Por encima de todo
¿Que esperabas?
Above It All
What Did You Expect?
Above It All
What Did You Expect?
Por encima de todo
¿Que esperabas?

Crew Leader

Introduction (2 minutes)

Use the Zoom chat feature to keep everyone connected. As people join in, ask for their first and last name, email address, and where they are tuning in from. Save the chat as an attendance record.

Reflect

Ask Crew members to share their favorite points from the talk. What phrase or moment did they relate to the most?

Icebreaker: Reflection or Conversation Starter or Virtual Icebreaker (5 minutes)

For your icebreaker, choose from the options below. Have Crew members unmute themselves to share.

Conversation Starters (Choose One)
  • What's something you did this week that you feel proud of?
  • What did you eat for breakfast?
  • Name the best book you’ve ever read.
  • What’s your morning routine?
  • What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
  • If your life was a story, what would the title be?
Virtual Icebreakers (5 minutes)

Preaching Game - Choose random items and allow individuals to find ways to encourage others using that item. (Pick 2-3 volunteers)

Show-and-Tell - Pick an object in your home that has significance for you, something with a funny story behind it, anything unique, or something you've used to simply pass the time.

Crew Discussion

Rules of Attraction

Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr.

Continuing the Conversation
Last Crew's Call to Action

God calls for us to forgive while maintaining boundaries necessary to steward and nurture our souls. This week, lean in to the wisdom of Solomon and study the book of Proverbs to help you develop tools for cultivating Godly relationships while asking God for the courage to forgive. Don’t forget to check out additional resources at https://www.vouschurch.com/care.

Scripture

Genesis 2:18

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Additional Scripture References:

Deuteronomy 30:19, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Genesis 2:24, Proverbs 27:12, Proverbs 31:10, Proverbs 18:22

Main Idea

What attracts us to each other? Is it chemistry, is it looks, or the thought of what could be? Attraction is real, but it should lead to something deeper than just feelings. The wrong attraction will drain you, but a God-ordained attraction will remain through every season. In Genesis, God reminds us, — it is not good for us to be alone. This statement doesn’t just apply to our romantic relationships, it can be seen throughout all areas of life. We were designed for connection. Our God is relational and He has created us for communion, first with Him, and next with those around us. One of the main ways we reflect His image here on Earth is through our relationships. That is why we must look to him for the blueprint of a healthy union.

Quality of life grows through the quality of our relationships

1. The Power of Decision

Like choosing a meal at your favorite restaurant, or picking a movie to watch on Netflix, more options haven’t made us better at choosing; they’ve made us slower and less satisfied. Too many options often lead to no decision at all. Or worse—a bad one. Decisions require logic, wisdom, emotions, connection, intuition and discernment. As we ask God to help us understand who the right person/people to do life with are, we should understand that God’s plan is that we would collaborate and not become codependent on anyone. God is our dependency.

Use your head, heart, and gut to decide because feelings fade but decisions last
When you decide, you divide all other options
If you need someone to feel whole, you'll never feel stable

Fall in love with wisdom

When have you let emotions take over in an important decision? What was the result and how did you invite God into the process?

2. A New Way to Choose

The second most important decision you’ll ever make—after following Jesus—is who you’ll do life with. Dating is an investigation. It’s not a rom-com; it’s research. Who you date doesn’t just affect your present—it shapes your future. Just as God was intentional with Adam in Genesis 2, we need to be intentional in our relationships. God didn’t just give Adam someone—He gave him the right someone. It wasn’t random. Eve was suitable, aligned, and compatible. As we trust God in our relationships, He does the same.

God doesn’t just want to give us company, but compatibility
Red flags are warnings, not decorations, heed God’s voice
Chemistry is the spark, but commitment is the structure upon which love should be founded

Love is not a feeling it’s a decision

Why do you think God gave Adam purpose before giving him a partner? How does having a clear sense of purpose impact our relationships?

Summary

Jesus commanded us to love one another, as He loves us. We are called to love our partner, as God loves His church. Creating healthy relationships horizontally begins with aligning our vertical relationship with Jesus. In the same way, we get to know Jesus through spending time with him, we can apply the same principle to our romantic relationships. When attraction follows God’s order, it doesn’t just lead to romance—it leads to covenant.

