At the start of every year we lean in and learn together, right across New Zealand, with a theme for our year. 2025 is a year of BRAND NEW beginnings at Equippers! We’re believing for fresh opportunities, bold steps into new territory, and the fullness of new life in Christ.
Every day is a fresh start when we live with Jesus. He has made us brand new, but He also has new things for us to take hold of!
“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for.” (1 Peter 1:3)
Together, let’s embrace everything God is making brand new this year.
To get the most out of this study, can we encourage you to get involved in an eGroup this month, dive into the daily readings on the Equippers App, attend church each Sunday to hear the Word preached, and pray fervently for a significant year for us all - individually and collectively – as we live BRAND NEW.
We are praying for you.
Blessings,
Ps Sam and Kathy Monk
Jesus People
This study is about what it truly means to be Jesus People — a community that models its relationships and interactions after Jesus. The early church lived in koinonia — a deep, shared life marked by worship, unity, generosity, and mission.
In this study, we will explore the distinguishable markers of a New Testament community and how we can embody them in our lives today.
Each week, we will focus on two key aspects of Jesus-centred community, looking at biblical foundations and practical ways to live them out.
Note for Leaders:
We encourage you to share a personal example each week to make the discussion more relatable.
Weekly Challenge:
Each week, encourage the group to put one of those principles into practice — whether it’s inviting someone for a meal, forgiving someone, giving generously, or intentionally building unity. Let’s live as Jesus People and embody the New Testament Church.
WEEK ONE: SHARED RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD & SHARED UNITY
Overview
This four week study is about what it truly means to be Jesus People — a community that models its relationships and interactions after Jesus. The early church lived in koinonia — a deep, shared life marked by worship, unity, generosity, and mission.
In this study, we will explore the distinguishable markers of a New Testament community and how we can embody them in our lives today.
Each week, we will focus on two key aspects of Jesus-centred community, looking at biblical foundations and practical ways to live them out.
Leader Summary for Week One
The foundation of a Jesus-centred community is a shared relationship with God. The early church devoted themselves to worship, prayer, and the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42). They sought God's presence together, creating an atmosphere where His Spirit moved powerfully among them. True biblical community starts with people who hunger for God together.
At the same time, this community was deeply united. Unity doesn’t mean sameness — it means diversity brought together under Christ. Jesus modelled this by crossing barriers, dining with tax collectors, Samaritans, and sinners. The early church embraced this, living as one body despite differences in background, culture, and status.
Leader Prompt:
Share a personal example of a time when experiencing God with others (through worship, prayer, or study) deepened your faith. Then, share a time when you had to overcome differences to build unity with someone in your faith community.
Scriptures to Read Together
- 1 John 2:6 – Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
- Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
- John 17:20-23 – Jesus prays for unity among His followers.
- Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Discussion Questions
- What does it look like to be a community that seeks God together?
- How has worship or prayer with others strengthened your faith?
- Why do you think unity was such a powerful marker of the early church?
- What are some barriers that prevent unity?
- How can we intentionally build unity with people who are different from us?
- What is one way you can prioritise seeking God with others this week?
WEEK TWO: SHARED MEALS & SHARED FRIENDSHIP
Leader Summary for Week Two
A core practice of the early church was sharing meals. Eating together wasn't just about food — it was about connection, hospitality, and creating space for others. Jesus frequently used meals to build relationships, teach, and reveal the heart of God.
Beyond meals, the church was marked by intentional friendships. They didn’t just gather for an event; they shared life. Friendship in Christian community goes beyond surface-level connections — it’s about showing up for one another, carrying burdens, and choosing relationship even when it's inconvenient.
Leader Prompt:
Share a personal example of a time when sharing a meal with someone strengthened your relationship. Then, share a story of how a friendship within the church has impacted your faith.
Scriptures to Read Together
- Acts 2:46 – They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
- Luke 5:29-32 – Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners.
- Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
- Proverbs 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think sharing meals is such a significant part of building community?
- What do you think made Jesus' meals with people so powerful?
- How can we be more intentional about developing friendships in church?
- What are some obstacles to building strong friendships in a faith community?
- Who is someone you can invite for a meal or invest in relationally this week?
WEEK THREE: SHARED SACRIFICE & SHARED PURPOSE
Leader Summary for Week Three
Being Jesus People means embracing a life of shared sacrifice. The early church practiced radical forgiveness, grace, and patience. Jesus laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13), and true biblical community requires laying down our preferences, forgiving freely, and choosing love over offence.
At the same time, the early church was marked by shared purpose. They weren’t just a social group; they were on mission together. Their faith overflowed into action, evangelism, and caring for those in need. True biblical community isn’t just about what we receive but what we give.
Leader Prompt:
Share a personal example of a time when choosing to sacrifice (forgive, serve, or be patient) strengthened your relationships. Then, share how being part of a mission-driven community has shaped your faith.
Scriptures to Read Together
- Acts 2:45 – They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
- John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
- Philippians 2:3-4 – Do nothing out of selfish ambition…rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
- Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission – Go and make disciples of all nations.
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to lay down our lives for others in the context of community?
- Why is sacrifice a key part of healthy relationships?
- What are some practical ways we can live on mission together?
- How do you think shared purpose strengthens community?
- What holds people back from living sacrificially in community?
- What is one way you can step into shared mission this week?
WEEK FOUR: SHARED RESOURCE & SHARED JOY
Leader Summary for Week Four
The early believers had a mindset of shared resources — they lived generously, meeting one another’s needs without hesitation. They saw their time, finances, and skills as something to steward for God’s purposes.
This lifestyle of generosity led to shared joy. When people give freely, celebrate each other, and testify to God’s faithfulness, joy multiplies. The early church wasn’t marked by obligation but by gladness — because when the Spirit of God moves in a people marked by love, joy is the natural overflow.
Leader Prompt:
Share a time when someone’s generosity impacted you personally. Then, share how celebrating testimonies of God’s faithfulness has brought joy to your life.
Scriptures to Read Together
- Acts 2:44-45 – All the believers were together and had everything in common.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 – God loves a cheerful giver.
- Psalm 133:1 – How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
- Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to live generously within a faith community?
- How does generosity reflect God’s heart?
- Why do you think joy is a key marker of a community of believers?
- What is one testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life?
- How can we get better at celebrating what God is doing?
- What is one way you can contribute to someone’s joy this week?
