Group Study Guide: "Here I Am, Send Aaron"
Based on Isaiah 6:8 - Overcoming Excuses in Evangelism

Opening Prayer and Ice Breaker

Ice Breaker Question:
Share about a time when you knew you should do something, hesitated, but did it anyway. What helped you act? Was it worth it?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon
1. God sends us with a message - Like Isaiah, we are sent to a rebellious world
2. Evangelism feels awkward for everyone - Even experienced Christians still struggle
3. The power is in God’s Word - Not in our personality, knowledge, or delivery
4. We must not pre-qualify people - We cannot discern hearts
5. Simple actions open doors - Ask questions, listen, and show genuine interest

Discussion Questions
Section 1: The Reality of Excuses
1. The sermon emphasized that everyone makes excuses, even those who are active in evangelism.
* Why do you think this is true across all experience levels?
2. Which of these excuses is hardest for you to overcome—and why?
* I don’t know how to start
* I don’t know enough
* They won’t respond
* I don’t have time
* I don’t want to upset them
3. Aaron mentioned he had gone years without teaching anyone, even growing up in the church.
* What does that tell us about how easy it is to delay evangelism?

Section 2: Starting Conversations (Where Most People Get Stuck)
4. The sermon gave a simple method: ask people about themselves and listen.
* Why does this remove pressure from you?
* Why does it make the other person more open?
5. Think through this situation:
You’re at a coffee shop and see someone reading a Bible.
* What are 2–3 ways you could start a conversation without sounding forced?
6. Aaron said even as an extrovert, it still feels awkward.
* How should that change your expectations about evangelism?
7. What are some simple, natural questions you could ask someone this week?
(Write down at least two)

Section 3: The Danger of Pre-Judging People
8. The story of “Jimmy” showed that the person least expected may be the most receptive.
* Why do we tend to assume who will or won’t respond?
9. Read Hebrews 4:12-13
* Who is able to discern the heart?
* What happens when we try to take that role ourselves?
10. Think of a type of person you might subconsciously avoid sharing the gospel with.
* Why?
* What would it look like to change that mindset?

Section 4: “I Don’t Know Enough”
11. Read John 4:28-30
* What did the woman at the well actually do?
* What did she NOT do?
12. The sermon emphasized: “You don’t have to know everything—you know Someone who does.”
* How does that change your role in evangelism?
13. What is a simple, honest response you can give when you don’t know an answer?

Section 5: Time and Priority
14. The lesson challenged the idea of being “too busy.”
* What are common things that fill our time but don’t advance the Lord’s work?
15. What is one realistic adjustment you could make this week to create space for evangelism?
16. The sermon pointed out that even being busy with church activities can crowd out evangelism.
* Why is that a danger?

Section 6: Short Moments Matter
17. The sermon gave examples of brief interactions (cashier, hotel worker, etc.).
* What can you realistically do in 10–30 seconds?
18. Why do small actions (smiling, asking a question, shaking a hand) matter more than we think?
19. What is one habit you could build to take advantage of short opportunities?

Practice Time
Scenario Practice (Pair Up)
Take 5–10 minutes and practice:
Scenario 1:
You meet someone new at work or school
→ Start a conversation using only questions about them
Scenario 2:
You have 30 seconds with a cashier or server
→ Show genuine interest and leave a positive impression
Scenario 3:
Someone asks you a question you don’t know
→ Practice saying: “That’s a great question—I’ll find out”
Switch roles after each round.

Personal Challenge for This Week
Choose ONE action step:
* Start 2 conversations by asking people about themselves
* Invite one person to study or attend
* Carry something to share (card, link, invitation)
* Intentionally speak to 3 service workers and show genuine interest
* Ask someone experienced if you can join a Bible study
Be ready to report exactly what you did.

Closing Reflection
Read together: Matthew 10:37-39
Final Questions:
* What is Jesus teaching about priorities?
* What excuse do you most need to remove?
* What is one specific action you will take this week?

