Christians today are experiencing massive challenges to faith, but there is beauty and opportunity to be found in this season too. Embracing the Fall is a six-part series, filmed in Australia and the US, designed to help Christians rediscover hope and purpose in the four biggest issues facing the church today: leadership failures, faith deconstruction, cultural disconnection, and ongoing division.
Episode Summary:
(average episode length: 12 minutes)
1) Loss, Beauty and Opportunity
2) From Disgrace to Renewed Honour
3) From Deconstruction to Renewed Truth
4) From Disconnection to Renewed Engagement
5) From Division to Renewed Community
6) Seedtime and Harvest
Bonus Episode
Series Information:
Embracing the Fall has been created to facilitate conversations between Christians of all ages, and is ideally suited for use in small groups and bible studies.
The episodes and questions below have been provided for individual use, or for leaders wanting to “try out” the series before running it with their groups.
For small group or bible study leaders intending to use the series in your church or ministry, please register below for access to the free Leaders Resource page.
Free Resources for Leaders!
If you are a group leader, please register your group using the button below and you will be emailed a link to access the free Leaders Resource Page. On this page you’ll find the free, 40-page Leader’s Guide, containing series and session planning guides, as well as in-depth studies for each episode. You will also be able to download all the Embracing the Fall videos via Vimeo.
Embracing the Fall – SeriesTrailer
Are you concerned about the future of the church and you’re looking for a faithful way to respond? Join Andrew Cameron in this six-part series and discover hope and purpose in the four biggest issues facing Christians today.
Episode 1: Loss, Beauty & Opportunity
Many Christians today are feeling a sense of loss about the changes in our culture and the church, but like in the season of autumn, there is beauty and new life to be found. The introduction to the Embracing the Fall series.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read Hebrews 12:4-13.
1. Two realities were true for the first recipients of this letter: 1) they were being opposed by non-believers (v3), and 2) they were in need of God’s discipline themselves. What evidence do you see of both realities being true for Christians today?
2. Believers are encouraged to “endure hardship as discipline” (v7) and “submit to the Father” (v9). What are some other ways we might respond when we experience hardship as Christians?
3. When you look at the Christian Church today, what examples do you see of God already working to discipline his people? What hope does v11 give you for the future of the church?
4. v12-13 encourage us to move from a posture of discouragement to one of courage and faith. How practically can this happen? What wisdom does Proverbs 4:20-27 give to us about this?
Episode 1: Loss, Beauty & Opportunity
Many Christians today are feeling a sense of loss about the changes in our culture and the church, but like in the season of autumn, there is beauty and new life to be found. The introduction to the Embracing the Fall series.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read Hebrews 12:4-13.
1. Two realities were true for the first recipients of this letter: 1) they were being opposed by non-believers (v3), and 2) they were in need of God’s discipline themselves. What evidence do you see of both realities being true for Christians today?
2. Believers are encouraged to “endure hardship as discipline” (v7) and “submit to the Father” (v9). What are some other ways we might respond when we experience hardship as Christians?
3. When you look at the Christian Church today, what examples do you see of God already working to discipline his people? What hope does v11 give you for the future of the church?
4. v12-13 encourage us to move from a posture of discouragement to one of courage and faith. How practically can this happen? What wisdom does Proverbs 4:20-27 give to us about this?
Ep2: From Disgrace to Renewed Honour
Church and leadership failures harm people and bring disgrace to the name of Jesus, but Christians now have a unique opportunity to reform and renew a culture of honour for the whole church.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read Jeremiah 7:1-11.
1. God’s people believed their ritual obedience to Temple worship made them immune from His judgement. Have you ever felt like you had a “box checking” faith? What are some other reasons we might miss God’s call to reform?
2. v5-11 contains a number of sinful actions God’s people were guilty of. If you were to take an honest look at the church in your own context, what do you believe God desires to reform?
3. Jesus himself quotes from v11 (see Mark 11:17) to confront commercial and oppressive practices in the Temple. What can churches do today to make sure their focus stays on prayer over profit?
4. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 presents a beautiful picture of mutual honour and gifting in the church. In what ways does your church give equal concern and honour to every part of the body?
