Mark 3:31-35

Sharing Stories

To begin with, have a few people share their answers to these questions (everyone can share if you have time!)

• What does it mean to you to be in God's family?

  • What is something you have received from your brothers and sisters?

  • What is something you have contributed to someone else?

Read Mark 3:31-35

• What do you think Jesus is trying to reveal to the people listening to him?

• What does the phrase, "Whoever does God's will," mean to you? What sorts of things does God 'will' to happen in the world?

• Jesus doesn't just call the people doing God's will his followers, he calls them his family members. What do you think is the significance of this?

• How do you feel, knowing that you have brothers and sisters in this family spread all around the world?

• What are some ways that we are already partnering with Jesus and with one another to do the will of God?

• How can you encourage your family, friends or members of this group to partner more closely with Jesus? What might that look like in your context?

Bringing it to Life

Melanie serves among the Yawo in Malawi with her husband Tim. After more than 15 years of ministry, she knows how vital supporters and partnering churches are! Here Melanie shares about the power of partnership:

“Thanks for holding on!"

These are our heartfelt words to those supporting churches, individuals and groups who have willingly stepped up to support and partner with us in our calling to serve in Malawi. We shared our story and they believed in what God was doing, so much so that they promised to hold the ropes while we went over the edge. The picture reminds me of abseiling.

Hanging over the edge as an intercultural team member brings vulnerability in all aspects of our lives. It is emotionally draining, physically taxing, spiritually exhausting and mentally challenging yet we go because of obedience and we do it because we know we are not doing it alone. There is a strength that comes from our vulnerability because the whole process is a miracle.

Sometimes I question why people would want to hold our ropes. Rope holding is difficult in itself, especially as life in Australia is so busy and demanding with many distractions and pressures.

“Perhaps they will forget about us?” I wonder, only to get a message the next day from someone prompted to pray.

The whole arrangement has God’s fingerprints all over it. Since 2005 we have asked people to hold our ropes and as I look back over the ups and downs of our journey it brings tears to my eyes. They haven’t let go!

This makes all the difference to the effectiveness of our ministry, to the movement of the Holy Spirit and the answer to our prayers. It gives me courage and boldness to head out into the village one more time and teach God’s Word.

I feel it when I am praying over someone in hospital close to death and it renews my passion when I am tired. It reminds me that I am not alone; there is a great crowd of witnesses cheering me on!

I delight in the arrangement so much that I have become a rope holder myself. I want to be part of the blessing of sending.

One day when we are all celebrating eternity together, there will be so much joy in connecting those who came to faith and those who held the ropes. When we’re there remind me to introduce you to Rashid, Ishmael, Mama Fatima, Saidi, Twaibu, Che Amini, Issa, Habiba, Halima, Aisha, Hassain, Ikira, Ellard, Atewu, Hahimu, Junio, Ibrahim, Bilaya, Sifati, Esnatu… those Yawo who God chose to hear the Gospel from us who were sent by you. Thank you!”

Small Group Practice

As a group, take some time to pray for one (or more) of our church mission partners. Consider together what it means to be in partnership in this way - how do we pray for one another, encourage one another, provide resources financially or otherwise.

Additionally, pray and brainstorm ways that you could partner with God as a group, to share the Gospel into your field. Choose one or more ideas to implement in the next week or month.

This study has been adapted from a small group guide written by Lisa Cornish from Baptist Mission Australia. The original guide can be downloaded here.