Join the Journey By Pastor Nick Honerkamp

JOIN the JOURNEY Our Culture: Why We Behave the Way We Believe

PASTOR NICK HONERKAMP

JOIN the JOURNEY Our Culture: Why We Behave the Way We Believe

PASTOR NICK HONERKAMP

Copyright © 2018 by Nick Honerkamp ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published by Lifetogether Ministries Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman.

Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-7327748-4-1 Printed in the United States of America Photography from Dyllan Cooley John Rolland Steven Reinhold Rebekah Brackett, Brackett Studios

CONTENTS Using This Workbook (Read This First) Outline of Each Session

8 10

SESSION ONE: Mission & Vision

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SESSION TWO: Kingdom

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SESSION THREE: Spirit-Led 70 SESSION FOUR: Honor 98 SESSION FIVE: Unity 124 SESSION SIX: Generosity 124

APPENDICES Frequently Asked Questions Growth Group Agreement Growth Group Calendar Spiritual Partners Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review)

156 159 161 162 163

GROWTH GROUP LEADERS Hosting an Open House Leading for the First Time Leadership Training 101

168 170 172

Prayer and Praise Report 176 Growth Group Roster 178 Notes 178

USING THIS WORK BOOK

TOOLS TO HELP YOU HAVE A GREAT

COMMUNITY GROUP EXPERIENCE!

1. Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections:

(1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Growth Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

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

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

4. Enjoy your Growth Group experience and have fun together.

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

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

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OUTLINE OF

EACH SESSION

A T YPICAL GROUP SESSION FOR THE JOIN THE JOURNEY 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.

WELCOME. 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.

WHO YOU ARE. 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, your spiritual partner(s), for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

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WHO WE ARE TOGETHER. 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.

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

TALKING TO GOD. 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

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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.

WHAT GOD SAYS. If you have time and want to dig deeper into more Bible passages about the topic at hand, we’ve provided additional passages and questions, which you can use either during the meeting, or as homework. Your group may choose to read and prepare before each meeting in order to cover more biblical material. Or, group members can use the additional study section during the week after the meeting. If you prefer not to do Study homework, this section will provide you with plenty to discuss within the group. These options allow individuals or the whole group to expand their study while still accommodating those who can’t do homework or are new to your group.

DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages, we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions—a month’s worth of reflections to keep God’s word near your heart. 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

MISSION & VISION

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Welcome

(5 minutes)

Before we begin, let’s introduce ourselves. Please share your name… who lives in your home and whom you have already launched…. what you do with most of your hours every day… and/or what attracted you to New Covenant Church.

Ideally, what attracted you to New Covenant is evidence that we are living out our Mission & Vision! And that is the focus of Session One: the Mission & Vision of New Covenant Church.

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“

WEEKLY MEMORY VERSE: Go… and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

Matthew 28:19-20

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Who You Are (10 minutes)

This week’s memory verse—Matthew 28:1920—sets forth the threepart, God-given purpose of our individual lives and of our life together as His church.

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• What are the three parts of Jesus’ command here, a command called the Great Commission?

• Briefly, in what way—if any… and no one is forced to answer—are you currently responding to Jesus’ Great Commission to each of us?

• Again, briefly, what might the church in general—New Covenant in particular—do to help believers fulfill the Lord’s Great Commission? What skills and/or knowledge would you like to gain?

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Who We Are Together

(15 minutes)

It’s time to watch the video Mission & Vision.

Use the space provided for notes, questions, and comments you want to bring up during the discussion.

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Who God Is (20 minutes) Here at New Covenant, our mission statement answers the question “Why are we a church?” And the answer is “to make disciples.” Our vision statement answers the question “How do we make disciples?” Our vision is “to relentlessly love people and passionately advance the kingdom of God.” Notice that Jesus said, “Go… and make disciples.” We don’t make disciples sitting still. Disciples are made most effectively in real-life circumstances as we go about doing kingdom work. Also, as Pastor Nick put it, “Doing ministry is still the best training for doing ministry.”

What do you think he means? Why is this approach effective? In what way was this Jesus’ approach with His twelve disciples?

New Covenant Church will preach the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection; we will teach biblical standards for life; and we will evangelize as well as train our people to share their testimonies. But our most important strategy for influencing people to follow Jesus will be to love them well, and love is the first of the five elements in our Mission & Vision statement that we will discuss.

1. New Covenant Church #1: Love — The foundation of the Christian faith is love, and love is a Person. God Himself is love (1 John 4:8). And God created us so that He could love us. We human beings messed up that plan, but Jesus came and died in order to reestablish the possibility of our being in relationship with God (see John 3:16). In turn, Jesus calls us to love God and to love others selflessly and sacrificially (see Matthew 22:37-39; John 15:12). Why might the ways New Covenant loves our people, this community, and our world attract those on the outside looking in?

What role did God’s love play in drawing you into a community of believers, whether now at New Covenant or elsewhere in the past?

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2. New Covenant Church #2: Community — Just as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit live in community with one another, we who are God’s people are to live in community with one another. Why might the New Covenant community attract nonbelievers and/or disheartened believers?

What role does each individual believer play in the church community? What makes a Christian community of people simply doing life together so rare these days?

3. New Covenant Church #3: Hope — We know that our God is simultaneously a God of mercy and a God of judgment. Why do people need to know this truth as well as the hope Jesus offers?

Right now, turn to your neighbor and practice explaining the gospel of hope as clearly and simply as possible.

4. New Covenant Church #4: Passion — Each one of us is a unique, one-of-a-kind, and much-loved creation of the loving Creator God’s hands, and He has given each of us certain skills, talents, and passions. What are you passionate about? When have you had the opportunity to serve God in a way fueled by your passion? Talk about that experience—the work itself, the emotions, and the level of satisfaction after you finished.

5. New Covenant Church #5: Advancing the Kingdom — God’s kingdom was the focus of our first session together. Why is this one of New Covenant’s core values? Also, in light of today’s headlines, 21st-century persecution of Christians, and the tragedies of life in this fallen world populated by sinners, what does it mean to you that the gates of hell cannot prevail against God’s church?

