Life Group Leader Training Book

LIFE GROUP LEADER TRAINING PACKAGE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Distinctives Life Group: Basics Discipleship: Multiplication Instead of Addition Prayer: Let’s Have a Conversation with God Communication: It’s a Two-Way Street Hospitality: Come in and Make Yourself at Home Child Care: What Do We Do Group Killers: How to Mitigate and/or Avoid Support System: What You Can Do First Night’s Agenda Expectations: You’re A Leader Within the Church Attributes of A Life Group Leader and Host Guidelines and Commitment Form Catalyst Church Leader’s Guide Leading Small Groups Table of Contents Answer Key

DISTINCTIVES: THE HILLS WE DIE ON

CATALYST CHURCH WANTS TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE KNOW WHO WE ARE BY WHAT WE STAND FOR. THE GOSPEL IS EVERYTHING (John 14:6) “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.”

SCRIPTURE IS OUR AUTHORITY (2 Timothy 3:16) “All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

THE UNREACHED IS OUR PRIORITY (John 14:6) “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

THE WEEKEND MATTERS (EXCELENT ENVIRONMENTS INSPIRE)

(Matthew 18:20) “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

TRANSFORMATION HAPPENS IN CIRCLES (Hebrews 10:24-25) “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

WE ARE CONTRIBUTORS NOT CONSUMERS (2 Timothy 1:9a) “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

WE FOLLOW THE CLOUD (Exodus 13:21a) “By the day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way…”

WE ARE SAVED TO SERVE (Luke 22:27) “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace…”

WE RAISE UP TO SEND OUT (Mark 3:13-14) “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach…”

OUR CULTURE IS HUMBLE, HUNGRY, AND HEALTHY ////// NEED VERSE /////////////////////

LIFE GROUP BASICS Catalyst Church follows a rhythm of three Life Group sessions per year. This rhythm allows for the Life Group to meet for several weeks without a major calendar interruption. Consistency is the key. It’s very difficult to build momentum if your Life Group engages in a continuous start-andstop pattern.

- Catalyst Church’s Life Groups meet for approximately 8-10 weeks.

CATALYST CHURCH THREE LIFE GROUP SESSIONS FALL Early September - Late November (before Thanksgiving)

WINTER Early January - Early April (before Easter)

SPRING Middle of April (after Easter) - Mid June - There are some groups that continue to meet outside the Catalyst Life Group session dates.

CATALYST CHURCH THREE LIFE GROUP SESSIONS At Catalyst Church we say a Life Group is a small group of 6-12 people who get together on a regular basis to develop meaningful relationships with each other, pray, study scripture together, and most importantly, grow closer in relationship with Jesus. Jesus Christ was the original Life Group Leader. He decided to keep his Life Group to only 12 men. We use this original Life Group as a model for replication.

- There is such thing as a Life Group being too large or too small.

CURRICULUM WHAT’S MY LIFE GROUP GOING TO STUDY? Life Groups have several options to select.

- Use the curriculum provided by the church which follows the weekly sermon (Ex. Pg. 20) - Follow the content provided by RightNow Media - Select a topic/study from a third-party source which has been approved by the Groups Staff. In addition, the Groups Staff does have a small library for you to select material and lead your Life Group study session Wherever your Life Group chooses to receive their content, you and the Groups Staff must ensure it is biblically centered.

Life Groups thrive on participation! The purpose of this commitment is to help you discuss and clarify your group’s goals, expectations, and commitments.

LIFE GROUPS: THEIR PURPOSE Life Groups exist to promote spiritual maturity and personal growth through meaningful Christian relationships and the study of God’s Word (Romans 8:29 & Hebrews 10:24-25). We’ll do this by focusing on four primary activities:

SHARE Each week we’ll take time to share what is happening in our lives. At first this sharing will include planned “sharing questions,” but after the first few weeks, it will become more informal and personal as we feel more comfortable.

SUPPORT Each week we’ll study a section from God’s Word that relates to the previous weekend’s sermon or an appropriate external resource. Our goal is to learn how to live out our Christianity in everyday life.

SERVE Spiritual growth is fostered not only by what we gain through the support and input of others, but also through service to others. The role each of us fills is important to the health of the church and for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to our community (Ephesians 4:11-16). Throughout each session, it is our hope you can find and/or be affirmed in the ways God has designed you to serve and make a difference in God’s Kingdom.

