Act student connect final v1 small

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Copyright © 2014 by _________________ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published by My Healthy Church 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means -- electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise -- except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman. Permission for use is given to My Healthy Church in all forms of distribution.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture quotations noted (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations noted NASB are from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

ISBN Printed in the United States of America

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USING THIS

WORKBOOK TOOLS TO HELP YOU HAVE A GREAT SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE! 1. Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

2. If you are facilitating/leading or co-leading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you some hard-learned experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

3. Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Small Group Leaders section.

4. Enjoy your small group experience.

5. Read the Outline for Each Session on the next pages so that you understand how the sessions will flow.

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ENDORSEMENTS

“I’m so excited that the series Hope Rising has found it’s way into your hands. In a world full of challenges, disappointment, fear, loss, injustice and pain we all need to know that there is still hope.

Without hope we would certainly give up. Without hope we would not have the courage to rise up. Without hope we would not have the strength to speak up. For those feeling hopeless, my prayer is that this series will leave you filled with hope!”

“Everyone needs hope. But what do you do when you find yourself without it? Hope Rising will encourage you to hold on to the hope that Christ has for us.”

CHRISTINE CAINE Founder of The A21 Campaign

CRAIG GROESCHEL | Senior Pastor of LifeChurch.tv Author of Altar Ego, Becoming Who God Says You Are

“Everybody needs hope. Hope Rising is an authentic and gutsy dealing with life, faith and God; especially so when some things are not making sense. I love Gene Appel. I love his heart and I love the way that he treats complex issues with insight, sensitivity and integrity. He speaks as one who has tasted pain but without the negative residue. There is something very powerful about people sharing their stories, too. Hope Rising will birth hope in many who desperately long for it and feel like it is in short supply.”

“After I watched this video series , my first thought was ‘At last!’ The stories in Hope Rising will awaken your own stories. Each one is a story of triumph and tragedy that will inspire you to believe that God is most obviously present even when he seems apparently absent. Gene’s teaching let me know that there’s someone who truly understands that God’s strength is made perfect in our imperfections. This is a resource you’ll go back to again and again.”

PETE WILSON | Senior Pastor CrossPoint Church NASHVILLE, TN

DALE STEVENSON | Senior Pastor Crossway Baptist Church MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

“You know restaurants, movies and sports teams all can get vastly over-rated, but not so with hope. That’s why I’m so excited about this series! My buddy Gene Appel knows as much about hanging onto hope through the challenges of life as anybody I know. He’d be the first to tell you that there are a lot of things in life that are overrated, but HOPE is not one of them!”

“My friend Gene Appel is an encourager, communicator and teacher whose message of hope will strengthen your faith and elevate your life. Hope Rising presents a living message that will enable you to overcome difficult circumstances with the confident expectation that your future is in God’s Hands.”

JACK GRAHAM | Pastor Prestonwood Baptist Church PLANO, TX

MIKE BREAUX | Author and Teaching Pastor Heartland Community Church ROCKFORD, IL

“Everyone needs hope. Without it we curl up and die. With it the giants in our lives can be faced up to and conquered. Hope Rising will remind you of the power and reason for the hope that we have in Christ. This is a message that can change you and your church. I recommend it.”

“HOPE RISING is a powerful and creative answer to life’s difficult questions about faith and humanity. Gene Appel has assembled stories of real sojourners who’ve traveled the uneven roads and now have gathered to offer a tangible hope to others on the same passage. If you need not only answers but understanding, this is for you. “ WAYNE CORDEIRO | Author and Pastor New Hope Christian Fellowship

LARRY OSBORNE | Author and Pastor North Coast Church VISTA, CA

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“Gene Appel is a fantastic communicator who insightfully guides us to the power of hope, and the One who gives it. Hope Rising speaks straight to our fears, concerns, and worries and offers us more than a cliché but a profound living hope that can sustain us through all of life’s ups and downs. Gene’s teaching, along with the many stories of life change, are an incredible gift to us all.”

JUD WILHITE | Author of Pursued Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church LAS VEGAS, NV

“Gene Appel has done a fantastic job tackling one of the most important topics that any of us will ever ponder. Hope. It’s the thing that if we have it, we feel very alive, and if we lose it, we seem to lose our very being. That’s why I love this series. It’s an awesome reminder that if we’ll allow it, we will experience Hope Rising!”

LINCOLN BREWSTER Integrity Music Recording Artist and Worship Arts Pastor Bayside Church | GRANITE BAY, CA

“Hope Rising offers exactly what is needed when life doesn’t turn out the way you planned or expected. In this video series, Gene Appel brings his extraordinary Bible teaching skills alongside remarkable true stories to offer what we all need most – hope! I highly recommend Hope Rising; it will not only provide motivation to get you through the day, but inspire you to look expectantly toward your future!”

DAVE FERGUSON | Lead Pastor Community Christian Church Spiritual Entrepreneur NewThing

“If organizational cultures are created by the stories we tell and the heroes we create, then HOPE RISING may be one of the most powerful shapers. If personal lives are deeply transformed by raw and authentic hope springing up in the midst of pain, confusion and anger, then HOPE RISING is what we need. In a real, open and creative way these stories will provoke you, wound you, and heal you with their hope in the living God.” NANCY ORTBERG Author of Non-Linear Leadership

“Gene Appel has done it again—this time with captivating teaching, quality resources, real life testimonies and Bible truths that will change your outlook on life. Hope Rising…is a project done with excellence that will help you feel encouraged when you face the valleys of life.”

PASTOR DAVE STONE Southeast Christian Church LOUISVILLE, KY

“You hold in your hands a catalyst for hope, a future, and a fresh start. We know firsthand Gene Appel and the Eastside team are hope givers and we believe in what they are doing. Get ready to experience hope in a fresh dimension.”

PAUL JR. AND RACHAEL TEUTUL Paul Jr. Designs, Stars of American Chopper DISCOVERY CHANNEL

“In a world desperate for hope, Hope Rising offers the paradox of a hope found in arms stretched wide on a cross. Those who embrace the source of this Hope Rising will find that it will carry them through every broken dream, every deep sorrow, every dark place until one day those same arms are again spread wide to welcome them safely home to the very real Hope of heaven.”

DR. CAROL TAYLOR | President of Vanguard University

“These messages promise to touch hearts, stir hope and change lives. In an era of bad news, this effort is a welcome silver lining.”

MAX LUCADO Author and Pastor

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SMALL GROUP LEADERS

ACT: CONNECT -- STUDENT EDITION

CONTENTS Endorsements Foreword by Dr. George O. Wood Introduction by Alton Garrison Contributors Using This Workbook (Read This First)

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XX

SESSION TWO

XX

SESSION THREE

XX

SESSION FOUR

XX

More Contributors Believe Small Group Series Acts 2 Small Group Series Church Leader Training Series Prayer and Praise Report Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review) Small Group Roster

APPENDICES Frequently Asked Questions Small Group Agreement Small Group Calendar Team Roles Personal Health Assessment Personal Health Plan Sample Personal Health Plan Journaling 101 Spiritual Partners Spiritual Gifts Inventory Celebrating Communion in Your Group 30 Day Reading Plan

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ABOUT MY HEALTHY CHURCH

OUTLINE FOR EACH SESSION SESSION ONE

Hosting an Open House Leading for the First Time Leadership Training Session Leader Notes

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FOREWORD BY DR. GEORGE O. WOOD

PROIN RUTRUM FELIS A MASSA VIVERRA MATTIS. CURABITUR AT SAGITTIS NUNC. DONEC POSUERE MALESUADA ENIM, QUIS ALIQUAM DIAM RHONCUS SED. NULLA DIGNISSIM, SEM VITAE ULLAMCORPER FERMENTUM, NIBH LIGULA ORNARE IPSUM, A RUTRUM NEQUE LIBERO QUIS METUS. MAECENAS NON

LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN APPLY WHAT WE’VE LEARNED, AND

AUCTOR NISI, SED IACULIS LIGULA. CRAS VESTIBULUM TINCIDUNT ERAT, ET

HOW DOING SO WILL ALLOW OUR LIVES TO GO AND BE A WITNESS FOR

HENDRERIT NIBH FRINGILLA VITAE. INTEGER ADIPISCING LACUS RISUS, UT

CHRIST. PART OF BEING A COMMUNITY INCLUDES HOW WE LIVE WHEN

SAGITTIS ODIO SCELERISQUE QUIS. NULLAM FAUCIBUS FRINGILLA RISUS

WE ARE NOT TOGETHER—AND HOW WE REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY

FRINGILLA MALESUADA.

THROUGH EVANGELISM.

HOW DOES YOUR CONNECTION TO GOD EMPOWER YOU TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS?

PROIN RUTRUM FELIS A MASSA VIVERRA MATTIS. CURABITUR AT SAGITTIS NUNC. DONEC POSUERE MALESUADA ENIM, QUIS ALIQUAM DIAM RHONCUS SED. NULLA DIGNISSIM, SEM VITAE ULLAMCORPER FERMENTUM, NIBH LIGULA ORNARE IPSUM, A RUTRUM NEQUE LIBERO QUIS METUS. MAECENAS NON AUCTOR NISI, SED IACULIS LIGULA. CRAS VESTIBULUM TINCIDUNT ERAT, ET HENDRERIT NIBH FRINGILLA VITAE. INTEGER

PROIN RUTRUM FELIS A MASSA VIVERRA MATTIS. CURABITUR AT SAGITTIS

ADIPISCING LACUS RISUS, UT SAGITTIS ODIO SCELERISQUE QUIS. NULLAM

NUNC. DONEC POSUERE MALESUADA ENIM, QUIS ALIQUAM DIAM

FAUCIBUS FRINGILLA RISUS FRINGILLA MALESUADA.

RHONCUS SED. NULLA DIGNISSIM, SEM VITAE ULLAMCORPER FERMENTUM,

DONEC FAUCIBUS VOLUTPAT MI VITAE PRETIUM. NULLAM AC MI UT SEM CONSEQUAT FEUGIAT SIT AMET EU DIAM. FUSCE FRINGILLA PHARETRA LACUS, A IACULIS ELIT ULTRICIES AT. DUIS POSUERE LIBERO ANTE, QUIS SODALES NEQUE FRINGILLA CONSEQUAT. ALIQUAM LOBORTIS MAGNA, VITAE FACILISIS LECTUS SEMPER ID. DONEC FAUCIBUS VOLUTPAT MI VITAE PRETIUM. NULLAM AC MI UT SEM CONSEQUAT FEUGIAT SIT AMET EU DIAM. FUSCE FRINGILLA PHARETRA

NIBH LIGULA ORNARE IPSUM, A RUTRUM NEQUE LIBERO QUIS METUS. MAECENAS NON AUCTOR NISI, SED IACULIS LIGULA. CRAS VESTIBULUM TINCIDUNT ERAT, ET HENDRERIT NIBH FRINGILLA VITAE. INTEGER ADIPISCING LACUS RISUS, UT SAGITTIS ODIO SCELERISQUE QUIS. NULLAM FAUCIBUS FRINGILLA RISUS FRINGILLA MALESUADA. SODALES NEQUE FRINGILLA CONSEQUAT. ALIQUAM LOBORTIS VENENATIS MAGNA, VITAE FACILISIS LECTUS SEMPER ID.

LACUS, A IACULIS ELIT ULTRICIES AT. DUIS POSUERE LIBERO ANTE, QUIS SODALES NEQUE FRINGILLA CONSEQUAT. ALIQUAM LOBORTIS VENENATIS MAGNA, VITAE FACILISIS LECTUS SEMPER.

