Monday
Small Group Guide: Transformed
Sermon Series: Word for the Year 2026
Scripture Focus: Romans 12:1-2
Opening Prayer (2-3 minutes)
Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open hearts to transformation.
Icebreaker (5-10 minutes)
Question: What's one area of your life where you've seen genuine transformation happen? What made the difference?
Key Takeaways from the Sermon
The Word for 2026 is "TRANSFORMED" - Not transforming, not transformation, but the completed work of being transformed by God.
Transformation requires surrender - We must offer our bodies as "living sacrifices" daily, which means continually choosing to surrender control to God.
All of life is spiritual - Physical health, relationships, work, finances—everything is spiritual stewardship, not separate compartments.
Transformation comes through renewal of mind - We must be intentional about what voices shape us and commit to Scripture over cultural influence.
The critical question: "Do you want to get well?" - Like Jesus asked the lame man, transformation requires honest acknowledgment that change will cost something.
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Message (15-20 minutes)
Romans 12:1-2 Challenge
Read Romans 12:1-2 aloud together. What does it mean to be a "living sacrifice"? Why is this a paradox, and what does it require daily?
Greek vs. Hebrew Mindset
The sermon contrasted compartmentalized living (Greek mindset) versus wholeness with Jesus at the center (Hebrew mindset). Which pattern do you see most in your own life? Where do you keep Jesus in a "box" rather than at the center?
Voices Shaping You
Pastor Des asked: "What voices are really shaping you?" Consider your media consumption, relationships, and thought patterns. Are you being discipled more by culture or by Christ?
Personal Reflection (20-25 minutes)
Your Transformation Area
The sermon identified several life areas: relational, vocational, physical, mental/emotional. If you're comfortable sharing, what is the ONE area where you're craving transformation this year? (Consider: marriage, friendship, health, work, past wounds, future direction)
The Surrender Issue
Pastor Des asked: "Is there an area of your life that's off-limits to God?" What makes that area feel too risky or costly to surrender? What do you fear losing if you truly let go?
"Do You Want to Get Well?"
This is a confronting question. What would genuinely getting well in your area of need actually require? What would change? What obstacles (time, money, pride, fear) do you use as excuses?
Going Deeper (15-20 minutes)
Pray and Obey
The sermon emphasized that many of us pray but don't obey. Can you identify an area where God has already shown you what to do, but you haven't acted? What's holding you back?
Work and Pray Balance
Discuss Mark Batterson's quote: "Work as if it depends on you. Pray as if it depends on God." How does this challenge both passivity ("I'm just waiting on God") and self-reliance ("I've got this myself")?
Community and Transformation
Why is transformation nearly impossible alone? Who in your life could you invite into your transformation journey as an accountability partner or encourager?
Practical Application
This Week's Challenge (Choose 1-2 to commit to):
Option 1: Daily Surrender Prayer
Each morning this week, pray: "Lord, in view of your mercy, I offer my body as a living sacrifice today. Transform [specific area] in me."
Option 2: Bible Reading Plan
Start the 5-days-a-week, one-chapter-per-day plan through the New Testament. Begin with Matthew 1 this week. Journal one observation or application from each chapter.
Option 3: Accountability Partnership
Text or call one person from your group this week. Share your specific transformation area and ask them to check in with you weekly.
Option 4: Honest Assessment
Complete this sentence and share with one trusted person: "The area I most need God to transform is __________, and the first step I need to take is __________."
Option 5: Eviction Notice
Identify one voice, habit, or thought pattern that needs to be evicted from your mind. What practical step will you take this week to remove or reduce its influence? (Consider: unfollow certain social media, set screen time limits, end a toxic conversation pattern, etc.)
Group Exercise: Stewardship Wheel (10 minutes)
Have each person draw a circle and divide it into sections representing different life areas: physical, relational, vocational, financial, spiritual practices, mental/emotional health, etc.
Mark with a dot where you currently are in each area (center = struggling, outer edge = thriving)
Connect the dots to see your "life wheel"
Which area looks most deflated?
Which area, if transformed, would most impact the others?
Share insights with the group if comfortable.
Prayer Time (10-15 minutes)
Guided Prayer Focus:
Confession: Acknowledge areas where you've been trying to control instead of surrender, or where you've been passive instead of obedient.
Invitation: Specifically invite Jesus into your transformation area(s). Ask for His power, not just willpower.
Intercession: Pray for one another's specific transformation areas shared during discussion.
Declaration: Close by declaring together: "This year, I refuse to be conformed. I choose to be transformed by You, with You, for You."
Before Next Week
Continue the Bible reading plan (Matthew 1-5 if reading 5 days)
Attend the Monday night prayer gathering if possible
Check in with your accountability partner mid-week
Come prepared to share one way you saw God at work in your transformation area
Sermon Series: Word for the Year 2026
Scripture Focus: Romans 12:1-2
Opening Prayer (2-3 minutes)
Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open hearts to transformation.