FIVE MARKS OF A HEALTHY GROUP Four our group to be healthy, we need to...

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Make spiritual growth our number one priority (Romans 8:29).

Accept one another (Romans 15:7).

Take care of one another (John 13:34).

Treat each other with respect (Ephesians 4:25-5:2).

Keep our commitments to the group (Psalm 15: 1-2, 4b).

QUOTE OR VERSE ABOUT GROUPS

DISCIPLESHIP

MULTIPLICATION INSTEAD OF ADDITION “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19 Your Life Group will experience the addition of members in the beginning - Addition is necessary but not the final formula for launching new Life Groups Launching a Life Group is going to require a Secondary Leader who will then become a Primary Leader.

FIVE STEPS USED WHEN DEVELOPING A SECONDARY LEADER

I DO, YOU WATCH, WE TALK

I DO, YOU HELP, WE TALK

YOU SHOULD ASK 5 QUESTIONS AFTER EACH WHAT DID YOU OBSERVE? Participation, challenging ideas/beliefs, pauses in conversation, etc.

HOW DID THIS STEP MAKE YOU FEEL? Excited, nervous, anxious, reluctant, unprepared, etc.

I DO, I HELP, WE TALK

WHAT COULD BE DONE BETTER OR DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME? Talk more/less, control flow of conversation, explain more, etc.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP YOU SUCCESSFULLY LEAD THROUGH THE NEXT STEP? Give more space, chime in more, ask prompting questions, etc.

HOW CAN I PRAY FOR YOU? More confidence, more relaxation, wisdom to answer, etc.

I DO, I WATCH, WE TALK YOU DO, SOMEONE ELSE WATCHES

There is no set time for these steps to occur. It is completely dependent upon the Secondary Leader’s pace of development as well as yours. Having a Secondary Leader is important for a several reasons: - Vacation, Life Event, Different Perspective, Illness, Burnout, etc.

How is the new Life Group launched?

- The Primary Leader (You) starts a new Life Group - The Secondary Leader starts a new Life Group - The Primary and Secondary Leader each keep half of the Life Group and open the two new Life Groups up for new member enrollment

There is no set amount of time for a Life Group to remain together but there are indicators that let you know when it’s time for the Life Group to discontinue.

- The Life Group members have stopped growing spiritually - Life Group attendance has dropped significantly - The Life Group Leader is noticing signs of burnout within themselves - The Life Group dynamic has become toxic

THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF SERVING THAT EVERY DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST SHOULD BE DOING: LOVING GOD Attending a worship service regularly (3x/mo) and serving within the church

LOVING EACH OTHER Attending Life Group regularly (3x/mo) and serving the members of the group by serving each other and meeting each other’s needs

LOVING OUR WORLD Serving with Local and Global Missions (2x/yr) - Doing these three acts of love in a high frequency in conjunction with a transformation in their heart is the best measure of someone’s movement towards discipleship.

- 1 Peter 2:21 - To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

The purpose your Life Group is to create disciples.

PRAYER

LET’S HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH GOD “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” Philippians 4:6 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Ephesians 6:18

WHY IS PRAYER IMPORTANT? - Jesus prayed. Luke 5:16 —> But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

- The Parable of the Persistent Widow —> Luke 18:1-8

SHOULD THE LIFE GROUP LEADER PRAY DURING GROUP TIME OR SHOULD THE LIFE GROUP MEMBERS PRAY DURING GROUP TIME? YES! - Praying aloud shows your group members that you care about their spiritual health as well as their daily general well-being.

- Life Group members want to see their leader engaged in prayer to God. - 1 Samuel 12:23 - Life Group members may need an example of what prayer looks like. This is a great opportunity for the Life Group Leader to encourage and develop another group member in their prayer time and help build their confidence for praying in public.

- Ask people in the group to pray out loud only if you have asked them privately and ahead of time.