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INTRODUCTION BY

BY ALTON GARRISON LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN APPLY WHAT WE’VE LEARNED, AND HOW DOING SO WILL ALLOW OUR LIVES TO GO AND BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST. PART OF BEING A COMMUNITY INCLUDES HOW WE LIVE WHEN WE ARE NOT TOGETHER—AND HOW WE REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH EVANGELISM. PROIN RUTRUM FELIS A MASSA VIVERRA MATTIS. CURABITUR AT SAGITTIS NUNC. DONEC POSUERE MALESUADA ENIM, QUIS ALIQUAM DIAM RHONCUS SED. NULLA DIGNISSIM, SEM VITAE ULLAMCORPER FERMENTUM, NIBH LIGULA ORNARE IPSUM, A RUTRUM NEQUE LIBERO QUIS METUS. MAECENAS NON AUCTOR NISI, SED IACULIS LIGULA. CRAS VESTIBULUM TINCIDUNT ERAT, ET HENDRERIT NIBH FRINGILLA VITAE. INTEGER ADIPISCING LACUS RISUS, UT SAGITTIS ODIO SCELERISQUE QUIS. NULLAM FAUCIBUS FRINGILLA RISUS FRINGILLA MALESUADA. DONEC FAUCIBUS VOLUTPAT MI VITAE PRETIUM. NULLAM AC MI UT SEM CONSEQUAT FEUGIAT SIT AMET EU DIAM. FUSCE FRINGILLA PHARETRA LACUS, A IACULIS ELIT ULTRICIES AT. DUIS POSUERE LIBERO ANTE, QUIS SODALES NEQUE FRINGILLA CONSEQUAT. ALIQUAM LOBORTIS VENENATIS MAGNA, VITAE FACILISIS LECTUS SEMPER ID. PROIN RUTRUM FELIS A MASSA VIVERRA MATTIS. CURABITUR AT SAGITTIS NUNC. DONEC POSUERE MALESUADA ENIM, QUIS ALIQUAM DIAM RHONCUS SED. NULLA DIGNISSIM, SEM VITAE ULLAMCORPER FERMENTUM, NIBH LIGULA ORNARE IPSUM, A RUTRUM NEQUE LIBERO QUIS METUS. MAECENAS NON AUCTOR NISI, SED IACULIS LIGULA. CRAS VESTIBULUM TINCIDUNT ERAT, ET HENDRERIT NIBH FRINGILLA VITAE. INTEGER ADIPISCING LACUS RISUS, UT SAGITTIS ODIO SCELERISQUE QUIS. NULLAM FAUCIBUS FRINGILLA RISUS FRINGILLA MALESUADA.

HOW DOES YOUR CONNECTION TO GOD EMPOWER YOU TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS?

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CO-CREATORS Mike Clarensau

Gary Wileman

David Jenkins

Alton Garrison

Sol Arledge

Greg Camprano

Jeff Peterson

Andrea Lathrop

Oliver Offutt

Alice Beth Grant

Carl Stephens

Kevin Brown

Shanna Crawford

Daniel Morrison

Dr. Ryan Darrow

Jeremy Deweerdt

Anthony Cervero

Rick Lorimer

Rob Ketterling

William Leach

David Vistine

Becca Ketterling

Dave Pafford

Derek Youngblood

Jr. Rodriguez

John C. Martin

Josh Thompson

Patsy Rodriguez

Jim Lad

Warren Curry

Guy Declambre

Claude Valdes JR

Tiara Curry

Allen Chapin

Donald Gifford

Jason Yarbrough

Kyle Hammond

Bob Cave

Juan Acuaa

Heath Adamson

Sandra Cave

Joseph S. Girbler

Kevin Taylor

George Nagato

Frank Cargill

Joelene Taylor

Abraham Chikwendu

Mark Hausfeld

Ben Deboef

Chet Caudill

Bill Roberts

Kerry Clarensau

Dave Donaldson

Terri Gibbs

Zollie Smith

Wayne Clark

Shayla Cox

Mike McAteer

Denise Ryan

Gwen Sullivan

Chris White

Steve Milazzo

Alex Schauer

Deidre White

Tim Enloe

Mary Beth Bradshaw

James Braddey

Byron Klaus

Teresa Quinn

Choco De Jesus

Sharon Poole

Mike Quinn

Jerry Strandquist

Diandra Hoskins

Christine Shawa

Joseph Anderson

Scott Wilson

Kevin Taylor

Dr. Bradford

Joann Butrin

Joelene Taylor

Rob Hoskins

Stan Russell

Madlyn Tombs

John Davidson

Cathy Cole

April Wilke

Lynette Davidson

Rick Cole

Diane Aubrey

Peggy Musgrove

Rebekah Crosby

Dr. George Wood

Don James

Douglas Graham

Jason St. John

Todd Alexander

Greg Ford

Jill St. John

Joni Wileman

Jeff Peterson

Andrea Gonzales

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Sheri Hawley

Rita Lewis

Brian Bolt

Beth Carroll

Christy Godzich

Justyn Smith

Joy Wilson

Aryton Smith

Haley Reed

Courtney Kennedy

Christian Lopez

Jeral Dickenson

Angela Donadio

Mariah Aviles

Cyndy Mondelus

Lori Hawkins

Steve Svoboda

Ty Silva

Jeanne Mayo

Josh Ward

David Ferguson

Natalia Guerreiro

Bethany Ivaska

Madison Bouse

Dawn Raley

Josh Pocock

Sullivan Turner

Jennifer McAfee

Katie Scott

Etka Barron

Brandi Carrana

Matt Rule

Eric Porter

Brooke Baker

Anna Fouts

Tom Hammel

Jeanne Mayo

Antonio Valido

Sarah Page

Ranae Mack

Nathan Rouse

Brandon Scarbrough

Angela Hudson

Sophonie LaFortune

Chris Buford

Crystal Heisel

Grace Fanelli

Kyle Coslett

Melanie Strong

Ashley Brooks

Monty Hipp

Linda Housfeld

Josiah Babin

Sean Keith

Robyn Wilkerson

Ricardo Conlee

Baylor Boyd

Sheila Harper

Andy Lehmann

Logan Ketterling

Cherie Gaff

Mikayla Ostynski

Annalise Sullivan

Steph Peterson

David Sanchez

Alyssa Shanks

Elizabeth Wolfe

Resse Maxwell

Kendon Hackworth

Donna Krstulovich

Carson Snider

Marlaena Hamel

Jennifer Pasquale

Justin Keller

Vanessa Barrera

Leslie Thomas

Jessica Prince

Caleb Cole

Renee Duncan

Anthony Cox

Elliot Bland

Chris Railey

Austin Johnson

Joseph Valsquez

Cara Railey

Ryan Beaty

Adelita Martinez

Lucy Donaldson

Allison Fontaine

Charles Stewart

Laurie Hoyt

Daniel King

Delonn Rance

Belindah McAeese

Brooke Baker

Nonda Houston

Jordan Hurt

Nancy Raatz

Jeremy Johnson

Kristi Singer

Courtney Kennedy

Laura Hoggard

David Fergunsen

Diane Gifford

Marvin Hernandez

Beth Espinosa Quick

Kelly Prestin

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CO-CREATORS Mike Clarensau

Gary Wileman

David Jenkins

Alton Garrison

Sol Arledge

Greg Camprano

Jeff Peterson

Andrea Lathrop

Oliver Offutt

Alice Beth Grant

Carl Stephens

Kevin Brown

Shanna Crawford

Daniel Morrison

Dr. Ryan Darrow

Jeremy Deweerdt

Anthony Cervero

Rick Lorimer

Rob Ketterling

William Leach

David Vistine

Becca Ketterling

Dave Pafford

Derek Youngblood

Jr. Rodriguez

John C. Martin

Josh Thompson

Patsy Rodriguez

Jim Lad

Warren Curry

Guy Declambre

Claude Valdes JR

Tiara Curry

Allen Chapin

Donald Gifford

Jason Yarbrough

Kyle Hammond

Bob Cave

Juan Acuaa

Heath Adamson

Sandra Cave

Joseph S. Girbler

Kevin Taylor

George Nagato

Frank Cargill

Joelene Taylor

Abraham Chikwendu

Mark Hausfeld

Ben Deboef

Chet Caudill

Bill Roberts

Kerry Clarensau

Dave Donaldson

Terri Gibbs

Zollie Smith

Wayne Clark

Shayla Cox

Mike McAteer

Denise Ryan

Gwen Sullivan

Chris White

Steve Milazzo

Alex Schauer

Deidre White

Tim Enloe

Mary Beth Bradshaw

James Braddey

Byron Klaus

Teresa Quinn

Choco De Jesus

Sharon Poole

Mike Quinn

Jerry Strandquist

Diandra Hoskins

Christine Shawa

Joseph Anderson

Scott Wilson

Kevin Taylor

Dr. Bradford

Joann Butrin

Joelene Taylor

Rob Hoskins

Stan Russell

Madlyn Tombs

John Davidson

Cathy Cole

April Wilke

Lynette Davidson

Rick Cole

Diane Aubrey

Peggy Musgrove

Rebekah Crosby

Dr. George Wood

Don James

Douglas Graham

Jason St. John

Todd Alexander

Greg Ford

Jill St. John

Joni Wileman

Jeff Peterson

Andrea Gonzales

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Sheri Hawley

Rita Lewis

Brian Bolt

Beth Carroll

Christy Godzich

Justyn Smith

Joy Wilson

Aryton Smith

Haley Reed

Courtney Kennedy

Christian Lopez

Jeral Dickenson

Angela Donadio

Mariah Aviles

Cyndy Mondelus

Lori Hawkins

Steve Svoboda

Ty Silva

Jeanne Mayo

Josh Ward

David Ferguson

Natalia Guerreiro

Bethany Ivaska

Madison Bouse

Dawn Raley

Josh Pocock

Sullivan Turner

Jennifer McAfee

Katie Scott

Etka Barron

Brandi Carrana

Matt Rule

Eric Porter

Brooke Baker

Anna Fouts

Tom Hammel

Jeanne Mayo

Antonio Valido

Sarah Page

Ranae Mack

Nathan Rouse

Brandon Scarbrough

Angela Hudson

Sophonie LaFortune

Chris Buford

Crystal Heisel

Grace Fanelli

Kyle Coslett

Melanie Strong

Ashley Brooks

Monty Hipp

Linda Housfeld

Josiah Babin

Sean Keith

Robyn Wilkerson

Ricardo Conlee

Baylor Boyd

Sheila Harper

Andy Lehmann

Logan Ketterling

Cherie Gaff

Mikayla Ostynski

Annalise Sullivan

Steph Peterson

David Sanchez

Alyssa Shanks

Elizabeth Wolfe

Resse Maxwell

Kendon Hackworth

Donna Krstulovich

Carson Snider

Marlaena Hamel

Jennifer Pasquale

Justin Keller

Vanessa Barrera

Leslie Thomas

Jessica Prince

Caleb Cole

Renee Duncan

Anthony Cox

Elliot Bland

Chris Railey

Austin Johnson

Joseph Valsquez

Cara Railey

Ryan Beaty

Adelita Martinez

Lucy Donaldson

Allison Fontaine

Charles Stewart

Laurie Hoyt

Daniel King

Delonn Rance

Belindah McAeese

Brooke Baker

Nonda Houston

Jordan Hurt

Nancy Raatz

Jeremy Johnson

Kristi Singer

Courtney Kennedy

Laura Hoggard

David Fergunsen

Diane Gifford

Marvin Hernandez

Beth Espinosa Quick

Kelly Prestin

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OUTLINE

OF EACH SESSION Most people want to live a God-honoring life, but few achieve this by themselves. And most small groups struggle to balance all of God’s purposes in their meetings. Groups tend to overemphasize one of the various reasons for meeting. Rarely is there a healthy balance that includes teaching, evangelism, ministry, practical exercises, and worship. That’s why we’ve included all of these elements in this study so you can live a healthy, balanced spiritual life over time.