Icebreaker (5-10 minutes)
Question: What's one area of your life where you've seen genuine transformation happen? What made the difference?
Key Takeaways from the Sermon
The Word for 2026 is "TRANSFORMED" - Not transforming, not transformation, but the completed work of being transformed by God.
Transformation requires surrender - We must offer our bodies as "living sacrifices" daily, which means continually choosing to surrender control to God.
All of life is spiritual - Physical health, relationships, work, finances—everything is spiritual stewardship, not separate compartments.
Transformation comes through renewal of mind - We must be intentional about what voices shape us and commit to Scripture over cultural influence.
The critical question: "Do you want to get well?" - Like Jesus asked the lame man, transformation requires honest acknowledgment that change will cost something.
Discussion Questions
Understanding the Message (15-20 minutes)
Romans 12:1-2 Challenge
Read Romans 12:1-2 aloud together. What does it mean to be a "living sacrifice"? Why is this a paradox, and what does it require daily?
Greek vs. Hebrew Mindset
The sermon contrasted compartmentalized living (Greek mindset) versus wholeness with Jesus at the center (Hebrew mindset). Which pattern do you see most in your own life? Where do you keep Jesus in a "box" rather than at the center?
Voices Shaping You
Pastor Des asked: "What voices are really shaping you?" Consider your media consumption, relationships, and thought patterns. Are you being discipled more by culture or by Christ?
Personal Reflection (20-25 minutes)
Your Transformation Area
The sermon identified several life areas: relational, vocational, physical, mental/emotional. If you're comfortable sharing, what is the ONE area where you're craving transformation this year? (Consider: marriage, friendship, health, work, past wounds, future direction)
The Surrender Issue
Pastor Des asked: "Is there an area of your life that's off-limits to God?" What makes that area feel too risky or costly to surrender? What do you fear losing if you truly let go?
"Do You Want to Get Well?"
This is a confronting question. What would genuinely getting well in your area of need actually require? What would change? What obstacles (time, money, pride, fear) do you use as excuses?
Going Deeper (15-20 minutes)
Pray and Obey
The sermon emphasized that many of us pray but don't obey. Can you identify an area where God has already shown you what to do, but you haven't acted? What's holding you back?
Work and Pray Balance
Discuss Mark Batterson's quote: "Work as if it depends on you. Pray as if it depends on God." How does this challenge both passivity ("I'm just waiting on God") and self-reliance ("I've got this myself")?
Community and Transformation
Why is transformation nearly impossible alone? Who in your life could you invite into your transformation journey as an accountability partner or encourager?
Practical Application
This Week's Challenge (Choose 1-2 to commit to):
Option 1: Daily Surrender Prayer
Each morning this week, pray: "Lord, in view of your mercy, I offer my body as a living sacrifice today. Transform [specific area] in me."
Option 2: Bible Reading Plan
Start the 5-days-a-week, one-chapter-per-day plan through the New Testament. Begin with Matthew 1 this week. Journal one observation or application from each chapter.
Option 3: Accountability Partnership
Text or call one person from your group this week. Share your specific transformation area and ask them to check in with you weekly.
Option 4: Honest Assessment
Complete this sentence and share with one trusted person: "The area I most need God to transform is __________, and the first step I need to take is __________."
Option 5: Eviction Notice
Identify one voice, habit, or thought pattern that needs to be evicted from your mind. What practical step will you take this week to remove or reduce its influence? (Consider: unfollow certain social media, set screen time limits, end a toxic conversation pattern, etc.)
Group Exercise: Stewardship Wheel (10 minutes)
Have each person draw a circle and divide it into sections representing different life areas: physical, relational, vocational, financial, spiritual practices, mental/emotional health, etc.
Mark with a dot where you currently are in each area (center = struggling, outer edge = thriving)
Connect the dots to see your "life wheel"
Which area looks most deflated?
Which area, if transformed, would most impact the others?
Share insights with the group if comfortable.
Prayer Time (10-15 minutes)
Guided Prayer Focus:
Confession: Acknowledge areas where you've been trying to control instead of surrender, or where you've been passive instead of obedient.
Invitation: Specifically invite Jesus into your transformation area(s). Ask for His power, not just willpower.
Intercession: Pray for one another's specific transformation areas shared during discussion.
Declaration: Close by declaring together: "This year, I refuse to be conformed. I choose to be transformed by You, with You, for You."
Before Next Week
Continue the Bible reading plan (Matthew 1-5 if reading 5 days)
Attend the Monday night prayer gathering if possible
Check in with your accountability partner mid-week
Come prepared to share one way you saw God at work in your transformation area