Crew
Leader Hub

Your hub for all things crew
As Crew Leaders, we don't practice on people. Below you'll find your Crew essentials for a successful Crew.

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
Lisa Harper

The King Who Comes Close

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.

As we conclude Mature Church, we're taking time to reflect on the past few weeks. We will explore what this collection taught us, how God spoke, and what we're taking away.

Scripture

Mark 1:40-42

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, ‘If you will, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Additional Scripture References:

Hebrews 1, Heb 4:11-16 ESV, Luke 13:10-17

Main Idea

Oftentimes, we forget how God draws near to us, through Jesus, and how He sits with us in our pain and sorrow. In moments of brokenness, He often uses someone in proximity to come close and stand shoulder to shoulder with us in the thick of it–so that His love, compassion, power, and mercy can be intimately experienced. Even in our shame and guilt, He comes close and carries the residue of our pain.

Nothing in our lives is hidden from God.

1. Jesus Draws Near to Us

We often forget just how near God is to us through Jesus—how He sits with us in our pain, not apart from it. In our most broken moments, He doesn’t stay distant. Instead, He draws close, sometimes through the presence of another person willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with us. It’s there, in proximity, that His love, compassion, power, and mercy become deeply personal. Even when we feel covered in shame or guilt, He moves toward us and carries the residue of our pain as His own.

Don't let shame be the thing that distances you from God
God's accessibility is an invitation to intimacy, not performance
Embrace the truth that we are God's children, fully known and fully loved

You don't know Jesus if you can't lean into His embrace.

Have you ever felt unworthy of love? How did you accept the love of Jesus?

  • Can you recall a time you sensed God drawing near in a season of pain or failure? What did His nearness look like for you in that moment?
  • What do you hide from God that He can embrace and heal? 
  • How can you draw nearer to Jesus, not just through scripture, but by accepting his accessibility in your daily life?
  • What spiritual practices (or moments) have helped move you from performance to presence with Jesus?
  • What would it look like to let Jesus "hold" your brokenness before fixing it?
  • Why do you think Jesus chose to touch the leper before healing him?

2. Jesus Heals Through Proximity

In the time of Jesus, lepers were social outcasts—excluded physically, spiritually, and emotionally. But when the leper in Mark 1 approached Jesus, He didn’t heal from a distance. Jesus touched him first, while he was still unclean. He chose closeness over comfort, presence over protocol.

In a fast-paced, temptation-filled city, it’s easy to feel too far gone. But Jesus is always willing to come near. He reaches into the mess and says, “I am willing. Be clean.” He still meets us in our hidden pain. His love is personal. His compassion is close. His healing is always possible.

We are never too far gone for God’s compassion
God’s love is personal, active, and equal for all
Healing often begins with honesty and surrender

Jesus is simultaneously perfectly transcendent, perfectly holy, and perfectly accessible.

Have you ever felt too far from God—like you were too broken or too lost to come back? How did that affect your relationship with Him?

  • What area of your life have you assumed is off-limits to God's touch? Why?
  • How can you create space in your daily life to experience God’s presence, even in the middle of a busy and tempting world?
  • What are some "performances" or behaviors you’ve used to try to feel closer to God?
  • Are you more prone to keep distance from Jesus out of shame or out of pride? Why?
  • In what ways do we keep people at a distance that Jesus would draw near to?
  • How can you show that same compassion and closeness to someone in your life who feels like an outcast or forgotten?

Summary

Jesus didn’t wait for the leper to clean himself up. He came close, touched what others avoided, and loved without conditions. This moment wasn’t just a miracle of healing; it was a revelation of God’s heart. The gospel tells us of a Holy God who became human, not to stand far off, but to step into our condition, to carry our shame, and to heal our hearts with His nearness. In every season, Jesus still chooses presence over performance. He still moves toward the broken, not away. If we let Him, He will meet us right where we are, not with judgment, but with healing. His holiness doesn't exclude us; it embraces us.

