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Making Ripples
June 29, 2025
Discussion Guide
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INTRODUCTION

When it comes to family, actions speak louder than words — they echo into the next generation. Your children and grandchildren may forget what you say, but they’ll never forget what you do.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Growing up, what stories did you hear about your grandparents or great-grandparents? How did those stories help shape who you are? 
  2. How do you usually respond under pressure? Why? 
  3. What would you do differently if you knew that your children will eventually take their cues from what you do rather than what you say? 
  4. What is one thing you can do this week to begin to change how your life will echo in the lives of your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren? What can this group do to support you? 

MOVING FORWARD 

Parents, our clearest messages are sent during times of crisis. Our lives are defined for our children by the decisions we make under pressure. We’re shaping our children’s memories, deciding what they’ll look back on. We can’t control their responses, but we can control the examples we set. 

CHANGING YOUR MIND 

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity...
Titus 2:7 

HELPFUL DISCUSSION GROUP GUIDELINES

It's a good idea for every group to put words to their shared values, expectations, and commitments. Such guidelines will help you avoid unspoken agendas and unmet expectations. We recommend you discuss your guidelines during your first session together — in order to lay the foundation for a healthy group experience. Feel free to modify anything that does not work for your group.
We agree to the following values:
  • CLEAR PURPOSE To grow healthy spiritual lives by building a healthy discussion group community
  • GROUP ATTENDANCE To give priority to the group meeting (call if I am absent or late)
  • SAFE ENVIRONMENT To create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved (no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes)
  • BE CONFIDENTIAL To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group
  • CONFLICT RESOLUTION To avoid gossip and to immediately resolve any concerns by following the principles of Matthew 18:15-17
  • SPIRITUAL HEALTH To give group members permission to speak into my life and help me live a healthy, balanced spiritual life that is pleasing to God
  • LIMIT OUR FREEDOM To limit our freedom by not serving or consuming alcohol during small group meetings or events so as to avoid causing a weaker brother or sister to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Romans 14:19-21)
  • WELCOME NEWCOMERS To invite friends who might benefit from this study and warmly welcome newcomers
  • BUILD RELATIONSHIPS To get to know the other members of the group and pray for them regularly
  • OTHER ________________________________________________________________