COMMUNICATION

IT’S A TWO-WAY STREET

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” Philippians 4:6 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Ephesians 6:18

TONE WORD-CHOICE VOLUME CADENCE

BODY LANGUAGE EYE CONTACT HAND GESTURES

CHARTS GRAPHS MAPS

EMAIL TEXT HANDWRITTEN NOTES

HOW DO YOU BECOME AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR? VERBAL Think Before You Speak // Use Concise Language // Know Your Audience // Accept Feedback - To be clear is to be kind! No misunderstandings about needs, wants, and expectations as well as daring to have tough conversations. Ambiguity and confusion lead to misunderstandings

NON-VERBAL Display Appropriate Body Language // Show Care (Emotion) and Compassion (Awareness of Another’s Emotion and Taking Appropriate Action) // Pay Attention to Micro-Gestures

VISUAL Make sure visual aids are simple and easy to see.

WRITTEN Communicate as early as the situation requires. If a 5th grader can’t understand it, it’s too complicated. When texting, keep it short. When emailing, don’t expect an immediate response. When it’s a handwritten note, it should be done with gratitude and not in expectation of being reciprocated.

- A delayed response can sometimes be appropriate. It allows you to pray about it. It allows you time to think about a response. It allows a tense situation to be deescalated. It creates boundaries and manages expectations. If you have the capability, show your intended communication to someone you trust who will give you honest feedback about it before you send it. Someone who always agrees with you may not be the best source for accountability in this area.

COMMUNICATE WITH GROUPS STAFF Communication is key to receiving information in a timely fashion, learning about up-and-coming church and Life Group events, as well as updates and information for and about your Life Group.

- Ways to communicate with the Groups Staff: text, phone call, email, stop by the office, at church before or after service, etc. Communicate early and communicate often.

HOSPITALITY

COME IN AND MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

1 Peter 4:9 “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

Romans 12:13

Hospitality comes from two different words: philos (loving) + xenos (stranger). The greek used the word, philoxenia to describe hospitality and philonexia is the word used in the original greek of the Bible.

MAKE YOUR HOME A WELCOMING PLACE THAT IS CONDUCTIVE TO FELLOWSHIP AND PRAYER. HOW DO WE DO THIS? - Pray over the space that is going to be used as well as your future group members - The space should be free of distractions. Such as a loud tv, flickering lights, scents that are less than aromatic, etc.

- The space should allow everyone to sit down with enough room to be comfortable. If you have pets, let your group members know before they arrive. Consider keeping pets in a separate space during group time.

- Set the thermostat to a comfortable setting.

Be open to inviting new people to the group. Jesus’ disciples didn’t know each other until they were invited to join Jesus in His ministry.

Once your group has been established, an expectation of new members being asked to join the group will need to be discussed.

There is no expectation of giving a group member a tour of your home but there should be an expectation to take a tour of the space where their children will be spending their time.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD? THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO INCORPORATE FOOD INTO LIFE GROUP TIME: - The host can prepare the entire meal/snack bar - Potluck style meal where all the group members bring a dish (most common) - Food responsibilities are rotated among group members - No food is also an option

QUOTE OR VERSE ABOUT GROUPS

CHILD CARE

WHAT DO WE DO? Having kids at a Life Group meeting is quite common.

- The question for any Life Group Leader is, “What are we gonna do with the kids during Life Group time?”.

There are no perfect solutions, just better ones for the situation. The way you establish for the kids to be watched when you first start Life Group may not be the same way you keep it at the end. Situations evolve and so will your child care plan.

CHILD CARE SUGGESTIONS - Each family makes their own arrangements for child care - The Group hires a baby sitter and the families that participate split the cost - Coordinate with a Life Group that meets on a different night so each of you can watch the other group’s kids - Perhaps one of the families have older kids who can watch the younger ones during Life Group at the Host’s home - Rotate child care among the members of the group, putting two non-related adults in charge of babysitting for a given night and rotating each week

However you decide to arrange child care, make sure the environment is as friendly and welcoming as possible - not just for the parents but the kids as well. If the child doesn’t have a good time or isn’t entertained enough to be comfortable away from their parents, there is a high chance the parents may not return to the group.

GROUP KILLERS

HOW TO MITIGATE AND/OR AVOID All of us have been part of a group that was made up of diverse people. Each person comes with their own style of communication, personal needs, and challenges.

