Talking Points | Week 1

INTRODUCTION

Your favorite candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes this November. However, the church will win or lose based on our behavior between now and then.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.On a scale from 1 to 10, how interested are you in politics?

2. When it comes to politics, do you let everyone know where you stand or keep it to yourself? Which way is right?

3.What do you look forward to most—and dread most—about presidential election years?

4.Outside of your workplace, think of the people you interact with most. What percentage of those people think pretty much the same way as you politically?

5.In all honesty, which of these describes you best? Why do you say that?

• I evaluate my politics through the filter of my faith.

• I create a version of faith that supports my politics.

6.Read John 17:20–23, where Jesus offers a prayer for future believers.

• What stands out to you?

• In verse 23, Jesus prays for unity. How would you define “unity”?

• According to Jesus’s prayer, why is unity so important?

7. How can we disagree politically and yet still love unconditionally?

8.When it comes to politics and moving toward unity, what’s a next step for you?

NEXT STEP

While we will not agree on every political talking point, we must not let politics divide us. For a next step this week think of someone who sits on the other side of the aisle from you. Whether it’s your neighbor, your family member, or that extremely vocal person on Facebook, how can you love them unconditionally this week? Reach out to them, pray with them, encourage them.