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What God Says OPTIONAL (5 minutes)

Read John 15:12-13, words about the foundation of our faith: love.

• What is Jesus’ commandment to His followers, then and now?

• According to verse 13, what is the supreme act of love?

• What aspects and moments in Jesus’ life show Him laying down His life for us, His friends?

• What would it look like for you to lay down your life out of love for someone? Give two or three specific examples from your typical day or week.

• Who or what keeps you from loving like that? Who or what can enable you to love like that?

Read Acts 2:44-47, words that paint a picture of Christian community.

• What behaviors characterized this group of early believers?

• Why might the people of that day notice these behaviors? In other words, in what ways were these Christ-followers living counterculturally?

• What Christlike and kingdom traits do these behaviors illustrate?

• What about New Covenant Church—its values, programs, involvement in the community, etc.—might attract people’s attention? In what ways are we as a body living counter-culturally?

• Why do you think the first-century church of Acts 2 saw that “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved”?

What can we at New Covenant learn from that church’s example and experience?

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Talking to God (10 minutes)

Begin this closing time of prayer with praise for your loving God, for His designing us to be in community, and for the hope we find only in Him….

Confess any ways that you have not loved Him or others; any times when you have not found peace in the forgiveness and hope He offers; and any opportunities to participate in Christian community or to serve Him, especially in an area of your passions, that you didn’t pursue…

Thank God for the grace of His forgiveness, for His purpose for your life and for New Covenant, for the community here, and for opportunities to serve Him….

Ask God to continue to work in you—in your heart—so that you will be more loving, more engaged in the church body, more grounded in hope, and more aware of opportunities to participate in God’s kingdom work in areas that would be fueled by your passions.

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WALKING WITH GOD THROUGHOUT THE WEEK DAY 1 New Covenant Church: Love For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Reflect: Spend a few moments thinking about God’s love… Jesus’ love… evident in this John 3:16 truth. Thank your heavenly Father.

Praise His Son, your Savior.

DAY 2 New Covenant Church: Community Continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, [the Christ-followers] ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47 Reflect: Think about what actions and/or attitudes first attracted you to a body of Christian believers. What actions and/or attitudes of New Covenant attracted you? Ask God to use you in your circle of influence to attract people to Jesus.

DAY 3 New Covenant Church: Hope If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 Reflect: The apostle Peter wrote, “Be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter

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3:15). Using this verse, think through your explanation for why you have hope for today and hope for the eternal future.

DAY 4 New Covenant Church: Passion Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 Reflect: If we delight in the Lord, He will give us godly desires. We will find ourselves becoming passionate for the specific work He has created us to do on this earth. Again, take inventory of your passions and note various kingdom opportunities where God might call you—and/or has called you—to serve Him. If that hasn’t yet happened, continue to stand ready and yielded to God’s special call that He will share in His perfect time.

DAY 5 New Covenant Church: Advancing the Kingdom Whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5 Reflect: Consider the forces rallied against God’s church, the supernatural forces of the invisible realm as well as the forces of persecution present in the world today. Why is it important for Christ-followers to believe and remember that the gates of hell cannot prevail against God’s church?

Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts “Go… and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20 M ission & V ision

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Session Two

KINGDOM

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Welcome

(5 minutes)

Last week we looked at the Mission & Vision of New Covenant Church.

Why? Because for us as individuals and for us as a church body, it’s good to think about why we do what we do and where we want those efforts to take us.

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Before we get to that topic, let’s begin our time today by again introducing ourselves, but this time also sharing— in twenty-five words or less—our personal mission in life.

Consider your desire to love God and people and to share the gospel as givens, so please share something other than those goals.

Now we’ll look at the foundational core value of New Covenant Church, which is operating from a kingdom mind-set. The idea of “operating from a kingdom mind-set” will mean more to you in an hour or so.

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“

WEEKLY MEMORY VERSE: Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Matthew 6:10

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Who You Are (10 minutes)

Naming Jesus our Savior and Lord comes after we understand a few basics about God and about ourselves. God—who is love— created us to be in relationship with Him. But rather than return His love, obey Him, or trust Him, we human beings often do whatever we want to do, and this sin separates us from God. Nothing can cross

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Before we get serious, let’s be random. If you were king/queen of the planet, what is one thing you would get rid of?

What is one thing you would change?

Today we are going to spend some time thinking about the all-powerful, all-wise, and all-good King of kings who sovereignly reigns over history and over this universe . We are going to focus on King Jesus and His values… which are to be the values of anyone who names Him their Savior and Lord.

that chasm between God and us… except for Jesus, God’s Son, who—acting in love—came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died, a holy and perfect sacrifice for our sins. His resurrection from the dead was proof of His victory over sin and death.

When we recognize our need for God’s forgiveness, tell Him what we need to be forgiven, and thank Him for sending His Son to take on the punishment for our sin, we can ask Jesus to help us live with Him as our Lord. We are also welcomed into His family and adopted by God as His children. If you have yet to name Jesus as your Savior and Lord, talk to your group leader before you go home.

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Maybe you’ve only recently met King Jesus, or maybe you’ve known Him for decades. Either way, you undoubtedly have some idea of what traits characterize His kingdom. Let’s make a list.

As subjects of this King of kings, we honor Him as we live—corporately as a body of believers and individually as His adopted child— according to His kingdom values, as we operate from a kingdom mind-set.

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Who We Are Together

(15 minutes)

It’s time to watch the video Kingdom.

Use the space provided for notes, questions, and comments you want to bring up during the discussion.

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Who God Is (20 minutes) As Pastor Nick said at the beginning of the video, the foundational core value of New Covenant Church is doing everything that we do with a kingdom mind-set. More specifically, we sacrificially serve our local community and the global church for the good of Jesus’ kingdom.

1. Jesus’ kingdom is anywhere the reign of God is honored, His will is sought after and followed, and His laws of love, obeyed. In light of this definition of kingdom, what are we asking when, in the Lord’s Prayer, we pray “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”?

