Doing life together - Clay Peck - Grace Place

DOING

LIFE together GRACE PLACE CHURCH

PAS TO R C L AY P E C K

DOING LIFE

together GRACE PLACE CHURCH

PAS TO R C L AY P E C K

Copyright 2016 by Grace Place ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published by Grace Place Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman.

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

ISBN Printed in the United States of America

CONTENTS Endorsements 4 Foreword 6 Welcome 8 Using This Workbook (Read This First)

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Outline for Each Session

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SESSI ONS Session One: Connecting with Jesus

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Session Two: Connecting with One Another

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Session Three: Connecting in Community

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Session Four: Connecting Deeper

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Session Five: Connecting as the Body

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Session Six: Connecting in Unity

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A PPENDI C ES Frequently Asked Questions

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Community Group Agreement

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Community Group Calendar

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Community Group Roster

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Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review)

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Prayer and Praise Report

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C OMM UNI TY GR OU P HOSTS Hosting an Open House

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Hosting for the First Time

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Host Training 101

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ENDORSEMENTS Researchers are calling today the “age of loneliness”, we have more connections through social media than ever and have never been more lonely. We need each other and God wired us that way. Few people I know have a bigger heart for people connecting with God and then connecting—really connecting— with each other than Clay. This new series will bless you, challenge you, encourage you to real connection that will grab your heart!

R IC K R U SAW | PASTOR LIFEB R ID GE C H R IST IA N C H U R C H “Throughout the six week journey called “Doing Life Together,” Pastor Clay Peck invites people just like you and me to pursue meaningful and intentional connections with both God and other people. Don’t do life alone another day. Start Doing Life Together instead.”

JONAT H A N WIGGINS | PASTOR R ESU R R EC T ION FELLOWSH IP The isolated person is the vulnerable person, God has designed us to need others. That’s why it’s impossible to understand Christianity apart from community. Just as the cross has both a vertical dimension pointing us upward, it also has a horizontal dimension prompting us to reach outward. Pastor Clay is a great example of a man who does both. His life is an on-going illustration of a man seeking a growing relationship with God through Christ and with others in the Name of Christ!

A LA N A H LGR IM | FOU ND ING PASTOR OF R M CC & D IR EC TOR OF PASTOR CA R E B LESSING R A NC H M INIST R IES I know very few people as qualified to speak to the beauty and power of community as my friend, Clay! He not only leads a church focused on great community, he leads his own life committed to doing life together with others!

B R A D M . JENSEN | LEA D PASTOR FA IT H EVA NGELICA L FR EE C H U R C H

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I believe with all my heart that the church is the hope of the world. In order for us to be that hope, we must be connected to each other in vital relationships. I urge you to be a part of the upcoming “Doing Life Together” series at Grace Place, where you will learn how to experience relational community the way God designed!

A LA N K R A FT | AU T H OR A ND LEA D PASTOR C H R IST C OM M U NIT Y C H U R C H Clay is one of the most authentic pastors I know. He lives and breathes what it means to love like Jesus. I love seeing all the great things happening at Grace Place!

SH A N M OYER S | LEA D PASTOR R OC KY M OU NTA IN C H R IST IA N C H U R C H It is amazing that the simplest command in all the Bible Christians so easily lose touch with. Jesus said life is about two things; loving God and loving people. Including your enemies!

I’ve been a Christian for over 30 years and I still get foggy on this. In Doing Life Together Clay Peck combines clear biblical teaching and practical twenty-first century application for loving the people God loves so outrageously—which is everyone.

Doing Life Together is as important a series as any series a church could engage in.

JOH N SM IT H | SENIOR PASTOR C R OSSR OA D S C H U R C H I am deeply grateful for Clay Peck’s friendship, keen insights, and heart for people. Doing Life Together paints a beautiful picture of the grace filled community God designed us to enjoy.

If you are facing relationship challenges or simply want to find greater joy in Doing Life Together this resource will provide hope and practical encouragement while reminding each of us that we are valuable to God and to each other.

TA M M Y SWA NSON-D R A H EIM | SU P ER INT EN DE N T EVA NGELICA L C OV ENA NT M IDWEST C ONFE R E N CE

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FOREWORD D R . R IC H A R D FR ED ER IC K S

I have known Dr. Clay Peck, the Lead and Founding Pastor of Grace Place for almost a quarter of a century. Each year my admiration for his thoughtful scholarship and pastoral heart grows. Clay does theology from and for the vibrant Christian community he leads with a servant’s heart. I recommend his studies on life in community to you with this dual assurance: • These six studies will be deeply and intelligently Scriptural. The development of his theme of life together, its benefits and its challenges, will walk you step by step toward this ultimate goal of the triune God (who is and always has been eternal Community).

• These six studies will be deeply practical—because Scripture is, and because Clay gets the Bible’s great trajectory of redemption for every individual—out of the isolation and fear of being a man or woman totally wrapped up in myself as my own frail center; and into the joy and fulfillment of being men and women formed into a community of diversity and unity that reflects the very heart of God. Ephesians 1:9-10 say that God’s ultimate, end-game will and purpose is to bring all things in heaven and on earth back together in Christ; until the church reaches the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way (1:2223). It is a goal can only be realized when “the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love—as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16). That means you and me. We are ALL vital parts of Jesus’ ecclesia—the gathered community around Christ. So I encourage you. Commit six weeks. Dive in! You will find out who you were created to be…together.

D R . R I CHAR D FR E D ER I C K S | SENIOR A ND FOU ND ING PASTOR DAMASCU S R OAD COM M U NIT Y C H U R C H

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GOD HAS NOW REVEALED TO US HIS MYSTERIOUS W I L L R E G A R D I N G C H R I ST— W H I C H I S TO F U L F I L L H I S O W N G O O D P L A N . A N D T H I S I S T H E P L A N : AT T H E RIGHT TIME HE WILL BRING EVERYTHING TOGETHER U N D E R T H E AU T H O R I T Y O F C H R I ST— E V E RY T H I N G I N H E AV E N A N D O N E A R T H .

E P H E S I A N S 1 : 9 - 1 0 ( N LT )

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WELCOME When we started Grace Place in 1996 we targeted the “burned, bored, and by-passed.” Of course, we hoped and trusted that people would not stay burned, but get healed; not stay bored, but get energized; not stay by-passed, but get connected! We have always desired to be a place of love, acceptance, and forgiveness, a safe place where you can belong before you believe, a community of people together on a spiritual journey.

During the next six weeks you’ll have the chance to explore what the Bible says about community and do it together with others. You will also have opportunities to share your own ideas and experiences, watch a short video teaching on that weeks theme, discuss scriptures and determine how you will apply what God is teaching you. The early church, alive with the Spirit, was devoted to meeting together for prayer, fellowship, and Bible study—growing spiritually while loving and caring for each other. They chose to avoid isolation and press together. The word “together” is found three times in just two verses: “All the believers were together and had everything in common… they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:44,46).

At the end of each chapter you will find Daily Devotions where we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read just a small portion of scripture each day, and reflect and pray through it. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. 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.

Doing Life Together is about living a life of purpose and meaning by connecting with God and others. It is about living as God has intended us to live. It’s about the Great Commandment, loving one another; and the Great Commission, sharing that love with those in our lives who don’t know Jesus.

Lets have some fun as we do life together!

BL ESSI NG S, PASTO R CLAY AND SE LENE

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USING THIS WORKBOOK tools to help you have a great community group experience!

• Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Community Group Hosts. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

• If you are facilitating/hosting or co-hosting a community group, the section Community Group Hosts will give you some experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective community group leadership.

• 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 Community Group Hosts section.

• Enjoy your Community Group experience.

• Pray before each session—for your group members, for your time together, or wisdom and insights.

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

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OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION A typical group session for the Doing Life Together study will include the following sections. Read through this to get a clear idea of how each group meeting will be structured: WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. Each session opens with 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. The verses for our six sessions are also listed in the appendix.

INTRODUCTION. Each lesson opens 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. You may want to have the group read them aloud.

SHARE YOUR STORY. The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and his family. You build that connection by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who earn your trust. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you feel comfortable doing. 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, for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

HEAR GOD’S STORY. In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching, in order to hear God’s story—and begin to see how his story aligns with yours. When the study directs you to, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment.

You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of scripture, and discuss both the teaching and the text. You won’t focus on accumulating information but on how you should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights

from scripture practically and creatively, 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 should be your greatest aim.

STUDY NOTES. This brief section provides additional commentary, background or insights on the passage you’ll study in the Hear God’s Story section.

CREATE A NEW STORY. God wants you to be a part of his Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go his way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instructions 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 know him personally, carry out his commands, and help outsiders connect with Him. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners. It could mean welcoming newcomers, hosting a short-term 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. This section will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing your faith, and worshiping God. DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages, we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read just a small portion of scripture each day, and reflect and pray through it. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. 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.

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SESSION ONE

connecting with Jesus

“ F O R I H AV E N OT C O M E TO C A L L T H E R I G H T E O U S , B U T S I N N E R S .”

M AT T H E W 9 : 1 3

We are all in need of the grace of God. The amazing thing is, Jesus doesn’t avoid imperfect people—sinners like you and me. Instead, he seeks them out, invites them to the table or into the living room, and welcomes them. 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.

The first step in connecting with Jesus is understanding that you need him in your life—that you are a sinner who makes mistakes and needs God’s grace.

Fortunately, God can use all of us if we are willing to follow him.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

E AC H OF US HAS A STORY. T H E E V E N TS OF OUR LI F E— G OOD, B AD, WONDER F UL OR C H A L LE N GI NG—HAV E SHA PED WH O WE A R E. GOD K NOWS YOUR STO RY, A ND HE I NTEND S TO R E DE E M I T—TO USE EV ERY ST R UG G LE A ND EV ERY J OY TO ULT I M ATELY BR I NG YOU TO H I M S E L F. WHEN WE SHA R E OUR STOR I E S WI TH OTHER S, WE G I V E T H E M THE OPPORTUNI TY TO S E E G OD AT WOR K .

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to give you insight as you study. 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.

Before you start this first meeting, get contact information for every participant.

Take time to pass around a copy of the Community Group Roster on page 82, a sheet of paper, or one of you pass your Study Guide, opened to the Community Group Roster. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group during the week.

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THEN, BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING. • What brought you here? What do you hope to get out of this group?

• If you’re brave enough (!), share a story about a time you were embarrassed or did something foolish in front of others.

• Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On page 79 is a Community 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.

• If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone—you may even want to have name tags for your first meeting.

• We recommend you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. Studies show that healthy groups rotate leadership. This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside him (Mark 6:30-44). Look at the FAQs in the Appendix for additional information about hosting or leading the group.

• The Community Group Calendar on page 81 is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and co-hosts for your remaining meetings.

Don’t skip this important step! It will revolutionize your group. Share with the group a time when you’ve been very sick or a time when you’ve been in great physical shape. What did you learn about your body through that experience?

• Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts assessment? Do you know what your spiritual gift is?

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WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY READ MAT THE W 9:9-13.

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

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While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

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On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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•

Why do you think Matthew decided to follow Jesus?

• Matthew was a tax collector, which did not make him popular with his fellow Jews. (See study notes.) What profession or type of person would be equivalent to a tax collector in our culture? Why do you think Jesus chose to hang out with such “sinners”?

• Why do you think the Pharisees questioned Jesus’ disciples instead of Jesus himself?

• In your life, who are the “tax collectors and sinners”? How often do you spend time with them?

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STUDY NOTES

Tax collectors and sinners. Jesus made it a point to reach out to people who were outside the religious subculture of his day—the outcasts of his society. Tax collectors were particularly scorned because they were Jews, but they worked for the oppressive government that occupied the land, the Romans. Tax collectors were notorious for cheating—collecting what Rome demanded, then adding whatever profit they could get for themselves, all at the expense of their fellow Jews. We can understand why the Jews saw them as traitors.

While all people are “sinners” (see Romans 3:23), those labeled “tax collectors and sinners” by the Pharisees were those who deliberately ignored the law—people who lived a lifestyle of sin, such as money-lenders, tax collectors and prostitutes.

Mercy, not sacrifice. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day spent much of their time studying and discussing the Torah, and how to live it out. They would have had most of what we call the Old Testament completely memorized, word for word. So when Jesus quotes just a short phrase from Hosea 6, they would immediately recall the entire passage—just as we might recall a whole pop song when we hear one line from it.

In Hosea 6, God accuses his people of not truly loving him, of unfaithfulness to Him, describing them with words like “footprints of blood,” “evildoers,” “wicked,” and worse. The accusations, delivered by the prophet Hosea, conclude ominously and succinctly: “Israel is defiled.”

It is not surprising that the Pharisees didn’t like what they heard from Jesus.

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CREATE A NEW STORY

GOD WAN TS YOU TO BE PART OF H IS KIN G D OM—TO WE AVE YOU R STORY INTO H IS. T HAT WILL ME AN CHAN GE —TO G O H IS WAY RAT H E R T H AN YOU R OWN . TH IS WON ’T H AP P E N OVE RN IG H T, BU T IT SH O U L D H AP P E N ST E AD ILY. BY START IN G WIT H SMALL, SIMP LE CH OICE S, WE BE G IN TO CH AN GE OU R D IRE CT ION . T H E HOLY SP IRIT H E LPS U S ALON G T H E WAY— GIVIN G US GIFTS TO S E RVE T HE BODY, OFFE RIN G U S INSIGH TS IN TO S CRIP T U RE , AN D CH ALLE N GIN G U S TO LOVE N OT ON LY T H OSE AROU N D U S B U T T HOSE FAR FROM G OD.

In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

• Jesus saw potential in Matthew. Can you believe that he sees potential in you, too?

• Like Matthew, Jesus invites you to follow Him. How did you feel when you first became aware of this invitation? How did you respond?

• What do you think Jesus meant when he said he desired mercy instead of sacrifice? Why is mercy (the attitude we have toward sinners) more important than sacrifice (the things we do for God)?

