Capital Area Church - Don Hamilton - Manifesto - Print Curriculum

Copyright 2015 Capital Area Christian Church ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained

by Brett Eastman. Permission for use is given to Capital Area Christian Church in all forms of distribution.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the 2011 edition of the Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV , copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by Biblical, Inc. TM

INTRODUCTION 4 How to Use This Study Guide 7 Outline for Each Session 9 Session Session Session Session Session Session Session Session

One – Mission Two – Vision Three – Walk Four – Worship Five – Witness Six – Gifts Seven – Group Eight – Generosity

9 21 33 45 57 69 81 93

EXTRA HELPS 104 Leadership Training Leading for the First Time Hosting an Open House FAQ’s Life Group Agreement Meeting Structure Life Group Calendar Memory Verses Spiritual Gifts Assessment

105 108 109 110 112 113 114 115 116

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are from the NEW

MANIFESTO

KING JAMES VERSION®. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

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Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-940077-29-1 Printed in the United States of America

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INTRODUCTION

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A religious leader once approached Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus immediately put the ball back in his court. “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The leader explained that one must love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. And, one must love their neighbor as much as they love themselves. Jesus agreed.

In fact He told him that if he truly followed even those two commands he would receive eternal life. But this leader was not genuine. He was actually looking for loopholes. “Who is my neighbor,” he asked. And with that Jesus taught one of His most well known lessons - the story of the Good Samaritan. Through this story Jesus revealed that real love does not discriminate. Real love costs something. Real love goes out of its way to help people. Real love is not looking for loopholes, it is looking for opportunities to serve.

Local churches in America receive a lot of criticism. People on the outside looking in often view Christians and churches as phony, judgmental, irrelevant, and boring. Sometimes they are right. Like the religious leader of Jesus day, Christians sometimes don’t walk their talk.

They too have found loopholes as a way out of real Christianity.

So what would it look like if a local church really embraced what

Jesus taught about authentic faith? What priorities would that church embrace? What would members of that church do that might be different than other churches? “Manifesto – Will the Real Church Please Stand Up?” explores these and other important questions about what the church is really supposed to be about and why. The fact is that most folks do not want to be phony, judgmental, irrelevant or boring. They want to be “real” Christians and go to churches that are the kind Jesus would be pleased to call His own.

People in the community said of the very first local church that they, “. . . shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47 NLT) Joy, generosity, praise, goodwill, growth, fellowship, saved: These endearing terms are very different than those often used of the church today. This church sounds a lot more like Jesus intended.

So is it possible to have a church like this today? Is there such a thing as a “real” church? I believe the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” So what beliefs and practices would make this kind of local church a reality? Let’s journey together for the next eight weeks and explore a Manifesto of the church as it was intended. Then, let’s apply what we learn to our church and perhaps we will also enjoy, “the goodwill of all the people.” We will grow in our relationship with Christ and honor God with our lives.

Sincerely, PASTOR DON

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

WELCOME TO MANIFESTO!

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OUTLINE OF

HOW TO USE THIS

A TYPICAL GROUP SESSION FOR MANIFESTO WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

THIS STUDY GUIDE’S CONTENTS ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS:

EACH SESSION THEME VERSE AND INTRODUCTION. For each session we have provided an overview and memory verse that emphasizes one of our lifegiving relationships. Memorizing Scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s will for our lives.

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LEARNING TOGETHER. Here you’ll focus on a passage of Scripture (or two) related to the topic. You’ll look at what the Bible says about the topic, asking and answering questions to deepen your understanding.

SHARING TOGETHER. How do we live out what we’ve learned? This section will guide you to apply the truth you are learning. You’ll apply the insights from Scripture practically, creatively, and from your heart as well as your head.

FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION. This section will allow you to prayerfully process what you’ve learned on your own. You may want to use a journal to record your thoughts as you consider how God is leading you to apply this truth to your life.

DAILY DEVOTIONALS. Each week on the Daily Devotionals pages we provide Scriptures to read and reflect on between group meetings.

We suggest you use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

SESSIONS: The sessions are designed to complement the DVD teaching and be easy to follow. Use this book 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 one shown, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Life-Group Leaders section.

APPENDICES: Familiarize yourself with the various items included in the appendix.

You may wish to incorporate some of them into the sessions themselves.

LIFE GROUP HELPS: If you are facilitating/leading a Life group, this section will give you advice from experienced leaders to both encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective Life-group leadership.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

GROWING TOGETHER WITH DVD TEACHING SEGMENT. This section features the Manifesto DVD teaching segments from some of CACC’s pastors. They’ll share insights and experiences to help you better understand and consider the core values of our church. Questions will guide you to process as a group the teaching you heard and saw.

STUDY GUIDE

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SESSION 1

MISSION A NEW COMMAND I GIVE YOU: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, SO YOU MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER. BY THIS EVERYONE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER. (JOHN 13:34-35)

MANIFESTO

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GROWING MISSION

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Of course, we’re flawed human beings who don’t always get this right. That’s why we need Jesus! But during His time on earth, Jesus made some radical statements about what it means to truly be His disciple. This “manifesto” provides guidance for all of life, and it’s become the core of our identity as a church.

It’s become trendy for organizations to develop mission statements. In fact, a few years ago the creator of the “Dilbert” comic strip, which makes fun of office life, created a “Mission Statement Generator.” Simply spin the wheel and the “MSG” would generate a random collection of ambiguous, business-speak phrases into a mission statement that sounds good but means little. For instance, “Our job is to interactively utilize excellent information in order to continue to completely orchestrate mission-critical paradigms.”

We want to be driven by mission as well, but our statement isn’t full of filler words. It’s actually very simple: Love God. Love God’s People. Love God’s World. We developed this statement to guide everything we do, from the programs we develop to the money we spend. We created our statement after studying the mission statement or “manifesto” of Jesus. This week we’ll explore His teaching and what it means for us as individuals and as a church.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

The Beatles famously sang, “All you need is love.” While that might strike us as a little simplistic, Jesus actually taught something similar—that all the rules of the law, all the commandments God gave to His people, and all the ways God calls us to follow Him today would be fulfilled perfectly if we consistently acted out of love.