2. The second definition of kingdom is the global church: We at New Covenant want to be mindful of God’s people on every continent and needs around the world. In fact, Pastor Nick stated, we place the welfare of the global church ahead of the interests of our local church. What was your initial reaction to this statement? What kind of paradigm shift, if any, does this New Covenant value require you to make?

3. Shortly after Pastor Nick came to New Covenant in 2004, we welcomed an elementary school onto its campus from Monday through Friday. Why did this decision not make sense for us? Why did this decision make kingdom sense?

4. On another occasion we wanted to help a smaller church repair its damaged roof. We could have given them the $2,500. What kingdom value resulted from partnering with another church to cover the costs?

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5. Then New Covenant had the opportunity to pay off yet another church’s $17,000 mortgage. Again, why did this decision not make sense for us? Why did this decision make kingdom sense?

6. With these examples in mind—as well as the fact that New Covenant has adopted a public school—explain in your own words what it means to be kingdom people, to be a church that values first and foremost the building of God’s kingdom on this earth.

Being a kingdom church, we do things with fellow believers and with other churches to share God’s love, to meet needs in Jesus’ name, and to shine His light—the light of hope, truth, purpose, and love— into a dark community, a dark world. When we do so, we advance the kingdom of God.

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What God Says OPTIONAL (5 minutes)

Jesus told us what the kingdom of God is like as He taught and told parables (brief stories with a message). What does each of the following reveal about God’s kingdom, also referred to as the kingdom of heaven?

• • • • •

Matthew 13:31-32 Matthew 13:44 Matthew 13:45-46 Matthew 22:1-10 Mark 10:24-25

Jesus used His actions as well as His words to teach us about the kingdom of heaven. In fact, He declared God’s kingdom with every miracle, every act of deliverance, and every time He healed. What does each of the following events reveal about the kingdom of heaven?

• • • • • •

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Matthew 4:23-24 Mark 4:37-39 What Christlike and kingdom traits do these behaviors illustrate?

Mark 6:40-42 Luke 10:17 John 11:38-44

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Talking to God (10 minutes)

Let’s close our time together in prayer. We will begin by praising Jesus who is King of kings and whose reign is eternal….

We will confess ways we do not honor Jesus as King and ways we dishonor Him by failing to trust Him….

Then we will thank King Jesus for His faithful presence in our lives. We will also thank Him for the written Word that offers us truth, guidance, comfort, wisdom, and hope…

Finally, we will boldly approach King Jesus’ throne with our concerns and requests for New Covenant, for our family and those we love, and for ourselves. Let us also ask God to give each of us a kingdom mind-set as we live life and do church for His glory.

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WALKING WITH GOD THROUGHOUT THE WEEK DAY 1 Priority #1 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [what we will eat, what we will drink, what we will wear] shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 Reflect: In this teaching, Jesus acknowledged the real-world responsibilities and concerns we have: food, shelter, work, children, etc. Consider why, in the face of these realities, He commands us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Also, what does such seeking God’s kingdom first look like? Be specific.

DAY 2 Learning from a Child Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. Luke 18:17 Reflect: Think about what characterizes a young child’s receipt of a gift from a trusted relative or friend. Describe a child’s feelings and thoughts before the gift-giving and during the gift-receiving. In light of what we see in children receiving a gift, what kind of attitude does Jesus want us to have before and as we enter His kingdom?

DAY 3 Choosing to Trust How hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Mark 10:24-25

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Reflect: Again, Jesus acknowledges that we humans struggle to trust. Why is trust especially difficult for wealthy people? Why is trusting Jesus hard for you?

DAY 4 Glimpse #1: God’s Eternal Kingdom God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 Reflect: Early nineteenth-century writer William Wordsworth observed, “The world is too much with us.” That’s one reason why glimpses into eternity future matter so much to believers. What comfort and hope do you find in Revelation 21:4?

DAY 5 Glimpse #2: God’s Eternal Kingdom There were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” Revelation 11:15 Reflect: In this second glimpse, we see a picture of more of Jesus’ promises fulfilled. What impact does this verse have on your heart, mind, and soul? Thank God for the hope you find in His Word, especially in this scene from Revelation.

Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

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Session Three

SPIRIT-LED

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Welcome

(5 minutes)

Most of us are probably familiar with the mysterious but absolute truth that our God exists as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

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Through the years, what have you learned about the Holy Spirit?

What is His role in a believer’s life?

What, by extension, is His role in the life of a church?

Today we are going to look at the Person of the Holy Spirit and His leadership here at New Covenant Church.

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“

WEEKLY MEMORY VERSE: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

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Who You Are (10 minutes)

At New Covenant Church, we value the Person of the Holy Spirit and His leadership of our church. We therefore pray and expect both His supernatural guidance and His work in our midst. We pray and fast to discern His voice and His will for the direction He wants us to go and for any decisions we need to make.

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Being Spirit-led means that we do not assume to know what the Holy Spirit wants us to do, nor do we copy other church’s ministries or practices just because they work for them.

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What details—if any—in this description of the Spirit’s role in the life of New Covenant surprise you or are new to you?

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Why do you think that, in many churches, the Holy Spirit is the least talkedabout, least known, and least understood member of the Trinity?

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Who We Are Together

(15 minutes)

It’s time to watch the video Spirit-Led. Use the space provided for notes, questions, and comments you want to bring up during the discussion.

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Who God Is (20 minutes) Valuing the Holy Spirit and His leadership at New Covenant demands certain commitments from our church leadership. We’ll look at three.

1. To hear the Spirit’s voice and to know His desires for our congregation means that people in leadership must walk very closely with Him. Only then can they know what delights the Spirit and what grieves Him. What is your experience walking with the Holy Spirit? However limited or extensive, what do you think delights Him in the life of a church? What in the life of a church would grieve Him? 2. To hear the Spirit’s voice and to know His desires for our congregation requires leaders to be involved in divine communication. Individual as well as corporate prayer and fasting help New Covenant leaders hear the Spirit’s voice and notice His movement within our congregation. What role does prayer play in your life—and, ideally, what role would prayer play in the life of a believer? What role does fasting play in your life—and, ideally, what role would fasting play in the life of a believer? Comment on your experience of prayer and/or fasting.

