Sept 13 2026
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 is one thing on your “still want to do before autumn” list?
MissionS Sunday
SPEAKER: Pastor April Surles
Scriptures—
Deut. 24:19-22; I Chron. 29:14, 17; Amos 9:7; Jonah 4:1-11: Mat. 25:31-46; Isaiah 6:8
Key Takeaways—
Core Theme - Be Available, Generous, and Compassionate
Stewardship Mindset: Everything we possess—time, talent, and treasure—is on loan from God. We are called to be generous with what we have, rather than being close-fisted.
Overcoming Our Biases: We must be careful not to let our own political, religious, or personal ideologies keep us from showing compassion to everyone God loves.
Available Hearts: Missions is not just about traveling to other countries; it starts with a "yes" to meeting the needs of those immediately in front of us, whether in our families, neighborhoods, or workplaces.
God's Heart for All: God is slow to anger and abounding in love, and He desires to show mercy to everyone. We are invited - commanded, in fact - to participate in that mission. It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it option.
Discussion Questions—
What does it mean to you to view your possessions and time as being "on loan" from God rather than your own? How should that affect our relationship with material things - and with the people around us?
In what areas of your life (e.g., family, work, community) do you find it hardest to be "open-handed" with your resources or compassion
Pastor April mentioned that we sometimes wrap our political, social, theological biases in the "garment of religion." What does that mean? How can we discern when our personal opinions are hindering our ability to love others like Jesus does?
Is there a specific person or group that you have been tempted to think is "unworthy" of God's grace? How does the story of Jonah challenge that perspective?
What is the "yes" God is asking of you in this season, and what, if anything, is keeping you from saying it?
Practical application—
Consider implementing one of the following this week:
Option 1: Identify a Need
This week, look for one practical need in your neighborhood or workplace (e.g., helping a neighbor, feeding someone in need, or simply offering a kind word to someone you normally avoid) and meet it with an open heart.
Option 2: Take a Prayer walk
Spend 15 minutes walking or driving through your neighborhood and pray that God would reveal the needs of the people there and make you available to help.
option 3: Do a Stewardship Audit
Review your calendar and your finances. Ask God to show you one area where you are holding on too tightly and decide on one way to use that resource for the benefit of others this month.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the undeserved grace and mercy You have poured out into our lives. We confess that we often hold too tightly to our time, our money, and our own comfort.
Break down the walls surrounding our hearts that are keeping us from seeing the needs of others. Give us eyes to see as You see, and hearts that are eager to say, 'Here I am, send me.' Help us to be Your hands and feet in our families, our workplaces, and our communities. Help us to trust You with all we have.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.