TOGETHER

What’s your favorite song about love?

What is its core message?

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WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION What were the biggest rules in your family when you were growing up? What was the most important one?

CAPTURE THOUGHTS YOU WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT OUR MISSION.

AFTER WATCHING THE DVD, DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING— A manifesto is supposed to be clear or, “self-evident.”

What parts of Jesus’ manifesto are most obviously true to you?

Don says that God is concerned about the “why”— that it’s not enough to do the right things, we also need to do them for the right reasons.

Do you agree?

TOGETHER READ MATTHEW 22:34-40.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Some Pharisees believed there were more important and less important laws—that not all of God’s instructions carried equal weight. So they may have been asking this question to see if Jesus agreed with them. How would His answer have surprised them?

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MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Our culture is saturated with advice about love.

How is Jesus’ teaching about love different?

LEARNING

How do you know if you’re being motivated by love?

What does it mean to love God with your mind? With your heart?

With your soul?

If Jesus can so easily sum up His teaching in two statements, are the Law (the books of the Old Testament that outline how God’s people were to follow him) and the Prophets (the books of prophecy in the Old Testament) still important? Why or why not?

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READ 1 CORINTHIANS 13.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

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TOGETHER Which attribute of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is easiest for you?

Which one is most difficult?

Are you sometimes a “Pharisee?” Are you more concerned about being right than about being loving?

How can your group live out the mission of CACC?

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

SHARING

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The word used for love in this passage is “agape,” which means a self-sacrificing love like God has for us. Why would the apostle Paul have chosen this word when writing? Does it affect the meaning of these verses for you?

In verses 11 and 12, why does the focus shift from describing love to describing our understanding of it?

How is love greater than faith and hope?

How can the group pray for you? (Add the prayer requests to your Prayer and Praise Report on page ___.)

CLOSE IN PRAYER.

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FOR PERSONAL

DAILY

Heart, soul and mind: in which of these three ways do you find it hardest to love God? Take a few minutes to ask for His help in that area.

Developing our ability to serve God through the leading of the Holy Spirit takes time and persistence as we:

REFLECTION After thinking about what you’ve learned this week, try writing a “manifesto” for your own walk with God. Here are some sentences to get you started: I believe……

Because God loves me, I……..

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Pray. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. (You may find it helpful to write your prayers in a journal.) Remember to pray for the requests shared by your fellow group members.

Memorize. Reflect on what God is saying by learning a passage of scripture.

Daily Devotions. Complete the Daily Devotions section. Each day, you’ll read just one portion of a passage of Scripture. Give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Take your time! Listen to what God is telling you. Ponder and reflect. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned through this study.

DAILY DEVOTIONS The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7, is another “manifesto” of Jesus. In this famous sermon, He teaches us what the kingdom of God is all about and what it really means to follow Him. This week we’ll focus on a different passage from these chapters each day.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

I want my life to be about……..

DEVOTIONS

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MANIFESTO

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

MATTHEW 5:14-16

MATTHEW 5:43-45

MATTHEW 6:19-21

MATTHEW 6:25-27

MATTHEW 7:3-5

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

REFLECT: What does it mean for a Christ-follower to be “the light of the world?” What does it mean for a group of them gathered as the church? How can you let your light shine this week?

REFLECT: This is a hard teaching! Is there someone you need to pray for in light of these verses?

What does it tell us about God - that He sends blessings to both the evil and the good?

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

SUMMARY: TAKING ACTION: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God? Write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

REFLECT: How do we store up treasure in heaven?

Is your treasure (and your heart) with God or is it here on earth?

REFLECT: These verses remind us that following God means choosing to trust Him for our needs and having confidence that He loves us enough to provide.

Are you prone to worry? What do you need to trust God with today?

REFLECT: It’s easy to focus on the faults of others, and ignore our own completely. Jesus is saying that we have plenty to worry about by focusing on our own sins. Are you guilty of judging others but excusing your own bad choices? Take a few minutes to confess your sins to God.

MANIFESTO

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Day 1

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SESSION 2

VISION IF YOU HOLD TO MY TEACHING, YOU ARE REALLY MY DISCIPLES. THEN YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE. (JOHN 8:31-32)

MANIFESTO

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GROWING VISION We live in an amazing time, when everyone has a phone small enough to fit in a pocket. But one of the frustrations of this cell phone age is how often we still experience dropped calls and bad connections. Despite the huge advances in technology over the last few years, we still have trouble hearing each other sometimes.

Fortunately, we don’t have to rely on a smart phone to hear from God. In addition to giving us His word, He’s commissioned His people to go out into the world and connect others to Him. It’s an awesome privilege that’s at the core of who we are as a church and who we want to become.

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At CACC, we don’t play modern music and wear casual clothes and offer practical programs because it makes us feel “cool.” We also don’t do it because we’ve “watered down” the Bible and don’t care about God’s word. Instead, we worship and serve the way we do because we want more and more people in our community and beyond to know the life-changing love of Christ, and we think they’re more likely to be open to the message with this approach.

Our ministry is a balance between the eternal truths of God and the temporary trends of culture. What God has to say matters more than anything. What our culture values doesn’t matter nearly as much, but it can be a tool we use to reach people where they are. No matter what the method, our vision is always to connect people to Jesus.

Let’s learn more about why this is so important and what the Bible teaches about how to do it.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

How did you first hear about God? Who told you?

TOGETHER

Have you ever shared your faith with someone who wasn’t a Christian?

How do you feel about that experience?

What did you learn?

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WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION

CAPTURE THOUGHTS YOU WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT OUR VISION.

AFTER WATCHING THE DVD, DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING—

We’ve all experienced how difficult it is to delegate something and let other people be in charge. Jesus chose to delegate the most important thing to us—re-connecting His creation to Himself. How does this make you feel?

What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

TOGETHER READ MATTHEW 28:18-20.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We have the authority to connect people to God because Jesus told us to. Who gave Him this authority (verse 18)? Why? Is this different than the authority Jesus had during His earthly ministry?

This passage says it’s not enough to help others make the initial connection to Christ; we must also “disciple” them. What does that mean? How do we do it?

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MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Don said that disciples should follow their teacher so closely that they’re, “covered in the dust of His sandals.” How do we follow Jesus this way?

