Navigating The Way - Southbound Strategy

Written By Josh Finklea

Navigating the Way – Week 3: Southbound Strategy

Our strategy is simple: connection. Acts 2 shows us that life with Jesus isn’t meant to be lived alone — we are called to connect with Him and with others through worship, community, prayer, and mission.

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    Small Group Curriculum – Week 3

    Series: Navigating The Way

    Week 3: Southbound – Strategy

    Scripture: Acts 2:1–47

    Key Focus: The Rock’s strategy is to connect people to Jesus and others.

    CONNECT: Opening Question or Activity

    Option 1 – Opening Question:

    • When you don’t know how to do something—like fix a car, bake a cake, or solve a problem—where do you go for help? YouTube? Friends? AI?
      Follow-up: Have you ever had a “bad strategy” that didn’t work?

    DISCOVER: Exploring the Message and Scriptures

    Overview:

    Acts 2 shows how the early church connected to Jesus and each other. This isn’t just history—it’s a blueprint for our strategy today.

    1. Connect to Jesus

    a. The Presence of the Spirit – Acts 2:1–12

    • God’s presence showed up in a supernatural way, and people took notice.

    • It wasn’t about a polished program—it was about power from heaven.

    • The Spirit’s presence still draws people to Jesus today—through worship, prayer, and daily obedience.

    Discussion:

    • How have you seen God’s presence change a moment or a person’s life?

    • What does it look like to live Spirit-aware during the week—not just at church?

    b. The Power of the Gospel – Acts 2:22–24, 36–37

    • Peter boldly preached the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

    • It cut people to the heart—and they responded.

    • The gospel is still powerful today, whether from a pulpit or in a conversation.

    Discussion:

    • When has the gospel really hit you personally?

    • How can you share the gospel with boldness and grace in everyday life?

    c. The Practice of Repentance and Baptism – Acts 2:37–41

    • The people asked, “What should we do?”

    • Peter responded: Repent and be baptized.

    • These are not just acts of faith—they’re spiritual turning points.

    Discussion:

    • What does repentance look like in real time?

    • Has baptism been a part of your faith story? How can we help others take that step?

    2. Connect to Others – Acts 2:42–47

    a. Studying Together

    • The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.

    • They didn’t just learn in private—they studied the Word together.

    b. Serving Together

    • They shared what they had. They met needs. They lived generously.

    • Community got stronger through sacrificial service.

    c. Seeking God Together

    • They prayed together—and miracles followed.

    • Corporate prayer was not a transition…it was a foundation.

    d. Seeking the Lost Together

    • The result? God added to their number daily.

    • Their strategy was simple: stay connected and stay on mission.

    Discussion:

    • Which of these four areas (studying, serving, seeking God, or seeking the lost) do you feel most connected to right now?

    • Which one do you want to grow in?

    RESPOND: Application & Challenge

    1. Personal Reflection:

    • Are you more deeply connected to Jesus now than you were six months ago?

    • Are you helping others connect to Jesus—and are you connected to anyone spiritually?

    2. Group Challenge:

    • What’s one thing our group could do this month to intentionally help someone connect to Jesus or to others?

    3. Prayer Focus:

    • Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your group the way He filled the believers in Acts 2.

    • Pray for one name each person feels led to pursue this week.

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Josh Finklea
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Navigating The Way - Eastward Philosophy