• How might reaching out to marginalized or rejected people help you connect with Jesus?

• What do you think of the idea of “belonging before believing”?

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TA K E A LO O K AT T H E C I R C L E S O F L I F E D I AG R A M B E LO W A N D W R I T E T H E N A M E S O F T W O O R T H R E E P E O P L E Y O U K N O W W H O N E E D T O K N O W C H R I S T. C O M M I T TO P R AY I N G F O R G O D ’ S G U I DA N C E A N D A N O P P O R T U N I T Y TO S H A R E W I T H EACH OF THEM. PERHAPS THEY WOULD BE OPEN TO JOINING THE GROUP? S H A R E YO U R L I S T S W I T H T H E G R O U P S O YO U C A N A L L B E P R AY I N G F O R T H E PEOPLE YOU’VE IDENTIFIED.

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• Also consider someone—in this group or outside it—that you can begin going deeper with in an intentional way. This might be your mom or dad, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, a roommate, a college buddy, or a neighbor. Choose someone who might be open to “doing life” with you at a deeper level and pray about that opportunity.

• This week how will you interact with the Bible? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s Word (use the Daily Devotions section to guide you)?

Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

• Stack your hands just as a sports team does in the huddle and commit to taking a risk and going deeper in your group and in your relationships with each other.

• Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue.

Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 86.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

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HIDE YOUR FACE FROM MY SINS AND BLOT OUT ALL M Y I N I Q U I T Y. C R E AT E I N M E A P U R E H E A R T, O G O D , AND RENEW A STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME. PSALM 51:9-10

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DAILY DEVOTIONS DAY 1 • R E A D PSA LM 51: 1

DAY 3 • RE AD PSALM 51 :4

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

Respond: Read Psalm 103:12, as well. How does having mercy shown to you soften your heart toward “sinners”?

Respond: What sin do you need to confess to Jesus today? What shame do you need to be set free from?

DAY 2 • R E A D PSA LM 51: 2- 3

DAY 4 • RE AD P SALM 51 :5

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Respond: We all sin at times. We all make mistakes and bad choices. What sin is “always before you”? Can you surrender that to Jesus?

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Respond: Take a few minutes to also read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 7. How does denying our sinful nature keep us from moving forward in our spiritual journey?

DAY 5 • R E A D PSA LM 51: 9- 10 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Respond: Spend some time thanking God for his amazing gift of forgiveness and grace.

D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

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SESSION TWO

connecting with one another

DEAR FRIENDS, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD. 1 JOHN 4:7

God is the maker of the universe. he created the world we live in and all the stars and planets in the night sky. Even if someone doesn’t believe God made the world, it doesn’t change the fact that he did. That truth is not dependent upon our belief.

In the same way, the source of all love is God. Just as people can breathe air and walk the earth even if they don’t know it came from God, they can feel love for one another without realizing that it all came from God. But when we truly understand God’s love, our connections with others—in the church and beyond—become richer as we learn to love them the way Christ does.

Love becomes more than an emotion or even a committed decision—it becomes a gift. And knowing the giver changes everything.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

AS WE SA I D LAST WEEK , WHEN WE S H A R E OUR STOR I ES WI TH OT H E R S , WE GI V E THEM THE OP P ORT U NI TY TO SEE GOD AT WO R K . YOUR STORY I S B E I N G S H A PED, EV EN I N THI S M O M E N T, BY BEI NG PA RT OF T H I S G R O U P. I N FAC T, F EW T H I N G S CAN SHA PE US M OR E T H A N C O MMUNI TY. When we share our stories, we can encourage someone else, and learn.

We experience the presence of God as he helps us be brave enough to reveal our thoughts and feelings.

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.

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B E G I N YOUR TI M E TOGETHER BY U SIN G T H E FOLLOWIN G QU E ST ION S A N D ACT I V I T I E S TO GET PEOPLE TALKIN G: •

When is the first time you remember feeling loved? Perhaps it was when you experienced a parent or other relative caring for you, or you developed your first strong friendship with another person, or maybe it was the first time someone had a crush on you! Share the experience with the group. How did you know that you were feeling love? What was it like?

•

Is there anyone in your life to whom you try to show love, but who doesn’t respond? What have you learned through that experience?

•

In the last 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 19 to help you think of various people you come in contact with on a regular basis; people who need to know Jesus more deeply. Consider ideas for action and make a plan to follow through on one of them this week.

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY READ I J OHN 4:7-12

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.9 This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

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• This text doesn’t say God is loving, but that he is love. How would you explain the difference?

• How did God show his love to you? (verses 9-10)

• The phrase “love one another” occurs in this text three times. What would it look like to love one another in the context of your community group? In your family?

•

What do you think it means in verse 12 when it says that if we love, God lives in us?

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STUDY NOTES

Atoning sacrifice (verse 10). When a wrong has been done, justice demands that a price be paid. Break the law, you’ll go to court and pay a fine, or even do some time. We consider that fair, at least when someone else is the one who broke the law. And even if we don’t like it when we get caught, we know that if we’ve done wrong, it’s only fair that we pay the penalty. In ancient times, God set up a system of sacrifices to remind people that sin has a penalty, a price.

They’d sacrifice goats or birds or lambs to atone for (make restitution for) their sins. When Jesus came, he was the ultimate sin sacrifice, once for all (see Hebrews 7:27 and 9:12, for example).

Justice demands that a price be paid; love pays that price.

Love…In our culture, the word love is overused and misunderstood. We use the same word to describe our enthusiasm for a hobby (“I just love reading mystery novels”) as we do to describe our love for our spouse, family or even God. Ancient Greek, the original language of the New Testament, had at least three words that meant love. Agape is used to describe selfless, active love. It differs from phileo (warm friendship or brotherly love) and eros (romantic or sexual love). In this passage, we see the verb agapomen, a verb form of agape that implies a strong command—do this! God’s love for us is anything but casual. It is deep, unconditional, and willing to sacrifice. It takes the initiative, but puts the other first. (See 1 Corinthians 13). Because God first loved us in this way, we’re compelled to love others with similar intensity and selflessness.

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CREATE A NEW STORY

IN T H IS S E CT ION , TALK ABOU T H OW YO U WILL AP P LY T HE WISD OM YOU ’VE LE ARN E D FROM T HE T E ACHIN G AN D BIBLE ST UDY. T HE N T H IN K ABOU T PRACT ICAL ST E PS YO U CAN TAKE IN T HE COMIN G WE E K TO L IV E OU T WHAT YOU ’VE LE ARN E D.

• Do you ever have trouble feeling God’s love? After all, He’s not here with us physically. What gets in the way of experiencing God’s love for you?

• How might loving others allow you to experience God’s love yourself?

• Think of someone you know who needs to know God’s love—who might be feeling lonely or disconnected. Decide what you will do to show love to that person this week.

• In verse 12 it says God’s love is made complete in us when we love one another. Share a time when you experienced God’s love through another person. How can the way you love others “complete” God’s love for them?

• Here are some simple ways to connect with God. Tell the group which ones you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

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

• Daily Devotions. The Daily Devotions provided in each session offer an opportunity to read a short Bible passage five days a week during the course of our study. In our hurryup 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 the passage. 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 bathroom mirror. 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.

• Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 86.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

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BY T H I S E V E R YO N E W I L L K N O W T H AT YO U A R E M Y DISCIPLES, IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER. JOHN 13:35

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DAILY DEVOTIONS DAY 1 • R E A D 1 J OHN 3 : 16

DAY 3 • RE AD JOHN 13:35

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Respond: What does it mean to lay down your life for others? How does that build community?

Respond: How does our love for each other show the love of Christ?

DAY 4 • RE AD 1 JOHN 3:1 8 DAY 2 • R E A D 1 PETER 4 : 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Respond: What does it mean for love to “cover over” sins? Ask God to help you love the people in your life more deeply.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Respond: What does it mean to love with actions? What specific loving actions can you take this week?

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DAY 5 • R E A D 1 C OR I NTHI A NS 1 3:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Respond: Why is love the greatest?

D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

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SESSION THREE

connecting in community

THEREFORE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD E A C H O T H E R U P, J U S T A S I N F A C T Y O U A R E D O I N G .

I THESSALONIANS 5:11

The Bible encourages us to live in authentic community, using the phrase “one another” dozens of times to remind us that community is built not by just thinking about it, but through actions: loving one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, and so on.

The Bible gives us a real-life example of community like this in Acts 2. The early church experienced a rich fellowship that went beyond common theology or beliefs. They truly cared for each other and met one another’s physical, spiritual and emotional needs. It was a community marked by generosity and joy. The early Christians can teach us a lot about how to go deeper in fellowship and how to engage in authentic community.

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SHARE YOUR STORY OP E N YOUR GR OUP WI TH P R AY E R . THI S SHOULD BE A B R I E F, SI M PLE PR AYER I N WH I CH YOU I NV I TE GOD TO B E WI T H YOU AS YOU M E E T. YOU CA N PR AY F OR S P E CI F I C R EQUESTS AT THE E N D OF T HE MEETI NG, OR STOP M O MENTA R I LY TO PR AY I F A PA RT I C ULA R SI TUATI ON C O M E S UP DUR I NG YOUR DI S CUS S I O N.

Sharing personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking. • Have you ever been part of a great community? Maybe it was a neighborhood, a sports team, a church, or even a company you worked for. What made being part of this community such a good experience?

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• On the other hand, have you ever felt left out? How did that experience affect you?

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced on the DVD and the Bible passage below.

READ AC TS 2 :42 -47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

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• How does this community differ from your experiences of church?

How is it similar?

• How did the people in this community express love to God? How did they express love for each other?

• What kind of impact did this have on the unbelievers in Jerusalem? (verse 47)

• What aspect of this community would you like to see more of in your community group? In our church?

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STUDY NOTES

Fellowship (Acts 2:42). Verse 42 says that the early believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer. The word translated fellowship is the Greek word koinonia, which means “sharing what we have in common.” It implies not only relational closeness and authenticity but intensely practical generosity. This word is also translated communion and even contribution or distribution—all of which give us clues into its rich meaning of not just hanging out together but caring for and providing for one another.

Breaking of bread (Acts 2:42 and 46). The early church shared all things in common, apparently including meals. But many scholars believe that these two mentions in Acts 2 refer to two different types of meals: a breaking of bread as part of worship to remember Jesus’ breaking of bread at the Last Supper (as he instructed them in Matthew 26, Mark 14 and Luke 22), and an actual meal that they shared together. Just as today we enjoy fellowship around a dinner table, the early church made a habit of sharing meals.

Many wonders and signs (Acts 2:43). This phrase recalls a prophecy from Joel 2:28-32, which was fulfilled in Acts 2:19. It’s a reminder that the apostles’ miracles were evidence of God’s presence and favor on this community.

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CREATE A NEW STORY

G OD WA N TS YOU TO BE PA RT OF H IS KIN GD OM—TO WE AVE YOU R STO RY I N TO H I S . THAT WI LL M EA N C HAN GE . IT WILL RE QU IRE YOU TO G O HIS WAY R AT H E R T HA N YOUR OWN. THIS WON ’T HAP P E N OVE RN IG H T, BU T IT SH O U L D H A P P E N STEA DI LY. BY MA K I NG SMALL, SIMP LE CH OICE S, WE CAN BE G IN TO C H A N GE OUR DI R EC TI ON. T H E HOLY SP IRIT H E LPS U S ALON G T H E WAY,

BY G I V I N G US GI F TS TO SERV E T HE BODY, OFFE RIN G U S IN S IGH TS INTO S C R I P T UR E , A ND C HA LLENGI NG U S TO LOVE N OT ON LY T H OSE AROUN D U S B U T T H O S E FA R F R OM GOD. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

• What does it mean to have “all things in common”? What is your gut reaction to this idea?

• Pastor Clay says both the small group and the large group community are important. How does each experience contribute to our spiritual growth?

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• What changes would you need to make in your life to participate in a community like this? Do you think it’s possible to live this way in our culture?

• In a healthy community—whether it is a church or a community group—each person contributes in some way by using their unique strengths and gifts to serve the group.

How could you strengthen the fellowship of your group by serving them?

• What steps will you take this week to grow in your relationship with God? If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to scripture this week. If you’ve been reading God’s Word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

• Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 86.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

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F O R W H E R E T W O O R T H R E E G AT H E R I N M Y NAME, THERE AM I WITH THEM. M AT T H E W 1 8 : 2 0

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DAILY DEVOTIONS DAY 1 • R E A D C OLOSSI A NS 3 : 12

DAY 3 • RE AD GALAT IAN S 6:2

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way

Respond: What does it mean to clothe ourselves with these attributes? Today, “try on” one of them—and see what happens.

instead, it means we are to walk with them

you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Respond: This doesn’t mean we are to take ownership of other people’s problems; through difficult things that are too heavy to bear alone. How does this fulfill the law of Christ?

DAY 2 • R E A D HEBR EWS 10 : 24-2 5 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Respond: Part of living in community is encouraging each other to follow Jesus even when it’s difficult. Ask God to give you opportunities to “spur on” the others in your group.

DAY 4 • RE AD COLOS SIAN S 3: 1 3 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Respond: Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to ask forgiveness from?

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DAY 5 • R E A D M ATTHEW 18: 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

Respond: What an amazing thought—every time you gather with other Christians, Jesus is in your midst! Stop and give thanks to him today, and ask for wisdom in applying this week’s teaching.

D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

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SESSION FOUR connecting deeper

B U T G O D D E M O N S T R AT E S H I S O W N LO V E F O R US IN THIS: WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US. ROMANS 5:8

All love requires sacrifice, but God doesn’t just call us to love those we already like. Actually, his teaching is paradoxical and counter-cultural—we are to love those who persecute us, those we consider to be enemies, and those who don’t love us or God. In this session we explore what it means to follow Jesus in this way—and how we can have his love in these situations.