A TYPICAL GROUP SESSION FOR THE ACTS 2 SERIES WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

INTRODUCTION. Each lesson will open with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the particular subject you will explore with your group. Make it a practice to read these before the session.

CONNECT. As in, connect with God and with each other. The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and His family. A few people who really know you and who earn your trust provide a place to experience the life Jesus invites you to live. This section of each session typically offers you two options. You can get to know your whole group by using the icebreaker question(s), or you can check in with one or two group members—your spiritual partner(s)—for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

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DVD TEACHING SEGMENT. Serving as a companion to the

SERVE. We let the truth we are learning travel the 18 inches from our

Acts 2 small group discussion books is the Acts 2 Video teaching series.

This DVD is designed to combine teaching segments from hundreds of Spirit-filled pastors and speakers along with leadership insights and personal stories of life change. Using the teaching video will add value to this four week commitment of doing life together and discovering how walking with Christ changes everything.

cranium (mind) to our cardium (heart, emotions, and will) in this portion.

This is where the Bible instructs us to “be doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) comes into play. Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary, relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules. But Jesus wanted all of His disciples to help outsiders connect with Him, to know Him personally, and to carry out His commands. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners. It could mean welcoming a few newcomers into your group, hosting a shortterm group in your home, or walking through this study with a friend. In this study, you’ll have an opportunity to go beyond Bible study to biblical living.

NOTE: QUESTIONS WITH AN ASTERISK INDICATE THE CRUCIAL ONES TO USE IF TIME IS SHORT

GROW.

This section is where you will process as a group the teaching you heard and saw. The focus won’t be on accumulating information but on how we should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from Scripture practically, creatively, and from your heart as well as your head. At the end of the day, allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in Christ is our greatest aim.

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GO. Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary, relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules. We understand, because we have these thoughts as well. But God calls all of us to reach out a hand to people who don’t know him. It’s much easier to take practical, manageable steps that can be integrated naturally into everyday life if you take them together. Every week you will have an opportunity to take a small step.

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WORSHIP. We have Jesus’ affirmation that every aspect of life can ultimately be measured as a way of fulfilling one or both of the “bottom line” commandments: “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29–31 NIV). The group session will close with time for personal response to God and group prayer, seeking to keep this crucial commandment before us at all times. This is a good place to have different group members close in prayer, even when the instructions don’t specify. You can also provide some time if the schedule allows for people to reflect on their Prayer and Praise Report or take a little time to meet with a Spiritual Partner.

NOTES

GOING DEEPER BIBLE STUDY. If you have time and want to dig deeper into more Bible passages about the topic at hand, we’ve provided additional passages and questions. Your group may choose to do study homework ahead of each meeting in order to cover more biblical material. If you prefer not to do study homework, the Deeper Bible Study section will provide you with plenty to discuss within the group. These options allow individuals or the whole group to expand their study, while still accommodating those who can’t do homework or are new to your group.

REFLECTIONS. Each week on the Reflections pages we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between group meetings. We suggest you use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. For each session we have provided a Memory Verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but we believe that memorizing Scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s will for our lives. We encourage you to give this important habit a try.

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MEMORY VERSE NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN GOD; BUT IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD LIVES IN US AND HIS LOVE IS MADE COMPLETE IN SESSION ONE

CONNECTING WITH OTHER

US. [ 1 JOHN 4:12 ]

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OUR CULTURE HAS A MILLION DIFFERENT WAYS TO CONNECT: TEXTING, E-MAIL, CELL PHONE, SKYPING. AND YET, WE OFTEN FEEL ISOLATED. WE LONG FOR REAL CONNECTION. WE HAVE MORE WAYS TO CONNECT THAN EVER BEFORE, YET WE FEEL MORE DISCONNECTED THAN WE’VE EVER BEEN.

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God offers us that experience of connection, through the Holy Spirit, as we explored last week. And these two types of connection form an amazing synergy: when we connect vertically to God, we experience Spirit-empowerment that enables us to connect horizontally, with other people.

When we love others, we grow in our faith, experiencing God in a deeper way. And those whom we love or encourage or care for are blessed. They, too, move closer to God—so our shared connection allows them to experience God more fully as well.

We are made in God’s image, and He exists in community: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So we function best in community.

When He created the world, the only thing that was “not good,” prior to the Fall, was that man was alone.

When we are intentional about human relationships, we can’t help but grow in our relationship with God, and deepen our experience of God. And we realize that we are truly better together.

CONNECT

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

As you begin, take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page ???, a sheet of paper, or one of you pass your Study Guide, opened to the Small Group Roster. Have everyone write down their contact information. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group this week.

INVITE

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1. Who is someone you know that seems to have a strong connection with God?

2. While human fathers are imperfect even at their best, God our Father is perfect. What kind of connection would a perfect father have with his child, ideally?

4. Whether your group is

5. Rotating leaders is one of

new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together.

On pages ???-??? is a Small Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values— ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health.

the group values we highly recommend for your group.

People need opportunities to experiment with ways in which God may have gifted them.

Your group will give you all the encouragement you need before, during, and after the session.

IF YOUR GROUP IS NEW, YOU MAY WANT TO FOCUS ON WELCOMING NEWCOMERS OR ON SHARING GROUP

3. Do you think most people see God in this way—as a perfect parent? Why or why not?

OWNERSHIP. ANY

host homes, with the host of each meeting providing the refreshments. Some groups like to let the host lead the meeting each week, while others like to let one person host while another person leads.

Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside him (Mark 6:30–44). Look at the FAQs in the Appendix additional information about hosting or leading the group.

GROUP WILL QUICKLY MOVE FROM BEING THE LEADER’S GROUP TO OUR GROUP IF EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS THE GOALS OF THE GROUP AND SHARES A SMALL ROLE. SEE THE TEAM ROLES IN APPENDIX FOR HELP ON HOW TO DO THIS WELL.

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6. We also suggest you rotate

The Small Group Calendar on page xx is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings.

Don’t pass this up! It will revolutionize your group.

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW. USE THE NOTES SPACE PROVIDED ON PAGE XX TO RECORD ANY KEY THOUGHTS, QUESTIONS, AND THINGS YOU WANT TO REMEMBER OR FOLLOW UP ON. AFTER WATCHING THE VIDEO, HAVE SOMEONE READ THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS IN THE GROW SECTION AND DIRECT THE DISCUSSION AMONG THE GROUP. AS YOU GO THROUGH EACH OF THE SUBSEQUENT SECTIONS, ASK SOMEONE ELSE TO READ THE QUESTIONS AND DIRECT THE DISCUSSION. P | 32

GROW

NOTES

USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST EXPERIENCED, AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE BELOW.

READ MATTHEW 9: 9-12 1. In the video, we were challenged to love other believers in such a way that seeing those relationships would make faith appealing to unbelievers. What is one step you want to take to love others so that unbelievers will be drawn toward Jesus?

2. Do your unbelieving friends ever hang out with your “church friends” enough to see how you interact with them?

3. According to this passage, Jesus regularly ate with tax collectors and sinners. In Jesus’ day, tax collectors were corrupt, and considered traitors. In your life, who are the “tax collectors and sinners”?

4. In verse 13, Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, which the Pharisees would have been very familiar with. By referencing this Old P | 33

Testament passage, what was Jesus saying to the Pharisees?

5. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 12 when he said “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”

Do unbelievers realize they are “sick”? What is your role, and what is the Holy Spirit’s role, in letting them know this without alienating them?

6. In the video, we heard that the Great Commission begins when we touch people where they are, and demonstrate to them that they are valuable, so valuable that God gave his only begotten Son for them. How can you demonstrate (through your actions and atittudes) to unbelievers that they have value?

7. What barriers do you think get in the way of building friendships with unbelievers?

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LOVE EACHOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

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FOR DEEPER STUDY EXPLORE THE BIBLE PASSAGES RELATED TO THIS SESSION’S THEME AS A GROUP (IF THERE IS TIME) OR ON YOUR OWN BETWEEN SESSIONS.

READ 1 JOHN 4: 7-12 Q1. According to this passage, where does love (and our desire to love and be loved) come from?

Q2. How did God show His love for us?

Q3. How do we show love back to God? Q4. What purpose does our connection with others (our love for them) have in their life?

READ JOHN 17:20-23 Q1. Whom does Jesus pray for in this passage? What is His request?

Q2. What would it look like for Jesus’ followers to have “complete unity”? What gets in the way of that?

Q3. What is one step you could take to move toward unity with other believers?

READ HEBREWS 10: 23-25 Q1. In this passage, and indeed the whole chapter, we see the pronoun “we” repeatedly. What does that little word imply?

Q2. What does it mean to “spur one another on to love and good deeds”? Tell about a time someone did that for you. What did they say to you, and how did you respond?

Q3. The New Testament uses the phrase “one another” more than 50 times—and twice in this passage. According to this passage, what are we to do for one another? How would that impact the strength of our “heart connection” with one another? How might it allow us to experience God in a fresh way?

Q4. Use a concordance or Bible app to find other “one another” passages in the New Testament.

What sort of picture do these passages paint of what it means to connect and have fellowship?

What next steps for your group can you draw from this study?

Q4. How does fellowship, especially sharing our stories, help move us toward unity? How does it impact our relationship with God, and our experience of Him?

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WHEN WE LOVE

OTHERS, WE GROW IN OUR FAITH

EXPERIENCING GOD IN A

DEEPER WAY

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SERVE THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES EACH OF US GIFTS TO SERVE THE BODY—INCLUDING YOUR SMALL GROUP. WHEN WE USE OUR GIFTS, EVERYONE BENEFITS: OTHERS ARE BLESSED, AND WE GROW IN OUR FAITH AND EXPERIENCE GOD IN NEW WAYS. LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND DECIDE HOW, SPECIFICALLY, YOU WILL SERVE THIS WEEK. SEE TEAM ROLES IN THE APPENDIX

Pair up with someone in your group. (We suggest that men partner with men and women with women.) This person will be your spiritual partner for the rest of this study. He or she doesn’t have to be your best friend, but will simply encourage you to complete the goals you set for yourself during this study. Following through on a resolution is tough when you’re on your own, but we’ve found it makes all the difference to have a partner cheering us on. Encouraging P | 41

and praying for another person is a way to serve them, and to serve the group as a whole.

On pages ???-??? is a Personal Health Plan, a chart for keeping track of your spiritual progress. In the box that says, “WHO are you connecting with spiritually?” write your partner’s name. In the box that says, “WHAT is your next step for growth?” write one step you would like to take for growth during this study. Look back on your Personal Health Assessment for ideas.

Tell your partner what step you chose. When you check in with your partner each week, the “Partner’s Progress” column on this chart will provide a place to record your partner’s progress in the goal he or she chose.

On pages ???-??? you’ll find a Sample Personal Health Plan filled in as an example. For now, don’t worry about the WHERE, WHEN, and HOW questions on the Health Plan.

How will you serve the group this week? Will you pray for them? Send an encouraging email? Invite group members to get together outside of the group? Be creative about how you plan to bless others.

You can see that the Personal Health Plan contains space for you to record the ups and downs of your progress each week in the column labeled “My Progress.” And now with your spiritual partner you don’t have to do it alone, but together with a friend.

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GO LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN APPLY WHAT WE’VE LEARNED, AND HOW DOING SO WILL ALLOW OUR LIVES TO GO AND BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST. PART OF BEING A COMMUNITY INCLUDES HOW WE LIVE WHEN WE ARE NOT TOGETHER—AND HOW WE REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH EVANGELISM.