SITUATIONS WHY SOME PEOPLE DON’T RETURN TO YOUR GROUP - Your group may have been together for a while and they don’t feel like they fit in - There’s plenty of spiritual growth time but no relational growth time - The Leader is unprepared for the meeting - The Leader dominates the discussion WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE’S A DISAGREEMENT IN THE GROUP? MATTHEW 18:15-17 - Don’t take sides - If it cannot be reconciled, offer to help the affected parties stay connected within the church by connecting them with the Groups Staff who will help them find a new Life Group - Be honest about the situation “GOSSIP IS TALKING ABOUT A SITUATION TO SOMEONE WHO IS NEITHER THE PROBLEM NOR THE SOLUTION.” - RICK WARREN - Don’t let prayer time turn into a low-key gossip session - Remind the group about its purpose. Otherwise, it turns into a social club

QUOTE OR VERSE ABOUT GROUPS

PEOPLE THE DOMINATOR Takes up most of the group’s time by not allowing others to share - Don’t make eye contact with them first when asking questions - Call someone by name when asking a question before offering it to the group - Have a one-on-one conversation with the person and explain how others need a chance to contribute to feel part of the group THE DEBATER Wants to take a contrarian view of many issues causing the group to lose focus of the discussion - Understand the purpose of the passage being discussed. This will lessen the Debater’s ability to challenge the point - Use a Study Bible to provide more clarity on the passage - If they refuse to let go of their position, agree to end the debate by telling them you will check with a Pastor for clarification and understanding. Contact the Groups Staff directly and we can check with a Pastor and give you an answer as soon as possible - Always remember, “I don’t know” or “Let me check on that” is an acceptable answer.You’re responsible for facilitating spiritual growth, not knowing the “in’s-and-out’s” of theology THE DODGER Doesn’t want to contribute to the conversation - Try asking them a specific question that is not going to make them answer a question that is academic in nature. People will more often give an opinion than answer a question about knowledge

- try an ice breaker question to ease them in to the conversation - You or someone in the group they get along with should meet with them one-on-one

- You’ll see who they connect with during social time before the group study time - The best thing you can do is allow them to take their time to contribute - don’t rush them THE DRAINER Seems to make the conversation about them and their issues and struggles. Expects people to see them as someone who needs attention - Try to get them to keep their comments to just a few minutes at a time - Get them to connect their story to how it relates to the study topic - Meet with them one-on-one and explain how their issues should be heard but to allow everyone else an opportunity to share how they’re feeling as well

SUPPORT SYSTEM

WHAT YOU CAN DO

It’s important to learn and identify the three different kinds of challenges your group members may face so you can provide the appropriate support system. Catalyst Church’s Short-Term and Support Groups are a great resource for many of these situations. Life Group Leaders help people get the help they need. Life Group Leaders don’t fix people - God does the fixing.

1) Life Crisis e.g. finances, health, etc.

2) Group-Dynamic issue (personality-based) 3) Sin issue e.g. alcoholism, adultery, lying, etc.

THE FOUR Q’S When you encounter a challenge that may be beyond your skill set to handle, ask your group member(s) these four questions and then you reach out to the Groups Staff so they can provide assistance if needed. Getting the facts and context usually make the next steps relatively straight forward.

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How long have you been dealing with this issue?

Who else knows?

(Involvement of others)

Have you received any advice or counsel on how to deal with this?

Do you have any plans for your next steps?

When did this first occur?

Have you talked to anyone else about this? If so, how often? Do any other people know?

When was the last time you talked to someone about this? How did they respond?

What have those you’ve talked to said about it?

What do you think might be your next step?

Have you sought any other help or resources regarding this issue?

Would you like me to check on some other resources?

(Don’t make the calls but give them referrals)

THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO SUPPORT:

YOU GO

THIS IS AN ISSUE THE LIFE GROUP LEADER ADDRESSES WITH THE MEMBER

WE GO

THIS IS AN ISSUE BOTH THE LIFE GROUP LEADER AND THE GROUPS STAFF ADDRESS

I GO

THIS IS AN ISSUE THE GROUPS STAFF ADDRESSES WITH THE MEMBER

FIRST NIGHTS AGENDA FIRST NIGHT PREPARATION LEADERS/HOSTS Check your rosters online and CONTACT ALL MEMBERS one week before the first meeting and welcome them to the group. Provide the location and time of your group, as well as any entrees or snacks to bring (if applicable). A meeting with them at church or at a coffee shop is a great way to make everyone feel more relaxed prior to the first group meeting.