Ep2: From Disgrace to Renewed Honour
Church and leadership failures harm people and bring disgrace to the name of Jesus, but Christians now have a unique opportunity to reform and renew a culture of honour for the whole church.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read Jeremiah 7:1-11.
1. God’s people believed their ritual obedience to Temple worship made them immune from His judgement. Have you ever felt like you had a “box checking” faith? What are some other reasons we might miss God’s call to reform?
2. v5-11 contains a number of sinful actions God’s people were guilty of. If you were to take an honest look at the church in your own context, what do you believe God desires to reform?
3. Jesus himself quotes from v11 (see Mark 11:17) to confront commercial and oppressive practices in the Temple. What can churches do today to make sure their focus stays on prayer over profit?
4. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 presents a beautiful picture of mutual honour and gifting in the church. In what ways does your church give equal concern and honour to every part of the body?
Ep 3: From Deconstruction to Renewed Truth
Faith deconstruction challenges the beliefs and practices of Christianity, but it doesn’t have to lead to the erosion of truth, it can instead lead to the renewal of truth.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-23.
1. The Apostle Paul is confronting a church divided into theological “tribes”, rather than united in Christ. What are some reasons for all the denominations present in the Church today?
2. How confident are you that your own beliefs and practices are based on God’s truth, rather than being the product of your particular tribe?
3. Choose an aspect of Christianity that is subject to faith deconstruction, e.g. biblical masculinity and femininity, Christian involvement in politics. Can you distinguish between what is a truly biblical teaching or practice vs what is cultural?
4. Doubts and questions are a normal part of the life of faith, but they can be difficult to express in contemporary churches. Is there anything you’ve been wrestling with, but unable to talk about?
Ep 3: From Deconstruction to Renewed Truth
Faith deconstruction challenges the beliefs and practices of Christianity, but it doesn’t have to lead to the erosion of truth, it can instead lead to the renewal of truth.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-23.
1. The Apostle Paul is confronting a church divided into theological “tribes”, rather than united in Christ. What are some reasons for all the denominations present in the Church today?
2. How confident are you that your own beliefs and practices are based on God’s truth, rather than being the product of your particular tribe?
3. Choose an aspect of Christianity that is subject to faith deconstruction, e.g. biblical masculinity and femininity, Christian involvement in politics. Can you distinguish between what is a truly biblical teaching or practice vs what is cultural?
4. Doubts and questions are a normal part of the life of faith, but they can be difficult to express in contemporary churches. Is there anything you’ve been wrestling with, but unable to talk about?
Ep 4: From Disconnection to Renewed Engagement
Being the majority in society came with many benefits, but as society changes Christians now need a renewed commitment to discipleship and mission.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read Mark 8:34-38 and John 15:18-21
1. Jesus taught his disciples to “lose their life” for him, and expect to be hated and opposed for it. What are the similarities and differences between ‘the world’ the disciples were sent into, and ours?
2. For centuries, countries in the West have been considered “Christian countries”. In what ways has the cultural enmeshment of Christianity in the West been both good and bad for the gospel?
3. How equipped do you feel to faithfully and effectively live out your faith in the world today? What are the most challenging issues you face?
4. As Christians experience more opposition in society, the choice to follow Jesus becomes more costly, especially for younger people. What are some costs young people might face, and how can you (your church & small group) help them?
Ep 4: From Disconnection to Renewed Engagement
Being the majority in society came with many benefits, but as society changes Christians now need a renewed commitment to discipleship and mission.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read Mark 8:34-38 and John 15:18-21
1. Jesus taught his disciples to “lose their life” for him, and expect to be hated and opposed for it. What are the similarities and differences between ‘the world’ the disciples were sent into, and ours?
2. For centuries, countries in the West have been considered “Christian countries”. In what ways has the cultural enmeshment of Christianity in the West been both good and bad for the gospel?
3. How equipped do you feel to faithfully and effectively live out your faith in the world today? What are the most challenging issues you face?
4. As Christians experience more opposition in society, the choice to follow Jesus becomes more costly, especially for younger people. What are some costs young people might face, and how can you (your church & small group) help them?