1. In the first session we asked you to write some names in the Circles of Life diagram. Who did you identify as the people in your life who need to meet Jesus? Go back to the Circles of Life diagram on page ??? to help you think of the various people you come in contact with on a regular basis who need to know Jesus more deeply.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING IDEAS FOR ACTION AND MAKE A PLAN TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON ONE OF THEM THIS WEEK. CONSIDER INVITING A FRIEND TO ATTEND A WEEKEND SERVICE WITH YOU AND POSSIBLY PLAN TO ENJOY A MEAL TOGETHER AFTERWARD. This can be a great opportunity to talk with someone about your faith in Jesus.

THIS IS A WONDERFUL TIME TO WELCOME A FEW FRIENDS INTO YOUR GROUP. Which of the people you listed could you invite? It’s possible that you may need to help your friend overcome obstacles to coming to a place where he or she can encounter Jesus.

DOES YOUR FRIEND NEED A RIDE TO THE GROUP? HELP WITH CHILD CARE?

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WORSHIP WORSHIP IS NOT JUST SINGING OR RAISING OUR HANDS—IT IS GIVING OUR ATTENTION TO GOD. OUR DISCUSSION HAS ALLOWED US TO GIVE ATTENTION TO ONE ANOTHER—WHICH IS GOOD AND RIGHT BECAUSE WE ARE TO LOVE EACH OTHER. BUT NOW WE WILL SPEND SOME TIME GIVING GOD ATTENTION AND HONOR.

1. Share your prayer requests in your group and then gather in smaller circles of three or four people to pray. Be sure to have everyone write down the personal requests of the members to use as a reminder to pray for your group throughout the week. (The Prayer and Praise Report is on page ???.)

3. As you did in the first session, you may want to include some worship music in your meeting.

Sing a song together, or read a Psalm out loud together. If someone in the group has taken on the worship leader role, have them lead a short time of worship.

GOD OFFERS THAT EXPERIENCE OF CONNECTION, THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Then pray for one another in your circle. Don’t put pressure on anyone to pray aloud. When you pray for each person, you may find it meaningful to hold hands or place your hands on another person’s shoulder. Jesus often touched those He healed to communicate His care for them.

2. Take a few minutes to talk about what it would take to make time with God a priority every day or even five or six days a week. Don’t demand an hour or even a half-hour of time; consider drawing near to God for a few minutes each day and gradually you will desire more. Use the Reflections at the end of each P | 45

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TIME PRIORITY MAKE WITH GOD A P | 47

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS EACH DAY, READ THE DAILY VERSES AND GIVE PRAYERFUL CONSIDERATION TO WHAT YOU LEARN ABOUT GOD, HIS SPIRIT, AND HIS PLACE IN YOUR LIFE. TAKE YOUR TIME! LISTEN TO WHAT GOD IS TELLING YOU. PONDER AND REFLECT. THEN RECORD THE THOUGHTS THAT COMES TO MIND IN THE REFLECT SECTION BELOW THE VERSES YOU READ. GOD OFTEN SPEAKS TO US THROUGH BOTH HIS WORD

DAY 4 : JOHN 15: 13-15 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business.

Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

REFLECT What does it mean to lay down your life for a friend? What does it mean to you to have Jesus as a friend? How does that impact your connection to others?

AND THROUGH GENTLE WHISPERS. ON THE SIXTH DAY RECORD A SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OVER THE ENTIRE WEEK THROUGH THIS STUDY.

DAY 5 : JOHN 15: 16, 17 DAY 1 : JOHN 15:10

DAY 2 : JOHN 15:11

“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

REFLECT When you hear the word “command” what comes to mind? What commands from God the Father did Jesus keep—and ask us to keep?

REFLECT What does this verse promise us if we love God and love others?

DAY 3 : JOHN 15:12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

REFLECT God loves us so completely. What do you think would be needed in order to love others as he has loved us?

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“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”

REFLECT What does this passage promise us? What does it ask of us? What does it tell us about how loving others will impact our experience of God’s power in our lives?

DAY 6 Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Reflections time this week. What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God?

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SUMMARY

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MEMORY VERSE “BUT GO AND LEARN WHAT THIS MEANS: ‘I DESIRE MERCY, NOT SACRIFICE.’ FOR I HAVE SESSION TWO

CONNECTING WITH

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NOT COME TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS.” [ MATTHEW 9:12]

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JESUS WAS KNOWN FOR REACHING OUT TO THE MARGINALIZED, THE PEOPLE LABELED BY HIS SOCIETY AS “SINNERS.” WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT THIS, HE SAID THAT THOSE FAR FROM GOD NEEDED HIS LOVE AND TEACHING MORE THAN THOSE WHO ALREADY KNEW ALL OF GOD’S LAWS AND TRADITIONS.

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Do we, His followers, live as he did, reaching out to “sinners”?

Even Jesus’ coming to earth as a man was an example of this—He came close, became one of us.

And yet, the Bible tells us to be holy, to be set apart, to not allow the world to corrupt us.

How do we have a positive influence on people far from God, without having them become a negative influence on us?

To avoid this struggle, we sometimes limit our interactions to people within our church, or at least within our faith—and become isolated from those who need to hear the good news of Jesus’ love. Jesus didn’t just talk to sinners on street corners, He went to them and ate with them, which in His culture implied not only friendship but loving acceptance. It may be that in order to connect with irreligious people, we may have to be willing to “eat with sinners,” but still be a light in their darkness. What would that look like in your life?

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CONNECT Open your group with prayer. Pray simply and briefly, saving more in-depth requests until the end of the meeting. Ask God to give you insights and wisdom as you study and discuss together.

Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Choose one of the activities below to build your connections within the group.

1. Where, in your daily or weekly

3. Take time in this final session

routine, do you interact with unbelievers? What is one step you could take to connect with them?

to connect with your spiritual partner. Check in with each other about the progress you have made in your spiritual growth during this study. Make plans about whether you will continue in your relationship outside your Bible study group.

2. Jesus spent a lot of his time with irreligious people. Why do you think He did this? Do you think most Christians follow His example? Explain.

GROW USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST EXPERIENCED, AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE BELOW.

READ MATTHEW 9: 9-12 1. In the video, we were challenged to love other believers in such a way that seeing those relationships would make faith appealing to unbelievers. What is one step you want to take to love others so that unbelievers will be drawn toward Jesus?

2. Do your unbelieving friends ever hang out with your “church friends” enough to see how you interact with them?

3. According to this passage, Jesus regularly ate with tax collectors and sinners. In Jesus’ day, tax collectors were corrupt, and considered traitors. In your life, who are the “tax collectors and sinners”?

4. In verse 13, Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, which the Pharisees would have been very familiar with. By referencing this Old

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Testament passage, what was Jesus saying to the Pharisees?

5. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 12 when he said “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”

Do unbelievers realize they are “sick”? What is your role, and what is the Holy Spirit’s role, in letting them know this without alienating them?

6. In the video, we heard that the Great Commission begins when we touch people where they are, and demonstrate to them that they are valuable, so valuable that God gave his only begotten Son for them. How can you demonstrate (through your actions and atittudes) to unbelievers that they have value?

7. What barriers do you think get in the way of building friendships with unbelievers?

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LOVE YOUR

ENEMIES & PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU

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NOTES

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GOD

BLESSES AND SUSTAINS

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FOR DEEPER STUDY EXPLORE THE BIBLE PASSAGES RELATED TO THIS SESSION’S THEME AS A GROUP (IF THERE IS TIME) OR ON YOUR OWN BETWEEN SESSIONS.

READ MATTHEW 5:13-15 1. In this passage, Jesus instructs his followers to be “salt.” What characteristics does salt have? How do these characteristics relate to how we’re to interact with others?

2. What does it mean to be “the light of the world”?

3. In very practical terms, what does it mean to “let your light shine”?

What’s one way you want to do that this week?

READ COLOSSIANS 4:2-6 1. What does this passage tell us is the essential first step in connecting with unbelievers?

SERVE THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES

2. Why do you think prayer is so important?

3. What does verse three tell us about God’s role in our connection with unbelievers?

4. Paul tells us to “be wise in the way you act toward outsiders.”

What kind of actions would be wise in your interactions with unbelievers? How would wise actions strengthen your connection with them?

5. What do you think it means to have a graceful conservation, seasoned with salt?

READ 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23

EACH OF US GIFTS TO SERVE THE BODY—INCLUDING YOUR SMALL GROUP. WHEN WE USE OUR GIFTS, EVERYONE BENEFITS: OTHERS ARE BLESSED, AND WE GROW IN OUR FAITH AND EXPERIENCE GOD IN NEW WAYS. LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND DECIDE HOW, SPECIFICALLY, YOU WILL SERVE THIS WEEK. SEE TEAM ROLES IN THE APPENDIX

1. In your Personal Health Plan on page ???, next to the “Sharing” icon, answer the “WHEN are you shepherding another person in Christ?” question.

1. What does Paul say his goal is?

2. How does he accomplish his goal?

3. In your interactions with unbelievers, how could you follow Paul’s example?

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GO LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN APPLY WHAT WE’VE LEARNED, AND HOW DOING SO WILL ALLOW OUR LIVES TO GO AND BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST. PART OF BEING A COMMUNITY INCLUDES HOW WE LIVE WHEN WE ARE NOT TOGETHER—AND HOW WE REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH EVANGELISM.

1. Each of you share how you have done with inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your small group.

What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come? Perhaps you’ll want to host a “Matthew Party.”

Based on the gathering Jesus had when Matthew first became one of his disciples (described in Matthew 9:9-13), it is simply a time of fellowship where you deliberately invite Christian and non-Christian friends to mingle, praying for spiritual conversations.

WORSHIP 1. Share your praises and prayer requests with one another. Record these on the Prayer and Praise Report on page ???. Then, spend time now praying for each other.

2. OBEDIENCE IS ABOUT SURRENDER. Turn to the Personal Health Plan on page ??? and individually consider the “HOW are you surrendering your heart?” question. Look to the Sample Personal Health Plan on page ??? for help. Share some of your thoughts in the group.

3. As this is the last meeting in this study, take some time to celebrate the work God has done in the lives of group members. Have each person in the group share some step of growth that they have noticed in another member. (In other words, no one will talk about themselves, but affirm others in the group). Make sure that each person gets affirmed and noticed and celebrated—whether the steps they’ve made are large or small.

WORSHIP IS NOT JUST SINGING OR RAISING OUR HANDS—IT IS GIVING OUR ATTENTION TO GOD. OUR DISCUSSION HAS ALLOWED US TO GIVE ATTENTION TO ONE ANOTHER—WHICH IS GOOD AND RIGHT BECAUSE WE ARE TO LOVE EACH OTHER. BUT NOW WE WILL SPEND SOME TIME P | 67

GIVING GOD ATTENTION AND HONOR.

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS

DAY 3 : MATTHEW 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

REFLECT EACH DAY, READ THE DAILY VERSES AND GIVE PRAYERFUL CONSIDERATION TO WHAT YOU LEARN ABOUT GOD, HIS SPIRIT, AND HIS PLACE IN YOUR LIFE. THEN RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS, INSIGHTS,

In what ways does Jesus “raise the bar” in this statement? What would it look like to love people who don’t love you back? How does the Holy Spirit help us to love this way?

OR PRAYER IN THE REFLECT SECTION BELOW THE VERSES YOU READ. ON THE SIXTH DAY RECORD A SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OVER THE ENTIRE WEEK THROUGH THIS STUDY.

DAY 4 : MATTHEW 5:47 DAY 1 : MATTHEW 5:43-45A

DAY 2 : MATTHEW 5:45B

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

REFLECT In Jesus day, both sun and rain were seen as blessings, needed for crops and therefore survival.

This verse seems to be saying that God blesses and sustains all people, not just righteous ones or believers. How does that make you feel? Why would God act in this way?

REFLECT Jesus calls us to live in a way that is different from “pagans” or people far from God. Spend some time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to empower and equip you to do this

REFLECT In Jesus day, both sun and rain were seen as blessings, needed for crops and therefore survival.

