Morning Star Las Cruces

2026 Discussion Questions

August 9, 2026

Series: Muscle Memory: Re-Calling Why Church Even Matters Today

Title: How to Try Something New

Primary Text: Mark 9:2-9

1. What is something new you have tried recently such as a food, activity, technology, hobby, or experience, that surprised you in some way?

2. Why do you think trying something new can feel exciting for some people and uncomfortable or even threatening for others? What usually helps you become open to something new?

3. What part of the message, "Muscle Memory: How to Try Something New," stayed with you? What did you want to discuss with others?

4. Read Mark 9:2-9. What details stand out to you about what happens on the mountain? What do you notice about Peter's response, Jesus' response, and the disciples' experience?

5. What does Peter want to do in response to the experience? Why do you think it can be tempting to hold on to a powerful experience rather than move into what comes next?

6. The disciples see Jesus in a new way on the mountain. What might it look like for the church today to allow God to expand our imagination about who we are and what we are called to do?

7. Read Isaiah 43:18-21. What is God's message to the people? What do you think God is inviting the people to stop holding onto? What "old things," even when they are good and meaningful, can sometimes keep individuals or churches from seeing what God is doing now?

8. Read Ephesians 3:20-21. How does Paul describe God in this passage? How might this view of God shape the way a congregation thinks about its future, especially during times of change or uncertainty?

9. Where might God be inviting you to expand your imagination right now, perhaps in your relationships, your faith, your community, or your understanding of what is possible?

10. What is one new thing, maybe a possibility, a hope, a fear, or a change, that you would like the group to pray about with you this week?