LEARNING

25 What can change if we want to be all things to all people so they’ll connect to God? What should never change?

Why would Jesus end this commissioning with a promise not to leave us?

READ 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-22.

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews, I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

SHARING

TOGETHER Have you ever experienced a “divine appointment”? Share your story briefly with the group.

What does Paul mean when he says he makes himself a slave? How would he become like a Jew, or like one under the law?

Baptism is a living picture of how we die to ourselves and are then raised like Christ to receive new life in Him. What part of this metaphor is most significant to you? How does it affect the way you live?

Paul says he became all things to all men so he could save some; even he could not connect every person to God. Does this discourage you? What should our response be when people reject our faith?

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MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

What about becoming, “like one not having the law?” Does this mean we can do anything as long as we share Christ?

27 How can the group pray for you? (Add the prayer requests to your Prayer and Praise Report on page ___.)

CLOSE IN PRAYER.

FOR PERSONAL

DAILY

WHAT CHOICES DID YOU MAKE THIS WEEK THAT DREW YOU CLOSER TO GOD? WHAT CHOICES BROKE YOUR CONNECTION WITH HIM?

Developing our ability to serve God through the leading of the Holy Spirit takes time and persistence as we:

REFLECTION The passage in 1 Corinthians reminds us that sometimes we will have to give up our own privileges so we can serve others and share Jesus with them. Ask God to help you recognize these situations in your own life, and ask for His strength to make these sacrifices.

Pray. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. Also remember to pray for the requests shared by your fellow group members.

Memorize. Reflect on what God is saying by learning a passage of scripture.

Daily Devotions. Complete the Daily Devotions section. Each day, you’ll read just one portion of a passage of Scripture. Give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Take your time! Listen to what God is telling you. Ponder and reflect. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned through this study.

MANIFESTO

You can’t disciple others if you’re not growing. What’s a next step you can take in your faith-walk that will make you more effective in connecting others to God?

DEVOTIONS

MANIFESTO

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MANIFESTO

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

JOHN 14:6

ROMANS 12:4-5

MATTHEW 20:26-28

HEBREWS 10:24-25

ZEPHANIAH 3:17

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

SUMMARY: TAKING ACTION: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God? Write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

REFLECT: In our day, it may seem strange or even offensive to hear the word “slave.” But even before Paul used it in the 1 Corinthians passage, Jesus was commanding us to live this way—not with our cultural understandings of slavery, but by voluntarily giving up what we want to serve others. How does this actually make us “great”? How might it help us connect others to God?

REFLECT: We’re called to do more than introduce people to God—He wants us to disciple them and help them grow. Often we think this means only teaching the Bible, but there’s more. According to these verses, what are other ways we can help people follow Jesus more closely? What do you need to work on so you can do a better job of discipling others?

REFLECT: Like His claim to have all authority in heaven and on earth, this is another one of Jesus’ radical statements.

Do you believe this is true? If so, does it change your motivation to connect others to Him?

REFLECT: Don says that we are Jesus’ hands and feet and even His voice in the world. What does it mean to for the church to be Christ’s body? Are you fulfilling your role?

REFLECT: We end the week with a reminder that just as much as God wants to connect with those who don’t already know Him, He also wants to maintain His connection with you.

Take a few minutes to simply thank God for His love for you and the grace He has shown you.

MANIFESTO

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Day 1

31

SESSION 3

WALK I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE. HE WHO COMES TO ME WILL NEVER GO HUNGRY, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME WILL NEVER BE THIRSTY. (JOHN 6:35)

MANIFESTO

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GROWING WALK We’re a pretty sedentary society, and unless we live in a major city, we’re dependent on our cars. But in Jesus’ day, people thought nothing of walking miles and miles—sometimes for several days—to get from one city to another. So when Jesus called His disciples to walk with Him, He meant it literally as well as spiritually. If you read the Gospels, you see He is constantly on the move, from Jerusalem to Caesarea to Capernaum and back again.

Our life is like that, too. Sometimes we feel like we’re on a straight path, making good time, and on track to our chosen destination.

Other times it seems like we’re wandering, making little progress on a journey that’s taking much longer than we planned. Sometimes we’re not sure where we’re going or how to get there!

Parenting books like to talk about “quality time”—the idea being that it’s less important how much time you spend with your kids and more important that it’s packed with significance. But Jesus seems to have a different philosophy when it comes to His relationship with us. Although any amount of time spent with our Savior is going to add meaning to our lives, He seems just as interested in the quantity of time. During His time on earth, He spent long, unhurried days traveling on foot with His band of disciples, sitting around tables and enjoying meals with them, talking to them and teaching them and enjoying their company.

He wants to do the same with us. Although we don’t get to physically walk around our neighborhoods with Jesus, we can walk through life with Him and build a close relationship with Him. In fact, He wants this so much that He died on a cross to make it possible! We believe it’s so important to walk with Jesus each day that it’s a core value for our church, and this week we’re going to learn more about what this means for our lives.

Have you ever participated in a walk or run to raise money for something? What was the cause and why was it important to you?

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MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

No matter where you find yourself today, the Bible teaches that God is with you and He wants to walk with you and give you wisdom for that path.

TOGETHER

35 Who are the people you love to spend time with? What is it about your relationship that is so special to you?

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION

CAPTURE THOUGHTS YOU WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT WALKING WITH GOD.

AFTER WATCHING THE DVD, DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING— What does it mean to be “intimate” with God?

LEARNING

TOGETHER READ LUKE 10:38-42.

Jesus said being in relationship with Him is the only thing that’s absolutely essential. Do you agree or disagree?

How do we pray without ceasing? Is that even possible?

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We talk a lot about serving others, and it seems like that’s what Martha was trying to do. Why did Jesus say Mary chose something better?

The word for “distracted” in verse 40 is “periespato,” which means to be pulled in different directions. How does this help us understand what’s going on with Martha in this story?

Jesus says Mary’s choice, “will not be taken away from her.” How could Martha’s choice be taken away?

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

“If our walk is off, so is our witness.” React to this statement. Why is this true?

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

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SHARING

What makes the branch of a tree bear fruit? What would cause the branch of a tree to die? What parallels can we draw for our spiritual walk?