Ep 5: From Division to Renewed Community
The divisions in the Christian church often seem too big and complex to overcome, but we can take tangible steps towards unity in our social, church and local communities.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read John 17:1-26
1. In v20-23, Jesus says the unity of God’s people will impact “the world”. When you look at what’s happening in the world today, why is unity in the church so important for our witness and impact?
2. The divisions in the church are so deep and longstanding, do you think it’s fair to say most Christians have given up on trying to seek unity? Is this understandable realism, or disobedience?
3. Read Ephesians 4:2-6 and 1 Corinthians 1:10. Which is easier, to be “at peace” with others, or to “agree” with others? How are they connected?
4. What practical opportunities can you pursue: a) in your church community, to connect with other Christians outside your normal ‘circle’, and b) in your local community, to connect with other churches in your local area?
Ep 5: From Division to Renewed Community
The divisions in the Christian church often seem too big and complex to overcome, but we can take tangible steps towards unity in our social, church and local communities.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read John 17:1-26
1. In v20-23, Jesus says the unity of God’s people will impact “the world”. When you look at what’s happening in the world today, why is unity in the church so important for our witness and impact?
2. The divisions in the church are so deep and longstanding, do you think it’s fair to say most Christians have given up on trying to seek unity? Is this understandable realism, or disobedience?
3. Read Ephesians 4:2-6 and 1 Corinthians 1:10. Which is easier, to be “at peace” with others, or to “agree” with others? How are they connected?
4. What practical opportunities can you pursue: a) in your church community, to connect with other Christians outside your normal ‘circle’, and b) in your local community, to connect with other churches in your local area?
Ep 6: Seedtime and Harvest
What now? Before jumping to the next thing, let’s take some first steps of response that will lead us to faithful action in our lives, small groups, churches & ministries.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read Matthew 9:35-38
1. Interestingly, Jesus says the harvest is plentiful, not because the crowds wanted the gospel, but because they needed it. What evidence do you see in the ‘crowds’ today of their need for God?
(check out the following research for signs of greater spiritual openness in Australia and the US today: https://mccrindle.com.au/app/uploads/reports/The-changing-faith-landscape-of-Australia-Report-2022.pdf https://barna.com/research/rising-spiritual-openness/)
2. What does Jesus mean by “worker” in this context? And what is the “harvest field”? What are you really asking for when you ask God “to send out workers”? Are you willing to go?
3. How practically can you undertake the “next steps” of reflect, discern, celebrate, pray and act? How is God calling you to put this series into action?
Ep 6: Seedtime and Harvest
What now? Before jumping to the next thing, let’s take some first steps of response that will lead us to faithful action in our lives, small groups, churches & ministries.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion
Read Matthew 9:35-38
1. Interestingly, Jesus says the harvest is plentiful, not because the crowds wanted the gospel, but because they needed it. What evidence do you see in the ‘crowds’ today of their need for God?
(check out the following research for signs of greater spiritual openness in Australia and the US today: https://mccrindle.com.au/app/uploads/reports/The-changing-faith-landscape-of-Australia-Report-2022.pdf https://barna.com/research/rising-spiritual-openness/)
2. What does Jesus mean by “worker” in this context? And what is the “harvest field”? What are you really asking for when you ask God “to send out workers”? Are you willing to go?
3. How practically can you undertake the “next steps” of reflect, discern, celebrate, pray and act? How is God calling you to put this series into action?
Bonus Episode
This episode is to be used as part of the “Reflect” step, which is discussed in episode 6.
About Andrew Cameron
Andrew Cameron has served as a youth leader, young adults pastor, associate pastor and lead pastor in churches across Australia, England and the US. Andrew is currently an ordained minister with the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, and has also served in Anglican, Pentecostal and Non-Denominational churches. In addition, Andrew spent two decades involved with global ministry, Ambassadors Football, serving alongside Christians from over 25 countries.
In 2024 Andrew started Inspiring Faith, a video discipleship ministry, and 360 Faith, an initiative to bring young adults together across different denominations for discipleship and outreach. Outside of his ministry in the church, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family and is a passionate supporter of Liverpool FC, the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Ohio State Buckeyes!