Call to Action

This week, don’t clean up before coming close. Come close and let Jesus do the healing. Proximity leads to transformation. Bring Him the real, raw, honest you.

  • Reflect: Are there places in your life where shame or striving has kept you from intimacy with Jesus?
  • Respond: This week, practice vulnerability with Jesus. Bring Him the messy, hidden parts of your life in prayer.
  • Reframe: Remember, holiness isn’t earned. It’s encountered. It’s not about how clean you are but how close you’re willing to come.

Prayer Prompts

As you reflect on Sunday’s message, here are some guided prayers and scriptures you can use over the next week. If you're looking for ways to grow deeper in this specific area, let these words cover, challenge, and encourage you along the way.

Prayer for Compassion Like Christ’s

Lord, give me eyes to see those who feel invisible, forgotten or unworthy. Let my life reflect the nearness of Your love.

“Be kind to one and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32


Prayer for Identity Rooted in Christ

Jesus, remind me that I am not my mistakes, my past, or my shame. I am Yours. Let my identity be shaped by Your truth, not my fear.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1


Prayer for Courage to be Loved

Jesus, sometimes it’s easier to serve You than to sit with You. Teach me to receive Your love without earning it. Quiet the voice of shame and awaken my heart to trust again.

“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19


Prayer for Stillness in God’s Presence

God, I often try to prove myself or perform for Your approval. But You simply want me to be with You. Help me slow down, be still, and remember that You are enough, and so am I, in You.

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15

Please make sure to submit your head count immediately after crew!

Record Head Count

Announcements

For Crew Leaders

Crew Headcounts and Crew Reports Are Due the Night of Your Crew

Let's all make sure that we are turning in our Crew Reports and Headcounts right after your crew is done. Let's not wait for someone to text us a day or couple days after your crew is over to submit your report and your headcount.

If you need a refresher on how to submit your Crew Report and headcount, click here for an instructional video.

For Crew Leaders

Crew Updates Form

Our team is prepping for SZN 3 2025. Please let us know if you will continue to lead and/or if you would like to make updates to your existing Crew. This information is necessary for us to create your Crew Groups, Events, and accurately reflect it on the website!

Fill out here.

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

Baptisms Sunday

Saying yes to Jesus marks a brand new beginning. Baptism is your next step. It's how you go public with your faith and celebrate the new life God has given you. The past is behind you, and a fresh future is ahead. This is your moment. We are having baptisms this Sunday, July 27th, across all of our locations, and on the beach.

To sign up for baptisms, please click here.

ILMC: Back to School Bash

This back-to-school season, we have the opportunity to show up for our city in a meaningful way. On Saturday, August 2, we’re hosting a Back to School Bash at the Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center, located inside Charles Hadley Park. It’s a chance to serve local families by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies and making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to start the year with confidence.

Donate - Fill backpacks for families in need for the school year. You can purchase supplies locally and bring to a VOUS Location or donate online.

Serve - Help host our annual Back To School Bash for families in our community — distribute backpacks, check-in guests, and serve our city during a morning of fun and games.

When: Saturday, August 2nd

Where: Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center

Address: 4900 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Team Rally: 10:20AM

New Service Times at VOUS

Starting Sunday, August 3rd, we will be moving to brand new service times at all of our locations!

VOUS SoMi

10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM

VOUS City

10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM

VOUS Miami Gardens

8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM

VOUS Design District

8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM

VOUS College School of Ministry Application

The countdown is on! If you're ready to take your next step in ministry, leadership, or higher education, now is the time to apply. VOUS College application deadline is July 31st for both our degree-seeking and leadership programs. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a life-changing semester. Start your journey at vouscollege.com/apply.