We are all very busy. But if those activities leave us worried and distracted like Martha, it’s easy to say we don’t have time to slow down and be with God. What is distracting you? Is there anything you need to clear from your schedule so you can focus on God?

TOGETHER What time of day are you at your best? What changes would you need to make to connect with God during that time?

How do we remain in Christ?

Mike quotes Psalm 119: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” What areas of your life need more of God’s light?

Where do you need more guidance from him?

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MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

READ JOHN 15:5-9.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

39 What “fruit” will bring glory to Jesus?

How can the group pray for you? (Add the prayer requests to your Prayer and Praise Report on page ___.)

CLOSE IN PRAYER.

FOR PERSONAL

DAILY

Are you letting less important things distract you from your walk with God? Do you need to set aside time to spend with him?

Developing our ability to serve God through the leading of the Holy Spirit takes time and persistence as we:

REFLECTION

DEVOTIONS Pray. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. (You may find it helpful to write your prayers in a journal.) Remember to pray for the requests shared by your fellow group members.

Is your life bearing fruit? Why or why not?

Memorize. Reflect on what God is saying by learning a passage of scripture.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS Mike said he asked himself two questions during his daily time with God: What is God teaching me? How will I live differently because of it? This week, let’s practice this approach. Read the selected passage each day and ask yourself these two questions. Write your answers here or in a notebook so you can remind yourself of what you’re learning.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Daily Devotions. Complete the Daily Devotions section. Each day, you’ll read just one portion of a passage of Scripture. Give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Take your time! Listen to what God is telling you. Ponder and reflect. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned through this study.

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Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-2

COLOSSIANS 2:6-7

PROVERBS 3:5-8

1 PETER 1:3-5

ROMANS 8:1-4

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with 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 purpose.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.

And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

SUMMARY: TAKING ACTION: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God? Write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

MANIFESTO

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SESSION 4

WORSHIP PRAISE THE LORD, MY SOUL; ALL MY INMOST BEING, PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. (PSALM 103:1)

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GROWING WORSHIP

TOGETHER

If you’ve spent much time in church the last few years, you’ve probably heard lots of opinions about worship: “The worship music is too loud.” “I wish we had more contemporary worship.” “I wish we had more traditional worship.”

Don says that the way we worship is actually a way to measure the state of our soul. If we’re getting to know God better by walking with Him, we’ll appreciate and love more of who He is, and that will lead us to worship Him more.

We often say worship when we mean music, but as this week’s study will show you that worship is about much more. Worship is not just the songs we sing, it’s the lives we lead—lives being transformed by God.

But worship also means bringing our best to God. In the Old Testament that meant sacrificing bulls and goats on altars.

Because Jesus died for us, we no longer have to kill animals to worship God. Instead, we have to do something more difficult—we’re called to worship God with our lives.

What does that mean for how we think about Sunday morning— and the rest of the week?

What’s your favorite part of a worship service at our church? Can things like the offering or the sermon be part of worshiping God? How?

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Did you grow up attending church? How did that experience shape your idea of what worship is?

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WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION

CAPTURE THOUGHTS YOU WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT WORSHIP.

AFTER WATCHING THE DVD, DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING— Don mentions several ways people might think about worship: a time of reverence and awe, a time of thankfulness, a time of mystery. Do any of these resonate with you?

Don’s appreciation of his wife Gail makes him want to tell others how great she is. Does your relationship with God make you want to share Him with others?

LEARNING

TOGETHER READ EPHESIANS 5:15-20.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What does it mean to make music to the Lord in your heart?

Both this passage and the next one connect worship with understanding God’s will. What is the connection between the two?

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MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

What do you think it means to worship, “in spirit and in truth”?

49 Alcohol is a depressant, but the Holy Spirit seems to be a stimulant. In other words, being filled with the Spirit will increase your wisdom, self-control, and judgment. What does this contrast teach us about worship?

READ ROMANS 12:1-2.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What does it mean to be a living sacrifice?

What does verse two tell us is the reward for worshiping God this way?

TOGETHER “Our increasing closeness to God sets the agenda for worship.”

Have you found that to be true in your own life?

Don describes worship as acknowledging who God is and what He does. What is one characteristic of God you can praise Him for today? What is one thing He’s done in your life that you can thank him for?

How can the group pray for you? (Add the prayer requests to your Prayer and Praise Report on page ___.)

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MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Can changing the way we think really transform us? How?

SHARING

51 CLOSE IN PRAYER.

FOR PERSONAL

DAILY

The passage from Romans teaches us worship is not something we do—it’s something we are. How does that change how you want to walk with God?

Developing our ability to serve God through the leading of the Holy Spirit takes time and persistence as we:

REFLECTION

DEVOTIONS Pray. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. (You may find it helpful to write your prayers in a journal.) Remember to pray for the requests shared by your fellow group members.

Memorize. Reflect on what God is saying by learning a passage of scripture.

Daily Devotions. Complete the Daily Devotions section. Each day, you’ll read just one portion of a passage of Scripture. Give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Take your time! Listen to what God is telling you. Ponder and reflect. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned through this study.

MANIFESTO

What’s one area of your life you haven’t yet, “put on the altar” and sacrificed to God? What’s holding you back?

MANIFESTO

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Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

COLOSSIANS 3:16

HEBREWS 13:15-16

1 CHRONICLES 16:28-29

EPHESIANS 5:1-2

ACTS 16:25-26

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise— the fruit of lips that confess his name.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.

At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.

SUMMARY: TAKING ACTION: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God? Write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

REFLECT: Thankfulness is consistently linked to worship. How can the “richness” of Christ fill your life today? What part of His message are you thankful for?

REFLECT: There’s that sacrifice word again—and this time, the author tells us specifically what that looks like: telling other people about God, doing good for other people, and sharing with them.

How can you make one of these sacrifices today?

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

REFLECT: As we talked about in this week’s study of Romans 12, God is no longer looking for the offering of an animal sacrifice. What offering from your life can you bring Him today to give Him glory?

REFLECT: Living a life of love sounds great, but it’s hard to actually put into practice. What are some specific ways you can follow Christ’s example and put love into action?