GOALS FOR THE FIRST MEETING - Rekindle relationships and meet new members - Clarify your group’s direction / expectations / commitments - Briefly discuss the sermon topic (If there is one) - Pray for the building of relationships and spiritual growth of the group

SUGGESTED ITEMS - Dinner / Snack / Dessert plans decided Beverages set up - Life Group Commitment - Name tags (especially if you have new members)

THREE ESSENTIAL PARTS OF YOUR EVENING WELCOME, MINGLE, AND TALK WHILE YOU EAT - Leader/Host greet members upon arrival with music and/or a relaxed atmosphere - The first seven seconds after arrival are critical for new members. Make a great first impression FIRST GROUP DISCUSSION - Sharing Activity: “Getting to know you” questions and/or getting to know you game like Two Truths and a Lie - Worship (optional): This is a great way to connect spiritually with your group - REVIEWING THE COMMITMENT IS CRUCIAL TO SET EXPECTATIONS - Closing Prayer: Dedicate the Life Group session to God

KEEP IN MIND YOUR FOOD CONVERSATIONS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR MEETING DISCUSSIONS LEADERSHIP TIPS - Leader/Host greet members upon arrival with music and/or a relaxed atmosphere - The first seven seconds after arrival are critical for new members. Make a great first impression

EXPECTATIONS

YOU’RE A LEADER WITHIN THE CHURCH You’ve taken the step of obedience by listening to God and committing yourself to growing God’s Kingdom by discipling other Believers as well as non-Believers. You should be proud of yourself, excited, and looking forward to this opportunity of being a Leader within your church.

EXPECTATIONS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION AS A LEADER WITHIN CATALYST CHURCH As a leader in the church, it is expected you will become a member of Catalyst Church. There are four Belong Membership Classes per year which occur once a quarter It is expected that you attend the Belong Membership Class and become a member of the church by the second available opportunity. Along with membership, if applicable, you should complete a Believer’s Baptism following the same timeline

As a Leader within Catalyst Church, you should be adhering to the Discipleship plan outlined in the Discipleship section as well as adhering to Catalyst Church’s doctrine which is outlined in Catalyst Church’s Missions and Values statements and the Baptist Faith and Message.

Catalyst Church Groups Staff reports all Group attendance to the Lead Pastor once a week. This includes Life Groups, Support Groups, and Short-Term Groups It is expected that you take attendance no later than 24 hours following your group time As a benefit to you for being a Life Group Leader, Catalyst Church conducts at least two Groups Gatherings which are held at the church. It provides educational opportunities, a meet-and-greet with fellow Group Leaders, as well as a spotlight to a selected ministry which is in partnership with Catalyst Church.

It is expected that you would attend at least one of the Groups Gatherings a year It is expected that you communicate with the Groups Staff regularly or as required. The Groups Staff utilizes different methods to speak to Leaders as well as provide information pertaining to events within the church and Life Group updates. Each Life Group Leader has a preferred method of communication which is why multiple platforms are used, i.e. text, email, phone calls, videoconferencing, and in-person communication.

It is expected that you respond to text messages within 24 hrs and emails within 48 hrs Being a Leader within the church means setting examples for other believers to follow. The Bible mentions several spiritual disciplines Believers should be practicing on a regular basis. One of those is the obedient act of tithing. God commands us to supply the “storehouse” with our tithes If 10% (or tithing) seems to be too financially demanding right now, consider starting at a lower percentage of the income God has blessed you with and work towards increasing that percentage over time

While it is not expected for you to complete a Feedback Form, please know a Feedback Form is an invaluable tool that helps the Groups Staff make adjustments to Group Life that will improve the process of Groups Administration and Facilitation. Please consider completing the Feedback Form as a Leader within Catalyst Church.

ATTRIBUTES

OF A LIFE GROUP LEADER & HOST

09 IS MINDFUL OF EVERYONE’S EMOTIONAL STATUS. PROTECTS THE SENSITIVE AND WOUNDED INDIVIDUALS. KNOWS WHEN A DISCRETE REFERRAL TO COUNSELING MAY BE HELPFUL

03 HAS A MENTOR WHO CAN PROVIDE COACHING ON THE JOURNEY OF LEADERSHIP

01 IS ABLE TO LEAD CONFIDENTLY IN PRAYER

04 INTUITIVELY SENSES THE HOLY SPIRIT DOING SOMETHING SPECIAL WITH A PERSON IN THE GROUP OR THE ENTIRE GROUP

06 IS A PERSON WHO PEOPLE WILL WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH. THAT MEANS BEING ENGAGING, ENCOURAGING, CHALLENGING, LOVING, AND INSPIRING FOR PARTICIPANTS TO GROW IN THEIR FAITH