Call To Action

This week, spend time reflecting with God on the quality of your relationships. Ask Him to reveal to you what areas you can grow in.

Action Steps:

Take time this week to ask yourself the 5 compatibility questions.

  1. Do they share your faith?
  2. Is their character solid when no one’s watching?
  3. Are they moving in the same direction as you?
  4. Do their life patterns align with their words?
  5. Do they bring peace or chaos to your life?


If you’re in a relationship or married, use these questions to strengthen your current connection.

  1. How can you strengthen each other's faith in this season?
  2. What’s one character trait you can honor them in this week?
  3. Where is God leading you together in this season?
  4. What’s one pattern you can shift in your relationship this season?
  5. How can you mutually pursue peace in your relationship?

Prayer Prompts

  • Prayer for Healthy Relationships:

Lord, guide me to relationships that reflect Your love and wisdom. Help me choose connection over convenience, commitment over chemistry, and purpose over attraction. May my relationships honor You and bring life to those around me.


As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

  • Prayer Against Division:

Lord, You said that a house divided against itself cannot stand. I pray against division in my relationships, family, and community. Where there is discord, bring unity. Where there is misunderstanding, bring clarity. Let Your love be the foundation that holds us together, and give me the wisdom to be a peacemaker in every situation.


If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Mark 3:25

  • Prayer for Waiting Well:

Lord, help me trust Your timing. When I grow impatient, strengthen my heart. Remind me that waiting is not wasted and that You are preparing me for what’s ahead. Let me find peace in Your perfect plan.


Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Announcements

Care Request Form

If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness

Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare

VOUSCon 2025: Dying to be Different

This isn’t just another conference. It’s a holy moment to encounter Jesus, be filled with His presence, and reset your heart around what matters most. Over three days of powerful worship, teaching, and community, you’ll be equipped to lead with clarity and live with boldness.

From curated workshops to next-level add-ons, VOUSCon is designed to meet you where you are and where you lead—whether that’s in your church, your workplace, or the middle of a major life decision. Every session is crafted to grow your faith and strengthen your voice.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

When: Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st

Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146

VOUSCon Prayer Night

VOUSCon is here! On Wednesday before kicking off VOUSCon 2025 in strength and unity we are going to pray.

Don't miss the moment to join us in prayer. Please RSVP by clicking here for our FREE VOUSCon Prayer Night

When: Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 7:00PM
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146

The Road to VOUSCon

Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.

Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19

Learn More

ILMC Serve Day

Serve Day is happening Saturday, July 12th, and we want to get ALL of our crews involved in loving our city so please sign your crew up for a Serve Day project! To see the projects and sign up, please click here! Please have your form in by Wednesday, July 2nd.


When
: Saturday, July 12th
Where
: All VOUS Locations
Time
: 10:00 AM

Sundays at VOUS

VOUS SoMi

8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM

VOUS City

10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM

VOUS Miami Gardens

8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM

VOUS DD

10:30AM / 12:30PM

Church Online

10AM / 12:00 PM / 5PM Español


Growth Track

After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack

Crew Leader

Introduction (2 minutes)

Use the Zoom chat feature to keep everyone connected. As people join in, ask for their first and last name, email address, and where they are tuning in from. Save the chat as an attendance record.

Reflect

Ask Crew members to share their favorite points from the talk. What phrase or moment did they relate to the most?

Icebreaker: Reflection or Conversation Starter or Virtual Icebreaker (5 minutes)

For your icebreaker, choose from the options below. Have Crew members unmute themselves to share.

Conversation Starters (Choose One)
  • What's something you did this week that you feel proud of?
  • What did you eat for breakfast?
  • Name the best book you’ve ever read.
  • What’s your morning routine?
  • What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
  • If your life was a story, what would the title be?
Virtual Icebreakers (5 minutes)

Preaching Game - Choose random items and allow individuals to find ways to encourage others using that item. (Pick 2-3 volunteers)

Show-and-Tell - Pick an object in your home that has significance for you, something with a funny story behind it, anything unique, or something you've used to simply pass the time.

Crew Discussion

What Did You Expect?

Pastor Luke Barry

Continuing the Conversation
VOUSCon 2023: Reflect

VOUSCon was nothing short of a miracle! We're still praising God for all He did. Reflection builds gratitude. Spend the first few minutes of Crew sharing a testimony or reflection from VOUSCon 2023.