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

El Rey que se acerca

Lisa Harper

ESCRITURA

Marcos 1:40-42

40 Vino a él un leproso, rogándole; e hincada la rodilla, le dijo: Si quieres, puedes limpiarme. 41 Y Jesús, teniendo misericordia de él, extendió la mano y le tocó, y le dijo: Quiero, sé limpio. 42 Y así que él hubo hablado, al instante la lepra se fue de aquel, y quedó limpio.

Referencias bíblicas adicionales:

Hebreos 1, Heb 4:11-16 RVR60, Lucas 13:10-17

PUNTO PRINCIPAL

A menudo olvidamos cómo Dios se acerca a nosotros, a través de Jesús, y cómo nos acompaña en nuestro dolor y tristeza. En momentos de quebrantamiento, a menudo usa a alguien cercano para acercarse y estar codo a codo con nosotros en medio de la situación, para que podamos experimentar íntimamente su amor, compasión, poder y misericordia. Incluso en medio de nuestra vergüenza y culpa, él se acerca y carga con el residuo de nuestro dolor.

1. Jesús se acerca a nosotros

Dios no es un constructo existencial. Es un Dios vivo y palpitante que anhela la cercanía y relación. Se hizo el Verbo hecho carne en Jesucristo: presente, activo y lleno de misericordia. La vergüenza suele ser el amortiguador que usamos para mantener a Jesús a distancia. Pero la verdad es que no se trata de nuestra persistencia, nuestro buen desempeño ni la frecuencia con la que asistimos a la iglesia. Es cuestión de proximidad. Cuanto más nos acercamos a Jesús, más nos desarma su bondad.

No dejes que la vergüenza te aleje de Dios.
La accesibilidad de Dios es una invitación a la intimidad, no al desempeño.
Abraza la verdad de que somos hijos de Dios, plenamente conocidos y plenamente amados.

No conoces a Jesús si no puedes perderte en su abrazo.

¿Alguna vez te has sentido indigno de amor? ¿Cómo aceptaste el amor de Jesús?

  • ¿Recuerdas alguna vez que sentiste la cercanía de Dios en un momento de dolor o fracaso? ¿Cómo se manifestó su cercanía en ese momento?
  • ¿Qué le ocultas a Dios que Él puede abrazar y sanar?
  • ¿Cómo puedes acercarte a Jesús, no solo a través de las Escrituras, sino aceptando su accesibilidad en tu vida diaria?
  • ¿Qué prácticas (o momentos) espirituales te han ayudado a pasar de la actuación a la presencia con Jesús?
  • ¿Cómo sería dejar que Jesús "abrace" tu quebrantamiento antes de sanarlo?
  • ¿Por qué crees que Jesús eligió tocar al leproso antes de sanarlo?

2. Jesús sana a través de la cercanía

En tiempos de Jesús, los leprosos eran marginados sociales: excluidos física, espiritual y emocionalmente. Pero cuando el leproso de Marcos 1 se acercó a Jesús, Él no lo sanó a distancia. Jesús lo tocó primero, mientras aún estaba impuro. Prefirió la cercanía a la comodidad, la presencia al protocolo.

En una ciudad acelerada y llena de tentaciones, es fácil sentirse demasiado perdido. Pero Jesús siempre está dispuesto a acercarse. Se acerca a la confusión y dice: «Quiero. Sé limpio». Él todavía se acerca a nuestro dolor oculto. Su amor es personal. Su compasión es cercana. Su sanidad siempre es posible.

Nunca estamos demasiado lejos de la compasión de Dios.
El amor de Dios es personal, activo e igual para todos.
La sanidad a menudo comienza con la honestidad y la entrega.

Jesús es a la vez perfectamente trascendente, perfectamente santo y perfectamente accesible.

¿Alguna vez te has sentido demasiado lejos de Dios, como si estuvieras demasiado roto o demasiado perdido para regresar? ¿Cómo afectó eso tu relación con Él?

