The Inflatable Church

Grand Lake Church

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:
Read John 20:19-22.
1. How might the fear the disciples were feeling behind locked doors inform our feelings during this period of lockdown? What can we expect Jesus to do for us in our times of fear?
2. Read Genesis 2:7, Ezekiel 37:9-10 and John 20:22. What do these passages have in common? What does that mean for us?
3. Google the songs Spirit Wind by Casting Crowns and Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you listen to them. What did the Spirit say to you? How is God calling and equipping you to be a theotokos – “Christ-bearer” as part of his mighty army?
4. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished” but we see him again today with the frightened disciples behind closed doors. What did Jesus mean by, “It is finished”? What did it mean for those early disciples and what does it mean for us today?
5. Pastor Mick discussed Jesus breathing on the disciples and giving them the Holy Spirit in conjunction with the concept of The Inflatable Church. Why did he tie these things together? What did he mean by The Inflatable Church?
6. Why does the world need The Inflatable Church today? (or does it?) How might this kind of church once again be the center of the community, even if in different ways than in the past?
7. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, “I have become all things to all people so that by all means some might be saved.” What did he mean by this? What does this mean for us? How does this tie in with The Inflatable Church concept?
8. How does our “mobile ministry” (bouncy houses) position us well to be The Inflatable Church in our community? (think beyond the literal inflatables we use)
Prayer for the Week:
Holy Spirit, breathe on us. Breathe your life into our souls. Send your wind into this valley. Raise us again a mighty army. Fill us with your Spirit Wind. Help us to truly be the inflatable church, filled with the breath of heaven, and going wherever you send us, out into the world, where the lost and hurting people are. Work in and thru us to breathe the breath of life into their souls by whatever means you desire, so that many more will be saved. Thank you, Lord, for not letting this difficult season of life be in vain. Thank you for waking this sleeping giant and empowering us to do all that you call us to do. For now, please continue to protect us from this deadly virus and help us keep finding new ways to be in ministry. And when this season is complete, and the shutdown is over, send us out as a mighty army for the Lord, filled with the Spirit Wind, meeting people where they are, and offering them your love, mercy and grace. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.