Relational Theology: A Framework For Living

Introduction - A Desire To Learn


Session 1 - Creation & Disconnection


Reading - Genesis 1-3

Before You Discuss

  •  Q: Who is the discussion leader?

    • A: In our early sessions, we’ll take turns reading/facilitating the discussion questions. There are great reasons for this! (Wait and see.)

  • Q: What if we have questions we want to present that aren’t on this paper?

    • A: Questions are doorways. Walk through them. See what’s uncovered in each other’s answers and embrace where the Holy Spirit leads you. The simple recommendation is that if a person brings up a topic that has absolutely nothing to do with the direction the whole group is heading, come back to the provided material as a guide and save the random chats for the campfire afterwards.

  • Q: What if our group isn’t talkative? What if there’s dead space?

    • A: It’s okay! Consider that not everyone is an extrovert—ready to blurt out their thoughts. Authenticity requires space and time to process. In that vein, silence is golden!

  • Q: Should we try and make it through every question?

    • A: Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you don’t make it past the first one! There’s no test waiting at the end and these questions are simply meant to evoke thought and response. So lean forward, take a turn, dig through Scriptures together, ask your own questions and enjoy the shared experience.

Discussion Questions

  1. Take a glance back at your notes along with any Scripture references from the teaching video. Reflect on and discuss the following:

    • Can you explain, in your own words, the major themes of “covenant" and “kingdom”?

    • Using the Genesis stories of Creation and Disconnection (Chapters 1-3), explain God’s intention for relationship with mankind and why our actions caused a rift.

    • Why do you think God gave mankind the capacity to make such damaging choices?   

  2. Can you think of helpful analogies for covenant relationship and kingdom responsibility? Share these examples. 

  3. Read John 17:20-26 aloud. Explain how the themes of covenant and kingdom are demonstrated in Jesus’ own prayer. What significance do these words hold for us today?

  4. What’s the benefit to seeing the Bible through this lens of relationship and responsibility—covenant and kingdom? What’s been your lens up until this point? (Perhaps your perspective was confirmed or challenged. Tell us about it.)

  5. Is God saying anything to you through this teaching and discussion? What will you do about what He’s said?

Session 2 - Calling & Questions


Reading - Genesis 12-15

Discussion Questions

  1. In the video, sin was defined as “Distance from God created by our desire for independence from God.” How does this rejection of oneness effect our God-given position and identity

  2. Recap the Genesis order of events leading up to Abram’s introduction. With this chronology in mind, what is significant about the way God related to Abram? What does it reveal about God’s desire and plan for reconnection with mankind?

  3. In the video, obedience was defined as “walking in a way that is consistent with our God-given identity” and calling was defined as “an invitation to respond to God." In light of this, describe Abram’s disobedience. How were his actions contrary to God’s call? (Refer to Genesis 12 for context.)

  4. Read Genesis 15:6-8. What is made clear in verse 6 and what does Abram say in verse 8? What assurance does this give us in being honest about our own questions, unbelief, and doubts?

  5. Describe the covenant ceremony and its historical context. Why were God’s actions toward Abram in this story so significant? How did it foreshadow God’s plan for mankind’s redemption?


Session 3 - Identity & Legacy



  1. In the video, religion was described as "impersonal manipulation through ritual prescriptions.” In contrast, "Covenant (oneness) with God depends on the initiative of His grace. Our only work is to surrender to the mending." (a) Can you explain the difference between these two statements? (b) Which one most accurately describes what you've seen emphasized in religious circles (including Christian ones)? 

  2. In Genesis 16, Abram and Sarai attempted to force God’s promise into their own timing. Have you ever done the same? What did you learn through that experience?

  3. One statement made in the video was, “The longer Abraham endured the waiting, the closer the Lord drew.” Have you ever experienced a breakthrough in your relationship with God during a season of waiting? Will you share that story?