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SHARE YOUR STORY OP E N YOUR GR OUP WI TH P R AY E R . THI S SHOULD BE A B R I E F, SI M PLE PR AYER , I N WH I CH YOU I NV I TE GOD TO B E WI T H YOU AS YOU M E E T. YOU CA N PR AY F OR S P E CI F I C R EQUESTS AT THE E N D OF T HE MEETI NG OR STOP M O MENTA R I LY TO PR AY I F A PA RT I C ULA R SI TUATI ON C O M E S UP DUR I NG YOUR DI S CUS S I O N.

As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear, and your listening to others’ stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

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• Do you have anyone you would consider a true “enemy”? (You don’t have to share this with the group!)

• Share a time when you have been treated unfairly, been completely misunderstood, or been mistreated.

• Take some time for each person to share about how they’re doing on the challenge of inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your community group. What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come?

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY READ LUKE 6:2 7-36.

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

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“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

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• What happens in us when we do good to those who hate us? What often happens in them?

• Why is loving those who love us not enough?

• How should God’s love affect the way we love? (verse 35)

• What does it mean to be merciful?

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STUDY NOTES

Jesus never asked us to do anything he wasn’t willing to do first. Although it may make us feel angry to think about loving those who hurt us, or we might simply reject the idea as impossible, Jesus modeled it for us throughout his ministry, and especially as he was brought to trial and crucified.

For instance, Jesus was arrested and tried illegally. The charges against him were false and he was convicted on the basis of false witnesses. Those who would have stood up for him were not included in the “trial,” which was held at the high priest’s house—and which was also illegal. The crowds turned on Jesus and let a convicted criminal go free so that Jesus would be crucified. And after all of this, he was stripped and beaten and tortured, spat on and mocked, and killed—even though he was completely without fault. From the cross, he forgave his executioners, and every day he forgives us—even though we often turn our backs on him, take advantage of his sacrifice, or ignore him completely.

It is very unlikely that any of us will suffer this much injustice or experience this level of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain, but we will all be mistreated and hurt. Can you learn from the example of Jesus? Can you ask him to help you love as he loves?

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CREATE A NEW STORY G OD WA N TS YOU TO BE PA RT OF H IS KIN GD OM—TO WE AVE YOU R STO RY I N TO H I S . THAT WI LL M EA N C HAN GE . IT WILL RE QU IRE YOU TO G O HIS WAY R AT HER THA N YOUR OWN. T H IS WON ’T HAP P E N OVE RN IG H T, BU T IT S H OULD HA PPEN STEA DI LY. BY MAKIN G S MALL, SIMP LE CH OICE S, WE CA N B E G I N TO C HA NGE OUR DI R ECT ION . T H E HOLY S P IRIT H E LPS U S ALON G TH E WAY— G I V I NG US GI F TS TO SERVE T H E BODY, OFFE RIN G U S IN S IGH TS IN TO S C R I P T UR E , A ND C HA LLENGI NG U S TO LOVE N OT ON LY T H OSE AROUN D U S B U T T H O S E FA R F R OM GOD. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

• How does living without an attitude of revenge improve our lives? Is it possible that this teaching is for our own good, as well as for the benefit of others?

• How can you love someone you don’t like?

• Have you ever prayed for someone even though you didn’t want to?

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• Go around the circle and take turns sharing ways that God treats us. For instance, you might say, “God chooses to forgive us,” or “God gives us second and third chances,” or “God is patient.” Then consider as a group how that should affect the way we treat others.

• Each of you in the group has different gifts and abilities. And every community group has tasks and roles that need to be done. How could you serve this group—perhaps with hospitality or prayer, by organizing an event, research or study of a topic, by inviting new people?

• Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your community group, or even to just have coffee and talk about spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you can pray for.

• Groups grow closer when they serve together. How could your group serve someone in need? You may want to visit a shut-in from your church, provide a meal for a family who is going through difficulty, or give some other practical help to someone in need.

If nothing comes to mind, spend some group time praying and asking God to show you who needs your help. In next week’s lesson we will give some more practical ideas for a group serving project.

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WHO IS GOING TO HARM YOU IF YOU ARE EAGER TO DO GOOD? BUT EVEN IF YOU SHOULD SUFFER F O R W H A T I S R I G H T , Y O U A R E B L E S S E D . 1 PETER 3:13-14

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DAILY DEVOTIONS DAY 1 • R E A D R OMA NS 5: 7- 8

DAY 3 • RE AD 1 PE T E R 4:1 2-13

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Reflect: We are far from righteous, yet even while we were his “enemies,” Jesus came to die for us. Spend a few minutes thanking and praising him for saving you.

Reflect: We should expect hardship and trials in this life. How can you rejoice when you suffer? How can it draw you closer to Christ?

DAY 2 • R E A D J OHN 15: 18

DAY 4 • RE AD 1 PE T E R 3:13-14

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.

Reflect: Jesus doesn’t pull any punches here—he reminds us that he understands what it means to be hated, and that it isn’t an excuse! Ask him to help you respond to hate the way he does.

Reflect: Peter acknowledges here that even when we are on the side of right, there may be some who don’t like what we do. Ask God for strength in following Him—no matter what.

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DAY 5 • R E A D M ATTHEW 5: 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Reflect: How can we be “blessed” when we are persecuted? What does it mean to receive the kingdom of heaven?

D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

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SESSION FIVE

connecting as the body

F R O M H I M T H E W H O L E B O D Y, J O I N E D A N D HELD TOGETHER BY EVERY SUPPORTING L I G A M E N T, G R O W S A N D B U I L D S I T S E L F U P I N L O V E , A S E A C H PA R T D O E S I T S W O R K .

EPHESIANS 4:16

It’s no surprise that God knows how to perfectly communicate with us. During his time on earth Jesus taught in stories, and in the New Testament God inspired writers like Paul to use metaphors to communicate the new life we’re called to as Christians. One of the most powerful of these illustrations is the idea that we are together the body of Christ—each with a part to play, each valued, each different, and each joined together to show Jesus’ love to a world in need. This week, we’ll learn more about what it means to be Christ’s “body”—the responsibility that comes with this calling, the privilege of serving alongside other members, and the importance of each person in fulfilling the mission of the church.

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SHARE YOUR STORY OP E N YOUR GR OUP WI TH P R AY E R . THI S SHOULD BE A B R I E F, SI M PLE PR AYER , I N WH I CH YOU I NV I TE GOD TO B E WI T H YOU AS YOU M E E T. YOU CA N PR AY F OR S P E CI F I C R EQUESTS AT THE E N D OF T HE MEETI NG OR STOP M O MENTA R I LY TO PR AY I F A PA RT I C ULA R SI TUATI ON C O M E S UP DUR I NG YOUR DI S CUS S I O N.

Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

Sharing our stories requires us to be honest. We can help one another be honest and open by creating a safe place; be sure that your group is one where confidentiality is respected, where there is no such thing as “stupid questions,” where you listen without criticizing one another.

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• Share with the group a time when you’ve been very sick or a time when you’ve been in great physical shape. What did you learn about your body through that experience?

• Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts assessment? Do you know what your spiritual gift is?

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY R E A D 1 C O R I NTHI A NS 12: 12– 19

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 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. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

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Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

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• Verse 13 is a revolutionary statement; Paul is saying that groups of people who are culturally, socioeconomically, and religiously divided are actually united in deep ways—whether they like it or not! What does this have to teach us about diversity and differences in our own faith community?

• Do you get to decide whether or not you want to be part of the body? Do you get to decide if others are part of it?

• React to verse 18. Does this encourage you? Challenge you?

• How should this passage keep us from having “gift envy”?

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STUDY NOTES

This community group experience is almost over, but we’re encouraging you to add a service project as a “7th week.” This week, as we talk about the value of each person and the importance of working together for Christ, it’s a great time to consider what kind of project you want to do as a group.

Begin by asking your community group members the following questions to help narrow down a project that is a good fit for your group. Remember, you do not have to choose from this list. It’s okay for your group to come up with a serve project not listed below. BE SURE TO OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM APPROPRIATE AGENCIES SEVERAL DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVING. • Who in your neighborhood has a need? What is that need? What will it take to meet that need?

• What business or organization within your sphere of influence could use a blessing? Or do they know of a project that would bless someone?

• What project types best suit your group’s ages, abilities, and giftings (prayer, worship, teaching, physical labor, letter writing, etc.)?

GENERAL IDEAS • Host a free garage sale • Bring free lunches to construction workers and servicemen/women in your area • Clean the yard of someone who is a widow(er), single mom, elderly couple or disabled • Give out free sunscreen and/or bottled water at area parks • Give out free donuts and coffee at bus stops or shopping centers

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• Host a free car wash

SPECIAL NEEDS/YOUTH HOMES

• Offer free minor car repair/maintenance for the elderly, widow(er)s, the disabled and/or single moms

• Identify a family with a special needs child and give the family a Mom’s and Dad’s day out

• Host a free lemonade stand

• Adopt a group home for the day and throw a party for the residents

• Write letters of encouragement to teachers; pastors at area churches; the people serving at your local fire, police, or EMT station. Deliver the letters with cookies or a complete meal.

• Build a wheelchair ramp for handicapped

• Host a free meal for international students attending UNC or CSU

• Serve hot breakfast or lunch to the homeless

NURSING HOMES

• Do a community trash clean up (parks, roads, schools, etc.)

• Personally deliver fresh flowers to each resident

• Host a “Block Party” with free food, games, music, etc. for families

• Host a worship service (music, devotions, prayer, fellowship)

• Renovate a run-down playground or park in the area

• Throw a “Senior Prom” complete with live music, food, and decorations

• Do a door-to-door grocery giveaway

• Landscape a flower garden and sitting area for residents

• Organize a field day for a group youth home STREET OUTREACH

• Have a “Free Lawn Mowing” day • Go door-to-door offering free yard work

• Host a craft time; this is great for community groups with families where kids can get involved making crafts with the residents

HOSPITALS

COLLEGE CAMPUSES

• Give out healthy snacks to patients going through chemotherapy

• Serve free drinks and/or snacks during breaks in marching band practice • Sports teams; serve free drinks and/or snacks after sports practices

• Serve free coffee, drinks, and snacks to staff and those waiting in the emergency room

• Deliver small gifts to patients and families in the children’s ward • Offer to pray with patients and those in the waiting room • Take care packages with snacks, sweets and small gift items (lotion, magazines, puzzles, etc.) to families of hospitalized children

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BUSINESSES/SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/ PUBLIC SERVICES

• Serve 6.8 (multiple community connections), Fort Collins, 970.449.5401

• Wash windows

• The Alpha Center (crisis pregnancy center), Fort Collins, 970.221.5121

• Pick up trash in parking lots POSSIBLE AGENCIES TO CONTACT FOR MORE IDEAS OR SERVING PARTNERSHIPS • House of Neighborly Service (multiple community connections), Loveland, 970.667.4939 • 137 Connection (homeless), Loveland, 970.685.4173 • Birthline (crisis pregnancy center), Loveland, 970.663.2671 • Life Choices (crisis pregnancy center), Loveland – Longmont – Estes Park – Brighton,970.461.5050 • Disciples Ministry (homeless), Loveland, 970.619.0579 • WinGS Ministries (single moms), Loveland, 970.215.0068

• Fort Collins Rescue Mission (homeless), Fort Collins, 970.224.4302 • CSU International Students Incorporated, Fort Collins, 970.472.5201 • The Pregnancy Resource Center (crisis pregnancy center), Greeley, 970.353.2673 • Guadalupe Community Shelter (homeless), Greeley, 970.353.6433 • Realities for Children (multiple community connections), Northern Colorado, 970.484.9090 • HELP International (worldwide humanitarian aid, warehouse assistance), Northern Colorado,303.678.7788 • International Student Ministry (no website), Dr. Tad and Jane Gilmore, Northern Colorado,970.584.4077

• Habitat for Humanity, Loveland and Fort Collins, 970.669.9769

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CREATE A NEW STORY

G OD WA N TS YOU TO BE PA RT OF H IS KIN GD OM—TO WE AVE YOU R STO RY I N TO H I S . THAT WI LL M EA N C HAN GE . IT WILL RE QU IRE YOU TO G O HIS WAY R AT HER THA N YOUR OWN. T H IS WON ’T HAP P E N OVE RN IG H T, BU T IT S H OULD HA PPEN STEA DI LY. BY MAKIN G S MALL, SIMP LE CH OICE S, WE CA N B E G I N TO C HA NGE OUR DI R ECT ION . T H E HOLY S P IRIT H E LPS U S ALON G TH E WAY— G I V I NG US GI F TS TO SERVE T H E BODY, OFFE RIN G U S IN S IGH TS IN TO S C R I P T UR E , A ND C HA LLENGI NG U S TO LOVE N OT ON LY T H OSE AROUN D U S B U T T H O S E FA R F R OM GOD. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this lesson.

• How should this week’s teaching lead to greater unity in the church?

• What does it mean to suffer with those who suffer, and rejoice with those who rejoice?

• What does it mean to be part of the body of Christ as part of the church and its activities?

What about outside the church walls?

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Pastor Clay says it’s important to look for each other’s talents and strengths, point them out, and encourage each other. Take some time in your group to affirm the gifts you see in the other group members. Don’t feel that every person has to “compliment” every other person—simply take a few minutes to consider the strengths your group members bring to the body, and mention any specifics that come to mind.

Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your community group, or even just to have coffee and talk about spiritual matters.

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you can pray for.

A strong group is made up of people who are all being filled up by God, so that they are empowered to love one another. What specific steps will you take this week to connect with God privately, so He can “fill you up?” If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to Scripture this week. If you’ve been reading God’s Word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week. Then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

Ask “How can we pray for you this week?”

Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 86.

Close your meeting with prayer.

