Opening (15 minutes)
- Ice Breaker: Share about a time when a small misunderstanding between friends or coworkers grew into something bigger. What happened and what did you learn from it?
- Opening Prayer
- Context Setting: This study explores three key passages about unity in ministry from Paul’s letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Ephesians.
Part 1: The Reality of Conflict (20 minutes)
Read Philippians 4:1-5
Observation Questions:
- What specific words or phrases does Paul use to describe his relationship with the Philippian church (v.1)?
- Who are the individuals mentioned in this passage? What do we learn about them?
- What specific requests does Paul make?
Interpretation Questions:
- Why do you think Paul mentions this conflict by name in a public letter?
- What’s the significance of Paul calling them his “joy and crown”?
- How does “the Lord is near” (v.5) relate to the conflict situation?
Application Questions:
- What types of conflicts do you observe in ministry settings today?
- Task conflicts (what to do)
- Process conflicts (how to do it)
- Role conflicts (who does what)
- Relationship conflicts
- How might unresolved conflicts affect our church’s unity and witness?
- What role can you play in supporting unity when conflicts arise?
Part 2: Responding with Christ-like Character (25 minutes)
Read Colossians 3:12-14
Observation Questions:
- What identity markers does Paul use to describe his audience?
- List all the virtues mentioned in these verses.
- What comparison does Paul use regarding these virtues?
Interpretation Questions:
- How does our identity as “God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved” relate to these virtues?
- Why does Paul use the metaphor of “putting on” these virtues?
- What makes love the “perfect bond of unity”?
Application Questions:
- Which of these virtues do you find:
- Easiest to “put on”?
- Most challenging to maintain?
- Share a specific way you could practice one of these virtues this week in your ministry context.
- How might remembering your identity in Christ help you demonstrate these virtues?
Part 3: Standing Firm in Unity (25 minutes)
Read Ephesians 4:1-6
Observation Questions:
- What does Paul urge his readers to do in verse 1?
- List the seven “ones” mentioned in verses 4-6.
- What specific attitudes does Paul encourage in verses 2-3?
Interpretation Questions:
- How does “walking worthy of our calling” relate to unity?
- Why do you think Paul emphasizes maintaining rather than creating unity?
- How do the seven “ones” provide a foundation for unity?
Application Questions:
- How does understanding unity as something to maintain rather than create change your approach to conflict?
- Which of the seven “ones” most encourages you in pursuing unity? Why?
- What practical steps can you take to “maintain the unity of the Spirit”?
Conclusion and Prayer (15 minutes)
Summary Discussion:
- What’s your main takeaway from today’s study?
- How has this study changed your perspective on:
- Dealing with conflict?
- Maintaining unity?
- Your role in the church?
Prayer Points:
- Thank God for the unity we have in Christ
- Confess areas where we’ve contributed to disunity
- Ask for grace to demonstrate Christ-like virtues
- Pray for specific unity challenges in our church
Looking Forward:
- Choose one virtue to intentionally “put on” this week
- Identify one relationship where you can take steps toward unity
- Consider how to support unity in your ministry area
Additional Study Resources
- Reflection on the meaning of each virtue in Colossians 3:12-14
- Historical background on Euodia and Syntyche
- Cross-references for each of the “seven ones”
- Practical examples of maintaining unity in ministry
Note for Leaders: Encourage vulnerable sharing while maintaining focus on Scripture. Help group members move from general principles to specific applications. Be prepared to redirect discussions that drift toward gossip or criticism.