3. To hear the Spirit’s voice and to follow His leadership demands a high level of unity and trust among the church’s leaders. When the leaders pray together, someone shares what he or she believes the Holy Spirit is saying about a direction to go. The rest of the leaders listen for the Holy Spirit within them to say something similar or to nudge them to agree with the idea. What has been your experience, if any, with this kind of Holy Spirit leading of a church?

Discuss the advantages and any disadvantages of this kind of church government.

It’s important to remember what Pastor Nick said: “We at New Covenant have never sought an answer from the Holy Spirit and had

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Him refuse us direction.”

4. Looking at how other churches make decisions may help us value more greatly the way New Covenant functions.

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Pastor Nick told of a friend’s frustration with a board of deacons: “I fast and pray every Monday, but they never fast and pray. And only after fasting and praying do I submit a new vision to them—and they shoot it down because it’s not in the budget.” What role does the Holy Spirit have in this type of church government? What is guiding the decision in this case?

What might give the Spirit freer rein in that church?

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Other churches adopt the practices of the thriving churches they hear about or see around them. Why is this not a reliable way to strengthen a church? (Hint: Are all churches and their surrounding communities the same?)

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Some churches make decisions based on tradition or on the strong personality of a lead pastor. What are the perils of such approaches to leadership?

5. First and foremost, New Covenant recognizes that our church belongs to God. That’s why we believe that we must— to the best of our ability—let His Spirit guide us.

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Recap the $150,000 story that Pastor Nick told. What did Pastor Nick think God asked him to do? When they heard this proposal, what did the staff and elders do in response? What steps of faith followed?

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Explain why church leaders turned down a matching gift of $100,000, the generous offer of a church member who wanted to start a campaign to pay off the church mortgage.

6. Some churches are guided by the philosophy that God leads His church by available finances. If there isn’t enough money in the bank to do X, they conclude, God couldn’t possibly be asking them to do X.

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What biblical support might some believers offer for that philosophy? What biblical challenges would New Covenant Church offer?

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God will ask His people—individually and collectively—to do things when they have no resources to do so. When has God asked you personally to do something for which you clearly had no financial resources? What did you do to confirm it was God’s idea? Did you take that step of faith? Why or why not?

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What do you appreciate about Pastor Nick’s approach to letting the Holy Spirit lead New Covenant?

One of the values we hold dearly at New Covenant is being a Spirit-led church. Policy does not lead our church, and finances don’t determine decisions. A Person leads our church and guides our decisions. That Person is the Holy Spirit.

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What God Says OPTIONAL (5 minutes)

Read Joshua 3:14-17.

• The Jordan River stood between God’s people and the Promised Land. According to God’s promises, what would happen that would enable the Hebrew people to cross the river and, at long last, enter the Promised Land? See verses 13-14.

• Why was the Hebrew nation able to cross the rushing waters of the Jordan River that, during harvest season—and it was harvest season, overflows its banks?

• At what moment did the people see the waters start to stand still?

Look closely at verse 15.

• What lesson does this real-life event offer about the steps of faith we can choose to take or not take? Put simply, what happened before God acted?

• What lesson does this Old Testament account offer New Covenant Church millennia later?

Read Matthew 14:22-31.

• Describe the situation. Why was Jesus walking? Where was He headed?

• What did Peter ask when he recognized the Lord approaching?

• What was Peter able to do—and then why did he start sinking?

• What lesson does Peter’s experience offer us when we step out in faith?

• What lesson does this New Testament account offer New Covenant Church in the twenty-first century?

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Talking to God (10 minutes)

The Spirit’s leading… Fasting and praying… Taking steps that don’t make sense…

Confirming one’s sense of the Spirit’s instructions…

With these topics in mind, let’s praise God for what we’ve seen of His character in this session….

Next we will confess whatever sins He brought to mind as we talked about seeking the leadership of the Holy Spirit, fasting to sharpen our listening, and taking steps of faith…

Now we will thank God for His faithfulness even when we fail to fast and pray for the Spirit’s guidance or when we choose not to step out in faith. We will thank Him, too, for enabling us when we actually have taken steps of faith. We can thank Him for the truths of His Word...

And then we’ll seek the Holy Spirit’s leading in whatever issues we are facing in our lives and in the life of this church.

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WALKING WITH GOD THROUGHOUT THE WEEK DAY 1 Sounds Simple Enough…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 Reflect: Proverbs 3:5 offers simple, straightforward instructions— that are simple to understand, but not easy to follow. Think about why you struggle to trust God “with all your heart”… and what steps you could take to minimize that struggle or even stop struggling to trust. Think, too, about why you easily “lean… on your own understanding”… and what you might do to become less selfreliant.

DAY 2 Fasting and Praying So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. Ezra 8:23 Reflect: Fasting and praying is no magic formula for getting what we want from God. But the Bible does instruct us to fast and pray and listen for God’s word to us. For what current and significant situation might you fast and pray? What is your hesitation, if any?

DAY 3 “Go!” Period.

Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. Genesis 12:1-2 Reflect: God commanded Abraham to leave his family and his homeland. No itinerary, no map, no heads-up about the not-to-miss

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oases along the way—no other information—was provided. Yet Abraham went. Think about when you, in response to God’s call, stepped into the unknown. What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about God?

DAY 4 That First Step!

As soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord… shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.

Joshua 3:13 Reflect: As we’ve discussed, the waters of the Jordan started to slow down the minute the priests put their feet in the water. When in your life have you seen God work once you, so to speak, put your foot in the water? Sometimes we need to take that first step in faith before we clearly see God work. In what current life situation, if any, might you need to put your foot in the water?

DAY 5 Keep Your Eyes on…

When [Peter] saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Matthew 14:30.

Reflect: Consider what you do—and what you could do—to keep your eyes laser-focused on Jesus when the storms of life rage around you, when you are overwhelmed, when you are afraid.

Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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Session Four

HONOR

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Welcome

(5 minutes)

Here at New Covenant Church, we celebrate and embrace the diversity of every person. Each one is valuable and unique, a one-of-a-kind reflection of God’s beauty.

To drive that point home, let’s each of us comment on something we appreciate about the person to our right, a trait that is different from us but one that we admire and respect.

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WEEKLY MEMORY VERSE: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

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Who You Are (10 minutes)

Key to Pastor Nick’s talk is Ephesians 4:11-12: “[Jesus] gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

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• Why has Jesus given different followers different jobs?

• What is the purpose of these different positions in the body of believers?

• Why, in a group of Christ-followers, is the choice to honor one another a good thing?

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Who We Are Together

(15 minutes)

It’s time to watch the video Honor.

Use the space provided for notes, questions, and comments you want to bring up during the discussion.

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Who God Is (20 minutes) 1. Too many churchgoers today hire a pastor to do ministry, but that’s not a biblical approach. We looked at Ephesians 4:11-12 before the video. What does it teach about who does the work of ministry?

2. We at New Covenant strongly believe that the primary purpose of those who are paid to minister is to equip the congregation to minister.

• • • •

What kind of equipping do God’s people need in order to minister?

What is our role in the process of becoming equipped to minister?

Once equipped, what will we do to determine where we are to minister?

Paul wrote, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men… for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:2324). Having perhaps broadened your understanding of ministry, in what mission fields are you currently serving?

3. One way all of us can minister and evangelize is to share our testimony. Each of us is a unique individual with a one-of-a-kind journey to faith in Jesus, and we need to be ready to share our story.

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Read John 4:28-30. Why did this woman at the well not stay quiet about what Jesus did for her? Why do we sometimes or even often stay quiet rather than share our testimony? What was the impact of this woman freely sharing her testimony?

As one New Covenant member put it, “Your testimony is what God has done for you. Your ministry is how you use your testimony to serve other people.” Give an example of a time

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you’ve seen testimony and ministry be in sync. In what way(s) has your story of coming to know Jesus as your Savior guiding you—or how could it guide you—toward a ministry God has for you?

4. Saying that we love it when people who do not fit in at a “normal church” feel at home in our church family, Pastor Nick introduced us to a woman named Hope.

• • •

What important perspective on New Covenant did Hope offer?

What lessons did Hope offer Pastor Nick on how effectively New Covenant was ministering at the time?

What might your role be in loving the ones whom no one notices?

5. Writing to young Timothy, the apostle Paul said, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

• • •

Why are we adults often reluctant to listen to and perhaps even learn from believers who are younger than we are?

Why does it make sense that younger people can speak God’s truth?

Think about—or if time allows—describe a time when you learned something from someone younger than you…. and a time when someone older than you learned from you.

6. Point out where in the New Covenant examples and Bible passages (questions #1-#5) you see honor being lived out. Why does showing people honor show our honor for God? We honor diversity, and we want our people to be uniquely and authentically themselves as they minister one to another as well as out in the world.

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What God Says OPTIONAL (5 minutes)

Read John 13:3-16.

• What did Jesus do that startled His disciples?

• Whose job was that?

• Who in that room had declined to do that job?

• What does Jesus’ countercultural act teach about honoring people?

• Whose feet might you wash today?

Read Luke 5:12-13.

• Describe the situation.

• Despite the leprosy, what did Jesus do before speaking words of healing?

• How long might it have been since the man had experienced a human touch? What might Jesus’ touch have meant to him?

• What kind of healing do you think Jesus’ touch brought the leper?

What kind of honor did Jesus’ touch exhibit?

• When has human contact brought you healing and comfort?

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Talking to God (10 minutes)

Let us begin by honoring God with our praise and adoration.

We’ll next ask the Lord to show us the ways we dishonor Him and dishonor others in the course of our days.

Thank the Lord for forgiveness… for the honor of being adopted into His family… for the privilege of being His light and His ambassador in this world.

Ask God to show you who in your path today needs a word, an action, or a touch that communicates honor and respect, something that reminds them of how much God values them.

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WALKING WITH GOD THROUGHOUT THE WEEK DAY 1 “Just As He Pleased” God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 1 Corinthians 12:18-19 Reflect: It’s easy to wish we had someone else’s gifting and talent, but we honor God by accepting how He made us and the current kingdom role He has given us. Ask God to help you both rest in that role and, from that position, honor Him and people as you go about your day.

DAY 2 “All One in Christ Jesus” There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 Reflect: Consider why we human beings can be so reluctant to accept people who are different from us and hesitant about welcoming people into our circle, into our church. Prayerfully look today for ways you can honor the people God places in your path.

DAY 3 “One Body in Christ” For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5 Reflect: Think about why it is essential that “all the members [of God’s body, the church] do not have the same function.” The

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apostle Paul went on to list certain functions—prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, leading, showing mercy. What is your role in the body of Christ? In that role, what can you do to honor Christ?

What can you do to honor people functioning in different roles?

DAY 4 “Doers of the Word” Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. James 1:22 Reflect: In this simple statement, James presented a basic solution to hypocrisy and an antidote to pride. Take a few minutes to look in the mirror of this truth: In what ways are you merely hearing God’s Word but not acting according to His instruction and commands?

Why does obedience—why does doing what God commands—honor God?

DAY 5 Hungry, A Stranger, Naked, A Prisoner “I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:35-36 Reflect: Reading in its entirety this story Jesus told will help you better appreciate His call to us, His followers, to love the outcasts and needy; to reach out to the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and prisoners; to not ignore widows and children. Why do such actions of compassion honor God? What opportunities for you to love as Jesus loves might your day hold?

Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 H onor

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Session Five

UNITY

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Welcome

(5 minutes)

Last week we pointed out ways that we are different from one another.

This week we want to look at what draws us together.

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This question can have a variety of answers: What is the basis of our unity when we gather for this video series?

Why is the unity of believers—of people who name Jesus as their Lord—important?

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WEEKLY MEMORY VERSE: Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.�

Ephesians 4:1-3

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Who You Are (10 minutes)

• Why is unity hard to achieve? We can probably come up with five or six reasons without thinking too hard.