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LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, SINCE AS MEMBERS OF ONE BODY YOU WERE CALLED TO PEACE. AND BE THANKFUL. COLOSSIANS 3:15

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DAILY DEVOTIONS DAY 1 • R E A D C OLOSSI A NS 1: 17 -1 8

DAY 3 • RE AD 1 CORIN T H IAN S 6 : 1 9 -20

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Reflect: This passage is talking about Jesus, reminding us that we are the body of Christ but he is the head. What does this mean in terms of how we live as members of the body?

Respond: We often hear this verse applied to our individual bodies, but the Greek text makes it clear that Paul is actually addressing the entire church. What does it mean to honor God with our body, the church?

DAY 2 • R E A D EPHESI A NS 1: 22-23

DAY 4 • RE AD COLOS SIAN S 3: 1 5

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Respond: Remember, your place in the body of Christ is not an honorary position—it’s a job description! Ask God to help you express the “fullness” of Jesus’ grace and love to others.

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Respond: Our calling as the body means a calling to peace. How can you contribute to peace at Grace Place? How does thankfulness make us more peaceful?

DAY 5 • R E A D 1 TI MOTHY 3 : 14 -15 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Respond: You are not only part of Christ’s body, you are part of God’s family. As we end this week, take a few minutes just to reflect on what this means and to thank God for the ways he is blessing you.

D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

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SESSION SIX

connecting in unity

MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH THE BOND OF PEACE. EPHESIANS 4:3

Jesus could have prayed for anything during his last night on earth, but he chose to pray for the unity of the many millions who would believe in him. As followers of Jesus, we are called to a unity that is based on who he is and what he did for us on the cross. What does this mean on a practical level? What does it look like to be unified, even if we might disagree on some issues or be in different life stages?

We’ll close this study with a look at what it means to be united—in our group, in our church, and with other believers around the world.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

OP E N YOUR GR OUP WI TH P R AY E R . THI S SHOULD BE A B R I E F, SI M PLE PR AYER , I N WH I CH YOU I NV I TE GOD TO B E WI T H YOU AS YOU M EET. YOU CA N PR AY F OR SPEC I F I C R E QUE STS AT THE END OF T H E M E E T I NG, OR STOP M O M E N TA R I LY TO PR AY I F A PA RT I CULA R SI TUATI ON C OM E S UP DUR I N G YOUR DI SC USSI ON. As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear to encourage or strengthen them. And your listening to others’ stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

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• What has surprised you most about this group? Where did God meet you over the last six weeks?

• Have you attended churches other than Grace Place, from other denominations? How were those churches different? What did you appreciate about those experiences?

• Take some time for each person to share about how they’ve done with inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your community group. What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come?

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY READ J OH N 17:2 0-2 5.

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

• What does it mean for followers of Jesus to be “one”?

• What are some of the things that can keep us from this unity?

• This is a radical prayer, because it means that if you follow Jesus you are united not only with Billy Graham or Mother Teresa, but also with murderers and prostitutes who have become Christians. We are all the same at the cross! React to this idea.

• Do you think this prayer has been answered? Why or why not?

•

What type of things can we specifically do to answer Christ’s prayer?

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STUDY NOTES

In the verses we studied today from John 17, Jesus prays that we would be “in” him and “in” the Father. If we back up a few pages to John 15, we get more insight into what it means for us to be united with the Father and the Son in this way: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 he cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.4 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.

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“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. 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. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

JOHN 15:1-8 5

In this passage, Jesus describes himself as a vine and compares his followers to branches. Just as the branches of a plant draw life and nourishment from their connection to the vine, we are to find our life and our power in our connection to Christ. And just as a branch will wither and die if it’s cut off of a plant, so we, too, will spiritually wither if we are not rooted in Christ.

So when Jesus prays that we would be one in him, he’s praying that we would remain connected to him, growing as many different branches that are united in him as the source. And just as our unity witnesses to Christ (John 17:23), our connection to Christ also results in fruitbearing which brings glory to the Father (John 15:8).

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CREATE A NEW STORY • How has God changed your story during this six-week study? What new things is he asking you to do? What truth has transformed your heart? Think about specific steps you want to take to live a new story, to walk more closely with God so you can be part of his story, engaged in his kingdom.

• Why was the unity of Jesus’ followers so important to Jesus?

• What is the difference between unity and uniformity?

• What are some ways you can make an effort to “keep the unity of the spirit”?

• Is it a new idea for you that Christians are called to proactively deal with conflict? How does this ultimately contribute to unity?

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• 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 they have noticed in another member. (In other words, no one will talk about themselves. Instead, affirm others in the group.)

Make sure each person gets affirmed and noticed and celebrated—whether the steps they’ve made are large or small.

• If your group still needs to make decisions about continuing to meet after this session, have that discussion now. Talk about what you will study, who will host, and when you will meet.

• Review your Community Group Agreement on page 79 and evaluate how well you met your goals. Discuss any changes you want to make as you move forward.

If you plan to continue to meeting, and your group starts a new study, this is a great time to take on a new role or change roles of service in your group.

What new role will you take on? If you are uncertain, maybe your group members have some ideas for you.

Remember you aren’t making a lifetime commitment to the new role; it will only be for a few weeks. Maybe someone would like to share a role with you if you don’t feel ready to serve solo.

• Close by praying for your prayer requests and take a couple of minutes to review the praises you have recorded over the past five weeks on the Prayer and Praise Report on page 86. Spend some time thanking God for all He’s done in your group during this study.

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HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT IT IS WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE LIVE TOGETHER IN UNITY! PSALM 133:1

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DAILY DEVOTIONS DAY 1 • R E A D PHI LI PPI A NS 2: 1-2.

DAY 3 • RE AD ROMAN S 15:5-6

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflect: Unity with Christ should encourage and comfort us, and then motivate us to have unity with others. Ask God to help you grow in one attribute mentioned in this passage.

Reflect: What attitude does Jesus have toward us? What does it mean for us to share that attitude toward each other? What is the result?

DAY 4 • RE AD E P H E SIAN S 4:4 -6 DAY 2 • R E A D 1 PETER 3 : 8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Reflect: This is another verse giving us a lot to live up to! How can you express these aspects of unity with those in your group? With those in our church?

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There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Reflect: There are many things we have in common as believers. How does this affect your approach to unity with others?

DAY 5 • R E A D PSA LM 133 : 1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Reflect: As we close this week, take a few minutes simply to pray for increased unity in our church and in the Church around the world.

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 Daily Devotions time this week.

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APPENDICIES RESOURCES TO MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS W H AT DO WE D O ON THE FI R ST NIGH T OF OU R GR OU P ?

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 Community Group Agreement on page 79 and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins.

W H ERE DO WE FI ND NEW MEMBER S FOR OU R GR OU P ?

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.

No matter how you find members, it’s vital that you stay on the lookout for new people to join your group. All groups tend to go through healthy attrition—the result of moves, releasing new leaders, ministry opportunities, and so forth—and if the group gets too small, it could be at risk of shutting 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!

H OW LON G WI L L THI S G R OU P MEET ?

Most groups meet weekly for at least their first six weeks, but every other week can work as well. We strongly recommend that the group meet for the first six months on a weekly basis if at all possible.

This allows for continuity, and if people miss a meeting they aren’t gone for a whole month.

At the end of this study, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Some groups launch relationships for years to come, and others are steppingstones into another group experience. Either way, enjoy the journey.

CA N WE DO THI S STU DY ON O U R OWN?

Absolutely! This may sound crazy, but one of the best ways to do this study is not with a full house but with a few friends. You may choose to gather with another couple who would enjoy some relational time (perhaps going to the movies or having a quiet dinner) and then walking through this study. Jesus will be with you even if there are only two of you (Matthew 18:20).

W H AT IF T HI S G R OU P I S NOT WOR K ING FOR U S?

You’re not alone! This could be the result of a personality conflict, life stage difference, geographical distance, level of spiritual maturity, or any number of things. Relax. Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this six-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t typically buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date,

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and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before the six weeks are up—God might have something to teach you. Also, don’t run from conflict or prejudge people before you have given them a chance. God is still working in your life, too!

WH O IS T H E H OST ?

Most groups have an official host or leader. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate hosts and homes on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution, and develop their gifts. This study guide and the Holy Spirit can keep things on track even when you rotate hosts. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way.

H OW D O WE H A ND LE T H E C H ILD CA R E N E E DS IN OU R GR OU P ?

Very carefully. Seriously, this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest that you empower the group to openly brainstorm solutions. You may try one option that works for a while and then adjust over time.

Our favorite approach is for adults to meet in the living room or dining room and to share the cost of a babysitter (or two) who can watch the kids in a different part of the house. This way, parents don’t have to be away from their children all evening when their children are too young to be left at home. A second option is to use one home for the kids and a second home (close by or a phone call away) for the adults. A third idea is to rotate the responsibility 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 solution 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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COMMUNITY GROUP AGREEMENT OUR P URP OSE

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

OUR VALUE S

• Group Attendance • To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent. (Completing the Community Group Calendar on page 81 will minimize this issue.)

• Safe Environment To help create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved. (Please, no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes.)

• Respect Differences To be gentle and gracious to fellow group members with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections.” 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 want to spiritually multiply our life by serving others with our God-given gifts.

• Shared Ownership To remember that every member is a minister and to ensure that each attender will share a small team role or responsibility over time.

• Rotating Hosts and Homes To encourage different people to host the group in their homes and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Community Group Calendar on page 81.)

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OUR EX P ECTATI O NS

• Refreshments/mealtimes • Childcare • When we will meet (day of week) • 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 • Notes:

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COMMUNITY GROUP 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 do not forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects.

DAT E

January 11

SESSI ON

1

HOST H OME

D E SSE RT /ME AL

Steve and Laura’s

Joe

LEADER

Bill

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COMMUNIY GROUP ROSTER Briefly check in each week and write down your personal plans and progress targets 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.

NAME

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P H ON E E MAIL

MEMORY VERSE CARDS CLI P A N D R EV I EW

SESSION ONE F O R I H AV E N OT C O M E TO C A L L THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS. M AT T H E W 9 : 1 3

SESSION FOUR B U T G O D D E M O N S T R AT E S H I S OWN LOVE FOR US IN THIS: WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US. ROMANS 5:8

SESSION TWO DEAR FRIENDS, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD. 1 JOHN 4:7

SESSION FIVE F R O M H I M T H E W H O L E B O D Y, J O I N E D AND HELD TOGETHER BY EVERY S U P P O R T I N G L I G A M E N T, G R O W S A N D B U I L D S I TS E L F U P I N LOV E , AS E AC H PA R T D O E S I T S W O R K .

EPHESIANS 4:16

SESSION THREE

SESSION SIX

THEREFORE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH O T H E R U P, J U S T A S I N F A C T Y O U ARE DOING.

MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH THE BOND OF PEACE.

I THESSALONIANS 5:11

EPHESIANS 4:3

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CLIP AND REVIEW THE MEMORY VERSE C A R D S O N T H E O T H E R S I D E O F T H I S PA G E .

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S E SSIO N 6

S ES SIO N 5

SE SSION 4

S E SSION 3

S E SSION 2

SE SSION 1

PRAYER REQUESTS

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PRAISE REPORTS

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COMMUNITY GROUP HOSTS KEY RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE BE THE BEST IT CAN BE.

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HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE If you’re starting a new group, try planning an “open house” before your first formal group meeting. Even if you have only two to four core members, it’s a great way to break the ice and to consider prayerfully who else might be open to joining 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 kick-off 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?

• What is one thing you love about your church/our community?

• 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 Community 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 inviting someone 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.

You can skip this kick-off meeting if your time is limited, but you’ll experience a huge benefit if you take the time to connect with each other in this way.

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HOSTING FOR THE FIRST TIME • 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.

• Seek support.

Ask your host, co-host, 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.

• Bring your uniqueness to the study.

Lean into who you are and how God wants you to uniquely host the study.

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

• 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. Instead, show an openness to learn and grow.

• Prayerfully consider launching a new group.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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HOST TRAINING 101 CON GRAT U LATI ONS! YO U HAVE R ESP OND ED TO T H E CA LL TO H ELP SH EP H E R D J ESUS ’ F LOCK . THE R E AR E FEW OT H ER TASK S IN T H E FA M ILY OF GOD T H AT SURPASS THE CO NTR I BU TI O N YO U WILL B E M A K ING. AS YOU P R EPA R E TO HO ST, W H ET H ER IT I S ONE SESSI ON O R T H E ENT IR E SER IES, H ER E A R E A FEW T H O UG H TS TO KEEP IN MI ND. WE E NCO U R AGE YOU TO R EA D T H ESE A ND R EV IEW T H EM W I T H EAC H N EW HO ST BE FO R E HE O R SH E LEA D S.

• Remember that you are not alone.

God knows everything about you, and he knew that you would be asked to host 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 were all 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, you will be blessed as you serve.

• 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-host to help you host 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 probably be surprised at the response.

• 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 host; do them in a way that fits you! Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you

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make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

• Prepare for your meeting ahead of time.

Review the session and the host’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 appendix, 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.

• 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!

• 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.

Keep in mind, if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else. After someone 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.

• 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.

• Break up into smaller 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 sometimes in discussion circles of three or four people during the Hear God’s Story or Change Your Story 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.

• Rotate facilitators weekly.

At the end of each meeting, ask the group who should host the following week.

Let the group help select your weekly facilitator. You may be perfectly capable of hosting each time, but you will help others grow in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead. You can use the Community Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting hosts at once if you prefer.

• One final challenge (for new or first-time hosts): Before your first opportunity to host, look up each of the five passages listed below.

Read each one as a devotional exercise to help yourself develop a shepherd’s heart.

Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more than ready for your first meeting.