  4. What is God's agenda in reshaping our identity? Why does He do it? What is He after?

  5. God-given identity is about identification with God. It’s about feeling the things God feels—knowing His heart and reflecting His character. (a) How can you see God at work in Abraham to accomplish this through the call to sacrifice his only son? (b) What promises of God have you been challenged to believe despite the “Isaacs” you’ve been asked to sacrifice?


Session 4 - Humility & Authority



  1. In the video, it was said that "The Kingdom of God is the result of relationship with God." Have you ever been so busy doing something for God that you haven't taken the time to invest in your friendship with God? What was that experience like? What was the end result?

  2. Another key thought was "Prideful people cannot carry out the ministry of reconciliation." (a) Why is it necessary for humility to be one of our defining characteristics if we are going to represent God well? (b) What could that look like in a community like ours?

  3. Read Hebrews 12:15 together as a group and process it sequentially. Now, consider all the justification Joseph had for being bitter. (a) How might his story have looked different if you were Joseph? (b) Does anything about Joseph's life challenge you?

  4. Have someone read Philippians 2:1-11 and another read Genesis 50:20. Take a moment to reflect on each. 

    • Can you draw any parallels between Joseph's life and Jesus' life? 

    • What was the purpose of their journeys through suffering?


Session 5 - Reconciliation & Kingdom



  1. In Genesis 41:38-39, Pharaoh makes an observation about Joseph, distinguishing him from all his other advisors....

    • What was this defining characteristic?

    • How/Why was Pharaoh’s response to Joseph’s interpretation different than his brothers’ response to him earlier in the story? 

  2. In light of God’s reconciliatory purpose, why would He oppose the proud but give grace to the humble? 

  3. An important equation for reconciliation was laid out in the video — “Forgiveness + Repentance = Reconciliation.” Why are both “addends” necessary for there to be restored relationship? (Take your time in sharing your thoughts on this.)

  4. Why do you think Joseph put his brothers through a period of testing before revealing himself? Was he after something here? What needed to happen in his brothers’ hearts before that could be realized?

  5. In the video, it was said that “For God’s kingdom to come, we have to move beyond our own aspirations….Kingdom breakthrough can only be found through personal brokenness.” What does that mean? How might that be true for us today?

Session 6 - Preparation & Destiny



  1. When Moses fled Egypt, it must have seemed like his shot at “greatness” was over. But God was after something beyond the privilege of palace life.

    • How did Moses’ “detour” in the desert prepare him for what God would call him to do?

    • Have you ever faced detours in your own life that were actually seasons of preparation for something you never expected? (Describe that process.)

  2. As Moses stands before God, he hides his face when God tells him who he is.

    • Why do you think he reacted this way?

    • How do you imagine yourself responding to the same situation?

  3. Take a look at both Exodus 3:1-15 and Exodus 33:14-17 while considering the statement “Carrying out kingdom responsibility is impossible without covenant connection.”

    • Can you explain how this was demonstrated in Moses’ life?

    • How might this be applicable to you today?

  4. “Moses longed for God Himself more than the Promised Land itself.” First, discuss the statement. Now, can you answer honestly... Have you ever (past or present) seen God as just a means to achieve something that is beyond God?

  5. “Only those who are free can set others free.” God had a divine agenda — “the saving of many lives” — and He wanted to use Moses as His instrument to accomplish this. But, God had to do a work in Moses before He could work through Moses. Patiently process the following exercise:

    • Take a moment to prayerfully and silently contemplate how God has been at work, preparing you for kingdom purpose. (Don’t share anything yet.)

    • Now look around your group, remembering that God is very active in all of our lives, and see if anything is impressed on your heart for anyone else. (Take your time.)

    • If you get something, share it! How can you see God at work in their life? Go ahead and be a voice of encouragement and purpose for them! (Don't be afraid to keep it simple and skip the "Thus saith the Lord" stuff.)

    • Finally, if something was shared over your life, can you confirm it based on your own prayerful contemplation? (If “Yes” then say so! If not, just say “Thanks” and we’ll wait and see what happens.)