Continuing the Conversation
Last Crew's Call to Action

God calls for us to forgive while maintaining boundaries necessary to steward and nurture our souls. This week, lean in to the wisdom of Solomon and study the book of Proverbs to help you develop tools for cultivating Godly relationships while asking God for the courage to forgive. Don’t forget to check out additional resources at https://www.vouschurch.com/care.

Scripture

Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Additional Scripture References: John 11:32; Job 13:15; John 11:5; Matthew 14:31

Main Idea

Life often doesn't meet our expectations, leading to frustration and disappointment. We may hope for one outcome, only to be met with something entirely different, creating a gap between what we expected and what we experienced. This gap can lead us to question God, our faith, and our hope. But through stories like that of Lazarus and Job, we learn that God isn’t in the business of just meeting expectations, He’s in the business of exceeding them.

God’s power to perform exceeds our ability to ask

1. Hope and Expectation

Faith grows through hope and trusting God’s timing. Positive expectations can fuel faith, while unmet expectations can lead to disappointment. Often, we expect something specific from God but find ourselves limiting Him to only a particular outcome. When we don’t see Him come through just as we expected, we can find ourselves frustrated and disappointed — where was God? The truth is, God is always at work. We may not always see Him moving, or understand His plan, but He has something greater in mind.

Disappointment can tempt us to give up on expectations, but it’s an opportunity to strengthen our faith
God’s plans always exceed our expectations
Don't allow your expectations of what God was “supposed” to do get in the way of what He wants to do

If God always met your expectations, how could He ever exceed them?

What areas of your life are you waiting for God to show up? How can you operate from faith in the present as you hope for the future?

2. Endurance and Enjoyment

Job’s story is a powerful example of enduring pain and disappointment without losing faith. Even in his suffering, Job declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” Despite the immense loss, he continued to trust God, showing us that our hope can remain, even in the midst of struggle. Endurance is the ability to trust that God is working, even when we can’t see it.

Endurance strengthens our faith through trials
God hasn’t called us to merely endure life, He’s called us to enjoy it
Enjoying life is appreciating the little, it’s not a pain-free life, but a grateful one

We can say: “God, I don’t understand everything but I trust you in everything”

How has a difficult season strengthened your appreciation for God’s blessings?

Summary

Possibly the greatest source of frustration in life is unmet expectations. The difference between what we expected versus what we experienced often leads us to stop expecting. But there’s an invitation of faith amidst the frustration. Don’t lower your expectations; lift your faith. Give God something to exceed. God can do it, the question is: can you believe it?

Call To Action

Identify areas where you may be limiting God by expecting a specific outcome. Practice finding gratitude by celebrating the little things.

Announcements

Care Request Form

If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness

Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare

VOUSCon 2025: Dying to be Different

This isn’t just another conference. It’s a holy moment to encounter Jesus, be filled with His presence, and reset your heart around what matters most. Over three days of powerful worship, teaching, and community, you’ll be equipped to lead with clarity and live with boldness.

From curated workshops to next-level add-ons, VOUSCon is designed to meet you where you are and where you lead—whether that’s in your church, your workplace, or the middle of a major life decision. Every session is crafted to grow your faith and strengthen your voice.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

When: Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st

Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146

VOUSCon Prayer Night

VOUSCon is here! On Wednesday before kicking off VOUSCon 2025 in strength and unity we are going to pray.

Don't miss the moment to join us in prayer. Please RSVP by clicking here for our FREE VOUSCon Prayer Night

When: Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 7:00PM
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146

The Road to VOUSCon

Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.

Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19

Learn More

ILMC Serve Day

Serve Day is happening Saturday, July 12th, and we want to get ALL of our crews involved in loving our city so please sign your crew up for a Serve Day project! To see the projects and sign up, please click here! Please have your form in by Wednesday, July 2nd.


When
: Saturday, July 12th
Where
: All VOUS Locations
Time
: 10:00 AM

Sundays at VOUS

VOUS SoMi

8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM

VOUS City

10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM

VOUS Miami Gardens

8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM

VOUS DD

10:30AM / 12:30PM

Church Online

10AM / 12:00 PM / 5PM Español


Growth Track

After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack

Sign Up for a Crew ->