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Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
Foundations
August 1,2026
Week 1: Living On Mission
Jeff Griffin
Mark 1:16-20
We started the series by looking at our church’s Mission Statement. This study of our Mission Statement was based on Jesus’ calling of the first four disciples. Jesus called them beyond their devotion to catching little slimy swimmers: Jesus called them to catch people! And he’s calling each of us to be devoted to that same mission.
Ever gone fishing? Tell the group why you’re enthusiastic about fishing. Or why you’re not.
1. Reread Mark 2:1 (NIV): “When Jesus entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home.”
Any guesses as to why Jesus made Galilee (Capernaum) the headquarters of his ministry?
2. Reread Mark 1:16-20 (NIV): “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.”
What do you think Zebedee felt about his son’s decision to abandon his fishing business to follow Jesus? Have you ever witnessed parents express disapproval regarding a child’s decision to follow Jesus?
3. Reread Mark 1:17b (NIV): “I will send you out to fish for people.”
Why is “fishing for people” the obsession of God the Father and his Son?
4. Reread Mark 1:17a (NIV): “Come, follow me”
Why do you think that Jesus chose to use the culturally prevalent educational system involving a group of disciples following a traveling rabbi?
5. Our church’s mission statement is: “Helping People Find & Follow God”
What are some advantages to a church having a mission statement? What are strengths of our mission statement?
6. Steve Jobs sought to entice the CEO of Pepsi (John Sculley) to join Apple Computer with these words: “Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugar water, or do you want to join me and change the world?” How is this statement similar (or different) to Jesus’ invitation?
Ask God to give you an obsession for evangelism and discipleship that rivals his own!