August 31, 2025

The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.

You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.

If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.

ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:

What are you most looking forward to this fall?

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There is still room Pt. 5

SPEAKER: PASTOR April Surles

Scriptures—

Luke 14:15-24; John 6:26-27, 35

Key Takeaways—

• Among the guests at God's table there could be three types of people who hesitate to invite others to the feast: the distrustful, the overindulgent, and the guest list watchers

• Distrustful: We must trust that God is the ultimate preparer of our spiritual food, regardless of who serves it to us through an earthly ministry

• Overindulgent: Immersing ourselves in personal spiritual experiences without serving others can lead to imbalance and selfishness

• Guest list watchers: We should not exclude others from God's table based on our judgments about their history or character

• Building trust, discipleship, and serving are ways to move from wanting to exclude others to wanting to invite others

Discussion Questions—

1. How might our personal 'rules' or expectations about church and faith sometimes hinder our ability to fully participate in God's commission to invite others?

2. What are some practical ways we can address spiritual 'distrust' and build stronger relationships within our faith community?

3. How can we balance 'soaking in God's presence' with actively serving others, and why is this balance important for spiritual growth?

4. How might our judgments of others prevent us from fully experiencing the 'meal' God has prepared for us at His table?

5. How does the concept of Jesus as the 'bread of life' challenge our understanding of spiritual nourishment and growth?

6. How can we cultivate a heart that is open to inviting and welcoming those who are different from us to God's table?

Practical application—

If you're struggling with distrust, commit to praying for the person or situation causing the distrust every day this week.

For those who might be "overindulging," choose one new way to serve in the church or community this month.

Closing Prayer—

Heavenly Father,

You’ve invited us to your table, despite who we’ve been and what we’ve done. Help us to overcome any selfishness or hesitations we might have about inviting others. Help us commit to do our part in your great commission so that the banquet in heaven will be full, In Jesus name,

Amen.