REFLECT: There is power in praise! Not only do we access the power of God in our own lives, but others are affected, too. Take a few minutes to praise God and ask Him for the power of His Spirit in your life.

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SESSION 5

WITNESS I HAVE SEEN YOU IN THE SANCTUARY AND BEHELD YOUR POWER AND YOUR GLORY. BECAUSE YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE, MY LIPS WILL GLORIFY YOU. (PSALM 63:2-3)

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GROWING WITNESS CAN I GET A WITNESS????

Maybe you’re familiar with that phrase from the famous Marvin Gaye song, or perhaps you’ve heard it in gospel music or even from a preacher during his sermon. The idea behind the question is simple— to ask for an “Amen” or an affirmation of the message being shared.

It’s like the musician or the speaker is saying, “Here’s what I think—you agree with me, right?!”

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Police officers and lawyers know that eyewitnesses are notoriously unreliable. People who saw the same accident or were victimized by the same crime often tell completely different versions of the same experience, or they change their story as time passes. Our observational skills and our memories are not as sharp as we’d like to think!

However, telling others about who God is and what He has done in your life doesn’t require perfect recall. We have all received one blessing after another from God. We have all learned more about Him as we’ve walked with Him. We all have a story to tell about how He has changed our lives. We have all witnessed God’s power and His mercy, and today we’ll learn why it’s so important to share that with others.

Have you ever experienced a movie, a concert, a book, or a restaurant that was so amazing you just had to share it with others?

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

In a way, Jesus is asking us the same question. If you are a Christian, you have already witnessed His love and grace, and now He’s asking you to be a witness, sharing the good news of His love with other people. This doesn’t require special training or an advanced degree— it’s the job of every Christ-follower, and the focus of this week’s study.

TOGETHER

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If a friend described you, what do you hope they would say about you?

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION

CAPTURE THOUGHTS YOU WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT BEING A WITNESS.

AFTER WATCHING THE DVD, DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING—

This video introduces another core value of our church: Witness.

What is one thing God has done in your life that you have witnessed and can share with others?

Nate says our responsibility is to simply invite people to check out Jesus for themselves. Do you agree or disagree? How does this idea affect your attitude toward witnessing?

TOGETHER READ JOHN 1:35-41.

The next day John [the Baptist] was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”

“Come, he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).

Andrew and Philip learn about Jesus for the first time through John the Baptist’s witness of who Jesus is. What does he mean when he calls Jesus, “The Lamb of God?”

What does it mean to witness with your life?

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MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

It’s incredible that God’s primary way of reaching people is through other people. Why did He give us this huge responsibility?

LEARNING

61 Why would Jesus begin His relationship with Andrew and Philip with such an open-ended invitation? What does this tell you about how God calls people to Himself?

The Jewish people had been waiting hundreds and hundreds of years for the Messiah to come. What do you think Simon was thinking and feeling when Andrew said he’d actually met Him?

READ MATTHEW 16:13-16.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In the first passage, Simon Peter is meeting Jesus for the first time. Here he boldly proclaims his own belief that Jesus is in fact the Messiah and Savior. How has your relationship with God changed since you first started to know Him? How would your witness about Him now be different from when you first began following Him?

TOGETHER We are called to take Jesus anywhere and everywhere we go. Is there an area of your life (a relationship, a group, a place) that you have not brought Jesus into? Why?

Have you isolated yourself from people who don’t know Jesus? If so, what’s one thing you can change so you’re able to share your life and your faith with them?

John the Baptist pointed Andrew and Philip to Jesus even though they were his disciples at the time—witnessing about Christ meant giving up two of his own followers. What might being a witness cost you?

Peter is known for being outspoken and impetuous, and this story is no exception. He is the first to jump in with an answer to Jesus’ question. How might this “witness” have affected the other disciples?

How can the group pray for you? (Add the prayer requests to your Prayer and Praise Report on page ___.)

MANIFESTO

Why would people think Jesus was John the Baptist or Elijah?

Why might they confuse Him with one of the prophets?

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SHARING

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CLOSE IN PRAYER.

FOR PERSONAL

DAILY

Our motivation for witnessing about Jesus should be love—we want others to experience what we’ve experienced. Is love your primary motivation for telling others about Christ?

Developing our ability to serve God through the leading of the Holy Spirit takes time and persistence as we:

REFLECTION Think of at least one person in your life who needs to know the good news that Jesus loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. Take a few minutes to pray for that person and to ask God for opportunities to be a witness.

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

Remember to pray for the requests shared by your fellow group members.

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Daily Devotions. Complete the Daily Devotions section. Each day, you’ll read just one portion of a passage of Scripture. Give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Take your time! Listen to what God is telling you. Ponder and reflect. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned through this study.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Memorize. Reflect on what God is saying by learning a passage of scripture.

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MANIFESTO

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

MARK 2:15-17

1 PETER 3:15-16

COLOSSIANS 4:5-6

LUKE 8:38

GALATIANS 2:20

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that whose who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

SUMMARY: TAKING ACTION: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God? Write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

REFLECT: Sometimes we witness about Christ’s love by spending time with people others wouldn’t. Are there people you could share a meal with and perhaps also get the chance to witness to?

REFLECT: These verses teach us that it’s important to not only have thoughtful things to say when sharing our faith, but to do it in thoughtful and kind ways. Which of the two is more difficult for you? Ask for God’s help in witnessing with both wisdom and consideration.

REFLECT: This is another great passage that teaches us the attitude and approach we should have when sharing our faith. What does it mean to “make the most” of an opportunity? What does it mean for our conversations to be “seasoned with salt”?

REFLECT: This man begged to be a disciple, but Jesus thought it was more important for him to be a witness right in his home town.

Who is right there at home (in your family, among your friends, or in your community) that you can tell how much God has done for you?

REFLECT: The way we live our lives and imitate Christ is just as much a witness as any words we say. Take a few minutes to thank God for living in you and to ask for His Spirit to work through you in reaching out to others.

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Day 1

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SESSION 6

GIFTS FROM THE FULLNESS OF HIS GRACE WE ALL RECEIVED ONE BLESSING AFTER ANOTHER. (JOHN 1:16)

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GROWING GIFTS

TOGETHER

When we think of gifts, we think of piles of presents under a Christmas tree, or a wedding registry, or maybe a beautifully-wrapped box for our birthday. In the Bible, we read about a different kind of gift.

