin’
And all I see is you
These city walls ain’t got no love for me
I’m on the ledge of the eighteenth story
And oh I scream for you
Come please I’m callin’
And all I need from you
Hurry I’m fallin’ [CHORUS]
Hurry I’m fallin’

a.    What is the song saying?

b.    What does it mean?

c.    Is there something in this song, that points us towards God?  If so, what is it?

d.    Consider Psalm 6

D.  Crime Scene Investigation – Part I – The Crime

Read Luke 22:34

a.    Where were Jesus and the disciples?

b.    What was happening here?

c.    What was Peter willing to do as he followed Jesus?

Read Luke 22:54-62

d.    What had happened between the first scene and the second?

e.    Where was Peter now?

f.      Where was Jesus?

g.    What was happening here?

h.    Now, what was Peter willing to do as he followed Jesus?

i.      What is the crime?

j.      What is the motive behind the crime?

2.          Has something like this ever happened to you?  Have you ever faced a situation so intimidating that you were tempted to turn away from doing what God had called you to do?

E.   Crime Scene Investigation – Part II – Jesus’ Remedy for the Crime

Read John 14:1-7

1.          What gift of grace does Jesus hold before his followers as the remedy for fear?

2.          How does that gift take away our fears?

3.          How does that gift take away your fears?

F.   Small group time

1.          break into small groups of 3 people

2.          take turns answering the following questions

a.    What was a time in your church work vocation when you felt very afraid?

b.    What helped get you through that difficult time?

c.    What spiritual practices help you to be the courageous person that you need to be as you serve in church work?

d.    Take time to pray for each other

G.  Large group time

1.          What spiritual practices help to keep you courageous and strong?

H.  Closing Prayer