• Why is unity important for any organization?

• Why is unity in a church especially important?

In any group of people— even Christians—unity is not a given.

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Who We Are Together

(15 minutes)

It’s time to watch the video Unity.

Use the space provided for notes, questions, and comments you want to bring up during the discussion.

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Who God Is (20 minutes) New Covenant deeply values unity. So, as a church, we choose to focus on what we have in common with each other because staying in relationship is of paramount importance to us. We make space for hearty debate, but relationship always takes priority over being right.

1. Unity is imperative if a congregation is to accurately represent God. • • •

In what ways does the Trinity illustrate unity?

Explain the importance of purpose, roles, and trust when unity is the goal.

What various roles do members of New Covenant have? What purpose unites those various roles?

2. New Covenant members have found two ways to walk in unity as a body of believers. The first way is to have our eyes on Christ and strive to be like Him. • • •

What character traits of Jesus contribute to unity?

What can we do in the midst of a hearty debate to keep our eyes on Jesus?

Read this week’s memory verse, Ephesians 4:1-3. In what ways do the attitudes and actions listed there contribute to unity? Be specific.

3. The second way we walk in unity is to focus on what we have in common and not on our differences.

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What do members of New Covenant Church have in common?

What differences could be more important than anything we just listed?

In what ways can pride make differences seem more important than they are?

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4. Pastor Nick told the wonderful story about the beginnings of Haywood Christian Emergency Shelter (now merged with Pathways Center).

• • •

What was key to unity in this cooperative effort?

What did individuals choose to overlook?

Share your thoughts about Pastor Nick being willing to move the shelter off New Covenant property to a neutral site.

As Pastor Nick pointed out, the successful establishment of Haywood Christian Emergency Shelter established a deep conviction in his heart that, when we set aside our differences and work together, we can do something so much bigger than any one church can do alone.

5. Pastor Nick also talked about four towns coming together to flip a jail and transform it into a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, and halfway house.

• •

What impact can this kind of public display of God’s love have on a watching community?

What impact can a church’s lack of unity—or a lack of cooperation between churches—have on a watching community?

6. We want to protect relationships and provide a safe place for people to disagree, be unique and still feel loved and valued.

• •

Relationship always takes priority over being right. When have you swallowed your pride and let the importance of relationship take precedence over your being right?

What current situation in your life (home, church, work, neighborhood) is offering you an opportunity to let relationship take priority over your being right? Will you take that opportunity? Why or why not? If yes, what actions will your decision require?

We refuse to let a doctrinal issue or church preference separate us from being in relationship with each other. Unity isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it!

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What God Says OPTIONAL (5 minutes)

Read Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-12.

• Notice how many times the word all appears. Comment on the significance of this unity.

• What is happening that has the rapt attention of the people of Israel?

• When, if ever, have you been part of a group or a congregation that was totally focused on a speaker’s message? What are some reasons this kind of unity is rare?

• What are some reasons this unity of attention and focus existed as Ezra read God’s law?

• Before going to a worship service, what can you do to prepare your heart to focus on God and what He wants to say to you?

Read Philippians 2:1-4.

• The apostle Paul called believers to unity. List what he mentioned as the attitudes and actions that contribute to unity.

• What theme do you see in the actions and attitudes you listed?

• Be specific about how Jesus modeled for us the attitudes and actions Paul listed.

• What role does humility play in someone becoming a follower of Jesus?

• Why does humility help followers of Jesus get along with one another and live in unity?

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Talking to God (10 minutes)

Let’s begin by praising God who models unity in His existence as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit… and who brings unity to His church despite our idiosyncrasies, irritability, sinfulness, and pride.

Next, we’ll ask God to show us—and then forgive us—for any ways we, in our sinfulness and pride, contribute to disunity at home, at work, at church, in the neighborhood.

Now let us thank God for ways He brings unity where there is disunity and for using the unity of His people to do more in the world than we could do on our own.

Finally, let’s ask the Lord to work in situations of disunity that you are aware of— perhaps your hypocrisy (the disunity between your beliefs or words and your actions), family matters, division in our nation, and international conflicts around the world.

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WALKING WITH GOD THROUGHOUT THE WEEK DAY 1 Choosing Unity Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called…bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 Reflect: Be honest with yourself: Who came to mind when you read “bearing with one another in love”? Spend some time right now praying for those relationships and for your heart, that God will enable you to love those who are hard to love.

DAY 2 Following Jesus’ Example Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 Reflect: Consider the Christlikeness reflected in these instructions from the apostle Paul. About what relationships, attitudes, and actions—if any—is the Holy Spirit convicting you? What, if anything, is He calling you to do to restore unity somewhere?

DAY 3 Making—Not Just Keeping—Peace “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 Reflect: Think about the ways peacemaking is different from peacekeeping. When, if ever, have you chosen to be a peacemaker?

Think about the challenges and rewards of that experience. In what

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current situation might you choose to be a peacemaker? Ask God to guide you.

DAY 4 Unity in Worship Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:6 Reflect: Imagine God’s great joy and pleasure in corporate worship, in hearts united in praise and thanksgiving. Spend some time praising and thanking God right now.

DAY 5 Good and Pleasant Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1 Reflect: Like David, the author of this psalm, we appreciate unity not only because God created us to live in community, but also because we have experienced disunity. Celebrate with God in prayer the unity with family, friends, and fellow believers that He has blessed you with, past and present.

Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts “Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

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Session Six

GENEROSITY

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Welcome

(5 minutes)

New Covenant is a church that believes in generosity.

• • •

What words come to mind when you hear the word generosity?

Who in particular comes to mind when you hear the word generosity? Why? What is our secular culture’s perspective on generosity?

Today we are going to consider New Covenant’s perspective on generosity.

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WEEKLY MEMORY VERSE: God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.�

2 Corinthians 9:8

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Who You Are (10 minutes)

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So, what is the most expensive—in terms of dollars and cents—gift you have ever received, no strings attached, no payments due, no requirements hidden in the fine print?

When you received that gift, what thoughts and feelings did you find yourself dealing with?