Prayer Requests and Closing Prayer
Pray for:
* Courage to act even when it feels awkward
* Awareness of opportunities
* Trust in the power of God’s Word
* Specific people we can reach

Homework Before Next Meeting
1. Read one Gospel Account and note how Jesus starts conversations
2. Write down one real interaction you had this week
3. Memorize Hebrews 4:12
Leader Notes
* Do not let this stay theoretical—make people practice
* Push for specific commitments, not vague intentions
* Emphasize that awkwardness is normal
* Reinforce: success = sharing, not converting
* Follow up next week—this is essential

5-Day Devotional: Here I Am, Send Me

Day 1: The Power Is Not in You
Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Devotional: Paul reminds us that our effectiveness in sharing the gospel doesn't depend on our eloquence or wisdom. Like Paul, who admitted he came "in weakness and fear and much trembling," we don't need to craft the perfect argument. The power resides in God's Word, not our presentation. When we feel inadequate to share our faith, we're actually in the perfect position: recognizing that conversion is God's work, not ours. The seed we plant is Scripture itself, living and active. Our role is simply to scatter it faithfully, trusting the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do: pierce hearts and transform lives.
Reflection: What fears about inadequacy have kept you from sharing your faith? How does knowing the power is in God's Word, not your ability, free you to speak?

Day 2: Don't Pre-Qualify People
Reading: John 4:1-30, 39-42

Devotional: The Samaritan woman seemed an unlikely evangelist: a social outcast with a questionable past. Yet she became an effective teacher of Christ, bringing many men of the city to Jesus. We often look at people and think, "They'd never be interested" or "They're too far gone." But God sees what we cannot: the heart. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that only God's Word can discern thoughts and intentions. Our job isn't to judge who's ready; it's to share with everyone. The person you think will never respond might surprise you, just as Jimmy surprised Aaron. Don't play God, just plant seeds everywhere.

Reflection: Who have you written off as unreachable? What would change if you approached them with fresh hope and God's Word?

Day 3: You Don't Need All the Answers
Reading: John 1:35-51

Devotional: Andrew and Philip didn't have theological degrees. They simply said, "Come and see." When they encountered Jesus, their immediate response wasn't to master all doctrine before sharing; it was to bring others to the One who had all the answers. Similarly, we don't need to know every biblical difficulty or Greek word before inviting someone to study Scripture. It's perfectly acceptable to say, "I don't know, but let me find out." What matters is genuine care and willingness to seek truth together. Your role is to introduce people to Jesus through His Word, not to be an encyclopedia. Know someone who knows more? Bring them along.
Reflection: What question has intimidated you from sharing your faith? How can you reframe evangelism as an invitation rather than a debate?

Day 4: Love Compels Us to Read
Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Devotional: "I'm not a reader" becomes irrelevant when something matters deeply to us. We read letters from loved ones, texts from friends, instructions for things we care about. God's Word is His love letter to humanity—the story of His Son's sacrifice for our redemption. When we say we don't have time to read Scripture, we're really saying God isn't worth our time. Yet Jesus watched torches coming down the Mount of Olives, knowing what awaited Him, and stayed. He endured mockery, scourging, and crucifixion. . . for you. The least we can do is spend time in the Word He preserved for us, growing in knowledge so we can share His love with others.
Reflection: How much time do you spend on things you enjoy versus time in God's Word? What does your schedule reveal about your priorities?

Day 5: Redeeming the Time
Reading: Ephesians 5:15-17; Isaiah 6:1-8

Devotional: Isaiah saw God's glory and immediately recognized his unworthiness. Yet God cleansed him and asked, "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah's response: "Here I am! Send me." Perhaps you've wasted years making excuses, avoiding evangelism, or being too busy with good things that weren't the main thing. The beautiful truth is that as long as you're alive, it's not too late. You can redeem the time, buy it back, by prioritizing what matters most: sharing the gospel. Don't let past failures paralyze you. Instead, let them motivate you. Every conversation is an opportunity. Every person you meet is someone Jesus died for. Today, answer God's call: "Here I am. Send me."
Reflection: What will you cut from your schedule to make room for evangelism? Who is one person you'll reach out to this week?