What languages do you speak? How comfortable are you in each?
Digging Deeper
Read Acts 6:1.
What "tribes" are represented?
What is the situation and problem?
What is at stake?
Read Acts 6:2-6.
How do the Twelve wisely address the problem?
What does this reveal about different serving roles within the church?
Why do we sometimes elevate some roles over others?
Read Acts 6:5, 7.
What is the result?
Divide up and then read the following aloud. What pattern do you notice? Acts 1:8; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; and 19:20.
Next Steps
If you have spent time in the North American Chinese church, what are some divisive or tense issues? (These could include language, culture, contemporary issues, and more.)
What "tribes" exist in your world (e.g. – school, work, neighborhood, etc.)? What is your tribe?
How have you experienced tribalism?
“What makes tribalism so powerful and hard to unwind is that a tribe can easily become your source of life and meaning. Your tribe doesn’t just “have your back,” it makes sense of your world. It constructs narratives that help you cope with life. Eventually, you stop dialoguing with people from different tribes, and just talk with people you agree with.” (source)
How did Jesus cross tribes out of love?
How can you cross tribes out of love?
Bonus Material: Read and discuss this article where the author seeks to charitably navigate the splintering within a certain Christian tradition. (Note: even if you aren't able to fully read it, the charts may be helpful.)
Announcements
Group Leaders: Reminder from last week: In the next few weeks, discuss with your group what your summer rhythm might look like.
