Growing as Gods Family

Pastor David Jones          

Sunday Morning’s message 25^th January 2026

Citywestchurch YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/fA9tq9KaKEk

Objective: Being part of a growing church means learning to behave and lean into the heartbeat of the Father for his family as we believe for his kingdom extension. Encourage people in your group to embrace change, embrace growth and embrace what God is doing.

Leader: Please choose what best suits your group and fits time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Choose two or three areas to discuss.

Have fun Jesus People!

Introduction

Growth always brings change — and change can be hard.Most people say they like change, but only a small number actually do. Yet change is unavoidable in our world and in God’s church.

Discussion Starter:

How do you personally handle change and growth — do you embrace it or resist it?

Bible Reading

Acts 6:1–7 (summary)As the early church grew, some people felt overlooked. This created tension within the community. Instead of allowing division, the apostles empowered others to serve, protected unity, and the church continued to grow.

Key Insight:

Growth brought challenges, but God used those challenges to strengthen the family.

Big Idea: God Wants His Church to Grow (Increase)

God wants His church to grow huge

Because there is a huge harvest to be won

Acts 6:1 & 6:7 show the church increasing.

Jesus’ mission is about increase (Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8).

Sometimes people fear growth because they think it means losing family.But the church isn’t an exclusive club with limited seats — God’s family always makes room.

Discussion Question:

How can we grow bigger without losing our sense of family?

Family Keys to Embrace

To embrace something is to welcome it with open arms, hold, hug, accept completely

1. Embrace Unity in Diversity

In Acts 6, cultural differences created tension. Satan’s strategy was (and still is) to divide and conquer — but God calls us to unity. Satan’s attacks on the church came on many different fronts. He attempted many forms of direct opposition and intimidation. Satan even tried to corrupt the church from within. His strategies were all unsuccessful in stopping or slowing the work of the church.

Galatians 3:28 – We are one in Christ.

Romans 12:5 – We belong to one another.

Truth: What unites us is not culture, background, or opinions — it’s grace. Gods grace that makes us family with one Father.

Discussion Question:

What differences can challenge unity in church, and how can grace help overcome them? What can you do to embrace unity?

2. Embrace Different Sizes of Community

Jesus had the three, the twelve, the seventy, and the crowds. Sunday church matters — but it’s not the only place community happens.

Practical Ways to Stay Connected:

Share meals

Invite others to join a connect group

Serve on a team, serve Christ through serving others

Keep showing up

Discussion Question:

What type of community do you need most right now?

3. Embrace Forgiveness

In any family, offence is inevitable. Walking away isn’t the answer — forgiveness is. Large portions of the letters in the bible are dealing with unforgiveness and offence. We need to forgive others promptly and with ease.

Ephesians 4:31–32 - Forgive as Christ forgave you.

Discussion Question:

Why is forgiveness essential for healthy church family life?

Leader: Encourage someone to share a testimony of forgiveness, victory and how they had to embrace forgiveness.

4. Embrace Serving in the Family

In Acts 6, people stepped up to serve — and the church grew stronger.

Serving costs something, but it reveals God’s heartbeat. Stephen started by serving tables and discovered his calling along the way. God has given everyone talents, gifts and ability for the common good of the body. Get involved – Fight off inconvenience and let's take personal responsibility.

Discussion Question:

What has God already placed in your hands to serve others? Where do your serve others?

Conclusion

Every one of us has a role to play in God’s family.

God uses our: Our Time, Our Talents, Our Treasure to be a blessing to others and strengthen and extend his kingdom.

When we embrace growth, unity, forgiveness, and serving — we don’t lose family. We become family.

Closing Prayer: Ask God to help your group grow together with open hearts and willing hands. Pray for others to join your family. We all have a one. Who is you1?