These don’t come from a store, they come from the Spirit, and they won’t fit in a bag or under a tree. Instead, they become part of who we are as God entrusts each one of us with unique talents and abilities.

It’s easy to think that if we can’t teach a class or carry a tune that we can’t be used by God, but the Bible teaches over and over that God can use any gift to make a difference in His Kingdom. Maybe you have the gift of administration and can keep a project organized. Maybe you’re a great cook or carpenter or counselor or cleaner. Or maybe you have a gift of encouraging others or praying for them or giving generously to their ministry.

These gifts are also different because they’re not ours to keep. God doesn’t give us talents or skills so we can just use them for ourselves— in fact, the whole point is to bless others. This shouldn’t be a surprise—serving others is at the core of Jesus’ message, and we want it to be central to our lives as we follow Him together.

There are no limits to how God can use you, but He won’t force you to discover your gifts or try them out. That’s your choice, and this week we’ll learn why using our gifts for God is so important.

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MANIFESTO

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU COULD DO REALLY WELL?

HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN A SPIRITUAL GIFTS TEST? DID YOU AGREE WITH THE RESULTS? DID YOU ACT ON THE RESULTS?

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WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION

CAPTURE THOUGHTS YOU WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT USING OUR GIFTS.

AFTER WATCHING THE DVD, DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING— God could have found a really gifted public speaker to confront Pharaoh, but He chose Moses. He could have started His church with educated men, but He chose common fishermen. Why does God so often choose people who seem unqualified?

How does God give us gifts through His Spirit?

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TOGETHER READ 1 PETER 4:10-11 AND ROMANS 12:3-8.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

What does it mean to let God “energize” the gift? How can you let Him “ignite the fire” of your talents?

LEARNING

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The Greek word translated as “various” in 1 Peter means, “of many colors.” When we all use our gifts, we create something more beautiful than any of us could alone. How are the various gifts designed to work together?

In the first passage, Peter says we should use our gifts faithfully.

What does this mean? How is using our gifts a stewardship issue?

READ ACTS 8:18-24 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”

Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

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Before identifying types of gifts in the Romans 12 passage, Paul first encourages his readers to be humble and to remember that all of us are needed in the body of Christ. Why do you think he began with these reminders? How are these ideas important as we consider our gifts?

Peter tells Simon to pray and repent; Simon responds by asking Peter to pray for him. What is the difference between the two?

Why do you think he valued Peter’s prayers instead of his own?

Because having a gift means we’re good at something, sometimes we receive praise from others when we use our gifts well. Is that wrong? How is that different from using our gifts for our own glory?

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Why did Simon want the ability to give the Holy Spirit?

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SHARING

FOR PERSONAL

Don says that sometimes we have to take the first step before God will reveal how He wants to use us. This might be as simple as praying for opportunities to serve or signing up to volunteer in a new way.

What first step could you take to discover your gifts?

Don says that if you make yourself available to God, He will use you. Have you given God permission to use your life and your talents?

TOGETHER

Sometimes it’s hard to see our own gifts but easy to identify the gifts of other people. Is there anyone in your group who seems to have clear talents or abilities in a certain area? Take a few minutes to affirm and encourage that person. (It’s fine if you don’t know what someone’s gift is. God is working in all of us in different ways! This isn’t about feeling pressure to say something nice about each person—it’s about helping each other consider how God may want to use us.)

REFLECTION

Take a few minutes to complete the spiritual gifts test on page ____. Do you agree with the results? Are you currently using the gifts it identified?

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CLOSE IN PRAYER.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

How can the group pray for you? (Add the prayer requests to your Prayer and Praise Report on page ___.)

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Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

JAMES 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

EXODUS 31:1-5

I CORINTHIANS 12:4-7

EPHESIANS 4:11-13

1 TIMOTHY 1:6-7

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

SUMMARY: TAKING ACTION: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God? Write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

REFLECT: This week we’ve focused a lot on the spiritual gifts, but of course God has given us many other good gifts as well. Take a few moments today to thank Him for the many ways He’s blessed your life.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge of all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.

REFLECT: Even at the beginning of God’s story with His people, He is equipping them with talents. Note that here, as in the other passages we’ve studied, these skills are given to serve Him and bring Him glory. Do you have professional or artistic abilities that could be used to honor God?

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

REFLECT: God values the behind-the-scenes talents just as much as the up-front abilities. Do you tend to think of some gifts as more important than others?

REFLECT: What are the reasons given here for God gifting His people?

How can your gift contribute to one of these goals?

REFLECT: God equips us with spiritual gifts so we can act! Do you need love, self-discipline, or a spirit of power in using your gift? Ask God to help you grow in that area.

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SESSION 7

GROUP FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE COME TOGETHER IN MY NAME, THERE AM I WITH THEM. (MATTHEW 18:20)

MANIFESTO

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GROWING GROUP

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Connecting to other people in God’s family is important for lots of reasons, but a big one is that unless we are regularly spending time with other believers, we will miss the chance to practice the “One Anothers.”

A few years ago a group of scientists studied the effects of stress on monkeys. First they shut a monkey in a cage and subjected him to extremely bright lights and piercing sounds. After a few minutes of this, they measured the amount of cortisol, a hormone related to stress, in the monkey’s brain. Needless to say, it was off the charts.

What are the “One Anothers?” Just some of the biggest opportunities to grow our faith! Throughout the Bible, there are dozens of these statements: Love one another. Serve one another. Confess your sins to one another. Encourage one another. You can’t do any of these things by yourself. Living the Christian life means making sure you are regularly worshiping, studying, and just hanging out with others on the same journey.

But the next step is fascinating: after taking their measurements, the scientists placed a second monkey in the cage and repeated the exact same sequence of lights and noise. This time when they evaluated the animals, they discovered that both monkeys had only half the amount of cortisol. When each of the monkeys had a buddy, the difficult experience was only half as stressful.