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What is the most costly gift—in terms of dollars and cents—you have ever given, no strings attached, no payments due, no requirements hidden in the fine print?

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As the giver rather than the recipient, what thoughts and feelings did you find yourself dealing with?

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Which is easier for you: receiving or giving?

Why?

Think about how you would rate yourself on a generosity scale, “1” being miserly and “10” being wholeheartedly and openhandedly generous.

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Who We Are Together

(15 minutes)

It’s time to watch the video Generosity.

Use the space provided for notes, questions, and comments you want to bring up during the discussion.

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Who God Is (20 minutes) As Pastor Nick said at the beginning of the video, New Covenant is a church that believes in generosity. And that makes sense since the God whom New Covenant loves and serves calls Himself JehovahJireh, meaning “the Lord will provide.”

1. Read Malachi 3:8-10.

• • •

What does God mean when, speaking through Malachi, He says that the people of Israel had robbed Him? What does God propose that His people do to test—to “try”— Him (v. 10)?

What aspect of His character is God asking His people to test?

2. Tithing is not strictly an Old Testament concept.

• • •

What is tithing?

What teachings on tithing have you heard?

When, if ever, have you tithed your income? Talk about that experience in terms of God’s response and your faith. If you have not tithed before, consider why.

3. Generosity may come more easily when we understand the concept of stewardship, and stewardship is rooted in New Covenant’s kingdom perspective that we talked about the first week.

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Whose money is it? Whose time and talents and energy and possessions?

Why does—or should—that fact impact how we use the money/time/talents/possessions God has entrusted to us?

Discuss why being generous with, for instance, God’s money is an act of faith.

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4. Pastor Nick talked about different times New Covenant has heard God’s call and acted—in faith—with generosity.

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Comment on the generosity and the faith evident in these two examples of New Covenant’s generosity: (1) giving away all the church’s money in $500-amounts to congregants to give away as God instructed them to and (2) encouraging families to establish a generosity jar on January 1 that, if they faithfully dropped in their pennies, would result in $670 by the end of the year.

The apostle Paul wrote, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Would you say that the envelopes of $500 from the church account and the jars of pennies are two examples of New Covenant sowing bountifully? Why or why not?

What bountiful reaping resulted from these generous acts?

5. Pastor Nick mentioned the need to cultivate in people a heart for giving. What steps can be taken toward that end by the church corporately? By church members individually?

6. The more we experience God’s generosity, the more we are amazed at just how good He is! Tell of a time when you yourself experienced your good God’s generosity.

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What God Says OPTIONAL (5 minutes)

Read Genesis 22:1-14.

• In verse 2, what did God command Abraham to do?

• In verse 7, what question did Isaac ask his father as they approached the site of the burnt offering they were to make to the Lord?

• What was Abraham’s response (verse 8)?

• Describe God’s faithfulness in this account.

• Discuss what our security in God’s provision contributes to our ability and willingness to be generous. Why can we be secure in God’s provision—and why do we sometimes feel insecure instead?

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

• In light of this passage, why does Pastor Nick teach that if we walk in lack, that lack of what we need is our fault, not God’s?

• Paul taught that God desires us to function from a place of abundance. Why do you think God has that desire? Offer several reasons.

• Explain why cheerfulness is important in the kind of giving that God desires, the kind of giving that honors Him. • What promise do you find in the middle of verse 8? What are some of the “all things” Paul might be referring to?

• According to Paul in the last part of verse 8, what is one reason why God not only blesses us, but blesses us abundantly? Tell of a time or two when your abundance enabled you to do a good work.

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Talking to God (10 minutes)

Let’s close our time with prayer. We’ll begin by praising our heavenly Father for His goodness and generosity….

We’ll confess ways and reasons we don’t trust Him… We’ll thank Him for specific ways He has provided for us…

And we will ask Him to cultivate in each of us a heart for giving; to teach us to trust Him so we will be more generous; and to guide us regarding which people and situations He would like us to bless with our generosity.

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WALKING WITH GOD THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

DAY 1 A Soul Made Rich The generous soul will be made rich,

and he who waters will also be watered himself.

Proverbs 11:25 Reflect: Consider the paradoxes that (1) generosity (giving away) leads to riches (accumulation) and that (2) watering (giving to others) means you yourself will be watered. Note times when you experienced both of these paradoxes—and the impact those experiences had on you.

DAY 2 A Promise A generous man devises generous things, And by generosity he shall stand. Isaiah 32:8 Reflect: Look back at the most generous act you ever planned and executed. What generous act might the Lord be calling you right now to devise? What does the second line of the verse mean? You might check other versions of the Bible to gain greater insight.

DAY 3 A Generous Eye He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor. Proverbs 22:9 Reflect: Think about the phrase generous eye and what about your calendar, checkbook, actions, and thoughts suggests that you have

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a generous eye. Spend some time asking God to cultivate in you a giving heart as well as a generous eye.

DAY 4 A Good Measure Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 Reflect: Why might people—perhaps you—be concerned about out-giving God? Then list some aspects of God’s character that suggest we don’t need to worry about out-giving our heavenly Father whether we’re talking about our financial wealth and possessions or about grace, forgiveness, and love.

DAY 5 A Farmer’s Truth He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6 Reflect: Take some time to consider where or with what God-given blessings you are sowing sparingly—and why—as well as anywhere you might be sowing bountifully—and why. What, if anything, do your answers show you about yourself, about your heart?

Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

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APPENDICES RESOURCES TO MAKE YOUR GROWTH GROUP EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT DO WE DO ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF OUR GROUP?

Like all fun things in life—have a party! A “get to know you” coffee, dinner, or dessert is a great way to launch a new study. You may want to review the Growth Group Agreement (pages 159–160) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins.

WHERE DO WE FIND NEW MEMBERS FOR OUR GROUP?

This can be troubling, especially for new groups that have only a few people or for existing groups that lose a few people along the way. We encourage you to pray with your group and then brainstorm a list of people from work, church, your neighborhood, your children’s school, family, the gym, and so forth. Then have each group member invite several of the people on his or her list. Another good strategy is to ask church leaders to make an announcement or allow a bulletin insert.

