Summary
The pastor introduces a new church initiative called 'Just One Plus Five' for 2026, based on the Great Commission from Matthew 28. The 'Just One' challenge asks every church member to intentionally reach one person with the gospel this year, emphasizing that proximity creates opportunity - we're most likely to reach those closest to us like family, coworkers, and neighbors. The 'Plus Five' component challenges members to increase their giving either by $5 per family member per week or by 5% of their income. The pastor explains that this isn't just about church funding but about cultivating generosity as part of discipleship. He emphasizes that the church should be a sending entity that trains and equips people to make disciples, not just a gathering place. The initiative begins with daily prayer for the specific person you want to reach, praying for their receptivity and for your own eyes to see opportunities to share Jesus.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to discuss Your Great Commission and how we can be part of reaching others with the gospel, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want us to learn. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and give us courage to step into the opportunities You place before us. We pray that You would use our time together to encourage and equip us to be faithful witnesses wherever You have placed us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's the farthest distance you've ever successfully thrown something into a target (like a basketball shot, paper into a trash can, etc.)? Did being closer or farther away make a difference?
Key Verses

Matthew 28:18-20
Ephesians 3:20-21
Galatians 5

Questions

The pastor used the ping pong ball demonstration to show that 'proximity is opportunity.' Who are the people closest to you that don't know Jesus? How does your proximity to them create unique opportunities?
The Great Commission says 'as you go' rather than commanding us to 'go.' How does this change your perspective on evangelism and sharing your faith in everyday life?
What fears or hesitations do you have about intentionally trying to reach someone with the gospel? How can the group pray for you in overcoming these?
The pastor mentioned that some people have been praying for family members for years without seeing results. How do you balance persistent prayer with the reality that people have free will to accept or reject Jesus?
How might praying daily for a specific person change your own heart and perspective, even before you see changes in them?
The pastor said that people who participate in evangelism are more likely to grow in discipleship and giving. Why do you think reaching others helps us grow spiritually?
What's the difference between trying to 'force people to become disciples' versus 'making disciples'? How can we share Jesus with love and respect for others' choices?
The church had 106 baptisms last year with 64 different people helping to baptize others. What does this tell us about the role every believer can play in reaching others?

Life Application
This week, identify your 'one' - a specific person you want to reach with the gospel this year. Begin praying for them daily, asking God to soften their heart and make them receptive to Jesus, while also praying that God would open your eyes to see opportunities to share His love with them. Write their name down and commit to praying for them every day this week.
Key Takeaways

Proximity is opportunity - we have the greatest chance of reaching those closest to us with the gospel
The Great Commission calls every believer to take Jesus wherever they go, not just pastors or missionaries
Prayer is the foundation for effective evangelism - pray for their receptivity and your own perceptiveness to opportunities
The church should be a sending entity that trains and equips people to make disciples, not just a gathering place
Generosity and evangelism work together as part of discipleship - reaching others helps us grow spiritually

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the Great Commission and for inviting us to be part of Your mission to reach the world. We pray that You would give each of us courage and wisdom as we identify our 'one' and begin praying for them daily. Help us to see the opportunities You place before us and to respond with love and grace. May we be faithful witnesses in our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and everywhere we go. Use us to be answers to other parents' prayers and help us trust You with the results. We commit to being a church that sends people out to make disciples, not just gathers them in. In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.