  • ¿Qué área de tu vida has dado por hecho de que está más allá del toque de Dios? ¿Por qué?
  • ¿Cómo puedes crear espacio en tu vida diaria para experimentar la presencia de Dios, incluso en medio de un mundo ajetreado y tentador?
  • ¿Qué "actuaciones" o comportamientos has usado para intentar sentirte más cerca de Dios?
  • ¿Eres más propenso a alejarte de Jesús por vergüenza o por orgullo? ¿Por qué?
  • ¿De qué maneras mantenemos a distancia a las personas a quienes Jesús se acercaría?
  • ¿Cómo puedes mostrar esa misma compasión y cercanía a alguien en tu vida que se siente marginado u olvidado?

RESUMEN

Jesús no esperó a que el leproso se limpiara a sí mismo. Se acercó, tocó lo que otros evitaban y amó sin condiciones. Ese momento no fue solo un milagro de sanidad; fue también una revelación del corazón de Dios. El Evangelio nos habla de un Dios Santo que se hizo humano, no para distanciarse, sino para asumir nuestra condición, cargar con nuestra vergüenza y sanar nuestros corazones con su cercanía. En cada etapa, Jesús sigue prefiriendo la presencia en lugar de la actuación. Sigue acercándose a los quebrantados, no alejándose. Si se lo permitimos, nos encontrará justo donde estamos, no con juicio, sino con sanidad. Su santidad no nos excluye; nos abraza.

LLAMADO A LA ACCIÓN

Esta semana, no te limpies antes de acercarte. Acércate y deja que Jesús te sane. La proximidad lleva a la transformación. Muéstrale tu yo real, puro y honesto.

  • Reflexiona: ¿Hay aspectos de tu vida donde la vergüenza o el esfuerzo te han impedido tener intimidad con Jesús?
  • Responde: Esta semana, practica la vulnerabilidad con Jesús. Cuéntale en oración las partes desordenadas y ocultas de tu vida.
  • Reencuadra: Recuerda: la santidad no se gana. Está en el encuentro. No se trata de cuán limpio estés, sino de cuánto estés dispuesto a acercarte.

GUÍA DE ORACIÓN

Al reflexionar sobre el mensaje del domingo, aquí tienes algunas oraciones guiadas y pasajes bíblicos que puedes usar durante la próxima semana. Si buscas maneras de profundizar en esta área específica, deja que estas palabras te guíen, te desafíen y te animen en el camino.

  • Oración por una Compasión como la de Cristo

Señor, dame ojos para ver a quienes se sienten invisibles, olvidados o indignos. Que mi vida refleje la cercanía de tu amor.

Más bien, sean bondadosos y compasivos unos con otros, y perdónense mutuamente, así como Dios los perdonó a ustedes en Cristo. – Efesios 4:32


  • Oración por una identidad arraigada en Cristo

Jesús, recuérdame que mis errores, mi pasado ni mi vergüenza me definen. Soy Tuyo. Que mi identidad sea moldeada por tu verdad, no por mi miedo.

¡Fíjense qué gran amor nos ha dado el Padre, que se nos llame hijos de Dios! ¡Y lo somos! – 1 Juan 3:1

  • Oración para tener la valentía de ser amado

Jesús, a veces es más fácil servirte que estar contigo. Enséñame a recibir tu amor sin ganármelo. Acalla la voz de la vergüenza y despierta mi corazón para que vuelva a confiar.

Nosotros amamos porque él nos amó primero. – 1 Juan 4:19

  • Oración para estar en quietud en la presencia de Dios

Dios, a menudo intento demostrar mi valía o actuar para tu aprobación. Pero tú simplemente quieres que esté contigo. Ayúdame a calmarme, a estar en quietud y a recordar que tú eres suficiente, y que yo también lo soy en ti.

En el arrepentimiento y la calma está su salvación, en la serenidad y la confianza está su fuerza – Isaías 30:15

Please make sure to submit your head count immediately after crew!

