Word From Wiese Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church Hi Res 600 x 338

The Power of With

The Power of With

Word From Wiese

Opening Doors Lenten Journey, 2026

Discussion Guide #5

Writer: Pastor Wes

25 March 2026

This Lenten season, our WFW emails are a bit different. Instead of a reflection,Opening Doors Lent Series The Invitational Christian Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church Peachtree City, Georgiathey are discussion guides about Opening Doors.

As we celebrate Jesus going to Holy Week to break open the doors of death, sin, and despair, we want to explore how as Christians and a congregation, we can do the best job we can of opening doors of faith for our family and neighbors.

So, check out the questions below and see what you think. If you want, you can go to our COS YouTube channel to check out Sunday’s sermon which launches the conversation. Thanks for being a part of the door-opening God’s leading this Lent!

In Christ’s hope,

P Fritz

+++++

FOR THE GROUP

God’s blessings on the FIFTH week of our Lenten journey. Please use the following as a personal devotional or a small group discussion guide. Typical groups will meet for 30 minutes. But if your group members mutually agree to talk longer, go for it. Figure out what works best for your group: having one person answer each question in turn, or everyone chiming in. You’ll figure it out!

Leader note: please designate someone a note taker. We’ll gladly receive any summary notes and points you want to pass on to us at [email protected].

+++++

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

Opening prayer: Thanks God for gathering us together for these fun and holy 30 minutes. It’s no fun when we experience dead ends or locked doors. We praise you, therefore, for Jesus opening the doors of life, joy, and meaning for us. Send your Holy Spirit upon us as we discuss how all of us at COS, in grateful response, can play our parts in opening doors of hope and grace for others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discuss these questions from Sunday’s preachers, Pastor Wes.

  1. In the Lazarus story, Jesus does not rush to fix the situation but instead remains present in grief, even weeping alongside others. Where is “the power of with” visible in Jesus’ actions, and how does this challenge the impulse to fix, explain, or avoid difficult moments in the lives of others?
  2. The story of the professor who “borrowed” the congregation’s faith suggests that belief is not always individual but communal. What does it mean for a congregation to carry faith for one another, and how might this reshape understanding of belonging, doubt, and participation?
  3. While resurrection is God’s work, the community participates by helping roll away the stone and making space. What are the practical, everyday ways a faith community can embody “with,” especially in moments that feel ordinary rather than miraculous?
  4. The movement from “this is a welcoming place” to “we are part of the welcome” reflects a key shift in invitational faith. How does the concept of “with” move a congregation from passive hospitality to active accompaniment, and what transformation does that require?
  5. Faith is described as something unpredictable, like the knuckleballs, something not controlled but experienced together. How does embracing uncertainty in faith deepen a community’s capacity to walk alongside others rather than manage or direct their journey?

Bonus question: What hasn’t been explored in this discussion that you would like to share?

Closing Prayer (as offered by Dave Daubert):

Gracious God, you invite us to join with you in all that you do to bring forth the reign of God. We are thankful for the chance to be part of what you are doing. Give us eyes to see, hearts that care, and voices that speak graciously but confidently to the people in our lives. Help us to invite others to be part of your church. May it bring a word of love and a sense of meaning and purpose to the people in the world you love so much. We lift this to you in the name of your Son Jesus. Amen.

Thanks everyone for a wonderful Lenten journey.

Action please: Group leader, what are 2-3 key points that emerged from your conversation? Please send them to [email protected]. We want to listen to what the Holy Spirit might be telling us this Lent as we make future plans for opening doors the best we can.