This verse seems to be saying that God blesses and sustains all people, not just righteous ones or believers. How does that make you feel? Why would God act in this way?

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And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

DAY 5 : MATTHEW 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

REFLECT What do you think Jesus means by this statement? What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us to move toward this goal?

DAY 6 Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Reflections time this week.

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SUMMARY

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MEMORY VERSE “I AM THE VINE; YOU ARE THE BRANCHES. IF YOU REMAIN IN ME AND I IN YOU, YOU WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT; APART FROM ME SESSION THREE

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YOU CAN DO NOTHING.” [ JOHN 15:5 ]

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GOD LOVES YOU. YOU WERE CREATED TO LIVE YOUR LIFE—ALL OF IT—CONNECTED TO HIM. GOD DEEPLY DESIRES TO LIVE IN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU, ALLOWING YOU TO EXPERIENCE HIS LOVE AND POWER IN A NEW WAY EVERY DAY.

But trusting that love can be difficult—especially if we’ve been hurt before. That’s why the gift of the Holy Spirit is so amazing. God is not far off—He’s within us. The New Testament Greek word used to describe the Holy Spirit is “paraclete”—the God who comes alongside of us, lives within us.

But, God not only lives in us, by the power of His Spirit, He comes upons us to lead us to a deeper life in Him. God’s power upon our lives impacts who we are, what we do and how He uses us.

One of the most astonishing things about our connection with God is that He is the initiator of our relationship. Before you ever heard about Him, God knew you intimately and sought you out. In fact, He created you to function best when you are connected intimately with Him. The first relationship Adam had was with God. While obviously Adam needed human companionship, he also needed intimacy with God.

GOD OFFERS US THAT INTIMACY AS WELL. HE IS GREAT, AND POWERFUL, AND HE IS VERY CLOSE TO US. When we are in loving relationship with God, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to grow in our faith, to serve others, to give witness to Him, to worship Him with our whole hearts. Everything begins with our connection to God.

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CONNECT Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular sitation comes up during your discussion.

1. When you hear the word

4. Most people want to live a

“fellowship,” what comes to mind? Why is fellowship important to you personally?

healthy, balanced life. A regular medical check-up is a good way to measure health and spot potential problems. In the same way, a spiritual check-up is vital to your spiritual well being. The Personal Health Assessment was designed to give you a quick snapshot, or pulse, of your spiritual health. Take a few minutes alone to complete the Personal Health Assessment, found on page ??? in the Appendix. After answering each question, tally your results.

Then, pair up with another person and briefly share one purpose that is going well and one that needs a little work.

2. If your definition from question 1 involves a potluck dinner, let’s dig a bit deeper.

What are some characteristics of true biblical fellowship?

3. Tell about a time when you experienced connection or fellowship with someone, and it impacted your relationship with God.

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GROW USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST EXPERIENCED, AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE BELOW.

READ ACTS 2:42-47 1. In the video, Dr. Wood likened the experience of community to an art restoration that clears away the grime from our lives, allowing us to have a fresh experience of God. Tell about a time this happened in your life.

2. A small group like this one helps us to build and strengthen connection with one another.

What are you hoping to get out of being in this group?

3. Tell the group about a time when fellowship and connection sustained you through a difficult season in your life. Whether it was a small group, church, or perhaps a mentor, how did connection with others strengthen you and help you connect with God?

4. In Acts 2, we read about the church that formed right after Pentecost. What specific characteristics made this community so extraordinary?

5. How did the people in the Acts 2 church help one another to experience God? In what ways were they “better together”?

6. In the video, Heath Adamson mentioned vulnerability, and Alton Garrison mentioned the importance of sharing your story.

Why is vulnerably sharing your story difficult? What benefits are there to taking the risk to do so?

7. In the video, Zollie Smith talked about fellowship being a way of “adding value to one another.” Describe a relationship, past or present, where someone added value to your life by connecting with you. How were you “better together”?

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NOTES

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FOR DEEPER STUDY EXPLORE THE BIBLE PASSAGES RELATED TO THIS SESSION’S THEME AS A GROUP (IF THERE IS TIME) OR ON YOUR OWN

READ PSALM 37:3-7 Q1. What specific things does this passage tell us to do in our relationship with God? Q2. What promises does it make to us?

Q3. What do you think it means to “take delight in the Lord”?

What keeps us from doing that?

BETWEEN SESSIONS.

READ LUKE 15:1-7 Q1. Have you ever temporarily lost something or someone important to you? (Maybe you got separated from your child in a store, or lost something valuable). How did you feel?

And then, how did you feel when the person or thing was found?

Q2. How do you respond to the idea of God’s distress when his children are “lost” (disconnected) from him, and his joy when they are connected to him?

Q3. What does this parable tell us about God’s desire for connection with us?

Q1. Tell about a time in your life when you felt like a lost sheep.

Did God come looking for you?

What happened?

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READ 1 KINGS 19:11-13 Q1. The context of this encounter: Elijah feared for his life, and was feeling deeply discouraged in his ministry as a prophet. Have you ever felt this way?

Q2. Why did God speak to Elijah in a whisper, rather than fire, wind or earthquake?

Q3. A quiet whisper is sometimes easy to ignore or miss. What can we do in order to not miss the whispers of the Spirit?

Q4. This encounter with God gave Elijah the strength to go on when he wanted to give up.

How have the gentle whispers of the Spirit have been significant in your faith journey?

Q5. What did that connection with God provide for you?

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WE WERE CREATED TO CONNECT WITH OUR GOD

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SERVE THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES EACH OF US GIFTS TO SERVE THE BODY—INCLUDING YOUR SMALL GROUP. WHEN WE USE OUR GIFTS, EVERYONE BENEFITS: OTHERS ARE BLESSED, AND WE GROW IN OUR FAITH AND EXPERIENCE GOD IN NEW WAYS. LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND DECIDE HOW, SPECIFICALLY, YOU WILL SERVE THIS WEEK. SEE TEAM ROLES IN THE APPENDIX

Based on your spiritual gifts and unique calling, what is one thing you could do to serve others in the group: pray for them, lead worship, organize the snack list or schedule, or something else?

Share what one role you are willing to play, and the specific step you feel God is calling you to take this week.

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paradoxically, spending time alone with God: in prayer, in studying and reflecting on God’s Word. Here are some simple ways to connect with God.

PRAYER. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. You may find it helpful to write your prayers in a journal.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS. The Reflections provided in each session offer an opportunity for reading a short Bible passage five days a week during the course of this study.

In our hurry-up world, we often move too quickly through everything—even reading God’s word! Slow down. Don’t just skim, but take time to read carefully and reflect on God’s word. Write down your insights on what you read each day.

Copy a portion of Scripture on a card and tape it somewhere in your line of sight, such as your car’s dashboard or the kitchen table. Or text it to yourself! Think about it when you sit at red lights, or while you’re eating a meal. Reflect on what God is saying to you through these words. On the sixth day summarize what God has shown you throughout the week.

GO LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN APPLY WHAT WE’VE LEARNED, AND HOW DOING SO WILL ALLOW OUR LIVES TO GO AND BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST. PART OF BEING A COMMUNITY INCLUDES HOW WE LIVE WHEN WE ARE NOT TOGETHER—AND HOW WE REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH EVANGELISM.

HOW DOES YOUR CONNECTION TO GOD EMPOWER YOU TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS? Take a minute right now to ask God who might enjoy or benefit from this group. Now, in the Circles of Life diagram to the right, write down the names that just came to mind. Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to share with each of them.

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CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

WORSHIP WORSHIP IS NOT JUST SINGING OR RAISING OUR HANDS—IT IS GIVING OUR ATTENTION TO GOD. OUR DISCUSSION HAS ALLOWED US TO GIVE

FAMILY

ATTENTION TO ONE ANOTHER—WHICH IS GOOD AND RIGHT BECAUSE WE ARE TO LOVE EACH OTHER. BUT NOW WE WILL SPEND SOME TIME

FAMILIAR

[NEIGHBORS. SCHOOL. KIDS’ SPORTS TEAMS AND SO FORTH]

FUN

[GYM. HOBBIES. HANGOUTS.]

GIVING GOD ATTENTION AND HONOR.

FRIENDS READ ROMANS 8: 14-17

FIRM

[WORK]

18. Allow everyone to answer this question: “How can we pray for you this week?” Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page ???. If your group has more than eight peole, break into smaller groups of three or four peole each, so that everyone has a chance to share and to receive prayer.

19. What kind of worship fits your group? Spend a few minutes worshiping God together.

HERE ARE TWO IDEAS ONE. Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song.

Try singing á capela, using a worship CD, or have someone accompany your singing with a musical instrument.

SPENDING TIME ALONE WITH GOD IS OUR SWEET PRIVILEGE

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TWO. Read a passage of Scripture together, making it a time of praise and worship as the words remind you of all God has done for you. Choose a psalm or other favorite verse.

20. Our corporate worship is enriched by our individual worship.

Spending time alone with God is our sweet privilege. To guide you in this daily practice, we provide Reflections at the end of each lesson.

There are five daily Scripture readings with space to record your thoughts. On the sixth day there is space to record your summary of the five reflections. These will offer reinforcement of the principles we are learning, and provide a bit of structure for your time alone with God throughout the week.

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WORSHIP IS NOT JUST SINGING OR RAISING

OUR HANDS IT IS GIVING OUR ATTENTION

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS DAY 1 : JOHN 15:4 EACH DAY, READ THE DAILY VERSES AND GIVE PRAYERFUL CONSIDERATION TO WHAT YOU LEARN ABOUT GOD, HIS SPIRIT, AND HIS PLACE IN YOUR LIFE. TAKE YOUR TIME! LISTEN TO WHAT GOD IS TELLING YOU. PONDER AND REFLECT. THEN

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.

Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

REFLECT What do you think it means to “bear fruit”? Can you give an example of spiritual fruit?

DAY 3 : JOHN 15:6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

REFLECT What happens when a branch is cut off from the main plant? Have you ever had a time when you felt disconnected from God? What was that like?

DAY 4 : JOHN 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

RECORD THE THOUGHTS

REFLECT

THAT COMES TO MIND IN

What does this verse tell us about the power of being connected to God? How might our connection with God influence the things that we desire?

THE REFLECT SECTION BELOW THE VERSES YOU READ. GOD OFTEN SPEAKS TO US THROUGH BOTH HIS WORD AND THROUGH GENTLE WHISPERS. ON THE SIXTH DAY RECORD A SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OVER THE ENTIRE WEEK THROUGH THIS STUDY.

DAY 2 : JOHN 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

REFLECT What do you think Jesus means when he says “remain in me”?

What does this look like in your own experience?

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DAY 5 : JOHN 15:8,9 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

REFLECT How does our being connected to God ultimately glorify Him? What do you think it means, in very practical terms, to remain in God’s love? How can we do that?

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SUMMARY

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MEMORY VERSE JUST AS A BODY, THOUGH ONE, HAS MANY PARTS, BUT ALL ITS MANY PARTS FORM ONE BODY, SO IT IS WITH CHRIST. FOR WE WERE ALL BAPTIZED BY ONE SPIRIT SO AS TO FORM ONE BODY—WHETHER JEWS OR GENTILES, SESSION FOUR

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CHURCH IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A PLACE WE GATHER TO WORSHIP OR HEAR TEACHING. IT IS MORE THAN A SINGULAR WEEKLY EXPERIENCE. RATHER, BEING A PART OF A CHURCH AFFORDS US THE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN ON-GOING EXPERIENCE OF GOD WHERE WE SERVE HIM AS WE SERVE OTHERS, FEEL HIS LOVE THROUGH THE LOVE OF OTHERS, AND FEEL THE JOY OF CONNECTION.

