SERMON SERIES REVIEW
At The Well: A Reflection on Intentional Discipleship, Relational Ministry, and a Missional Vision
by Pastor Eugene Miller and Dan Parfitt | Living Hope Community Church | June 10, 2024
As we conclude our sermon series At The Well, we reflect on the profound lessons from John 4, where Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman serves as a model for discipleship and mission. The story reveals not only how Jesus engaged individuals but also how His message rippled through an entire community, with global implications. In this article, we’ll review each sermon and explore practical ways we can apply these lessons in our daily lives.
Sermon 1: Intentional Discipleship
John 4:1-14
The first message in our series focused on Jesus' intentional approach to discipleship. He didn’t stumble upon the Samaritan woman by accident. He deliberately traveled through Samaria, positioning Himself at the well for a life-changing encounter. Jesus wasn’t simply looking for a casual conversation; He sought to meet her deepest need for truth, worship, and eternal life.
Key Takeaway
Intentional discipleship requires preparation and purpose. Just as Jesus planned this meeting, we must be intentional in seeking opportunities to disciple others. Consider how you can engage someone in your life who needs the hope of Christ.
Application
Take time this week to pray about who God is calling you to intentionally invest in, whether through conversation, mentorship, or inviting them into the church community.
Sermon 2: Relational Environments
John 4:13-26
In the second sermon, we explored how Jesus fostered a relational environment during His encounter with the woman. He sat down at the well, met her where she was emotionally and spiritually, and engaged her questions with patience. Unlike His more formal interaction with Nicodemus in John 3, Jesus used a relational approach to reach the Samaritan woman, understanding her unique context.
Key Takeaway
Relational environments are crucial for discipleship. Jesus shows us the importance of meeting people where they are, rather than expecting them to meet us on our terms.
Application
Reflect on how you can create relational spaces in your everyday life—whether that’s in your home, workplace, or neighborhood. Ask yourself how you can build trust and genuine connection with those around you.
Sermon 3: Reaching Our Community
John 4:27-38
Jesus’ interaction with the woman didn’t end at the well—it extended to her entire community. The disciples were surprised that He was engaging with a Samaritan, but this encounter highlighted the broader mission field right in front of them. As the woman returned to her town, she shared her testimony, leading many others to Jesus.
Key Takeaway
Our mission field is often broader than we realize. Like Jesus, we are called to reach beyond our comfort zones and engage with people who might be outside of our immediate circle.
Application
Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities for outreach in your own community. Whether it’s a neighbor, a colleague, or someone you encounter regularly, pray for the courage and wisdom to share the hope of Jesus.
Sermon 4: A Ripple of Hope and a Multi-Campus Vision
John 4:27-42 & Acts 1:8
The woman’s transformation became a ripple of hope for her entire town. Her testimony brought others to Jesus, sparking a movement of salvation that Jesus stayed to nurture over two days. This ripple effect is something we aim to emulate through Living Hope’s multi-campus vision. Each of our campuses is a point of outreach, creating ripples that impact entire communities.
Key Takeaway
Discipleship and outreach start with one person but can impact an entire community. Jesus spent time teaching and discipling, extending the impact of that one conversation.
Application
Consider how you can be a part of this ripple effect. Whether through serving at one of our campuses, leading a small group, or simply sharing your testimony, you can contribute to spreading the hope of Jesus throughout our region.
Sermon 5: A Global Mission
John 4:39-42, Acts 1:8 & 8, & Matthew 28:19
In the final sermon, we turned our attention to the global mission. The Samaritan woman’s encounter didn’t just impact her town—it pointed forward to the broader mission Jesus commissioned His disciples to undertake. The ripple didn’t stop in Samaria but spread “to the ends of the earth.” We too are called to be part of this global mission, partnering with others to plant churches and reach the world.
Key Takeaway
The Great Commission calls us to reach not only our communities but also the nations. Our multi-campus model supports this global vision by partnering with church planters and missionaries across the world.
Application
Pray for our global partners in Romania, France, Nicaragua, Indonesia, and potentially Azerbaijan. Consider how you can support these missions—whether through prayer, financial giving, or even participation in short-term missions.
Moving Forward: How Can We Embody These Lessons?
As we reflect on the story of the woman at the well, let’s ask ourselves how we can embody the lessons of this series in our daily lives:
Be Intentional: Don’t wait for discipleship to “just happen.” Seek opportunities to engage with those around you who need to hear the message of hope.
Create Relational Spaces: Think about how you can create environments where people feel safe to explore faith, ask questions, and encounter Jesus.
Engage Your Community: Reach beyond your comfort zone and look for ways to share the gospel in your everyday context.
Be Part of the Ripple: Serve within our multi-campus church, helping to create a ripple effect of hope that extends from our local community to the ends of the earth.
Support Global Missions: Pray for and support our partners worldwide, as we aim to fulfill the Great Commission together.
Through intentional discipleship, relational ministry, and a missional focus, we can create ripples of hope that transform our communities and impact the world for Christ.