By Michael C. Mack

What initially interested you about your church? Was it the building? the church’s reputation? a church leader? another person? something else? 

Read Jeremiah 7:1-15. 

As people entered the temple, their place of worship, what was God most concerned about? 

Look through the passage and compare/contrast how the people of Judah perceived the temple and how people today think about their church buildings. 

What changes was God telling the people to make? Do you think any of these were new to them?

When God said, “I will let you live in this place” (the promised land—vv. 3, 7), what was he implying about the people and himself? 

In what ways could church services, church buildings, or an emphasis on church growth become idols or get in the way of worshiping God today? 

Years ago Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song called “The Change.” Listen to it, watch the video online, or print out the words. Discuss: What in your life shows that you are undergoing a changed life from the inside out?

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).