Matthew 9:36 • 1 Peter 5:2-4 • Psalm 23 Ezekiel 34:11-16 • 1 Thessalonians 2:7-11-12

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NOTES:

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DOING LIFE

together GRACE PLACE CHURCH

PAS TO R C L AY P E C K

CONTENTS Endorsements 4 Foreword 6 Welcome 8 Using This Workbook (Read This First)

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Outline for Each Session

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Session One: Connecting with Jesus

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Copyright 2016 by Grace Place

Session Two: Connecting with One Another

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Session Three: Connecting in Community

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Published by Grace Place

Session Four: Connecting Deeper

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Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman.

Session Five: Connecting as the Body

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Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Session Six: Connecting in Unity

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ISBN Printed in the United States of America

A P P E N D IC E S Frequently Asked Questions

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Community Group Agreement

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Community Group Calendar

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Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review)

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C O M M U N ITY GRO U P H O STS Hosting an Open House

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Hosting for the First Time

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Leadership Training

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Prayer and Praise Report

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Community Group Roster

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ENDORSEMENTS Researchers are calling today the “age of loneliness”, we have more connections through social media than ever and have never been more lonely. We need each other and God wired us that way. Few people I know have a bigger heart for people connecting with God and then connecting—really connecting— with each other than Clay. This new series will bless you, challenge you, encourage you to real connection that will grab your heart!

R IC K R U SAW | PASTOR LIFEB R ID GE C H R IST IA N C H U R C H “Throughout the six week journey called “Doing Life Together,” Pastor Clay Peck invites people just like you and me to pursue meaningful and intentional connections with both God and other people. Don’t do life alone another day. Start Doing Life Together instead.”

JONAT H A N WIGGINS | PASTOR R ESU R R EC T ION FELLOWSH IP The isolated person is the vulnerable person, God has designed us to need others. That’s why it’s impossible to understand Christianity apart from community. Just as the cross has both a vertical dimension pointing us upward, it also has a horizontal dimension prompting us to reach outward. Pastor Clay is a great example of a man who does both. His life is an on-going illustration of a man seeking a growing relationship with God through Christ and with others in the Name of Christ!

A LA N A H LGR IM | FOU ND ING PASTOR OF R M CC & D IR EC TOR OF PASTOR CA R E B LESSING R A NC H M INIST R IES I know very few people as qualified to speak to the beauty and power of community as my friend, Clay! He not only leads a church focused on great community, he leads his own life committed to doing life together with others!

B R A D M . JENSEN | LEA D PASTOR FA IT H EVA NGELICA L FR EE C H U R C H

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I believe with all my heart that the church is the hope of the world. In order for us to be that hope, we must be connected to each other in vital relationships. I urge you to be a part of the upcoming “Doing Life Together” series at Grace Place, where you will learn how to experience relational community the way God designed!

AL AN K R AF T | AUT H O R AN D L EAD PASTO R CH R I ST CO M M UN I T Y CH UR C H Clay is one of the most authentic pastors I know. He lives and breathes what it means to love like Jesus. I love seeing all the great things happening at Grace Place!

S H AN M OY E R S | L E AD PASTO R R O CKY M O UN TAI N CH R I ST I AN C HURC H It is amazing that the simplest command in all the Bible Christians so easily lose touch with. Jesus said life is about two things; loving God and loving people. Including your enemies!

I’ve been a Christian for over 30 years and I still get foggy on this. In Doing Life Together Clay Peck combines clear biblical teaching and practical twenty-first century application for loving the people God loves so outrageously—which is everyone.

Doing Life Together is as important a series as any series a church could engage in.

J O H N S M I T H | S E N I O R PASTO R CR O S S R OADS CH UR CH I am deeply grateful for Clay Peck’s friendship, keen insights, and heart for people. Doing Life Together paints a beautiful picture of the grace filled community God designed us to enjoy.

If you are facing relationship challenges or simply want to find greater joy in Doing Life Together this resource will provide hope and practical encouragement while reminding each of us that we are valuable to God and to each other.

TAM M Y S WAN S O N - DR AH E I M | S UPERI NTENDENT E VAN G E L I CAL COVE N AN T MI DW EST C O NF ERENC E

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FOREWORD D R . R IC H A R D FR ED ER IC K S

I have known Dr. Clay Peck, the Lead and Founding Pastor of Grace Place for almost a quarter of a century. Each year my admiration for his thoughtful scholarship and pastoral heart grows. Clay does theology from and for the vibrant Christian community he leads with a servant’s heart. I recommend his studies on life in community to you with this dual assurance: • These six studies will be deeply and intelligently Scriptural. The development of his theme of life together, its benefits and its challenges, will walk you step by step toward this ultimate goal of the triune God (who is and always has been eternal Community).

• These six studies will be deeply practical—because Scripture is, and because Clay gets the Bible’s great trajectory of redemption for every individual—out of the isolation and fear of being a man or woman totally wrapped up in myself as my own frail center; and into the joy and fulfillment of being men and women formed into a community of diversity and unity that reflects the very heart of God.

GOD HAS NOW REVEALED TO US HIS MYSTERIOUS W I L L R E G A R D I N G C H R I ST— W H I C H I S TO F U L F I L L H I S O W N G O O D P L A N . A N D T H I S I S T H E P L A N : AT T H E RIGHT TIME HE WILL BRING EVERYTHING TOGETHER U N D E R T H E AU T H O R I T Y O F C H R I ST— E V E RY T H I N G I N H E AV E N A N D O N E A R T H .

E P H E S I A N S 1 : 9 - 1 0 ( N LT )

Ephesians 1:9-10 say that God’s ultimate, end-game will and purpose is to bring all things in heaven and on earth back together in Christ; until the church reaches the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way (1:2223). It is a goal can only be realized when “the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love—as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16). That means you and me. We are ALL vital parts of Jesus’ ecclesia—the gathered community around Christ. So I encourage you. Commit six weeks. Dive in! You will find out who you were created to be…together.

DR. R I CHAR D FR ED E R I CKS | SENIOR A ND FOU ND ING PASTOR DAMASCU S R OAD COMMU NIT Y C H U R C H

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WELCOME When we started Grace Place in 1996 we targeted the “burned, bored, and by-passed.” Of course, we hoped and trusted that people would not stay burned, but get healed; not stay bored, but get energized; not stay by-passed, but get connected! We have always desired to be a place of love, acceptance, and forgiveness, a safe place where you can belong before you believe, a community of people together on a spiritual journey.

During the next six weeks you’ll have the chance to explore what the Bible says about community and do it together with others. You will also have opportunities to share your own ideas and experiences, watch a short video teaching on that weeks theme, discuss scriptures and determine how you will apply what God is teaching you. The early church, alive with the Spirit, was devoted to meeting together for prayer, fellowship, and Bible study—growing spiritually while loving and caring for each other. They chose to avoid isolation and press together. The word “together” is found three times in just two verses: “All the believers were together and had everything in common… they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:44,46).

At the end of each chapter you will find Daily Devotions Where we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read just a small portion of scripture each day, and reflect and pray through it. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. 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.

Doing Life Together is about living a life of purpose and meaning by connecting with God and others. It is about living as God has intended us to live. It’s about the Great Commandment, loving one another and the Great Commission sharing that love with those in our lives who don’t know Jesus.

Lets have some fun as we do life together!

BLESSINGS, PASTO R CL AY AN D S E L E N E

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OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION

USING THIS WORKBOOK tools to help you have a great community group experience!

• Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Community Group Hosts. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

• If you are facilitating/hosting or co-hosting a community group, the section Community Group Hosts will give you some experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective community group leadership.

• 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 Community Group Hosts section.

• Enjoy your Community Group experience.

• Pray before each session—for your group members, for your time together, or wisdom and insights.

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

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A typical group session for the Doing Life Together study will include the following sections. Read through this to get a clear idea of how each group meeting will be structured: WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. Each session opens with 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. The verses for our six sessions are also listed in the appendix.

INTRODUCTION. Each lesson opens 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. You may want to have the group read them aloud.

SHARE YOUR STORY. The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and his family. You build that connection by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who earn your trust. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you feel comfortable doing. 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, for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

HEAR GOD’S STORY. In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching, in order to hear God’s story—and begin to see how his story aligns with yours. When the study directs you to, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment.

You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of scripture, and discuss both the teaching and the text. You won’t focus on accumulating information but on how you should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights

from scripture practically and creatively, 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 should be your greatest aim.

STUDY NOTES. This brief section provides additional commentary, background or insights on the passage you’ll study in the Hear God’s Story section.

CREATE A NEW STORY. God wants you to be a part of his Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go his way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instructions 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 know him personally, carry out his commands, and help outsiders connect with Him. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners. It could mean welcoming newcomers, hosting a short-term 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. This section will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing your faith, and worshiping God. DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages, we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read just a small portion of scripture each day, and reflect and pray through it. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. 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.

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SESSION ONE

connecting with Jesus

“ F O R I H AV E N OT C O M E TO C A L L T H E R I G H T E O U S , B U T S I N N E R S .”

M AT T H E W 9 : 1 3

We are all in need of the grace of God. The amazing thing is, Jesus doesn’t avoid imperfect people—sinners like you and me. Instead, he seeks them out, invites them to the table or into the living room, and welcomes them. 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.

The first step in connecting with Jesus is understanding that you need him in your life—that you are a sinner who makes mistakes and needs God’s grace.

Fortunately, God can use all of us if we are willing to follow him.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

E AC H O F U S H AS A STO RY. TH E E V E N TS O F O U R L IFE — GO O D, B A D, WO N D E RFU L O R C H A L L E N GIN G— H AV E SH A P E D W H O W E A RE . GO D K N OW S YO U R STO RY, A N D H E IN TE N D S TO RE D E E M IT—TO U SE E V E RY STRU GGL E A N D E V E RY JOY TO U LTIM ATE LY B RIN G YO U TO H IM SE L F. W H E N W E SH A RE O U R STO RIE S W ITH OTH E RS, W E GIV E TH E M TH E O P P O RTU N ITY TO SE E GO D AT WO RK .

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to give you insight as you study. 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.

Before you start this first meeting, get contact information for every participant.

Take time to pass around a copy of the Community Group Roster on page __, a sheet of paper, or one of you pass your Study Guide, opened to the Community Group Roster. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group during the week.

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THEN, BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING. • What brought you here? What do you hope to get out of this group?

• If you’re brave enough (!), share a story about a time you were embarrassed or did something foolish in front of others.

• Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On page ___ is a Community 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.

• If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone—you may even want to have name tags for your first meeting.

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

• We recommend you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. Studies show that healthy groups rotate leadership. This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside him (Mark 6:30-44). Look at the FAQs in the Appendix for additional information about hosting or leading the group.

• The Community Group Calendar on page __ is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and co-hosts for your remaining meetings.

Don’t skip this important step! It will revolutionize your group. Share with the group a time when you’ve been very sick or a time when you’ve been in great physical shape. What did you learn about your body through that experience?

• Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts assessment? Do you know what your spiritual gift is?

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HEAR GOD’S STORY READ MAT T HE W 9:9-13.

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

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While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

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On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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Why do you think Matthew decided to follow Jesus?

• Matthew was a tax collector, which did not make him popular with his fellow Jews. (See study notes.) What profession or type of person would be equivalent to a tax collector in our culture? Why do you think Jesus chose to hang out with such “sinners”?

STUDY NOTES

Tax collectors and sinners. Jesus made it a point to reach out to people who were outside the religious subculture of his day—the outcasts of his society. Tax collectors were particularly scorned because they were Jews, but they worked for the oppressive government that occupied the land, the Romans. Tax collectors were notorious for cheating—collecting what Rome demanded, then adding whatever profit they could get for themselves, all at the expense of their fellow Jews. We can understand why the Jews saw them as traitors.

While all people are “sinners” (see Romans 3:23), those labeled “tax collectors and sinners” by the Pharisees were those who deliberately ignored the law—people who lived a lifestyle of sin, such as money-lenders, tax collectors and prostitutes.

• Why do you think the Pharisees questioned Jesus’ disciples instead of Jesus himself?

• In your life, who are the “tax collectors and sinners”? How often do you spend time with them?

Mercy, not sacrifice. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day spent much of their time studying and discussing the Torah, and how to live it out. They would have had most of what we call the Old Testament completely memorized, word for word. So when Jesus quotes just a short phrase from Hosea 6, they would immediately recall the entire passage—just as we might recall a whole pop song when we hear one line from it.

In Hosea 6, God accuses his people of not truly loving him, of unfaithfulness to Him, describing them with words like “footprints of blood,” “evildoers,” “wicked,” and worse. The accusations, delivered by the prophet Hosea, conclude ominously and succinctly: “Israel is defiled.”

It is not surprising that the Pharisees didn’t like what they heard from Jesus.

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CREATE A NEW STORY

GOD WAN TS YOU TO BE PART OF H IS KIN G D OM—TO WE AVE YOU R STORY IN TO H IS. T H AT WILL ME AN CHAN GE —TO GO H IS WAY RAT H E R T H AN YOU R OWN . T HIS WON ’T H AP P E N OVE RN IG H T, BU T IT SH O U L D H AP P E N ST E AD ILY. BY START IN G WIT H SMALL, SIMP LE CH OICE S, WE BE G IN TO CH AN GE OU R D IRE CT ION . T H E HOLY SP IRIT H E LPS U S ALON G T H E WAY— GIVIN G U S GIFTS TO S E RVE T HE BODY, OFFE RIN G U S IN S IGH TS IN TO S CRIP T U RE , AN D CH ALLE N GIN G US TO LOVE N OT ON LY T H OSE AROU N D U S BU T T HOSE FAR FROM G OD.

TA K E A LO O K AT T H E C I R C L E S O F L I F E D I AG R A M B E LO W A N D W R I T E T H E N A M E S O F T W O O R T H R E E P E O P L E Y O U K N O W W H O N E E D T O K N O W C H R I S T. C O M M I T TO P R AY I N G F O R G O D ’ S G U I DA N C E A N D A N O P P O R T U N I T Y TO S H A R E W I T H EACH OF THEM. PERHAPS THEY WOULD BE OPEN TO JOINING THE GROUP? S H A R E YO U R L I S T S W I T H T H E G R O U P S O YO U C A N A L L B E P R AY I N G F O R T H E PEOPLE YOU’VE IDENTIFIED.