When we are a part of a local church, we are also a part of the Church throughout the world—united in a mysterious way by the Holy Spirit to all believers. We say yes to being a part of the Kingdom of God, the work that God is doing in the world.

So our connection at church comes from worshipping together, but also serving one another. Paul uses the metaphor of a body to describe the church. But a body doesn’t just sit there—it works. It functions. One part supports another via vital connection.

SO IT IS WITH US: OUR CONNECTION TO THE BODY IS FORGED NOT ONLY IN JUST BEING WITH OTHER BELIEVERS, BUT IN SERVING THEM JOYFULLY.

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GROW

CONNECT Open your group with prayer. Pray simply and briefly, saving more indepth requests until the end of the meeting. Ask God to give you insights and wisdom as you study and discuss together.

Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Choose one of the activities below to build your connections within the group.

1. Describe a way in which

4. Our next session is the last

you are connected with your church body. How does your connection with your church strengthen your relationship with God?

in this study—a good time to pause and reflect on what you’ve experienced in this group, how you’ve grown. Talk about how you might worship God and celebrate his goodness in your final meeting.

2. How do individual members of the church strengthen it as a whole?

3. Sit with your spiritual partner.

If your partner is absent or if you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner.

If you haven’t established your spiritual partnership yet, do it now.

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REFER TO THE SESSION TWO SERVE SECTION FOR HELP.

Turn to your Personal Health Plan on page ??? now. Share with your partner how your time with God went this week. What is one thing you discovered? Did you make a commitment to a next step that you can share? What obstacles hindered you from following through this week?

Make a note about your partner’s progress and how you can pray for him or her.

USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST EXPERIENCED, AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE BELOW.

READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-26 1. In the video, we heard that connecting is about “doing life together,” and we were reminded that it God designed us in such a way that it is not good for us to be alone. Who are the people in your life that you do life with?

2. Western culture tends to value independence and autonomy. How does this compare to the description of the church as a body in this passage?

3. Verse 13 says we were baptized “into one body.” What does it mean for believers to be “one body”?

to move toward unity? (This is not the place to discuss specific conflicts, but to share your thoughts on preventing and resolving division).

5. The context of this passage is a discussion of spiritual gifts.

How does serving and using our gifts strengthen the body of the church? How does it strengthen our connection to one another?

6. Several stories in the video told about practical help that we give one another: meals, visits to a hospital, gifts for a sick child.

Who is someone you could give this practical help to?

7. How might serving someone in need bring them closer to God? How might it impact your own connection with God?

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FEEL THE

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NOTES

INVITE

GOD

TO BE WITH

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YOU

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FOR DEEPER STUDY EXPLORE THE BIBLE PASSAGES RELATED TO THIS SESSION’S THEME AS A GROUP (IF THERE IS TIME) OR ON YOUR OWN BETWEEN SESSIONS.

READ EPHESIANS 2:14-22

Read Ephesians 4: 1-164: 1-16 READ EPHESIANS

1. What situation was Paul addressing in this letter to the church?

1. What is one thing you can do to keep the “unity of the Spirit” within your church?

2. Have you ever found yourself on one side of a “dividing wall of hostility”? What happened?

2. A major theme of this passage is oneness or unity.

How does oneness strengthen the church? How can each person within the church contribute to oneness?

3. What does it mean that Jesus is our peace?

4. What does this passage tell us about God’s desire for his people? What does it mean to be “built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit”? How can individual believers cooperate with the Spirit to reach that goal?

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3. What does it mean to “speak the truth in love” (vs 15)?

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SERVE THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES EACH OF US GIFTS TO SERVE THE BODY—INCLUDING YOUR SMALL GROUP. WHEN WE USE OUR GIFTS, EVERYONE BENEFITS: OTHERS ARE BLESSED, AND WE GROW IN OUR FAITH AND EXPERIENCE GOD IN NEW WAYS. LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND DECIDE HOW, SPECIFICALLY, YOU WILL SERVE THIS WEEK. SEE TEAM ROLES IN THE APPENDIX

1. Is there an area of service that God has put on your heart to serve this group or the body of Christ in your local church?

Commit to taking the first step and be willing to let God lead you to the ministry that expresses your passion. In your Personal Health Plan on page ???, next to the “Develop” icon, answer the “WHERE are you serving?” question. If you are not currently serving, note one area where you will consider serving.

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2. Romans 12:15 says: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Who is someone in your life who is currently mourning? According to this verse, how could you serve that person?

3. Because the next session is the last one in this study, take a few minutes to discuss the future of your group. How many of you are willing to stay together as a group and work through another study together? If you have time, turn to the Small Group Agreement on page ??? and talk about any changes you would like to make as you move forward as a group.

GO LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN APPLY WHAT WE’VE LEARNED, AND HOW DOING SO WILL ALLOW OUR LIVES TO GO AND BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST. PART OF BEING A COMMUNITY INCLUDES HOW WE LIVE WHEN WE ARE NOT TOGETHER—AND HOW WE REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH EVANGELISM.

We have found that groups that connect outside of the regular meeting time build stronger bonds and feel a greater sense of purpose.

As a group, brainstorm about ways that you could reach out to the community around you together, to share the love of Jesus. Think particularly about this week’s lesson: where might you encounter people who are hurting and broken? How could you, as a group, “mourn with those who mourn” and share God’s love with them?

FOR EXAMPLE, PERHAPS YOU’LL WANT TO GO AS A GROUP TO VISIT A LOCAL NURSING HOME OR HOSPITAL, TO SIMPLY SHOW GOD’S LOVE TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE THERE. MAKE PLANS TO MAKE THIS KIND OF VISIT THIS WEEK WITH OTHER GROUP MEMBERS.

THE

Is there someone who might not be open to coming to a small group, but who still needs a connection? Would you be willing to have lunch or coffee with that person, catch up on life, and share something you’ve learned from this study? Jesus doesn’t call all of us to lead small groups, but he does call every disciple to spiritually multiply his or her life over time.

IN LOVE

Take a few minutes to discuss the future of your group. How many of you are willing to stay together as a group and work through another study together? If you have time, turn to the Small Group Agreement on page ??? and talk about any changes you would like to make as you move forward as a group.

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WORSHIP TOGETHER, BUT ALSO SERVE

ONE ANOTHER

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GO LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN APPLY WHAT WE’VE LEARNED, AND HOW DOING SO WILL ALLOW OUR LIVES TO GO AND BE A WITNESS FOR CHRIST. PART OF BEING A COMMUNITY INCLUDES HOW WE LIVE WHEN WE ARE NOT TOGETHER—AND HOW WE REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH EVANGELISM.

We have found that groups that connect outside of the regular meeting time build stronger bonds and feel a greater sense of purpose.

As a group, brainstorm about ways that you could reach out to the community around you together, to share the love of Jesus. Think particularly about this week’s lesson: where might you encounter people who are hurting and broken? How could you, as a group, “mourn with those who mourn” and share God’s love with them?

FOR EXAMPLE, PERHAPS YOU’LL WANT TO GO AS A GROUP TO VISIT A LOCAL NURSING HOME OR HOSPITAL, TO SIMPLY SHOW GOD’S LOVE TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE THERE. MAKE PLANS TO MAKE THIS KIND OF VISIT THIS WEEK WITH OTHER GROUP MEMBERS.

WORSHIP WORSHIP IS NOT JUST SINGING OR RAISING OUR HANDS—IT IS GIVING OUR ATTENTION TO GOD. OUR DISCUSSION HAS ALLOWED US TO GIVE ATTENTION TO ONE ANOTHER—WHICH IS GOOD AND RIGHT BECAUSE WE ARE TO LOVE EACH OTHER. BUT NOW WE WILL SPEND SOME TIME

Is there someone who might not be open to coming to a small group, but who still needs a connection? Would you be willing to have lunch or coffee with that person, catch up on life, and share something you’ve learned from this study? Jesus doesn’t call all of us to lead small groups, but he does call every disciple to spiritually multiply his or her life over time.

Take a few minutes to discuss the future of your group. How many of you are willing to stay together as a group and work through another study together? If you have time, turn to the Small Group Agreement on page ??? and talk about any changes you would like to make as you move forward as a group.

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GIVING GOD ATTENTION AND HONOR.

1. Share your prayer requests in your group and then gather in smaller circles of three or four people to pray. Be sure to have everyone write down the personal requests of the members to use as a reminder to pray for your group throughout the week. (The Prayer and Praise Report is on page ???.)

2. End your meeting by singing a song together or with someone closing the meeting with a prayer.

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS DAY 1 : EPHESIANS 4:29 EACH DAY, READ THE DAILY VERSES AND GIVE PRAYERFUL CONSIDERATION TO WHAT YOU LEARN ABOUT GOD, HIS SPIRIT, AND HIS PLACE IN YOUR LIFE. TAKE YOUR TIME! LISTEN TO WHAT GOD IS TELLING YOU. PONDER AND REFLECT. THEN RECORD THE THOUGHTS THAT COMES TO MIND IN THE REFLECT SECTION

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

REFLECT What does it mean to use your words to build others up? What are some specific words and phrases you can say this week to do this?

DAY 3 : EPHESIANS 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

REFLECT How do the vices mentioned in this verse threaten the connection believers have within the church?

DAY 4 : EPHESIANS 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

REFLECT How does reflecting on God’s forgiveness empower us to be more forgiving of others?

BELOW THE VERSES YOU READ. GOD OFTEN SPEAKS TO US THROUGH BOTH HIS WORD AND THROUGH GENTLE WHISPERS. ON THE SIXTH DAY RECORD A SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OVER THE ENTIRE WEEK THROUGH THIS STUDY.

DAY 2 : EPHESIANS 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

REFLECT How do the vices mentioned in this verse threaten the connection believers have within the church?

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DAY 5 : EPHESIANS 5:1,2 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

REFLECT Can you recall a specific situation in which you “walked in the way of love”? What happened? How did the Holy Spirit empower and help you to do that?

DAY 6 Use the following page to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Reflections time this week. What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God?

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SUMMARY

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APPENDICES

GREAT RESOURCES TO HELP MAKE YOUR

SMALL GROUP

EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!

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FAQ

ministry opportunities, and so

will be with you even if there are

forth–and if the group gets too

only two of you (Matthew 18:20).

small, it could be at risk of shutting

HOW DO WE HANDLE THE CHILD CARE NEEDS IN OUR GROUP?

WHAT IF THIS GROUP IS NOT WORKING FOR US?

Very carefully. Seriously, this can

You’re not alone! This could be

that you empower the group to

the result of a personality conflict,

openly brainstorm solutions. You

life stage difference, geographical

may try one option that works

distance, level of spiritual maturity,

for a while and then adjust over

HOW LONG WILL THIS GROUP MEET?

or any number of things. Relax.

time. Our favorite approach is for

Pray for God’s direction, and at the

adults to meet in the living room or

It’s totally up to the group–once

end of this 6-week study, decide

Agreement (pages ???-???) and

dining room, and to share the cost

you come to the end of this 6-week

whether to continue with this group

share the names of a few friends

of a babysitter (or two) who can

study. Most groups meet weekly for

or find another. You don’t buy the

you can invite to join you. But most

be with the kids in a different part

at least their first 6 weeks, but every

first car you look at or marry the

importantly, have fun before your

of the house. In this way, parents

other week can work as well. We

first person you date, and the same

study time begins.

don’t have to be away from their

strongly recommend that the group

goes with a group. Don’t bail out

children all evening when their

meet for the first six months on a

before the 6 weeks are up–God

children are too young to be left

weekly basis if at all possible. This

might have something to teach

at home. A second option is to

allows for continuity, and if people

you. Also, don’t run from conflict or

use one home for the kids and a

miss a meeting they aren’t gone for

prejudge people before you have

second home (close by or a phone

a whole month.

given them a chance. God is still

call away) for the adults. A third

working in you too!

idea is to rotate the responsibility

WHAT DO WE DO ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF OUR GROUP? Like all fun things in life–have a party! A “get to know you” coffee, dinner, or dessert is a great way to launch a new study. You may want to review the Group

WHERE DO WE FIND NEW MEMBERS FOR OUR GROUP? This can be troubling, especially for new groups that have only a few people or for existing groups that lose a few people along the way.