Even Jesus had a “small group”—His closest disciples. If Jesus intentionally went through life connecting to other people this way, we definitely need to. Let’s learn more about what it looks like to be with One Another in a group.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

God is deeply relational. In the beginning of the Bible we read that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all worked together to create the world (Genesis 1:26) and the grand finale for creation was making human beings. Because we’re made in God’s image, we are also relational, and designed to connect with others in meaningful ways.

TOGETHER

God has created us the same way. We aren’t meant to endure the difficulties of life alone. Instead, He longs for us to have some “monkey buddies” to support us and help us grow. This week we’ll look at what it means to be part of a group like this, and why it’s so important to our church.

Have you ever been part of a team that worked really well together? What was that experience like? What made the team successful?

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WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION

CAPTURE THOUGHTS YOU WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT BEING IN A GROUP. What is a chore around the house or a job at work that you just can’t do by yourself? What do you need help with?

AFTER WATCHING THE DVD, DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING— How do we disciple each other in a small group? How is this easier or more effective than in a large group setting?

Why might unbelievers be more open to an invitation to a group than to a church service? Have you found this to be true in your own experience?

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TOGETHER READ ACTS 2:42-47.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.

Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The community life described here is very different from what we experience today. Why do you think this is? Are there things this early church did that we should be more intentional about?

One of the big differences is our approach to giving and using our money for the church. Why might the early church have operated this way? Is it how we should be doing things today?

Later on the church will be heavily persecuted, but here it says they had “the favor” of everyone in the city. Why does real community attract others?

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Nate told the story of Christopher Langan, a genius who never realized his potential because he was alone. How can groups help us do more and be more than we can do and be by ourselves?

LEARNING

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READ GALATIANS 6:2-5.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

This passage says to both carry other’s burdens and carry our own load. The word for burdens means a weight, something heavy that’s beyond our ability to handle alone, and the word for load means the responsibility of one person. How does that clarify this passage? What is the difference between the two commands?

TOGETHER What has been a “win” for you in being part of this group?

Is there an activity or event your group could host as an opportunity to invite new people?

Has your group served together in any way? Is this something you would like to do in the future?

How can the group pray for you?

(Add the prayer requests to your Prayer and Praise Report on page ___.)

86 Why would verses about pride and humility be sandwiched in the middle of this teaching?

CLOSE IN PRAYER.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

How does carrying each other’s burdens fulfill the law of Christ?

SHARING

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FOR PERSONAL

DAILY

What have you learned about yourself by being part of this group? Are there things you want to change because of what you’ve experienced?

Developing our ability to serve God through the leading of the Holy Spirit takes time and persistence as we:

REFLECTION

DEVOTIONS Pray. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. (You may find it helpful to write your prayers in a journal.) Remember to pray for the requests shared by your fellow group members.

Memorize. Reflect on what God is saying by learning a passage of scripture.

Daily Devotions. Complete the Daily Devotions section. Each day, you’ll read just one portion of a passage of Scripture. Give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Take your time! Listen to what God is telling you. Ponder and reflect. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned through this study.

MANIFESTO

Nate reminded us in the video that groups aren’t just for people who already follow Christ. Is there someone in your life who’s not a Christian but might be open to an invitation to your group?

MANIFESTO

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Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

PSALM 133:1

COLOSSIANS 3:13

2 CORINTHIANS 1: 3-4

1 PETER 3:8

ROMANS 15:5-7

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

SUMMARY: TAKING ACTION: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God? Write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

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REFLECT: Here’s one of those “one another” verses— and it’s a challenging one! What does it mean to forgive as the Lord forgave us?

REFLECT: What struggles have you gone through?

How can you use that to comfort someone else?

REFLECT: Which of these actions do you find easiest when it comes to your group? Which is most difficult (and therefore a growth opportunity!) for you?

REFLECT: Thank Jesus for the ways He’s accepted you, and ask Him for wisdom and strength to accept others in the same way.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

REFLECT: What are some ways Christian brothers and sisters can work toward unity? Why does this bring such glory to God?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

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SESSION 8

GENEROSITY THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S AND EVERYTHING IN IT, THE WORLD AND ALL WHO LIVE IN IT. (PSALM 24:1)

MANIFESTO

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GROWING GENEROSITY The theologian and Reformation hero Martin Luther said that there are actually three conversions for every Christ-follower. First there is the conversion of the heart (do you love God and want to follow Him?), then there is the conversion of the mind (do you believe in Him and trust His word?), and finally there is the conversion of the purse (do you give to His church and to His purposes)? That last one is last for a reason—many of us find it easy to say we love God and believe in Him, but find it much more difficult to take those abstract feelings and turn them into concrete actions.

Jesus talked about money a lot—more than any other subject except the Kingdom of God. Clearly, this is a subject that matters a great deal to our spiritual growth and is also a barometer of our spiritual development. Yet we often get nervous when the talk goes to things like stewardship of our own funds or growing in our generosity.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus says He came to give us “life to the full” (John 10:10). We can trust that He has our best interests at heart and that He knows what will lead to a fulfilling, abundant, and joyful life. He says it includes being generous with others. That’s why this is an important value at CACC—not because we need your money or time (although both of them help us do ministry!), but because you need to give and share if you’re going to experience everything God has for you.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

As we talked about last week, we have been made in God’s image.

This means we’re not only hardwired for relationships, we’re created to be generous just as God is generous. From the beautiful world we live in, to the Savior we serve, to the many blessings we enjoy each day, God is a giver who loves to lavish good things on us. Now it’s our turn—let’s explore why generosity is so important and how we can grow in our giving.

TOGETHER

What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Shoes, tools, clothes, stuff for the house, travel, eating out?

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95 Have you ever given more money to something than you thought you could afford? What was the result?

WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION

CAPTURE THOUGHTS YOU WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT GENEROSITY.

AFTER WATCHING THE DVD, DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING— Don mentions the story of “The Rich Young Ruler”—the man who wanted to follow Jesus but was unwilling to part with his wealth.

Jesus didn’t ask everyone who followed Him to give everything away—why do you think He required it of this man?

Why do our hearts seem to follow our treasure?

Don tells the story of Richard Sterns, who broke the spell money had over him by giving almost recklessly and by being a “hilarious” giver. Yet the Bible also tells us to be self-controlled and disciplined. How do we reconcile these two teachings?