In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

• Jesus saw potential in Matthew. Can you believe that he sees potential in you, too?

• Like Matthew, Jesus invites you to follow Him. How did you feel when you first became aware of this invitation? How did you respond?

• What do you think Jesus meant when he said he desired mercy instead of sacrifice? Why is mercy (the attitude we have toward sinners) more important than sacrifice (the things we do for God)?

• How might reaching out to marginalized or rejected people help you connect with Jesus?

• What do you think of the idea of “belonging before believing”?

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• Also consider someone—in this group or outside it—that you can begin going deeper with in an intentional way. This might be your mom or dad, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, a roommate, a college buddy, or a neighbor. Choose someone who might be open to “doing life” with you at a deeper level and pray about that opportunity.

• This week how will you interact with the Bible? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s Word (use the Daily Devotions section to guide you)?

Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

HIDE YOUR FACE FROM MY SINS AND BLOT OUT ALL M Y I N I Q U I T Y. C R E AT E I N M E A P U R E H E A R T, O G O D , AND RENEW A STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME. PSALM 51:9-10

• Stack your hands just a sports team does in the huddle and commit to taking a risk and going deeper in your group and in your relationships with each other.

• Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page __.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS

DAY 5 • RE A D P SA L M 51 : 9 -1 0 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Respond: Spend some time thanking God for his amazing gift of forgiveness and grace.

DAY 1 • R E A D PSA LM 51: 1

DAY 3 • RE AD PSALM 51 :4

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

Respond: Read Psalm 103:12, as well. How does having mercy shown to you soften your heart toward “sinners”?

Respond: What sin do you need to confess to Jesus today? What shame do you need to be set free from?

DAY 2 • R E A D PSA LM 51: 2- 3

DAY 4 • RE AD P SALM 51 :5

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Respond: We all sin at times. We all make mistakes and bad choices. What sin is “always before you”? Can you surrender that to Jesus?

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D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: Take a few minutes to also read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 7. How does denying our sinful nature keep us from moving forward in our spiritual journey?

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SESSION TWO

connecting with one another

SHARE YOUR STORY

AS W E SA ID L AST W E E K , W H E N W E SH A RE O U R STO RIE S W ITH OTH E RS, W E GIV E TH E M TH E O P P O RTU N ITY TO SE E GO D AT WO RK . YO U R STO RY IS B E IN G SH A P E D, E V E N IN TH IS M O M E N T, BY B E IN G PA RT O F TH IS GRO U P. IN FAC T, FE W TH IN GS CA N SH A P E U S M O RE TH A N C O M M U N ITY. DEAR FRIENDS, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD. 1 JOHN 4:7

God is the maker of the universe. he created the world we live in and all the stars and planets in the night sky. Even if someone doesn’t believe God made the world, it doesn’t change the fact that he did. That truth is not dependent upon our belief.

In the same way, the source of all love is God. Just as people can breathe air and walk the earth even if they don’t know it came from God, they can feel love for one another without realizing that it all came from God. But when we truly understand God’s love, our connections with others—in the church and beyond—become richer as we learn to love them the way Christ does.

When we share our stories, we can encourage someone else, and learn.

We experience the presence of God as he helps us be brave enough to reveal our thoughts and feelings.

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.

Love becomes more than an emotion or even a committed decision—it becomes a gift. And knowing the giver changes everything.

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BE G I N YOUR TI ME TOGETHER BY U S IN G T H E FOLLOWIN G QU E ST ION S AN D ACT I V I T I E S TO GET PEOPLE TA L KIN G : •

When is the first time you remember feeling loved? Perhaps it was when you experienced a parent or other relative caring for you, or you developed your first strong friendship with another person, or maybe it was the first time someone had a crush on you! Share the experience with the group. How did you know that you were feeling love? What was it like?

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Is there anyone in your life to whom you try to show love, but who doesn’t respond? What have you learned through that experience?

•

In the last 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 various people you come in contact with on a regular basis; people who need to know Jesus more deeply. Consider ideas for action and make a plan to follow through on one of them this week.

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

HEAR GOD’S STORY R E AD I J O H N 4 : 7 - 12

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.9 This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

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• This text doesn’t say God is loving, but that he is love. How would you explain the difference?

• How did God show his love to you? (verses 9-10)

• The phrase “love one another” occurs in this text three times. What would it look like to love one another in the context of your community group? In your family?

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What do you think it means in verse 12 when it says that if we love, God lives in us?

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CREATE A NEW STORY

IN TH IS SE C TIO N , TA L K A B O UT HOW YO U W IL L A P P LY TH E W ISD O M YO U’ V E L E A R NE D FRO M TH E TE AC H IN G AND B I B L E ST UDY. TH E N TH IN K A B O U T P RACT I CA L ST E PS YO U CA N TA K E IN TH E C O M ING W E E K TO L I V E O U T W H AT YO U ’ V E L E A R NE D.

• Do you ever have trouble feeling God’s love? After all, He’s not here with us physically. What gets in the way of experiencing God’s love for you?

• How might loving others allow you to experience God’s love yourself?

• Think of someone you know who needs to know God’s love—who might be feeling lonely or disconnected. Decide what you will do to show love to that person this week.

STUDY NOTES

Atoning sacrifice (verse 10). When a wrong has been done, justice demands that a price be paid. Break the law, you’ll go to court and pay a fine, or even do some time. We consider that fair, at least when someone else is the one who broke the law. And even if we don’t like it when we get caught, we know that if we’ve done wrong, it’s only fair that we pay the penalty. In ancient times, God set up a system of sacrifices to remind people that sin has a penalty, a price.

They’d sacrifice goats or birds or lambs to atone for (make restitution for) their sins. When Jesus came, he was the ultimate sin sacrifice, once for all (see Hebrews 7:27 and 9:12, for example).

Justice demands that a price be paid; love pays that price.

Love…In our culture, the word love is overused and misunderstood. We use the same word to describe our enthusiasm for a hobby (“I just love reading mystery novels”) as we do to describe our love for our spouse, family or even God. Ancient Greek, the original language of the New Testament, had at least three words that meant love. Agape is used to describe selfless, active love. It differs from phileo (warm friendship or brotherly love) and eros (romantic or sexual love). In this passage, we see the verb agapomen, a verb form of agape that implies a strong command—do this! God’s love for us is anything but casual. It is deep, unconditional, and willing to sacrifice. It takes the initiative, but puts the other first. (See 1 Corinthians 13). Because God first loved us in this way, we’re compelled to love others with similar intensity and selflessness.

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• In verse 12 it says God’s love is made complete in us when we love one another. Share a time when you experienced God’s love through another person. How can the way you love others “complete” God’s love for them?

• Here are some simple ways to connect with God. Tell the group which ones you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

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

• Daily Devotions. The Daily Devotions provided in each session offer an opportunity to read a short Bible passage five days a week during the course of our study. In our hurryup 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 the passage. 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 bathroom mirror. 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.

• Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page __.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS DAY 1 • RE A D 1 JO H N 3 : 1 6

DAY 3 • RE A D J O HN 1 3 : 3 5

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Respond: What does it mean to lay down your life for others? How does that build community?

Respond: How does our love for each other show the love of Christ?

BY T H I S E V E R YO N E W I L L K N O W T H AT YO U A R E M Y DISCIPLES, IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER. JOHN 13:35

DAY 4 • RE A D 1 J O HN 3 : 1 8 DAY 2 • RE A D 1 P E TE R 4: 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Respond: What does it mean for love to “cover over” sins? Ask God to help you love the people in your life more deeply.

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Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Respond: What does it mean to love with actions? What specific loving actions can you take this week?

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DAY 5 • R E A D 1 C OR I NTHI A NS 13:1 3 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Respond: Why is love the greatest?

D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

SESSION THREE

connecting in community

THEREFORE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD E A C H O T H E R U P, J U S T A S I N F A C T Y O U A R E D O I N G .

I THESSALONIANS 5:11

The Bible encourages us to live in authentic community, using the phrase “one another” dozens of times to remind us that community is built not by just thinking about it, but through actions: loving one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, and so on.

The Bible gives us a real-life example of community like this in Acts 2. The early church experienced a rich fellowship that went beyond common theology or beliefs. They truly cared for each other and met one another’s physical, spiritual and emotional needs. It was a community marked by generosity and joy. The early Christians can teach us a lot about how to go deeper in fellowship and how to engage in authentic community.

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SHARE YOUR STORY OP E N YOUR GR OUP WI TH P R AY E R . T HI S SHOULD BE A B R I E F, S I MPLE PR AYER IN WH I CH YOU I NV I TE GOD TO B E WI T H YOU AS YOU M E E T. YOU CA N PR AY F OR S P E CI F I C R E QUESTS AT THE EN D OF T H E M EETI NG, OR STOP M O M ENTA R I LY TO PR AY IF A PA RT I CULA R SI TUATI ON CO M E S UP DUR I NG YOUR DI S C U S S I O N .

Sharing personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

• On the other hand, have you ever felt left out? How did that experience affect you?

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

• Have you ever been part of a great community? Maybe it was a neighborhood, a sports team, a church, or even a company you worked for. What made being part of this community such a good experience?

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HEAR GOD’S STORY

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced on the DVD and the Bible passage below.

READ AC TS 2:42 -47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

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• How does this community differ from your experiences of church?

How is it similar?

• How did the people in this community express love to God? How did they express love for each other?

• What kind of impact did this have on the unbelievers in Jerusalem? (verse 47)

• What aspect of this community would you like to see more of in your community group? In our church?

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STUDY NOTES

Fellowship (Acts 2:42). Verse 42 says that the early believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer. The word translated fellowship is the Greek word koinonia, which means “sharing what we have in common.” It implies not only relational closeness and authenticity but intensely practical generosity. This word is also translated communion and even contribution or distribution—all of which give us clues into its rich meaning of not just hanging out together but caring for and providing for one another.

Breaking of bread (Acts 2:42 and 46). The early church shared all things in common, apparently including meals. But many scholars believe that these two mentions in Acts 2 refer to two different types of meals: a breaking of bread as part of worship to remember Jesus’ breaking of bread at the Last Supper (as he instructed them in Matthew 26, Mark 14 and Luke 22), and an actual meal that they shared together. Just as today we enjoy fellowship around a dinner table, the early church made a habit of sharing meals.

Many wonders and signs (Acts 2:43). This phrase recalls a prophecy from Joel 2:28-32, which was fulfilled in Acts 2:19. It’s a reminder that the apostles’ miracles were evidence of God’s presence and favor on this community.

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CREATE A NEW STORY

G OD WA N TS YOU TO BE PA RT OF H IS KIN GD OM—TO WE AVE YOU R STO RY IN TO H I S . THAT WI LL M EA N C HAN GE . IT WILL RE QU IRE YOU TO G O HIS WAY RAT H E R T H AN YOUR OWN. THI S WON ’T H AP P E N OVE RN IG H T, BU T IT SH O U L D H A P P E N ST E A DI LY. BY M A K I NG S MALL, SIMP LE CH OICE S, WE CAN BE G IN TO C H A N G E OUR DI R EC TI ON. T H E HOLY SP IRIT H E LPS U S ALON G T H E WAY,

BY G I V I N G US GI F TS TO SERV E T H E BODY, OFFE RIN G U S IN S IGH TS IN TO S C R I P T UR E , A ND C HA LLENGI NG U S TO LOVE N OT ON LY T H OSE AROU ND U S BU T T H O S E FA R F R OM GOD. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

• What does it mean to have “all things in common”? What is your gut reaction to this idea?

• What changes would you need to make in your life to participate in a community like this? Do you think it’s possible to live this way in our culture?

• In a healthy community—whether it is a church or a community group—each person contributes in some way by using their unique strengths and gifts to serve the group.

How could you strengthen the fellowship of your group by serving them?

• What steps will you take this week to grow in your relationship with God? If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to scripture this week. If you’ve been reading God’s Word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

• Pastor Clay says both the small group and the large group community are important. How does each experience contribute to our spiritual growth?

• Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page __.

• Close your meeting with prayer.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS F O R W H E R E T W O O R T H R E E G AT H E R I N M Y NAME, THERE AM I WITH THEM. M AT T H E W 1 8 : 2 0

DAY 1 • RE A D C O LO SSIA N S 3 : 1 2

DAY 3 • RE A D GA L AT I A NS 6: 2

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way

Respond: What does it mean to clothe ourselves with these attributes? Today, “try on” one of them—and see what happens.

instead, it means we are to walk with them

you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Respond: This doesn’t mean we are to take ownership of other people’s problems; through difficult things that are too heavy to bear alone. How does this fulfill the law of Christ?

DAY 2 • RE A D H E B RE W S 1 0: 24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Respond: Part of living in community is encouraging each other to follow Jesus even when it’s difficult. Ask God to give you opportunities to “spur on” the others in your group.

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DAY 4 • RE A D C O LO S S I A NS 3 : 1 3 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Respond: Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to ask forgiveness from?

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DAY 5 • R E A D M ATTHEW 18: 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

Respond: What an amazing thought—every time you gather with other Christians, Jesus is in your midst! Stop and give thanks to him today, and ask for wisdom in applying this week’s teaching.

SESSION FOUR connecting deeper

D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

B U T G O D D E M O N S T R AT E S H I S O W N LO V E F O R US IN THIS: WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US. ROMANS 5:8

All love requires sacrifice, but God doesn’t just call us to love those we already like. Actually, his teaching is paradoxical and counter-cultural—we are to love those who persecute us, those we consider to be enemies, and those who don’t love us or God. In this session we explore what it means to follow Jesus in this way—and how we can have his love in these situations.

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• Do you have anyone you would consider a true “enemy”? (You don’t have to share this with the group!)