Record Head Count

ANUNCIOS

sólo para líderes de crew

Formulario de Building Blocks

Nuestro equipo de Crews está planeando el encuentro Crew Catch Up y nos encantaría invitar a sus building blocks. Rellena este formulario antes del 13 de febrero para que podamos prepararnos mejor.

Para completar tu formulario de Building Blocks, haz clic aquí

sólo para líderes de crew

Crew Update Forms

Nuestro equipo de crew ya se está preparando para la SZN 2 de crews. Por favor, completa el formulario de actualización de crew para hacernos saber cuáles serán tus planes para la próxima temporada. Completa este formulario antes del 7 de abril por favor para que podamos estar mejor preparados para ¡una gran SZN 2!

Haz clic aquí para el Crew Update Form.

Solicitud para ser lider de Crew

¿Estás interesado en liderar un Crew? Haz clic here para llenar una solicitud ¡para liderar un crew en SZN 3!

Fomulario de solicitud de cuidado

Si alguien de tu crew necesita atención, queremos acompañarte. Nuestro Equipo de Cuidados está diseñado para brindarte las herramientas necesarias para acompañar a las personas en las diferentes etapas de sus vidas.

Nuestro equipo se compromete a celebrar contigo los mejores momentos de la vida y a ofrecerte apoyo en los más difíciles.

Nos encantaría acompañarte en las siguientes circunstancias:

+ Matrimonios

+ Nacimientos

+ Fallecimientos

+ Hospitalizaciones/enfermedad

Puedes hacer una solicitud en vouschurch.com/requestcare

Domingo de Bautismos

Decirle “sí” a Jesús marca un nuevo comienzo. El bautismo es tu siguiente paso. Es la forma de hacer pública tu fe y celebrar la nueva vida que Dios te ha dado. El pasado queda atrás y tienes un nuevo futuro por delante. Este es tu momento. Tendremos bautismos este domingo, 27 de julio, en todas nuestras localidades y en la playa.

Para inscribirte en los bautismos, haz clic aquí.

Solicitud para la Escuela de Ministerio de VOUS College

¡Ya empezó la cuenta regresiva! Si estás listo para dar el siguiente paso en el ministerio, el liderazgo o la educación superior, ¡ahora es el momento de solicitar tu ingreso! La fecha límite de solicitud para VOUS College es el 31 de julio, tanto para nuestros programas de grado como de liderazgo. No pierdas la oportunidad de formar parte de un semestre que te cambiará la vida. Comienza tu camino en vouscollege.com/apply

ILMC: Back to School Bash - Fiesta de regreso a clases

En esta temporada de regreso a clases, tenemos la oportunidad de apoyar a nuestra ciudad de una manera significativa. El sábado 2 de agosto, celebraremos la Fiesta de Regreso a Clases en el Centro Juvenil Samuel K. Johnson, ubicado dentro del Parque Charles Hadley. Es una oportunidad para servir a las familias de la ciudad distribuyendo mochilas con útiles escolares y asegurándonos de que cada estudiante se sienta reconocido, apoyado y listo para comenzar el año escolar con confianza.

Ya sea que desees donar una mochila o colaborar formando parte del equipo de acción comunitaria, hay un lugar para ti. Desde dar la bienvenida a las familias hasta ayudar a los niños a elegir sus útiles, tu presencia puede marcar la diferencia. Unámonos para que este año escolar comience con alegría.

RSVP: haz clic aquí.

Domingos en VOUS

VOUS SoMi

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

VOUS City

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

VOUS Miami Gardens

10:30AM / 12:30PM

VOUS DD

10:30AM / 12:30PM

Church Online

10:30AM / 12:30PM / 5PM Español

Growth Track

Después de cada servicio u online 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
Lisa Harper

The King Who Comes Close

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.

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.

