This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.

This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.

First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).

• How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
• What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
• How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?

Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.

The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).

Scripture References from Message: Mark 1:1-15
Big Idea: In the wilderness of waiting, wishing, and wavering, Jesus meets us and invites us into a new story of new life.

To begin, name your wilderness (either now or previous). The Bible’s wilderness is a real place and a spiritual season of dryness and isolation. Where do you feel most parched right now and why? What words best capture this season for you and how does Psalm 63:1 give language to that experience?

Mark opens with a new beginning in the wilderness. Read Mark 1:1–3 and Isaiah 40:3. Why do you think God chooses to begin His renewing work in desert places rather than in centers of power. What might that reveal about how Jesus wants to meet you in your current desert?

Jesus announces that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Read Mark 1:14–15. What would it look like for you to repent and believe as allegiance not only agreement in your present situation. Where is one concrete step of active waiting you can take this week even if your feelings have not caught up yet?

Wilderness can distort our desires. Israel often wanted the right thing in the wrong way. Where do your desires need to be re-aimed toward God’s purposes? What is one desire you may need to surrender so it can be reshaped into attentive wishing that aligns with the kingdom?

Wilderness tempts us to isolate. Read Hebrews 10:24–25 and Galatians 6:2. Who are the people you can invite into accountable wavering so your doubts become places of grace instead of prisons of secrecy. What help do you need to ask for this week?

The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.

Choose one wilderness practice for seven days: 

• For active waiting, set a daily time to read Mark 1:14–15 and pray Lord Jesus I turn toward You today. I give You my allegiance. Show me the next faithful step and help me take it. 
• For attentive wishing, write down one desire you will lay before God each morning and ask Him to reshape it. 
• For accountable wavering, share one honest doubt with a trusted believer and ask them to pray with you and check in midweek. 

End each day by thanking Jesus for meeting you in the wilderness and reminding your heart the kingdom is at hand.