Feel free to just use these questions rather than the entire guide.
Which of Ron Bueno’s stories of God’s faithfulness has stayed with you since hearing his message, and how did it impact you?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:7–10. For each of the main points listed in the Message Recap:
Restate it in your own words.
Discuss what it means to you.
Share a personal story of seeing that verse become a reality.
Talk about a time when you saw God’s faithfulness through community.
Group Reconnect
Do you have a talent for making plants grow? What’s in your garden?
What’s one thing (topic, book, show, event, etc.) that fills you with excitement and passion?
Open in Prayer
Looking for an example of an Opening Prayer? Clickhere.
Message Recap
Our partner from El Salvador, Dr. Ron Bueno, shared numerous ways the pandemic affected pastors and families, including increased stress and fear, decreased food supplies, and rampant unemployment. Using the apostle Paul’s words, he reminded us that we will face pain and suffering, but crisis can create triumph when we let the power of the resurrected Christ live through us.
We suffer but are not destroyed.
We are confused but never without hope.
We are persecuted but never alone.
We are knocked down, but we get up again.
Discussion Questions
Ron Bueno shared stories of how pastors and leaders were able to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to their congregations and communities during the pandemic. Which story has stayed with you since hearing his message, and how did it impact you?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:7–10. For each of the main points listed in the Message Recap:
Restate it in your own words.
Discuss what it means to you.
Share a personal story of seeing that verse become a reality.
Talk about a time when you saw God’s faithfulness show up through community.
If you haven’t seen the video Ron Bueno shared at the end of his message, watch it now. In it, Pastor Jennifer said, “When you have the conviction of what God is doing in your life—of your calling—even if you have doubts, you have to believe in God, and you have to believe you can make it, not because of any capabilities you have, but because God enables you to face whatever comes.” Take time to share a struggle you are facing today, and close in a time of prayer for each other, asking God how He’s leading you to respond to this weekend’s message individually or as a group.
Live it Out
Consider signing up with your group for a seed-packing time slot (April 27–May 1) at your local campus. Each pack goes to a strategic global partner in South Africa and Zambia that works with local churches to create transformation in their community.
Be sure to come back for COH Week 2 as we hear from some of our global partners and Pastor Shawn Williams. Our partner from Jordan will lead us in a special time of Communion.
Is there another way God is calling you to live out the message this week?
Close in Prayer
Looking for an example of a Closing Prayer? Click here.
