Small Group Discussion

Opening Question:

• Share a favorite memory with your father or father figure. What made that moment special?
• OR: What’s one thing you appreciated about how someone showed up for you when you needed them?

Key Scriptures:

1. Deuteronomy 6:7 
2. Psalm 127:3-5

Key Takeaways:

The sermon emphasized that presence over perfection is what children need most from their fathers (and all parents). Through the story of Jairus in Mark 5:21-43, we see four key ways to be more present:

1. Show Up – Be consistently available
2. Look Up – Put down distractions (especially phones)
3. Speak Up – Use your words to encourage and affirm
4. Point Up – Direct your children to Jesus

Discussion Questions

1. The Barbershop Conversations: Every dad interviewed said their kids need “presence” most. Why do you think this answer was universal? What does this reveal about our culture?
2. Show Up: On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your consistency in showing up for the important people in your life? What’s one specific area where you need to show up more?
3. Look Up: The sermon mentioned we check our phones 150 times a day and spend 4-5 hours on them daily. Be honest—how often does your phone distract you from being present? Share a specific example.
4. Speak Up: The message said, “What we repeatedly say becomes what they eventually believe about themselves.”
   • What messages are you consistently speaking over your children or loved ones?
   • Did you grow up hearing affirming words? How has that (or the lack of it) affected you?
5. Point Up: How are you actively pointing your children or those you influence toward Jesus? What does that look like practically in your daily life?
6. Breaking Generational Patterns: The sermon said, “We just naturally repeat what was modeled unless we intentionally change it.”
   • What patterns from your upbringing do you want to repeat?
   • What patterns do you need to intentionally break?

Practical Application

This Week’s Challenge: Pick ONE

Challenge #1: The Phone Fast

• Set specific “phone-free” times this week (dinner, bedtime routine, one activity with your child/spouse)
• Put your phone in another room or use “Do Not Disturb” mode
• Track how this changes your interactions

Challenge #2: Speak Life

• Each day this week, speak one specific, meaningful affirmation to each person in your household
• Not generic (“good job”) but specific (“I noticed how patient you were with your sister today—that showed real maturity”)
• Write them down to track your progress

Challenge #3: Show Up Intentionally

• Schedule one uninterrupted block of time with each child this week
• Let them choose the activity
• Be fully present—no phone, no distractions
• Ask them questions and really listen

Challenge #4: Point to Jesus

• Talk about what you’re learning from God’s Word
• Share one story this week about how God has been faithful in your life
• Pray out loud with your family (even if it’s uncomfortable)