SHARE YOUR STORY OP E N YOUR GR OUP WI TH P R AY E R . T HI S SHOULD BE A B R I E F, S I MPLE PR AYER , IN WH I CH YOU I NV I TE GOD TO B E WI T H YOU AS YOU M E E T. YOU CA N PR AY F OR S P E CI F I C R E QUESTS AT THE EN D OF T H E M EETI NG OR STOP M O M ENTA R I LY TO PR AY IF A PA RT I CULA R SI TUATI ON CO M E S UP DUR I NG YOUR DI S C U S S I O N .

As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear, and your listening to others’ stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

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• Share a time when you have been treated unfairly, been completely misunderstood, or been mistreated.

• Take some time for each person to share about how they’re doing on the challenge of inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your community group. What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come?

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY READ LUKE 6:2 7-36.

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

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“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

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• What happens in us when we do good to those who hate us? What often happens in them?

• Why is loving those who love us not enough?

• How should God’s love affect the way we love? (verse 35)

• What does it mean to be merciful?

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STUDY NOTES

Jesus never asked us to do anything he wasn’t willing to do first. Although it may make us feel angry to think about loving those who hurt us, or we might simply reject the idea as impossible, Jesus modeled it for us throughout his ministry, and especially as he was brought to trial and crucified.

For instance, Jesus was arrested and tried illegally. The charges against him were false and he was convicted on the basis of false witnesses. Those who would have stood up for him were not included in the “trial,” which was held at the high priest’s house—and which was also illegal. The crowds turned on Jesus and let a convicted criminal go free so that Jesus would be crucified. And after all of this, he was stripped and beaten and tortured, spat on and mocked, and killed—even though he was completely without fault. From the cross, he forgave his executioners, and every day he forgives us—even though we often turn our backs on him, take advantage of his sacrifice, or ignore him completely.

It is very unlikely that any of us will suffer this much injustice or experience this level of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain, but we will all be mistreated and hurt. Can you learn from the example of Jesus? Can you ask him to help you love as he loves?

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CREATE A NEW STORY

• Go around the circle and take turns sharing ways that God treats us. For instance, you might say, “God chooses to forgive us,” or “God gives us second and third chances,” or “God is patient.” Then consider as a group how that should affect the way we treat others.

G OD WA N TS YOU TO BE PA RT OF H IS KIN GD OM—TO WE AVE YOU R STO RY IN TO H I S . THAT WI LL M EA N C HAN GE . IT WILL RE QU IRE YOU TO G O HIS WAY R AT H ER THA N YOUR OWN. T H IS WON ’T HAP P E N OVE RN IG H T, BU T IT S H OULD H A PPEN STEA DI LY. BY MAKIN G S MALL, SIMP LE CH OICE S, WE CA N BE G I N TO C HA NGE OUR DI R EC T ION . T H E HOLY S P IRIT H E LPS U S ALON G TH E

• Each of you in the group has different gifts and abilities. And every community group has tasks and roles that need to be done. How could you serve this group—perhaps with hospitality or prayer, by organizing an event, research or study of a topic, by inviting new people?

WAY— G I V I N G US GI F TS TO SERVE T H E BODY, OFFE RIN G U S IN S IGH TS I N TO S C R I P T UR E , A ND C HA LLENGI NG U S TO LOVE N OT ON LY T H OSE AROU ND U S BU T T H O S E FA R F R OM GOD. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

• How does living without an attitude of revenge improve our lives? Is it possible that this teaching is for our own good, as well as for the benefit of others?

• How can you love someone you don’t like?

• Have you ever prayed for someone even though you didn’t want to?

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• Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your community group, or even to just have coffee and talk about spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you can pray for.

• Groups grow closer when they serve together. How could your group serve someone in need? You may want to visit a shut-in from your church, provide a meal for a family who is going through difficulty, or give some other practical help to someone in need.

If nothing comes to mind, spend some group time praying and asking God to show you who needs your help. In next week’s lesson we will give some more practical ideas for a group serving project.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS

WHO IS GOING TO HARM YOU IF YOU ARE EAGER TO DO GOOD? BUT EVEN IF YOU SHOULD SUFFER F O R W H A T I S R I G H T , Y O U A R E B L E S S E D .

DAY 1 • RE A D RO M A N S 5: 7 -8

DAY 3 • RE A D 1 PE T E R 4 : 1 2 - 1 3

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Reflect: We are far from righteous, yet even while we were his “enemies,” Jesus came to die for us. Spend a few minutes thanking and praising him for saving you.

Reflect: We should expect hardship and trials in this life. How can you rejoice when you suffer? How can it draw you closer to Christ?

1 PETER 3:13-14

DAY 2 • RE A D JO H N 1 5: 1 8

DAY 4 • RE A D 1 PE T E R 3 : 1 3 - 1 4

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.

Reflect: Jesus doesn’t pull any punches here—he reminds us that he understands what it means to be hated, and that it isn’t an excuse! Ask him to help you respond to hate the way he does.

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Reflect: Peter acknowledges here that even when we are on the side of right, there may be some who don’t like what we do. Ask God for strength in following Him—no matter what.

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DAY 5 • R E A D M ATTHEW 5: 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Reflect: How can we be “blessed” when we are persecuted? What does it mean to receive the kingdom of heaven?

D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

SESSION FIVE

connecting as the body

F R O M H I M T H E W H O L E B O D Y, J O I N E D A N D HELD TOGETHER BY EVERY SUPPORTING L I G A M E N T, G R O W S A N D B U I L D S I T S E L F U P I N L O V E , A S E A C H PA R T D O E S I T S W O R K .

EPHESIANS 4:16

It’s no surprise that God knows how to perfectly communicate with us. During his time on earth Jesus taught in stories, and in the New Testament God inspired writers like Paul to use metaphors to communicate the new life we’re called to as Christians. One of the most powerful of these illustrations is the idea that we are together the body of Christ—each with a part to play, each valued, each different, and each joined together to show Jesus’ love to a world in need. This week, we’ll learn more about what it means to be Christ’s “body”—the responsibility that comes with this calling, the privilege of serving alongside other members, and the importance of each person in fulfilling the mission of the church.

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SHARE YOUR STORY OP E N YOUR GR OUP WI TH P R AY E R . T HI S SHOULD BE A B R I E F, S I MPLE PR AYER , IN WH I CH YOU I NV I TE GOD TO B E WI T H YOU AS YOU M E E T. YOU CA N PR AY F OR S P E CI F I C R E QUESTS AT THE EN D OF T H E M EETI NG OR STOP M O M ENTA R I LY TO PR AY IF A PA RT I CULA R SI TUATI ON CO M E S UP DUR I NG YOUR DI S C U S S I O N .

Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

Sharing our stories requires us to be honest. We can help one another be honest and open by creating a safe place; be sure that your group is one where confidentiality is respected, where there is no such thing as “stupid questions,” where you listen without criticizing one another.

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• Share with the group a time when you’ve been very sick or a time when you’ve been in great physical shape. What did you learn about your body through that experience?

• Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts assessment? Do you know what your spiritual gift is?

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY RE A D 1 C O RI NTHI A NS 12: 12– 19

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 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. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

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Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

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• Verse 13 is a revolutionary statement; Paul is saying that groups of people who are culturally, socioeconomically, and religiously divided are actually united in deep ways—whether they like it or not! What does this have to teach us about diversity and differences in our own faith community?

• Do you get to decide whether or not you want to be part of the body? Do you get to decide if others are part of it?

STUDY NOTES

This community group experience is almost over, but we’re encouraging you to add a service project as a “7th week.” This week, as we talk about the value of each person and the importance of working together for Christ, it’s a great time to consider what kind of project you want to do as a group.

Begin by asking your community group members the following questions to help narrow down a project that is a good fit for your group. Remember, you do not have to choose from this list. It’s okay for your group to come up with a serve project not listed below. BE SURE TO OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM APPROPRIATE AGENCIES SEVERAL DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVING. • Who in your neighborhood has a need? What is that need? What will it take to meet that need?

• What business or organization within your sphere of influence could use a blessing? Or do they know of a project that would bless someone?

• What project types best suit your group’s ages, abilities, and giftings (prayer, worship, teaching, physical labor, letter writing, etc.)?

GENERAL IDEAS • Host a free garage sale

• React to verse 18. Does this encourage you? Challenge you?

• Bring free lunches to construction workers and servicemen/women in your area • Clean the yard of someone who is a widow(er), single mom, elderly couple or disabled

• How should this passage keep us from having “gift envy”?

• Give out free sunscreen and/or bottled water at area parks • Give out free donuts and coffee at bus stops or shopping centers

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• Host a free car wash

SPECIAL NEEDS/YOUTH HOMES

• Offer free minor car repair/maintenance for the elderly, widow(er)s, the disabled and/or single moms

• Identify a family with a special needs child and give the family a Mom’s and Dad’s day out

• Host a free lemonade stand

• Adopt a group home for the day and throw a party for the residents

• Write letters of encouragement to teachers; pastors at area churches; the people serving at your local fire, police, or EMT station. Deliver the letters with cookies or a complete meal.

• Build a wheelchair ramp for handicapped

• Host a free meal for international students attending UNC or CSU

• Serve hot breakfast or lunch to the homeless

NURSING HOMES

• Do a community trash clean up (parks, roads, schools, etc.)

• Personally deliver fresh flowers to each resident

• Host a “Block Party” with free food, games, music, etc. for families

• Host a worship service (music, devotions, prayer, fellowship)

• Renovate a run-down playground or park in the area

• Throw a “Senior Prom” complete with live music, food, and decorations

• Do a door-to-door grocery giveaway

• Landscape a flower garden and sitting area for residents

• Go door-to-door offering free yard work

• Organize a field day for a group youth home STREET OUTREACH

• Have a “Free Lawn Mowing” day

• Host a craft time; this is great for community groups with families where kids can get involved making crafts with the residents

HOSPITALS

COLLEGE CAMPUSES

• Give out healthy snacks to patients going through chemotherapy

• Serve free drinks and/or snacks during breaks in marching band practice • Sports teams; serve free drinks and/or snacks after sports practices

BUSINESSES/SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/ PUBLIC SERVICES

• Serve 6.8 (multiple community connections), Fort Collins, 970.449.5401

• Wash windows

• The Alpha Center (crisis pregnancy center), Fort Collins, 970.221.5121

• Pick up trash in parking lots POSSIBLE AGENCIES TO CONTACT FOR MORE IDEAS OR SERVING PARTNERSHIPS • House of Neighborly Service (multiple community connections), Loveland, 970.667.4939 • 137 Connection (homeless), Loveland, 970.685.4173 • Birthline (crisis pregnancy center), Loveland, 970.663.2671 • Life Choices (crisis pregnancy center), Loveland – Longmont – Estes Park – Brighton,970.461.5050 • Disciples Ministry (homeless), Loveland, 970.619.0579 • WinGS Ministries (single moms), Loveland, 970.215.0068

• Fort Collins Rescue Mission (homeless), Fort Collins, 970.224.4302 • CSU International Students Incorporated, Fort Collins, 970.472.5201 • The Pregnancy Resource Center (crisis pregnancy center), Greeley, 970.353.2673 • Guadalupe Community Shelter (homeless), Greeley, 970.353.6433 • Realities for Children (multiple community connections), Northern Colorado, 970.484.9090 • HELP International (worldwide humanitarian aid, warehouse assistance), Northern Colorado,303.678.7788 • International Student Ministry (no website), Dr. Tad and Jane Gilmore, Northern Colorado,970.584.4077

• Habitat for Humanity, Loveland and Fort Collins, 970.669.9769

• Serve free coffee, drinks, and snacks to staff and those waiting in the emergency room

• Deliver small gifts to patients and families in the children’s ward • Offer to pray with patients and those in the waiting room • Take care packages with snacks, sweets and small gift items (lotion, magazines, puzzles, etc.) to families of hospitalized children

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Pastor Clay says it’s important to look for each other’s talents and strengths, point them out, and encourage each other. Take some time in your group to affirm the gifts you see in the other group members. Don’t feel that every person has to “compliment” every other person—simply take a few minutes to consider the strengths your group members bring to the body, and mention any specifics that come to mind.

CREATE A NEW STORY

G OD WA N TS YOU TO BE PA RT OF H IS KIN GD OM—TO WE AVE YOU R STO RY IN TO H I S . THAT WI LL M EA N C HAN GE . IT WILL RE QU IRE YOU TO G O HIS WAY R AT H ER THA N YOUR OWN. T H IS WON ’T HAP P E N OVE RN IG H T, BU T IT S H OULD H A PPEN STEA DI LY. BY MAKIN G S MALL, SIMP LE CH OICE S, WE CA N BE G I N TO C HA NGE OUR DI R EC T ION . T H E HOLY S P IRIT H E LPS U S ALON G TH E WAY— G I V I N G US GI F TS TO SERVE T H E BODY, OFFE RIN G U S IN S IGH TS I N TO S C R I P T UR E , A ND C HA LLENGI NG U S TO LOVE N OT ON LY T H OSE AROU ND U S BU T T H O S E FA R F R OM GOD. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this lesson.

• How should this week’s teaching lead to greater unity in the church?

• What does it mean to suffer with those who suffer, and rejoice with those who rejoice?

• What does it mean to be part of the body of Christ as part of the church and its activities?

What about outside the church walls?

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Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your community group, or even just to have coffee and talk about spiritual matters.

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you can pray for.

A strong group is made up of people who are all being filled up by God, so that they are empowered to love one another. What specific steps will you take this week to connect with God privately, so He can “fill you up?” If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to Scripture this week. If you’ve been reading God’s Word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week. Then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

Ask “How can we pray for you this week?”

Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page __.

Close your meeting with prayer.

