Church @ Home Guides
Here you will find discussion guides for your Church @ Home group each week.
Week of October 25
Week of October 25, 2026
Theme: The Way of Jesus: Humility That Serves
Scripture: John 13:1–17
Big Question: What does it look like to use our influence to serve rather than be served?
1. TABLE, MEAL & COMMUNION
25–30 minutes
Share a Meal
Enjoy time around the table. Make room for everyone to participate, especially those who may be new.
Gratitude
As you eat, invite everyone to share:
Where have you experienced God's kindness this week?
Has someone served or encouraged you in a meaningful way recently?
Confession
Before communion, take a moment of quiet reflection.
Consider:
Allow space for silent confession. No one needs to share publicly.
Communion
As you continue around the table, remember Jesus' sacrifice together.
Jesus gave himself for us, not because we earned his love, but because of his grace.
Share the bread and cup in remembrance of him.
Prayer
Thank Jesus for his grace. Ask the Holy Spirit to help your group grow in humility and love.
2. WORD & DISCERNMENT
30–35 minutes
Pray Before Reading
Ask God to help everyone listen carefully to Scripture and remain open to what he wants to reveal.
Read John 13:1–17
Read the entire passage aloud together.
If helpful, invite a second person to read it again.
Observe the Passage
Take two minutes to quietly reflect or write.
Then discuss:
Discover Together
Reflect and Respond
A Helpful Reminder
You don't need to answer every question. Follow the conversation where Scripture leads.
If a question about the passage comes up that no one can answer, write it down. Your group may briefly use Redeemer's Custom GPT together to clarify the passage or explore its context.
Let Scripture and group discovery lead the conversation rather than allowing AI to supply all the answers.
3. SERVICE & CARE
10–15 minutes
Caring for One Another
Ask:
Consider one specific way to help someone inside or outside the group.
Serving might mean bringing a meal, offering childcare, helping with a project, listening, or making time for someone who feels overlooked.
Pray for One Another
Invite people to share prayer requests.
Pray simply and specifically.
4. INVITATION & MISSION
5–10 minutes
Jesus' example challenges us to move toward others with love.
Discuss:
Consider a neighbor, coworker, family member, or someone who has become disconnected from community.
As a group, consider who could be invited to share a future meal.
Closing Prayer
Ask the Holy Spirit to make your group a community marked by humility, generosity, and love.
THIS WEEK'S PRACTICE
Choose one act of humble service.
Do something that benefits another person without seeking recognition or expecting anything in return.
Pay attention to what the experience reveals about your heart.
Theme: The Way of Jesus: Humility That Serves
Scripture: John 13:1–17
Big Question: What does it look like to use our influence to serve rather than be served?
1. TABLE, MEAL & COMMUNION
25–30 minutes
Share a Meal
Enjoy time around the table. Make room for everyone to participate, especially those who may be new.
Gratitude
As you eat, invite everyone to share:
Where have you experienced God's kindness this week?
Has someone served or encouraged you in a meaningful way recently?
Confession
Before communion, take a moment of quiet reflection.
Consider:
- Where have I expected something from others that I have been unwilling to give myself?
- Where have pride, control, or the desire for recognition shaped how I treated someone?
Allow space for silent confession. No one needs to share publicly.
Communion
As you continue around the table, remember Jesus' sacrifice together.
Jesus gave himself for us, not because we earned his love, but because of his grace.
Share the bread and cup in remembrance of him.
Prayer
Thank Jesus for his grace. Ask the Holy Spirit to help your group grow in humility and love.
2. WORD & DISCERNMENT
30–35 minutes
Pray Before Reading
Ask God to help everyone listen carefully to Scripture and remain open to what he wants to reveal.
Read John 13:1–17
Read the entire passage aloud together.
If helpful, invite a second person to read it again.
Observe the Passage
Take two minutes to quietly reflect or write.
Then discuss:
- What stands out to you in this passage?
- What details about Jesus' actions or words seem important?
- What questions does this passage raise for you?
Discover Together
- What do you notice about what Jesus knows in verses 1–3 and what he chooses to do in verses 4–5?
- Why do you think Peter initially resists Jesus washing his feet?
- What does Jesus want his disciples to understand through his actions?
- What do you notice about the relationship between Jesus' authority and his willingness to serve?
Reflect and Respond
- What makes it difficult for us to serve when we believe we deserve recognition, respect, or help?
- Where might Jesus be inviting you to lay aside pride or expectations?
- What could following Jesus' example look like in your home, workplace, friendships, or church?
A Helpful Reminder
You don't need to answer every question. Follow the conversation where Scripture leads.