02 HAS A VIBRANT RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS AND IS IN AN ONGOING STUDY OF SCRIPTURE

08 CREATES A “SAFE PLACE” FOR PEOPLE TO SHARE. CREATES AND MAINTAINS A NONJUDGMENTAL ATMOSPHERE OF TRUST, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY – GRACE

05 IS ALWAYS PREPARED. KNOWS LESSON MATERIAL AND IS ORGANIZED WITH AN AGENDA

07 IS ABLE TO PUT PEOPLE IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS. GOOD LEADERS CREATE A FERTILE ENVIRONMENT FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

15 KNOWS WHEN TO MOVE THINGS ALONG EITHER BECAUSE THE TOPIC GOT HIJACKED BY A BUNNY TRAIL CONVERSATION OR BECAUSE A SINGLE PERSON IS MONOPOLIZING THE CONVERSATION.

10 IS A GUARDIAN SO THAT NO ONE GETS TOLD WHAT THEY “OUGHT”, “SHOULD”, OR “NEED” TO DO. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT

11 IS A GUARDIAN OF CONFIDENTIALITY. EVEN MORE IMPORTANT

KNOWS HOW TO RECAPTURE THE CONVERSATION FROM SOMEONE WHO IS MONOPOLIZING THE CONVERSATION

13 IS A FACILITATOR OF CONVERSATION MORE THAN A LECTURER. PEOPLE LEARN MORE WHEN THEY PARTICIPATE

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KNOWS WHEN TO BE SILENT AND LET PEOPLE WRESTLE WITH THE QUESTION. KNOWS WHEN TO DIG DEEPER AND WITH A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION, AND LIKEWISE WHEN NOT TO DIG DEEPER

BEGINS TO LEAD WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT. AS WELL, SITUATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD WILL BECOME EASY TO STEP IN TO “IN THE MOMENT.” WHEN A PERSON GIFTED WITH LEADERSHIP SPENDS INCREASING TIME IN A SMALL GROUP, PEOPLE WILL CALL THAT TO THEIR ATTENTION

12 MAKES SURE THERE IS “ROOM” FOR EVERYONE TO TALK. TACTFULLY CALL ON THOSE WHO ARE SHY AND WITHDRAWN IS A SERVANT LEADER. IS READY AND AVAILABLE TO HELP PARTICIPANTS DIG DEEPER INTO THE TOPIC AND EXPLORE THEIR CALLING AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS

16 KNOWS WHEN A BUNNY TRAIL IS GOING TO BE FRUITFUL AND TURNS IT LOOSE IF IT MERITS FOLLOWING

GUIDELINES & COMMITMENT DATES We’ll meet on will be on

nights for

weeks. Our final meeting of this session

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TIME We’ll arrive between

&

We’ll spend approximately

minutes in singing (optional),

study/discussion and

and begin the meeting at

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minutes in

minutes in prayer/sharing.

CHILDREN Group members are responsible to arrange childcare for their children. Nursing newborns are welcome provided they are not a distration to the group.

STUDY Our studies will focus on the same topic covered in the previous weekend’s sermon or an appropriate personal growth topic. Our goal is to hear from everyone every night and keep God’s Word at the center.

PRAYER Praying for one another.

ATTENDANCE Joining a Life Group requires a commitment to attend each week. Obviously, allownaces are made for sickness, work conflicts and other special events - but not much more.

If we cannot come to a meeting we will call or text

FOOD & DRINKS

SPECIAL EVENTS & SERVICE PROJECTS

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OTHER We argree together in Christ to honor this covenant (To be decided by each person on or before the third week)

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CATALYST CHURCH LEADER’S GUIDE GOSPEL OF JOHN // WEEK 8 HELPFUL TIP //

Keep politics at the door The voting season is upon us and most everyone would agree, politics is a VERY polarizing subject. As a Life Group Leader, try and do your best to keep your group time to the most important thing - Jesus. Political talk has a sneaky way of finding its way into regular conversations. This topic will either bring people together or divide them. Either way, it will take the focus away from connecting as believers in Jesus. Be vigilant and do your best to keep conversations apolitical. Your Life Group members may try to make a joke about a political candidate, ask for a specific outcome in elections in prayer time, or belittle a political party. We all know everyone is entitled to their opinion but there’s also a time and place for those conversations. Guard your group’s time and keep it focused.