Scripture

Mark 1:40-42

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, ‘If you will, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Additional Scripture References:

Hebrews 1, Heb 4:11-16 ESV, Luke 13:10-17

Main Idea

We often forget just how near God is to us through Jesus—how He sits with us in our pain, not apart from it. In our most broken moments, He doesn’t stay distant. Instead, He draws close, sometimes through the presence of another person willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with us. It’s there, in proximity, that His love, compassion, power, and mercy become deeply personal. Even when we feel covered in shame or guilt, He moves toward us and carries the residue of our pain as His own.

1. Jesus Draws Near to Us

God is not an existential construct. He is a living, breathing God who desires closeness and relationship. He became the Word made flesh through Jesus Christ—present, active, and full of mercy. Shame is often the buffer we use to keep Jesus at a distance. But the truth is, it is not about how persistent we are, how well we perform, or how often we attend church. It is about proximity. The closer we come to Jesus, the more undone we become by His kindness.

Don’t let shame be the thing that distances you from God
God’s accessibility is an invitation to intimacy, not performance
Embrace the truth that we are God’s children, fully known and fully loved

You don’t know Jesus if you can’t lean into His embrace.

Have you ever felt unworthy of love? How did you accept the love of Jesus?

  • Can you recall a time you sensed God drawing near in a season of pain or failure? What did His nearness look like for you in that moment?
  • What do you hide from God that He can embrace and heal?
  • How can you draw nearer to Jesus, not just through scripture, but by accepting his accessibility in your daily life?
  • What spiritual practices (or moments) have helped move you from performance to presence with Jesus?
  • What would it look like to let Jesus "hold" your brokenness before fixing it?
  • Why do you think Jesus chose to touch the leper before healing him?

2. Jesus Heals Through Proximity

In the time of Jesus, lepers were social outcasts—excluded physically, spiritually, and emotionally. But when the leper in Mark 1 approached Jesus, He didn’t heal from a distance. Jesus touched him first, while he was still unclean. He chose closeness over comfort, presence over protocol.

In a fast-paced, temptation-filled city, it’s easy to feel too far gone. But Jesus is always willing to come near. He reaches into the mess and says, “I am willing. Be clean.” He still meets us in our hidden pain. His love is personal. His compassion is close. His healing is always possible.

We are never too far gone for God’s compassion
God’s love is personal, active, and equal for all
Healing often begins with honesty and surrender

Jesus is simultaneously perfectly transcendent, perfectly holy, and perfectly accessible.

Have you ever felt too far from God—like you were too broken or too lost to come back? How did that affect your relationship with Him?

  • What area of your life have you assumed is off-limits to God's touch? Why?
  • How can you create space in your daily life to experience God’s presence, even in the middle of a busy and tempting world?
  • What are some "performances" or behaviors you’ve used to try to feel closer to God?
  • Are you more prone to keep distance from Jesus out of shame or out of pride? Why?
  • In what ways do we keep people at a distance that Jesus would draw near to?
  • How can you show that same compassion and closeness to someone in your life who feels like an outcast or forgotten?

Summary

Jesus didn’t wait for the leper to clean himself up. He came close, touched what others avoided, and loved without conditions. This moment wasn’t just a miracle of healing; it was a revelation of God’s heart. The gospel tells us of a Holy God who became human, not to stand far off, but to step into our condition, to carry our shame, and to heal our hearts with His nearness. In every season, Jesus still chooses presence over performance. He still moves toward the broken, not away. If we let Him, He will meet us right where we are, not with judgment, but with healing. His holiness doesn't exclude us; it embraces us.

Call to Action

This week, don’t clean up before coming close. Come close and let Jesus do the healing. Proximity leads to transformation. Bring Him the real, raw, honest you.

  • Reflect: Are there places in your life where shame or striving has kept you from intimacy with Jesus?
  • Respond: This week, practice vulnerability with Jesus. Bring Him the messy, hidden parts of your life in prayer.
  • Reframe: Remember, holiness isn’t earned. It’s encountered. It’s not about how clean you are but how close you’re willing to come.

Please make sure to submit your head count immediately after crew!

Record Head Count

Announcements

For Crew Leaders

Crew Catch Up is in 1 Week!