We encourage you to pray with your group and then brainstorm a list of people from work, church, your neighborhood, your children’s school, family, the gym, and so forth. Then have each group member invite several of the people on his or her list. Another good strategy is to ask church leaders to

down. If you and your group stay open, you’ll be amazed at the people God sends your way. The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know!

At the end of this study, each group member may decide if he or she

WHO IS THE LEADER?

wants to continue on for another

Most groups have an official leader.

6-week study. Some groups launch

But ideally, the group will mature

relationships for years to come,

and members will rotate the

and others are stepping-stones into

leadership of meetings. We have

another group experience. Either

discovered that healthy groups

way, enjoy the journey.

rotate hosts/leaders and homes on a regular basis. This model ensures

make an announcement or allow a

CAN WE DO THIS STUDY ON OUR OWN?

that all members grow, give their

bulletin insert.

Absolutely! This may sound crazy

their gifts. This study guide and

but one of the best ways to do No matter how you find members,

the Holy Spirit can keep things on

this study is not with a full house

it’s vital that you stay on the

track even when you rotate leaders.

but with a few friends. You may

lookout for new people to join

Christ has promised to be in your

choose to gather with one other

your group. All groups tend to go

midst as you gather. Ultimately, God

couple who would enjoy going out

through healthy attrition–the result

is your leader each step of the way.

or having a quiet dinner and then

of moves, releasing new leaders,

walking through this study. Jesus

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unique contribution, and develop

be a sensitive issue. We suggest

of providing a lesson or care for the children either in the same home or in another home nearby. This can be an incredible blessing for kids.

Finally, the most common idea is to decide that you need to have a night to invest in your spiritual lives individually or as a couple, and to make your own arrangements for childcare. No matter what decision the group makes, the best approach is to dialogue openly about both the problem and the solution.

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OUR VALUES GROUP ATTENDANCE

To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent.

(Completing the Group Calendar on page ??? will minimize this issue.)

To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

SAVE ENVIRONMENT

To help create a safe place where people can

RESPECT DIFFERENCES

To be gentle and gracious to people with

be heard and feel loved. (Please, no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes.)

different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections� in fellow group members. We are all works in progress.

CONFIDENTIALITY

To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group, and to avoid sharing improper information about those outside the group.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR GROWTH

To be not just takers but givers of life. We

SHARED OWNERSHIP

To remember that every member is a minister

want to spiritually multiply our life by serving others with our God-given gifts.

and to ensure that each attender will share a small team role or responsibility over time (See the Team Roles on pages ???-???.)

ROTATING HOSTS/ LEADERS AND HOMES

To encourage different people to host the group in their homes, and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Group Calendar on page ???.)

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OUR EXPECTATIONS

CALENDAR Planning and calendaring can help ensure the greatest participation at every meeting. At the end of each meeting, review this calendar.

Be sure to include a regular rotation of host homes and leaders, and don’t forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ ministry projects. Go to www.lifetogether.com for an electronic copy of this form and other ideas for your group to do together.

REFRESHMENTS/MEALTIMES

CHILDCARE

WHEN WE WILL MEET (DAY OF WEEK)

DATE

LESSON

Monday, January 15

1

HOST HOME

DESSERT/ MEAL

LEADER

Steve and Laura’s House

Joe

Bill

WHERE WE WILL MEET (PLACE)

WE WILL BEGIN AT (TIME)

AND END AT

WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF US ATTEND A WORSHIP SERVICE TOGETHER. OUR PRIMARY WORSHIP SERVICE TIME WILL BE

DATE OF THIS AGREEMENT

DATE WE WILL REVIEW THIS AGREEMENT AGAIN

WHO (OTHER THAN THE LEADER) WILL REVIEW THIS AGREEMENT AT THE END OF THIS STUDY

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TEAM ROLES

TEAM PLAYERS

CONNECT TEAM (Fellowship and Community Building)

CRAWL: Host a social event or group activity in the first week or two.

The Bible makes clear that every member, not just the small group leader, is a minister in the body of Christ. In a healthy small group, every member takes on some small role or responsibility. It’s more fun and effective if you team up on these roles.

Review the team roles and responsibilities below, and have each member volunteer for a role or participate on a team. If someone doesn’t know where to serve or is holding back, have the group suggest a team or role. It’s best to have one or two people on each team so you have each of the five purposes covered. Serving in even a small capacity will not only help your leader but also will make the group more fun for everyone.

Don’t hold back. Join a team!

The opportunities below are broken down by the five functions and then by a crawl (beginning step), walk (intermediate step), or run (advanced step). Try to cover at least the crawl and walk roles, and select a role that matches your group, your gifts, and your maturity. If you can’t find a good step or just want to see other ideas, go to www.lifetogether.com and see what other groups are choosing.

WALK: Create a list of uncommitted members and then invite them to an open house or group social.

RUN: Plan a twenty-four-hour retreat or weekend getaway for the group. Lead the Connecting time each week for the group.

TEAM ROLES

TEAM PLAYERS

GROW TEAM (Discipleship and Spiritual Growth)

CRAWL: Coordinate the spiritual partners for the group. Facilitate a three- or fourperson discussion circle during the Bible study portion of your meeting. Coordinate the discussion circles.

WALK: Tabulate the Personal Health Assessments and Health Plans in a summary to let people know how you’re doing as a group. Encourage personal devotions through group discussions and pairing up with spiritual (accountability) partners.

RUN: Take the group on a prayer walk, or plan a day of solitude, fasting, or personal retreat.

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TEAM ROLES

TEAM PLAYERS

TEAM ROLES

TEAM PLAYERS

SERVE TEAM (Discovering Your God-Given Design for Ministry)

WORSHIP TEAM (Surrendering Your Heart to Worship)

CRAWL: Ensure that every member finds a group role or team he or she enjoys.

CRAWL: Maintain the group’s Pray and Praise Report or journal.

WALK: Have every member take a gift test in this study guide and determine your group’s gifts. Plan a ministry project together.

WALK: Lead a brief time of worship each week (at the beginning or end of your meeting), either a cappella or a worship DVD/CD.

RUN: Help each member decide on a way to use his or her unique gifts somewhere in the church.

RUN: Plan a unique time of worship through Communion, foot washing, night of prayer, or nature walking.

TEAM ROLES

TEAM PLAYERS

GROW TEAM (Discipleship and Spiritual Growth)

CRAWL: Coordinate the group’s Prayer and Praise Report of friends and family who don’t know Christ.

WALK: Search for group mission opportunities and plan a cross-cultural group activity.

RUN: Take a small-group “vacation” to host a six-week group in your neighborhood or office. Then come back together with your current group.

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Briefly check in each week and write down your personal plans and progress for the next week (or even for the next few weeks). This could be done (before or after the meeting) on the phone, through an E-mail message, or even in person from time to time.

GIFTS o Preaching (1 Cor. 14:3)

o Missions (1 Cor. 9:19-23, Acts 13:2-3)

o Music (Psalm 150)

o Evangelism (Acts 8:26-40)

o Service (Acts 6:1-7, 1 Cor 12:28)

o Arts & Crafts (Exodus 31:3-11)

o Discernment (1 John 4:1)

o Mercy (Romans 12:8)

o Healing (James 5:14-16)

o Apostle (Romans 15:20)

o Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9-10)

o Miracles (Mark 11:23-24)

o Teaching (Eph. 4:12-13)

o Pastoring (1 Peter 5:2-4)

o Hosting (Heb. 13:7, 17)

o Encouragement (Acts 14:22)

o Giving (II Cor. 8:1-7)

o Administration (1 Cor. 14:40)

o Wisdom (1 Cor. 2:1, 6-16)

o Intercession (Col. 1:9-12)

o Faith (Romans 4:18-21)

MY NAME:

OUR PLANS

SPIRITUAL PARTNER’S NAME:

OUR PROGRESS

o Organize

o Serve/Help

o Acquire/Possess

o Excel

o Perform

o Improve

o Repair

o Lead/Be in Charge

o Persevere

o Follow the Rules

o Prevail

o Influence

EXPERIENCES o Spiritual

o Pioneer

o Organize

o Operate/Maintain

o Serve/Help

o Acquire/Possess

o Excel

o Perform

o Improve

o Repair

o Lead/Be in Charge

o Persevere

o Follow the Rules

o Prevail

o Influence

o Painful

o Educational

o Vocational

WEEK 2

o Pioneer

o Operate/Maintain

WEEK 3

o Design/Develop

WEEK 1

INTERESTS

o Planning

o Evaluating

o Managing

o Researching

o Artistic/Graphics

o Interviewing

o Counseling

o Teaching

o Writing/Editing

o Promoting

o Repairing

o Feeding

o Recall

o Mechanical Operating

o Resourceful

o Counting/Classifying

o Public Relations

o Welcoming

o Composing

o Landscaping

o Arts & Crafts

o Decorating

o Musical

o Ministry

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WEEK 5

o Recruiting

WEEK 6

STRENGTHS o Entertaining

WEEK 4

o Ministry

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PED VELO

ING G GO

WEL L DE

JUST

GET TIN

B EG INNIN

G

PED VELO

ING

WEL L DE

G

G GO GET TIN

B EG INNIN JUST

CONNECT

GO

I am deepening my understanding of and friendship with God in community with others.

1 2 3 4 5

I am cultivating relationships with non-Christians and praying for God to give me natural opportunities to share his love.

1 2 3 4 5

I am growing in my ability both to share and to show my love to others.

1 2 3 4 5

I am praying and learning about where God can use me and our group cross-culturally for missions.

1 2 3 4 5

I am willing to share my real needs for prayer and support from others.

1 2 3 4 5

I am investing my time in another person or group who needs to know Christ.

1 2 3 4 5

I am resolving conflict constructively and am willing to forgive others.

1 2 3 4 5

I am regularly inviting unchurched or unconnected friends to my church or small group.

1 2 3 4 5

CONNECT TOTAL

GO TOTAL

GROW

WORSHIP

I have a growing relationship with God through regular time in the Bible and in prayer (spiritual habits).

1 2 3 4 5

I am experiencing more of the presence and power of God in my everyday life.

1 2 3 4 5

I am experiencing more of the characteristics of Jesus Christ (love, patience, gentleness, courage, self-control, etc.) in my life.

1 2 3 4 5

I am faithfully attending services and my small group and to worship God.

1 2 3 4 5

I am avoiding addictive behaviors (food, television, busyness, and the like) to meet my needs.

1 2 3 4 5

I am seeking to please God by surrendering every area of my life (health, decisions, finances, relationships, future, etc.) to him.

1 2 3 4 5

I am spending time with a Christian friend (spiritual partner) who celebrates and challenges my spiritual growth.

1 2 3 4 5

I am accepting the things I cannot change and becoming increasingly grateful for the life I’ve been given.

1 2 3 4 5

GROW TOTAL

WORSHIP TOTAL

SERVE I have discovered and am further developing my unique Godgiven design.

1 2 3 4 5

I am regularly praying for God to show me opportunities to serve him and others.

1 2 3 4 5

I am serving in a regular (once a month or more) ministry in the church or community.

1 2 3 4 5

I am a team player in my small group by sharing some group role or responsibility.

1 2 3 4 5

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This worksheet could become your single most important feature in this study. On it you can record your personal priorities before the Father.

