Small Church October 11, 2026
Amos: Holy Disorder
Amos 7: 10-17
In this first Small Church of our new series on Amos, we are wading deeper into the waters of Holy Disorder together. Today we explore one of the only narrative passages in the book of Amos, 7:10-17. In this passage we will get to meet the prophet Amos a bit more, and we will touch on some of the themes which come up in other parts of the book.
Becoming Present to God
Light a candle, take some deep breaths, or sing a song, to draw your attention to God’s presence. Say this prayer together or read it to yourself.
Becoming Present to One Another
Share with one another: Share an aspect of your life that feels stable, comforting, or comfortable. Share part of your life that feels unstable, challenging or uncomfortable.
In Conversation with God and One Another
Read Scripture
Read aloud Amos 7: 10-17
Watch Video
Discuss
As a group discuss any or all of these questions:
What parts of this passage stand out to you now that didn’t before?
In what ways do you think Amos’ social position as an outsider shaped his message?
What do vv 10-13 tell you about Amos’ relationship with the royal and religious elite? Why is Amos told never again to prophesy at Bethel? How do you hear Amaziah’s words when you learn that “Beth-El” literally means “house of God”?
Amos is called a “seer” but does not claim to be a prophet, or the son of a prophet (i.e. the follower of a prophet). Instead, he says he is a shepherd and tender (literally a pincher or scraper) of fruit. What impression of Amos do you receive from his answer to Amaziah?
How is the occupation of ‘shepherd’ and ‘scraper’ an apt analogy for the calling of the prophet?
Are there individuals in our world whose words are prophetically shepherding or scraping the church, or our nation? Do you have a sense of what the future fruit might be?
Are there people/situations/events in our world you sense God inviting you/us to see and hear more deeply?
Reflect
As time permits, spend some time in reflection using the following resource:
At All Church last Sunday, Andrea referred to Richard Rohr’s recent book on the biblical prophets called “The Tears of Things”. U2 released a song by the same name last year to coincide with the book’s release. Take a listen and see where there might be overlap between some of the ideas that we have been discussing.
Closing Blessing
Close this time of worship by reading this prayer together (written by Andrea Perrett).