Remind them about Catalyst and its mission: We exist to glorify all people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ

THANKSGIVING: With Thanksgiving coming up quickly, talk with the group and see who might want to make it a Life Group Thanksgiving. It could be a super cool experience that could turn into an annual event.

GROUP LEADING OPPORTUNITY: Reboot Trauma is looking for a Primary Leader & GriefShare is looking for a co-Leader If you or someone you know may be a good fit for any of these, reach out to Carlos Alfonso or Melissa Alford

ANNOUNCEMENTS NEXT STEPS Please feel free to share this information with your group. The Groups Staff would be happy to answer any questions you have about yours or your Life Group member’s next steps.

Operation Christmas Child: Boxes will be passed out on the weekend of 11/6. Boxes will be collected the week of 11/14 at the locations annotated in the boxes Church Open Forum (Budget Meeting): November 13th at 4p, Open to all Catalyst Church attendees for Q+A session Annual Member’s Meeting: November 16th at 6p // Open to all Catalyst attendees for Q+A session. Only Catalyst Church Members will be eligible to cast votes when applicable Surviving the Holidays: Presented by GriefShare and DivorceCare Groups - November 16th Baby Dedication Weekend: will take place on November 20th.

Registration will be live soon - Register for Jacksonville - Register for Richlands

GOSPEL OF JOHN // WEEK 8

DO YOU WANT TO BE HEALED JASON BRINKER - 10/30/22

GROWING TOGETHER Talk about a time when you personally experienced or witnessed someone healed from something that couldn’t be explained except to say, “It was Jesus”.

01

Jesus tells the Royal Official in John 4:48, “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe”. Jesus knew this man wasn’t interested in having a relationship with God, he was only interested in his son’s healing. Even though Jesus knew the man’s intentions for asking his help, what does it say about Jesus that He healed the man’s son, especially from a distance?

02

Read John 4:46-53, John 5:1-9, John 20:30-31, & Romans 8:28 aloud and go over your sermon notes with one another. (Answer all or some of the questions)

GROWING WITH GOD

When the man was told by Jesus that His son was healed, the man didn’t need to hear another word from Jesus. He took Him at His word and immediately made his way to see his son. When was the last time you remember taking Jesus at his word; believing Him, without having to know any other details?

03

What’s it like being around someone who wallows in their despair, never truly wanting to be delivered from their misery? Why do you suppose people sometimes prefer to stay in their situation rather than looking for a real solution in Jesus?

04

We read in John 5:6 that Jesus asks the man waiting at the Pool of Bethesda, “Do you want to get well”?

After 38 years of waiting to enter the pool and be healed, the obvious answer would be an emphatic, “Yes”! But that is not the answer given. Is there anything keeping you stuck in your spiritual walk because you’ve let what you consider a disability, label, or struggle become your identity?

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Jesus provided a miracle in two radically different circumstances: one with an individual demonstrating great hope and one with virtually none. What was John wanting us to see by placing these two miracles of Jesus side by side?

GROWING IN OBEDIENCE AND SCRIPTURE JESUS IS FOR EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE. GOD WILL OFTEN LEVERAGE PAINFUL CIRCUMSTANCES TO AWAKEN US TO SPIRITUAL REALITIES. IT’S NOT THE AMOUNT OF FAITH BUT THE OBJECT OF YOUR FAITH THAT MATTERS. PASTOR JASON TOLD US, “THE WANT TO HAS TO COME BEFORE THE HOW TO” AND OUR “MENTALITY DETERMINES OUR REALITY”. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN ASKING JESUS TO HEAL AND RESTORE WHETHER FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE?

GROWING WITH CATALYST PEOPLE Be sure to follow Catalyst Church on all the major social media platforms for the latest information and words of encouragement.

PRAYER LOG Using a Prayer Log is a great way to keep track of the Life Group’s prayers and praises. A Prayer Log will allow you to look back at your prayers and see which ones God has answered. Sometimes prayers get answered with a “yes”, “no” or “not now” but...they are always answered.

DATE // MEMBER

PRAYER REQUEST / PRAISE REPORT