If a question about the passage comes up that no one can answer, write it down. Your group may briefly use Redeemer's Custom GPT together to clarify the passage or explore its context.
Let Scripture and group discovery lead the conversation rather than allowing AI to supply all the answers.
3. SERVICE & CARE
10–15 minutes
Caring for One Another
Ask:
- Is anyone carrying something difficult right now?
- Where could our group offer practical help this week?
- Is there someone we could serve without expecting anything in return?
Consider one specific way to help someone inside or outside the group.
Serving might mean bringing a meal, offering childcare, helping with a project, listening, or making time for someone who feels overlooked.
Pray for One Another
Invite people to share prayer requests.
Pray simply and specifically.
4. INVITATION & MISSION
5–10 minutes
Jesus' example challenges us to move toward others with love.
Discuss:
- Who is someone you could intentionally serve or welcome this week?
Consider a neighbor, coworker, family member, or someone who has become disconnected from community.
As a group, consider who could be invited to share a future meal.
Closing Prayer
Ask the Holy Spirit to make your group a community marked by humility, generosity, and love.
THIS WEEK'S PRACTICE
Choose one act of humble service.
Do something that benefits another person without seeking recognition or expecting anything in return.
Pay attention to what the experience reveals about your heart.
Devotional Reading
Midweek Devotional Reading Plan
Week of October 25, 2026
THE WAY OF JESUS
Humility, Grace & Service
Jesus invites us into a different way of living.
A life where influence becomes an opportunity to serve, where humility shapes our relationships, and where grace changes how we treat others.
This week, spend a few moments each day exploring what Scripture reveals about the way of Jesus.
You don't need to understand everything.
Come with curiosity and a willingness to listen.
HOW TO USE THIS PLAN
Each reading should take approximately 10–15 minutes.
Pray before reading. Ask God to open your heart and help you understand his Word.
Read slowly. Consider reading the passage more than once.
Notice what stands out. Pay attention to words, actions, or ideas that catch your attention.
Write your questions. You don't need to find every answer immediately.
Bring your insights to group. Come ready to share something you noticed, wondered about, or want to explore further.
You may use Redeemer's Custom GPT to clarify unfamiliar words, historical details, or confusing parts of Scripture.
But don't rush to have AI explain everything.
Give yourself time to wrestle with the passage first.
DAY 1 — THE HEART OF HUMILITY
Read Philippians 2:1–11
Paul invites believers to consider the way Jesus lived.
As you read, pay attention to how Jesus relates to others and what his example reveals about humility.
Reflect
What stands out about the way Jesus uses his position?
What surprises you about this description of Jesus?
How might this passage challenge the way we normally think about greatness?
Prayer
Jesus, help me see your humility more clearly. Show me where my heart needs to become more like yours.
DAY 2 — CARRYING ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS
Read Galatians 6:1–10
Paul describes how followers of Jesus should respond to one another, especially when someone is struggling.
Notice the relationship between humility, responsibility, and love.
Reflect
What words or instructions stand out to you?
What might it look like to carry another person's burden?
Where might God be inviting you to respond to someone with greater gentleness?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me notice the burdens others are carrying. Teach me to respond with gentleness and love.
DAY 3 — THE FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS
Read Matthew 18:21–35
Jesus tells a story about someone who receives extraordinary mercy but struggles to extend mercy to another person.
Read the story slowly.
Notice how the different characters respond to what they owe and what they are owed.
Reflect
What surprises or challenges you in this story?
What do you notice about the relationship between receiving mercy and showing mercy?
What questions does this passage raise about forgiveness?
Prayer
Father, thank you for your mercy toward me. Help me recognize where I need your grace to shape my relationships.
DAY 4 — STRENGTH THAT SERVES
Read Mark 10:35–45
Two disciples approach Jesus with a request.
Their conversation becomes an opportunity for Jesus to describe a different kind of greatness.
Reflect
What do you notice about what the disciples want?
How does Jesus respond to their understanding of greatness?
Where do you see similar desires for recognition or importance in everyday life?
Prayer
Jesus, teach me to recognize the difference between seeking importance and serving others.
DAY 5 — HUMILITY IN COMMUNITY
Read 1 Peter 5:1–7
Peter writes about leadership, humility, and the way believers should relate to one another.
Notice how his instructions connect humility with trusting God.
Reflect
What qualities stand out in Peter's description of leadership?
How does this passage connect humility with our relationships?
What might it look like to practice humility in a relationship where you have influence?
Prayer
Lord, help me use whatever influence you have given me to love others well. Teach me to trust you rather than seek control.
BRING IT TO CHURCH @ HOME
As you prepare to gather with your group, consider:
What did you notice about Jesus this week?