Mark your Calendars, Crew Catch Up is back! This is a special night just for our Crew Leaders to be equipped and encouraged. We can't wait to hang with you and your Building Blocks! Crew Catch Up will be on Wednesday, July 19th.

In order for us to invite your Building Blocks, please fill out this form. This is the only way we can ensure your Building Blocks get invited!

VOUS High Camp 2025

Our 3rd annual VOUS High Camp is in 2 WEEKS - Tuesday, July 22nd- Friday, July 25th, 2025!

There's going to be full meal services, charter buses, sessions, field activities, merch and more.

All of this will be at a new location, Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida!

NOTE: If you need financial assistance, let your Crew Leader know directly!

SECURE YOUR TICKET FOR VOUS HIGH CAMP

VOUS High x Serve Day

This Saturday, July 12th is our annual Serve Day! We believe that we will make a lasting impact as we serve together!

Serve Day provides opportunities for churches across the world to serve their local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness.  

SoMi VOUS High Project: VOUS SoMi Beautification + Location Demo Prep

City + Miami Gardens VOUS High Project: TCA Moving Day

SOMI PROJECT SIGN UP

CITY + MIAMI GARDENS PROJECT SIGN UP

VOUS Junior High

If you're in 6th, 7th or 8th Grade, sit with us for VOUS Junior High service this Sunday!

We meet in the main auditorium for worship and then dismiss to our own space for service.

There we have an ice breaker, announcements, a message and small groups just for you!

VOUS SoMi & VOUS Miami Gardens | 10:30AM
VOUS City | 12:30PM

No RSVP needed, just come hang!

VOUS High UpFront

Sit with us for service at VOUS High UpFront this Sunday!

We hangout and then go into service and sit UpFront in a reserved section just for VOUS High.

Let's take over and make it the best service!

VOUS SoMi & VOUS City | 5:30PM
VOUS Miami Gardens | 10:00AM

No RSVP needed, just come hang!

New Service Times at VOUS

Starting Sunday, August 3rd, we will be moving to brand new service times at all of our locations!

VOUS SoMi

10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM

VOUS City

10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM

VOUS Miami Gardens

8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM

VOUS Design District

8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM

VOUS College School of Ministry Application

The countdown is on! If you're ready to take your next step in ministry, leadership, or higher education, now is the time to apply. VOUS College application deadline is July 31st for both our degree-seeking and leadership programs. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a life-changing semester. Start your journey at vouscollege.com/apply.

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 Design District

10:30AM / 12:30PM

Church Online

10:30AM / 12:30PM / 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

O Rei Que Se Aproxima

Lisa Harper

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.

PALAVRA

Marcos 1:40–42 (NVI)

"Um leproso aproximou-se dele e suplicou-lhe de joelhos: ‘Se quiseres, podes purificar-me!’ Cheio de compaixão, Jesus estendeu a mão, tocou nele e disse: ‘Quero. Seja purificado!’ Imediatamente a lepra o deixou, e ele foi purificado."

Outras Referências Bíblicas

Hebreus 1; Hebreus 4:11–16; Lucas 13:10–17; João 1:14; Efésios 4:32; 1 João 3:1

IDEIA PRINCIPAL

Muitas vezes esquecemos como Deus, em Jesus, se aproxima de nós com compaixão e como Ele sente com a gente na nossa dor e sofrimento. Em momento de fraqueza, Ele usa pessoas ao nosso redro para estarem perto e ficarem do nosso lado, ombro a ombro - para que Seu amor, compaixão, poder e misericórdia possa ser intimamente experienciado. Mesmo na nossa vergonha e culpa, Ele vem perto e carrega todos os resíduos da nossa dor.