It will help you live a healthy spiritual life, balancing all five functions.

PURPOSE

PLAN

CONNECT

WHO are you connecting with spiritually?

Bill and I will meet weekly by email or phone.

GROW

WHAT is your next step for growth?

Regular devotions or journaling my prayers 2x/week.

SERVE

WHERE are you serving?

Serving in Children’s Ministry

DATE MY PROGRESS

PARTNER’S PROGRESS

3/5 3/12 3/26

Talked during our group

Figured out our goals together

Missed our time together

Missed our time together

Met for coffee and review of my goals

Met for coffee

4/10 3/5 3/12

mailed prayer requests

Bill sent me his prayer requests

Great start on personal journaling

Read Mark 1-6 in one sitting!

Traveled and not doing well this week

Journaled about Christ as Healer

3/26

Back on track

Busy and distracted; asked for prayer

3/1 3/26

Need to call Children’s Pastor Group did a serving project together

Agreed to lead group worship

3/30

Regularly rotating leadership

Led group worship–great job!

3/5

Called Jim to see if he’s open to joining our group

Wanted to invite somebody, but didn’t

3/12 3/30

Preparing to start a group in fall Group prayed for me

Told friend something he’s learning about Christ

3/5 3/15 3/30

Overwhelmedbut encouraged

Scared to lead worship

Felt heard and more settled

Issue with wifE

Read book on teens

Glad he took on his fear

Go through GIFTS Class GO

WHEN are you shepherding another in Christ?

Shepherding Bill at lunch or hosting a starter group in the fall WORSHIP

HOW are you surrendering your heart?

Help with out teenager New job situation

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This worksheet could become your single most important feature in this study. On it you can record your personal priorities before the Father.

It will help you live a healthy spiritual life, balancing all five functions.

PURPOSE

PLAN

CONNECT

WHO are you connecting with spiritually?

GROW

WHAT is your next step for growth?

SERVE

WHERE are you serving?

GO

WHEN are you shepherding another in Christ?

WORSHIP

HOW are you surrendering your heart?

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DATE

MY PROGRESS

PARTNER’S PROGRESS

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you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this break and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Looking for a wonderful means of worshiping as a group? Why not lead your group in sharing the Lord’s Supper? If you’ve never done this before, the idea certainly seems daunting, but here is a simple form by which your small group can share this ordinance of the church. Of course, churches vary in their treatment of Communion so you may need to adapt these suggestions to your church’s beliefs.

Steps in Serving Communion 1

Out of the context of your own experience, say something brief about God’s love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, commitment, tenderheartedness or faithfulness. Connect your words with the personal stories of the group. For example, “These past few weeks I’ve experienced God’s mercy in the way He untangled the situation with my son. And I’ve seen God show mercy to others of us here too, especially to Jean and

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Roger.” If you prefer, you can write down ahead of time what you want to say.

2 Read 1 Corinthians 11:2326*: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever

3 Pray silently, and pass the bread around the circle.

While the bread is being passed, you may want to reflect quietly, sing a simple praise song, or listen to a worship tape.

Here are some other good Communion passages: Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 10:16-21 or 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.

4 When everyone has received the bread, remind them that this represents Jesus’ broken body on their behalf. Simply state, “Jesus said, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ Let us eat together,” and eat the break as a group.

5 Pray silently, and serve the cup. You may pass a small tray, serve people individually, or have them pick up a cup from the table.

6 When everyone has been served, remind them that the cup represents Jesus’ blood shed for them.

Simply state, “The cup of the new covenant is Jesus Christ’s blood shed for you. Jesus said, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ Let us drink together.” Then drink the juice in a group.

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o Day 15 Mark 8:1-21

When we’ve sat at 30 DAYS THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF MARK

o Day 16 Mark 8:22-9:1 o Day 17 Mark 9:2-32

Imagine sitting at the feet of Jesus himself: the Teacher who knows how to live life well, the Savior who died for you, the Lord who commands the universe. Like his first disciples, you can follow him around, watch what he does, listen to what he says, and pattern your life after his.

Find a quiet place, and have ready a notebook or journal in which you can write what you learn and what you want to say back to God. You may also use the Daily Devotions page at the end of each session of this study.

o Day 18 Mark 9:33-50 o Day 19 Mark 10:1-31

this ourselves, the sense of a real, alive, present Jesus has been breathtaking.

We pray you’ll have the same experience.

o Day 20 Mark 10:32-52 o Day 21 Mark 11:1-19 o Day 22 Mark 11:20-33 o Day 23 Mark 12:1-17

Day 1 Mark 1:1-20 o

o Day 8 Mark 4:21-41

o Day 24 Mark 12:18-44

o Day 2 Mark 1:21-45

o Day 9 Mark 5:1-20

o Day 25 Mark 13:1-37

o Day 3 Mark 2:1-12

o Day 10 Mark 5:21-43

o Day 26 Mark 14:1-31

o Day 4 Mark 2:13-28

o Day 11 Mark 6:1-29

o Day 27 Mark 14:32-72

o Day 5 Mark 3:1-19

o Day 12 Mark 6:30-56

o Day 28 Mark 15:1-20

o Day6 Mark3:20-35

o Day 13 Mark 7:1-23

o Day 29 Mark 15:21-47

o Day 7 Mark 4:1-20

o Day 14 Mark 7:24-37

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the Master’s feet like

It’s helpful to have one or two simple questions in mind to focus your reading. Here are some suggestions: What do I learn from the life of Christ (his identity, personality, priorities)?

How does he want me to live differently?(his identity, personality, priorities)?

How does he want me to live differently?

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PRAYER REQUESTS

PRAISE REPORTS

SESSION 1 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) SESSION 2 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (1 John 4:12) SESSION 3 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13) SESSION 4 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12)

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If you’re starting a new group, try planning an “open house” before your first formal group meeting.

Even if you only have two to four core members, it’s a great way to break the ice and to consider prayerfully who else might be open to join you over the next few weeks. You can also use this kick-off meeting to hand out study guides, spend some time getting to know each other, discuss each person’s expectations for the group and briefly pray for each other.

A simple meal or good desserts always make a kickoff meeting more fun. After people introduce themselves and share how they ended up being at the meeting (you can play a game to see who has the wildest story!), have everyone respond to a few icebreaker questions: “What is your favorite family vacation?” or “What is one thing you love about your church/our community?”

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or “What are three things about your life growing up that most people here don’t know?” Next, ask everyone to tell what he or she hopes to get out of the study. You might want to review the Small Group Agreement and talk about each person’s expectations and priorities.

Finally, set an open chair (maybe two) in the center of your group and explain that it represents someone who would enjoy or benefit from this group but who isn’t here yet. Ask people to pray about whom they could invite to join the group over the next few weeks. Hand out postcards and have everyone write an invitation or two.

Don’t worry about ending up with too many people; you can always have one discussion circle in the living room and another in the dining room after you watch the lesson. Each group could then report prayer requests and progress at the end of the session.

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TEN COMMON LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES. WELCOME TO LIFE OUT IN FRONT!

1

Sweaty palms are a healthy sign. The Bible says God is gracious to the humble. Remember who is in control; the time to worry is when you’re not worried.

Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to speak through.

2 Seek support. Ask your leader, co-leader, or close friend to pray for you and prepare with you before the session.

Walking through the study will help you anticipate potentially difficult questions and discussion topics.

3 Bring your uniqueness to the study. Lean into who you are and how God wants you to uniquely lead the study.

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4 Prepare. Prepare.

Prepare. Go through the session several times. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and Leadership Lifter. Consider writing in a journal or fasting for a day to prepare yourself for what God wants to do.

5 Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.

6 Ask for feedback so you can grow. Perhaps in an email or on cards handed out at the study, have everyone write down three things you did well and one thing you could improve on.

Don’t get defensive, but show an openness to learn and grow.

7 Use online resources.

There are many notable small group leader blogs and resources available.

8 Prayerfully consider launching a new group.

This doesn’t need to happen overnight, but God’s heart is for this to happen over time. Not all Christians are called to be leaders or teachers, but we are all called to be “shepherds” of a few someday.

10 Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the baton to next week. It’s only fair.

God is ready for the next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled.

Make it fun, and expect God to do the rest.

9 Share with your group what God is doing in your heart. God is searching for those whose hearts are fully his. Share your trials and victories. We promise that people will relate.

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TOP TEN IDEAS FOR NEW LEADERS

Congratulations! You have responded to the call to help shepherd Jesus’ flock. There are a few other tasks in the family of God that surpass the contribution you will be making. As you prepare to lead, whether it is one session or the entire series, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. We encourage you to read these and review them with each new discussion leader before he or she leads.

1

Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and He knew that you would be asked to lead your group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah and Timothy - they all were reluctant to lead. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for one evening, for several weeks, or for a lifetime,

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you will be blessed as you serve.

2 Don’t try to do it alone.

Pray right now for God to help you build a healthy leadership team. If you can enlist a co-leader to help you lead the group, you will find your experience to be much richer. This is your chance to involve as many people as you can in building a healthy group. All you have to do is call and ask people to help, you’ll be surprised at the response.

3 Just be yourself. If you won’t be you, who will?

God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you!

Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

4 Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion.

These exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, not just talk about it.

Be sure you understand how an exercise works, and bring any necessary supplies (such as paper and pens) to your meeting. If the exercise employs one of the items in the Appendices, be

sure to look over that item so you’ll know how it works. Finally, review “Outline for Each Session” so you’ll remember the purpose of each section in the study.

5 Pray for your group members by name.

Before you begin your session, go around the room in your mind and pray for each member by name. You may want to review the prayer list at least once a week. Ask God to use your time together to touch the heart of every person uniquely. Expect God to lead you to whomever He wants you to encourage or challenge in a special way. If you listen, God will surely lead!

6 When you ask a question, be patient.

Someone will eventually respond. Sometimes people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question, and if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else. After someone P | 148

responds, affirm the response with a simple “thanks” or “good job.”

Then ask, “How about somebody else?” or “Would someone who hasn’t shared like to add anything?” Be sensitive to new people or reluctant members who aren’t ready to say, pray or do anything. If you give them a safe setting, they will blossom over time.

7 Provide transitions between questions.

When guiding the discussion, always read aloud the transitional paragraphs and the questions. Ask the group if anyone would like to read the paragraph or Bible passage. Don’t call on anyone, but ask for a volunteer, and then be patient until someone begins. Be sure to thank the person who reads aloud.

8 Break up into small groups each week, or they won’t stay. If your group has more than seven people, we strongly encourage you to have the group gather P | 149

sometimes in discussion circles of three or four people during the SERVE or GO sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply more quickly what they’re learning and ultimately get more out of it. A small circle also encourages a quiet person to participate and tends to minimize the effects of a more vocal or dominant member.

It can also help people feel more loved in your group. When you gather again at the end of the section, you can have one person summarize the highlights from each circle. Small circles are also helpful during prayer time. People who are unaccustomed to praying aloud will feel more comfortable trying it with just two or three others. Also, prayer requests won’t take as much time, so circles will have more time to actually pray. When you gather back with the whole group, you can have one person from

each circle briefly update everyone on the prayer requests. People are more willing to pray in small circles if they know that the whole group will hear all the prayer requests.

9 Rotate facilitators weekly. At the end of each meeting, ask the group who should lead the following week. Let the group help select your weekly facilitator.

You may be perfectly capable of leading each time, but you will help others grow in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead. You can use the Small Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting leaders at once

if you prefer.

10 One final challenge (for new or first time leaders): Before your first opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below.

Read each one as a devotional exercise to help equip yourself with a shepherd’s heart. Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more

MATTHEW 9:36 1 PETER 5:2-4 PSALM 23 EZEKIEL 34:11-16 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7-8, 11-12 P | 150