What questions are you still carrying?
Where might God be inviting you to practice humility, offer forgiveness, or serve someone?
You don't need a polished answer.
Bring your observations, questions, and experiences.
We grow together as we listen to God through Scripture and encourage one another to follow Jesus.
A SIMPLE PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK
Look for one opportunity to serve someone quietly.
It could be someone in your home, workplace, neighborhood, or church.
Choose something that genuinely benefits them.
Don't worry about being noticed.
Afterward, take a moment to pray and reflect on what the experience revealed about your heart.
Following Jesus is not simply learning about his humility. It is learning to walk in his way.
Week of October 25, 2026
THE WAY OF JESUS
Humility, Grace & Service
Jesus invites us into a different way of living.
A life where influence becomes an opportunity to serve, where humility shapes our relationships, and where grace changes how we treat others.
This week, spend a few moments each day exploring what Scripture reveals about the way of Jesus.
You don't need to understand everything.
Come with curiosity and a willingness to listen.
HOW TO USE THIS PLAN
Each reading should take approximately 10–15 minutes.
Pray before reading. Ask God to open your heart and help you understand his Word.
Read slowly. Consider reading the passage more than once.
Notice what stands out. Pay attention to words, actions, or ideas that catch your attention.
Write your questions. You don't need to find every answer immediately.
Bring your insights to group. Come ready to share something you noticed, wondered about, or want to explore further.
You may use Redeemer's Custom GPT to clarify unfamiliar words, historical details, or confusing parts of Scripture.
But don't rush to have AI explain everything.
Give yourself time to wrestle with the passage first.
DAY 1 — THE HEART OF HUMILITY
Read Philippians 2:1–11
Paul invites believers to consider the way Jesus lived.
As you read, pay attention to how Jesus relates to others and what his example reveals about humility.
Reflect
What stands out about the way Jesus uses his position?
What surprises you about this description of Jesus?
How might this passage challenge the way we normally think about greatness?
Prayer
Jesus, help me see your humility more clearly. Show me where my heart needs to become more like yours.
DAY 2 — CARRYING ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS
Read Galatians 6:1–10
Paul describes how followers of Jesus should respond to one another, especially when someone is struggling.
Notice the relationship between humility, responsibility, and love.
Reflect
What words or instructions stand out to you?
What might it look like to carry another person's burden?
Where might God be inviting you to respond to someone with greater gentleness?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me notice the burdens others are carrying. Teach me to respond with gentleness and love.
DAY 3 — THE FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS
Read Matthew 18:21–35
Jesus tells a story about someone who receives extraordinary mercy but struggles to extend mercy to another person.
Read the story slowly.
Notice how the different characters respond to what they owe and what they are owed.
Reflect
What surprises or challenges you in this story?
What do you notice about the relationship between receiving mercy and showing mercy?
What questions does this passage raise about forgiveness?
Prayer
Father, thank you for your mercy toward me. Help me recognize where I need your grace to shape my relationships.
DAY 4 — STRENGTH THAT SERVES
Read Mark 10:35–45
Two disciples approach Jesus with a request.
Their conversation becomes an opportunity for Jesus to describe a different kind of greatness.
Reflect
What do you notice about what the disciples want?
How does Jesus respond to their understanding of greatness?
Where do you see similar desires for recognition or importance in everyday life?
Prayer
Jesus, teach me to recognize the difference between seeking importance and serving others.
DAY 5 — HUMILITY IN COMMUNITY
Read 1 Peter 5:1–7
Peter writes about leadership, humility, and the way believers should relate to one another.
Notice how his instructions connect humility with trusting God.
Reflect
What qualities stand out in Peter's description of leadership?
How does this passage connect humility with our relationships?
What might it look like to practice humility in a relationship where you have influence?
Prayer
Lord, help me use whatever influence you have given me to love others well. Teach me to trust you rather than seek control.
BRING IT TO CHURCH @ HOME
As you prepare to gather with your group, consider:
What did you notice about Jesus this week?
What questions are you still carrying?
Where might God be inviting you to practice humility, offer forgiveness, or serve someone?
You don't need a polished answer.
Bring your observations, questions, and experiences.
We grow together as we listen to God through Scripture and encourage one another to follow Jesus.
A SIMPLE PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK
Look for one opportunity to serve someone quietly.
It could be someone in your home, workplace, neighborhood, or church.
Choose something that genuinely benefits them.
Don't worry about being noticed.
Afterward, take a moment to pray and reflect on what the experience revealed about your heart.
Following Jesus is not simply learning about his humility. It is learning to walk in his way.