1: Jesus se aproxima de nós

Deus não é uma construção existencial. Ele é um Deus vivo, que respira e deseja proximidade e relacionamento. Ele se tornou o Verbo encarnado por meio de Jesus Cristo — presente, ativo e cheio de misericórdia. A vergonha costuma ser o amortecedor que usamos para manter Jesus à distância. Mas a verdade é que não se trata de quão persistentes somos, de quão bem atuamos ou de com que frequência frequentamos a igreja. Trata-se de proximidade. Quanto mais nos aproximamos de Jesus, mais desfeitos nos tornamos por Sua bondade.

Não deixe que a vergonha seja o que a distancia de Deus.
A acessibilidade de Deus é um convite à intimidade, não à performance.
Abrace a verdade de que somos filhos de Deus, plenamente conhecidos e amados.

Você não conhece Jesus se não consegue se entregar ao Seu abraço.

Você já se sentiu indigno de amor? Como você aceitou o amor de Jesus?

2: Jesus transforma pela proximidade

Na época de Jesus, os leprosos eram párias sociais — excluídos física, espiritual e emocionalmente. Mas quando o leproso em Marcos 1 se aproximou de Jesus, Ele não o curou à distância. Jesus o tocou primeiro, enquanto ele ainda estava impuro. Ele escolheu a proximidade em vez do conforto, a presença em vez do protocolo.

Em uma cidade agitada e cheia de tentações, é fácil se sentir perdido. Mas Jesus está sempre disposto a se aproximar. Ele estende a mão para a confusão e diz: "Eu quero. Seja limpo." Ele ainda nos encontra em nossa dor oculta. Seu amor é pessoal. Sua compaixão é próxima. Sua cura é sempre possível.

Nunca estamos longe demais da compaixão de Deus.
O amor de Deus é pessoal, ativo e igual para todos.
A cura geralmente começa com honestidade e entrega.

Jesus é, ao mesmo tempo, perfeitamente transcendente, perfeitamente santo e perfeitamente acessível.

Você já se sentiu muito distante de Deus — como se estivesse muito quebrado ou perdido para voltar? Como isso afetou seu relacionamento com Ele?

CONCLUSÃO

Jesus não esperou que o leproso se purificasse. Ele se aproximou, tocou o que os outros evitavam e amou incondicionalmente. Este momento não foi apenas um milagre de cura; foi uma revelação do coração de Deus. O Evangelho nos fala de um Deus Santo que se tornou humano, não para ficar distante, mas para assumir nossa condição, carregar nossa vergonha e curar nossos corações com Sua proximidade. Em todas as estações, Jesus ainda escolhe a presença em vez do desempenho. Ele ainda se move em direção aos quebrantados, não para longe. Se O deixarmos, Ele nos encontrará exatamente onde estamos, não com julgamento, mas com cura. Sua santidade não nos exclui; ela nos abraça.

CHAMADA PARA AÇÃO

Esta semana, não limpe antes de se aproximar. Aproxime-se e deixe Jesus realizar a cura. A proximidade leva à transformação. Traga a Ele o seu eu real, cru e honesto.

Reflita: Há momentos em sua vida em que a vergonha ou o esforço o impediram de ter intimidade com Jesus?

Responda: Esta semana, pratique a vulnerabilidade com Jesus. Traga a Ele as partes confusas e ocultas da sua vida em oração.

Reformule: Lembre-se: a santidade não se conquista. Ela se encontra. Não se trata de quão limpo você é, mas de quão próximo você está disposto a chegar.

Please make sure to submit your head count immediately after crew!

Record Head Count

Announcements

DOMINGOS NA VOUS

VOUS SoMi

8:45h / 10h / 12h / 18h

VOUS City

10h / 12h / 18h

VOUS DD

10h / 12h

Igreja Online

10h / 17h Espanhol

Growth Track

Após cada serviço ou inscreva-se online em vouschurch.com/growthtrack

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Crew Head Count

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FAQ

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How-To Turn In Your Crew Report
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SZN 02 — 2025

Championship Week.

Hey! Take some time to check out this week’s encouragement and announcements from the Crew Team!