Chapter 3 Discussion questions

Chapter 3:  A Stranger in Community

1. The church is probably the first place we go (after trying secular cures) when we are trying to satisfy our thirsty soul.  But, Barnes says that eventually we will feel like a stranger in church.  Have you ever had this experience? Have you ever experienced discontent, conflict, scorn, etc. in your place of worship?

2. The church is “the body of Christ.”  Why, then, is it imperfect, and how can we reconcile our desire to commune with Jesus Christ when our experience of Him is through the church, which Barnes says “can never fully represent the essence of Christ.” (p. 42)

3. Barnes says that many people who have left the church for whatever reason eventually find their way back “because they know in their souls that they have to.” (p. 45) He then discusses Peter’s response to Jesus when Jesus asks the disciples if they want to abandon him, as many followers have.  Peter says, “Lord, to whom can we go?  You have the words of eternal life.”  (p. 45) What was it about Jesus that led the disciples to continue to follow him? How can we keep from abandoning him or falling away? How can we continue to thirst for Jesus?

4. Read the paragraph at the bottom of page 46, beginning with “This vision of the church….”   and the sentence on the top of page 48: “Whether it is in the great sanctuary…”  Is there room in our community/church for all of these differences?  How can we, as individuals, ensure that there is?

5. Respond to the last paragraph on page 49:  “The church’s job and purpose is not to take away our thirst but to nurture it…. Every Sunday we need to be reminded that we are thirsty and that nothing but Jesus’ living water can satisfy us. Not even the church.”