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!

HOW LONG WILL THIS GROUP MEET?

Most groups meet weekly for at least their first 5 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 stepping-stones into another group experience.

Either way, enjoy the journey.

CAN WE DO THIS STUDY ON OUR 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

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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).

WHAT IF THIS GROUP IS NOT WORKING FOR 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 5-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, and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before the 5 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!

WHO IS THE LEADER?

Most groups have an official leader. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate hosts/leaders 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 leaders. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way.

HOW DO WE HANDLE THE CHILDCARE NEEDS IN OUR GROUP?

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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GROWTH GROUP AGREEMENT OUR PURPOSE

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

OUR VALUES

Group Attendance To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent. (Completing the Group Calendar on page 161 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 people with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections� in fellow group members. We are all works in progress.

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

Encouragement for Growth To be not just takers but givers of life. We 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.

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Rotating Hosts/Leaders and Homes To encourage different people to host the group in their homes and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Group Calendar on page 161.)

OUR EXPECTATIONS

• 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

• Who (other than the leader) will review this agreement at the end

of this study

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GROWTH 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 don’t forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects.

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SPIRITUAL PARTNERS 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.

My Name: Spiritual Partner’s Name: Our Progress

Week 6

Week 5

Week 4

Week 3

Week 2

Week 1

Our Plan

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MEMORY VERSES CLIP AND REVIEW

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SESSION ONE Go‌ and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20 SESSION TWO Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 SESSION THREE Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 SESSION FOUR There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 SESSION FIVE Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 SESSION SIX God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

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GROWTH GROUP LEADERS 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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LEADING 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 leader, co-leader, or close friend to pray for you and prepare with you before the session. Walking through the study will help you anticipate potentially difficult questions and discussion topics.

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

• Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment. Go to www. lifetogether.com and download pertinent files. 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.

• Use online resources. Go to www.lifetogether.com and download any additional notes or ideas for your session. You may also want to subscribe to the Doing Life Together newsletter and LLT Newsletter.

Both can be obtained for free by signing up at www.lifetogether.com/ subscribe.

• 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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LEADERSHIP TRAINING 101 CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CALL TO HELP SHEPHERD JESUS’ FLOCK. THERE ARE FEW OTHER TASKS IN THE FAMILY OF GOD THAT SURPASS THE CONTRIBUTION YOU WILL BE MAKING. AS YOU PREPARE TO LEAD, WHETHER IT IS ONE SESSION OR THE ENTIRE SERIES, HERE ARE A FEW THOUGHTS TO KEEP IN MIND. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ THESE AND REVIEW THEM WITH EACH NEW DISCUSSION LEADER BEFORE HE OR SHE LEADS.

1. Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and He knew that you would be asked to lead your group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah and Timothy 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.

2. Don’t try to do it alone. Pray right now for God to help you build a healthy leadership team. If you can enlist a co-leader to help you lead the group, you will find your experience to be much richer. This is your chance to involve as many people as you can in building a healthy group. All you have to do is call and ask people to help. You’ll probably be surprised at the response.

3. Just be yourself. If you won’t be you, who will? God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you! Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

4. Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion. These exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, not just talk about it. Be sure you understand how an exercise works, and bring any necessary supplies (such as paper and pens) to your meeting. If the exercise employs one of the items in the appendix, be sure to look over that item so you’ll know how it works.

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Finally, review “Outline for Each Session” so you’ll remember the purpose of each section in the study.

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

6. When you ask a question, be patient. Someone will eventually respond.

Sometimes people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question. 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.

7. Provide transitions between questions. When guiding the discussion, always read aloud the transitional paragraphs and the questions. Ask the group if anyone would like to read the paragraph or Bible passage.

Don’t call on anyone, but ask for a volunteer, and then be patient until someone begins. Be sure to thank the person who reads aloud.

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

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prayer requests. People are more willing to pray in small circles if they know that the whole group will hear all the prayer requests.

9. Rotate facilitators weekly. At the end of each meeting, ask the group who should lead the following week. Let the group help select your weekly facilitator. You may be perfectly capable of leading each time, but you will help others grow in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead. You can use the Community Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting leaders at once if you prefer.

10. One final challenge (for new or first-time leaders):

Before your first opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below. Read each one as a devotional exercise to help 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 2:7-8, 11-12

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PRAYER AND PRAISE REQUESTS Praise Reports

Session 6

Session 5

Session 4

Session 3

Session 2

Session 1

Prayer Requests

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NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE

EMAIL

MINISTRY

OTHER

GROWTH GROUP ROSTER

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JOIN the JOURNEY WELCOME TO NEW COVENANT CHURCH! What are we all about? Simply put, we exist to make disciples, and we do that primarily by loving people well. This list—and these videos—reflect other values: KINGDOM: In everything, New Covenant acknowledges our good and gracious King of kings. As His subjects, we honor Him by sharing His love, meeting needs, and shining His light in a dark world.

SPIRIT-LED: Knowing that our church belongs to God, we value the Person of His Holy Spirit and turn to Him to guide our thinking and lead us.

We pray and fast to discern His will for New Covenant.

HONOR: We celebrate and embrace the diversity of God’s people. Every man, woman, and child is valued as a one-of-a-kind reflection of God’s beauty, and each has a unique journey to faith in Jesus.

UNIT Y: We focus not on our differences, but on what we have in common.

Also, we keep our eyes on Christ and strive to be like Him. We make space for hearty debate, but relationship always takes priority over being right.

GENEROSIT Y: God calls Himself Jehovah-Jireh, “the Lord will provide.”

Knowing that, we give freely of the money, talents, time, and possessions that belong to God but that He has entrusted to us.

We look forward to having you Join the Journey of relentlessly loving people and passionately advancing the kingdom of God. Since 2004 Nick Honerkamp has been the Lead Pastor at New Covenant Church in Clyde, North Carolina. Blogger, Bible teacher, international speaker, and community leader; Nick is passionate about equipping those in Christ to live out their full calling and identity.