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LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, SINCE AS MEMBERS OF ONE BODY YOU WERE CALLED TO PEACE. AND BE THANKFUL. COLOSSIANS 3:15

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DAILY DEVOTIONS

DAY 5 • RE A D 1 TIM OTH Y 3 : 1 4-1 5 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Respond: You are not only part of Christ’s body, you are part of God’s family. As we end this week, take a few minutes just to reflect on what this means and to thank God for the ways he is blessing you.

DAY 1 • R E A D C OLOSSI A NS 1: 17-18

DAY 3 • RE AD 1 CORIN T H IAN S 6: 1 9 -20

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Reflect: This passage is talking about Jesus, reminding us that we are the body of Christ but he is the head. What does this mean in terms of how we live as members of the body?

Respond: We often hear this verse applied to our individual bodies, but the Greek text makes it clear that Paul is actually addressing the entire church. What does it mean to honor God with our body, the church?

DAY 2 • R E A D EPHESI A NS 1: 22- 23

DAY 4 • RE AD COLOS SIAN S 3:1 5

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Respond: Remember, your place in the body of Christ is not an honorary position—it’s a job description! Ask God to help you express the “fullness” of Jesus’ grace and love to others.

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D A Y 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 Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: Our calling as the body means a calling to peace. How can you contribute to peace at Grace Place? How does thankfulness make us more peaceful?

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SESSION SIX

connecting in unity

MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH THE BOND OF PEACE. EPHESIANS 4:3

Jesus could have prayed for anything during his last night on earth, but he chose to pray for the unity of the many millions who would believe in him. As followers of Jesus, we are called to a unity that is based on who he is and what he did for us on the cross. What does this mean on a practical level? What does it look like to be unified, even if we might disagree on some issues or be in different life stages?

We’ll close this study with a look at what it means to be united—in our group, in our church, and with other believers around the world.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

O P E N YO U R GRO U P W ITH P RAY E R. TH IS SH O U L D B E A B RIE F, SIM P L E P RAY E R, IN W H IC H YO U IN V ITE GO D TO B E W ITH YO U AS YO U M E E T. YO U CA N P RAY FO R SP E C IFIC RE Q U E STS AT TH E E N D O F TH E M E E TIN G, O R STO P M O M E N TA RILY TO P RAY IF A PA RTIC U L A R SITUATIO N C O M E S U P D U RIN G YO U R D ISC U SSIO N .

As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear to encourage or strengthen them. And your listening to others’ stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

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• What has surprised you most about this group? Where did God meet you over the last six weeks?

HEAR GOD’S STORY R E AD J O H N 17 : 2 0 - 2 5 .

• Have you attended churches other than Grace Place, from other denominations? How were those churches different? What did you appreciate about those experiences?

• Take some time for each person to share about how they’ve done with inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your community group. What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come?

WATCH THE DVD

Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the space below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story 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.

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

• What does it mean for followers of Jesus to be “one”?

• What are some of the things that can keep us from this unity?

• This is a radical prayer, because it means that if you follow Jesus you are united not only with Billy Graham or Mother Teresa, but also with murderers and prostitutes who have become Christians. We are all the same at the cross! React to this idea.

• Do you think this prayer has been answered? Why or why not?

•

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What type of things can we specifically do to answer Christ’s prayer?

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STUDY NOTES

In the verses we studied today from John 17, Jesus prays that we would be “in” him and “in” the Father. If we back up a few pages to John 15, we get more insight into what it means for us to be united with the Father and the Son in this way: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 he cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.4 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.

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“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. 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. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

JOHN 15:1-8

CREATE A NEW STORY • How has God changed your story during this six-week study? What new things is he asking you to do? What truth has transformed your heart? Think about specific steps you want to take to live a new story, to walk more closely with God so you can be part of his story, engaged in his kingdom.

• Why was the unity of Jesus’ followers so important to Jesus?

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In this passage, Jesus describes himself as a vine and compares his followers to branches. Just as the branches of a plant draw life and nourishment from their connection to the vine, we are to find our life and our power in our connection to Christ. And just as a branch will wither and die if it’s cut off of a plant, so we, too, will spiritually wither if we are not rooted in Christ.

So when Jesus prays that we would be one in him, he’s praying that we would remain connected to him, growing as many different branches that are united in him as the source. And just as our unity witnesses to Christ (John 17:23), our connection to Christ also results in fruitbearing which brings glory to the Father (John 15:8).

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• What is the difference between unity and uniformity?

• What are some ways you can make an effort to “keep the unity of the spirit”?

• Is it a new idea for you that Christians are called to proactively deal with conflict? How does this ultimately contribute to unity?

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• 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 they have noticed in another member. (In other words, no one will talk about themselves. Instead, affirm others in the group.)

Make sure each person gets affirmed and noticed and celebrated—whether the steps they’ve made are large or small.

• If your group still needs to make decisions about continuing to meet after this session, have that discussion now. Talk about what you will study, who will host, and when you will meet.

• Review your Community Group Agreement on page __ and evaluate how well you met your goals. Discuss any changes you want to make as you move forward.

If you plan to continue to meeting, and your group starts a new study, this is a great time to take on a new role or change roles of service in your group.

What new role will you take on? If you are uncertain, maybe your group members have some ideas for you.

Remember you aren’t making a lifetime commitment to the new role; it will only be for a few weeks. Maybe someone would like to share a role with you if you don’t feel ready to serve solo.

HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT IT IS WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE LIVE TOGETHER IN UNITY! PSALM 133:1

• Close by praying for your prayer requests and take a couple of minutes to review the praises you have recorded over the past five weeks on the Prayer and Praise Report on page __. Spend some time thanking God for all He’s done in your group during this study.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS DAY 1 • R E A D PHI LI PPI A NS 2: 1- 2.

DAY 3 • RE AD ROMAN S 15:5-6

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflect: Unity with Christ should encourage and comfort us, and then motivate us to have unity with others. Ask God to help you grow in one attribute mentioned in this passage.

DAY 5 • RE A D P SA L M 1 3 3 : 1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Reflect: As we close this week, take a few minutes simply to pray for increased unity in our church and in the Church around the world.

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 Daily Devotions time this week.

Reflect: What attitude does Jesus have toward us? What does it mean for us to share that attitude toward each other? What is the result?

DAY 4 • RE AD E P H E SIAN S 4:4-6 DAY 2 • R E A D 1 PETER 3 : 8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Reflect: This is another verse giving us a lot to live up to! How can you express these aspects of unity with those in your group? With those in our church?

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There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Reflect: There are many things we have in common as believers. How does this affect your approach to unity with others?

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS W H AT DO W E DO O N T H E F I R ST N I G H T O F O UR G R O UP ?

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 Agreement (pages ???-???) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins.

W H E R E DO W E F I N D N E W M E M B E R S F O R O UR G R O UP ?

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.

APPENDICIES RESOURCES TO MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!

No matter how you find members, it’s vital that you stay on the lookout for new people to join your group. All groups tend to go through healthy attrition—the result of moves, releasing new leaders, ministry opportunities, and so forth—and if the group gets too small, it could be at risk of shutting 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!

H OW LO N G W I L L T H I S G R O UP M E E T ?

Most groups meet weekly for at least their first six weeks, but every other week can work as well. We strongly recommend that the group meet for the first six months on a weekly basis if at all possible.

This allows for continuity, and if people miss a meeting they aren’t gone for a whole month.

At the end of this study, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Some groups launch relationships for years to come, and others are steppingstones into another group experience. Either way, enjoy the journey.

CAN W E DO T H I S ST UDY O N O UR OW N ?

Absolutely! This may sound crazy, but one of the best ways to do this study is not with a full house but with a few friends. You may choose to gather with another couple who would enjoy some relational time (perhaps going to the movies or having a quiet dinner) and then walking through this study. Jesus will be with you even if there are only two of you (Matthew 18:20).

W H AT I F T H I S G R O UP I S N OT WO R K I N G F O R US ?

You’re not alone! This could be the result of a personality conflict, life stage difference, geographical distance, level of spiritual maturity, or any number of things. Relax. Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this six-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t typically buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date,

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and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before the six weeks are up—God might have something to teach you. Also, don’t run from conflict or prejudge people before you have given them a chance. God is still working in your life, too!

WH O IS T H E H OST ?

Most groups have an official host or leader. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate hosts and homes on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution, and develop their gifts. This study guide and the Holy Spirit can keep things on track even when you rotate hosts. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way.

H OW D O WE H A ND LE T H E C H ILD CA R E NE E DS IN OU R GR OU P ?

Very carefully. Seriously, this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest that you empower the group to openly brainstorm solutions. You may try one option that works for a while and then adjust over time.

Our favorite approach is for adults to meet in the living room or dining room and to share the cost of a babysitter (or two) who can watch the kids in a different part of the house. This way, parents don’t have to be away from their children all evening when their children are too young to be left at home. A second option is to use one home for the kids and a second home (close by or a phone call away) for the adults. A third idea is to rotate the responsibility 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 solution 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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COMMUNITY GROUP AGREEMENT O UR P UR P O S E

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

O UR VALUE S

• 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.)

• Safe Environment To help create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved. (Please, no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes.)

• Respect Differences To be gentle and gracious to fellow group members with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections.” 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 want to spiritually multiply our life by serving others with our God-given gifts.

• Shared Ownership To remember that every member is a minister and to ensure that each attender will share a small team role or responsibility over time.

• Rotating Hosts 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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GROUP 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 do not forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects.

DATE

O UR EX P ECTATI O NS

• Refreshments/mealtimes

January 11

SE SSIO N

1

H O ST H O M E

D E SSE RT/M E A L

Steve and Laura’s

Joe

L E A DE R

Bill

• Childcare • When we will meet (day of week) • 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 • Notes:

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SPIRITUAL PARTNERS’ CHECK-IN

MEMORY VERSE CARDS

Briefly check in each week and write down your personal plans and progress targets 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.

C L IP A N D RE V IE W

SESSION ONE M Y N A M E :

PART N E R’S N AME :

F O R I H AV E N OT C O M E TO C A L L THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS. M AT T H E W 9 : 1 3

SESSION FOUR B U T G O D D E M O N S T R AT E S H I S OWN LOVE FOR US IN THIS: WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US. ROMANS 5:8

OU R P ROGRE SS:

SESSION TWO DEAR FRIENDS, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD. 1 JOHN 4:7

WEEK 4

F R O M H I M T H E W H O L E B O D Y, J O I N E D AND HELD TOGETHER BY EVERY S U P P O R T I N G L I G A M E N T, G R O W S A N D B U I L D S I TS E L F U P I N LOV E , AS E AC H PA R T D O E S I T S W O R K .

SESSION THREE

SESSION SIX

THEREFORE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH O T H E R U P, J U S T A S I N F A C T Y O U ARE DOING.

MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH THE BOND OF PEACE.

I THESSALONIANS 5:11

EPHESIANS 4:3

WEEK 6

WEEK 5

SESSION FIVE

EPHESIANS 4:16

WEEK 3

WEEK 2

WEEK 1

OUR P LA N S:

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C LIP A N D R EVI E W THE ME MO RY V ER SE CARDS ON THE OTHER SI D E O F T H IS PAGE.

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S E SSIO N 6

S ES SIO N 5

SE SSION 4

S E SSION 3

S E SSION 2

SE SSION 1

PRAYER REQUESTS

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PRAISE REPORTS

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HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE

COMMUNITY GROUP HOSTS KEY RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE BE THE BEST IT CAN BE.

If you’re starting a new group, try planning an “open house” before your first formal group meeting. Even if you have only two to four core members, it’s a great way to break the ice and to consider prayerfully who else might be open to joining 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 kick-off 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?

• What is one thing you love about your church/our community?

• 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 Community 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 inviting someone 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.

You can skip this kick-off meeting if your time is limited, but you’ll experience a huge benefit if you take the time to connect with each other in this way.

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HOSTING FOR THE FIRST TIME • 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.

• Seek support.

Ask your host, co-host, 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.

• Bring your uniqueness to the study.

Lean into who you are and how God wants you to uniquely host the study.

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

• 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. Instead, show an openness to learn and grow.

• Prayerfully consider launching a new group.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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HOST TRAINING 101 C ON GRAT ULATI O NS! YO U HAVE R ESP OND ED TO T H E CA LL TO H ELP SH EP H ERD J ESUS ’ F LOCK . THE R E AR E FEW OTH ER TASK S IN T H E FA M ILY OF GOD T H AT S U RPASS T H E CO NTR I BU TI O N YO U WILL B E M A K ING. AS YOU P R EPA R E TO H O ST, W H ET H ER IT I S ONE SESSI ON O R T H E ENT IR E SER IES, H ER E A R E A FEW T H OU G H TS TO KEEP IN MI ND. WE E NCO U R AG E YOU TO R EA D T H ESE A ND R EV IEW T H EM W I T H E AC H N EW HO ST BE FO R E HE O R SH E LEA D S.

• Remember that you are not alone.

God knows everything about you, and he knew that you would be asked to host 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 were all 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, you will be blessed as you serve.

• 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-host to help you host 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 probably be surprised at the response.

• 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 host; do them in a way that fits you! Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you

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make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

• Prepare for your meeting ahead of time.

Review the session and the host’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 appendix, 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.

• 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!

• 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.

Keep in mind, if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else. After someone 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.

• 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.

• Break up into smaller 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 sometimes in discussion circles of three or four people during the Hear God’s Story or Change Your Story 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.

• Rotate facilitators weekly.

At the end of each meeting, ask the group who should host the following week.

Let the group help select your weekly facilitator. You may be perfectly capable of hosting each time, but you will help others grow in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead. You can use the Community Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting hosts at once if you prefer.

• One final challenge (for new or first-time hosts): Before your first opportunity to host, look up each of the five passages listed below.

Read each one as a devotional exercise to help yourself develop a shepherd’s heart.

Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more than ready for your first meeting.

Matthew 9:36 • 1 Peter 5:2-4 • Psalm 23 Ezekiel 34:11-16 • 1 Thessalonians 2:7-11-12

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