TOGETHER READ 2 CORINTHIANS 8: 1-5.

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.

These believers were giving to the church in Jerusalem, which was struggling because of a famine in the mid-‘40s AD, combined with double taxation and other economic pressures. Paul raised money from a number of churches in addition to the Macedonians for a number of years until the crisis passed. What questions does this raise about our responsibility for other groups of believers? How does it push against our cultural values for independence and self-sufficiency?

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MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

“God’s kindness flows into generous people.” Have you found this to be true?

LEARNING

97 How could these people be very generous if they were also very poor?

What is the significance of verse 5? Why is it important that they considered their relationship to God ahead of their relationship to Paul?

Read Mark 12:41-44.

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.

Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Surely the large amounts given by the rich temple-goers will still be used for ministry. It is not that they don’t matter. But why is the widow’s gift more significant? What does this teach us about the kind of giving that pleases God?

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How can giving be an act of worship?

TOGETHER Sometimes churches are criticized for “only talking about money,” because money is a sensitive and important subject for people.

How does this week’s topic make you feel—Guilty? Inspired?

Angry? Motivated?

What is one way this group could bless others with a gift of time and money? Take a few minutes to talk about possibilities. Maybe you want to make a plan for a ninth gathering devoted to this goal. Perhaps you want to “pass a hat” right now and collect some cash you can give to a need. How can you experience God’s kindness and joy by being generous today?

How can the group pray for you? (Add the prayer requests to your Prayer and Praise Report on page ___.)

CLOSE IN PRAYER.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Read a few verses before this passage, and note that right before it, Jesus is chastising the teachers of the law for wanting to look important and have power. Why do you think Mark followed that teaching with this story? What does the contrast teach us?

SHARING

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FOR PERSONAL

DAILY

Although we are created to be generous, it can be difficult to get started. What is the biggest concern or reluctance you feel about giving money away?

Developing our ability to serve God through the leading of the Holy Spirit takes time and persistence as we:

REFLECTION

DEVOTIONS Pray. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. (You may find it helpful to write your prayers in a journal.) Remember to pray for the requests shared by your fellow group members.

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Don started the video by talking about the Indian village giving “one handful of rice at a time.” How can you follow their example?

Is there an area in which you can step up your generosity just a bit in ways that will eventually lead to significant giving?

MEMORIZE. Reflect on what God is saying by learning a passage of scripture.

DAILY DEVOTIONS. Complete the Daily Devotions section. Each day, you’ll read just one portion of a passage of Scripture. Give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Take your time! Listen to what God is telling you. Ponder and reflect. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned through this study.

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MANIFESTO

Take a look at your checkbook or bank statement. What does it say about your priorities? Do you need to make any changes so that your “purse” is converted?

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Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

ECCLESIASTES 5:10

LUKE 11:13

PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13

I TIMOTHY 6:9-10

PROVERBS 28:27

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

SUMMARY: TAKING ACTION: What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God? Write any thoughts God has put in your mind and heart during your devotions this week.

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REFLECT: One of the many ways God has been generous to us is with the gift of His Spirit. How has this gift blessed or helped you?

REFLECT: We often hear verse 13 quoted by itself, but it comes from a passage about being content in any circumstance.

Do you need God’s strength to be satisfied with your current situation? Ask for his help today.

REFLECT: These verses don’t say that it’s wrong to have money, but that it can lead to heartache and bad choices. What are the potential traps and foolish desires that can accompany the love of money?

REFLECT: What does it mean to close our eyes to the poor? How can we have open eyes that lead to generous hearts?

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

REFLECT: Often we think we’ll be happy with “just a little bit more.” What does this verse say is actually true? Do you think you’ll ever have “enough” money?

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

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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.

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EXTRA HELPS

you, and He knew that you would be asked to lead your group.

Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah, and Timothy they all were reluctant to lead. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for one evening, for several weeks, or for a lifetime, you will be blessed as you serve.

2 Don’t try to do it alone. Pray right now for God to help you build a healthy leadership team. If you can enlist a co-leader to help you lead the group, you will find your experience to be much richer.

This is your chance to involve as many people as you can in building a healthy group. All you have to do is call and ask people to help. You’ll be surprised at the response.

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

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

1 Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about

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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.

hese exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, T 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.

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!

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.

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respond. Sometimes people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question, and if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else. After someone 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 SHARING TOGETHER 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

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

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

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LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME

HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE

Sweaty palms are a healthy sign. The Bible says God is gracious to the humble. Remember who is in control; if you feel inadequate, that is probably a good sign. Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to speak through.

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 join you over the next few weeks. You can also use this kick-off meeting to hand out study guides, spend some time getting to know each other, discuss each person’s expectations for the group, and briefly pray for each other.

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

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Ask for feedback so you can grow. Perhaps in an email or on cards handed out at the study, have everyone write down three things you did well and one thing you could improve on. Don’t get defensive, but show an openness to learn and grow. rayerfully consider launching a new group. This doesn’t need to P happen overnight, but God’s heart is for this to happen over time. Not all Christians are called to be leaders or teachers, but we are all called to be “shepherds” of a few someday.

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.

Finally, set an open chair (maybe two) in the center of your group and explain that it represents someone who would enjoy or benefit from this group but who isn’t here yet. Ask people to pray about whom they could invite to join the group over the next few weeks. Hand out postcards and have everyone write an invitation or two. Don’t worry about ending up with too many people; you can always have one discussion circle in the living room and another in the dining room after you watch the lesson. Each group could then report prayer requests and progress at the end of the session.

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.

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

repare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times. If P you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and choose the questions you want to be sure to discuss.

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

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FAQS 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 Life Group Agreement (page 111) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins.

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No matter how you find participants, 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?

It’s totally up to the group–once you come to the end of this eightweek study. Most groups meet weekly for at least their first eight weeks, but every other week can work as well.

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

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 six-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t buy the first car you look at or marry the

How do we handle the child care needs in our group?

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 be with the kids in a different part of the house.

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

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

Where do we find new members for our group?

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.

first person you date, and the same goes with a group. Don’t bail out before the 8 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 you too!

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LIFE GROUP

AGREEMENT Our Expectations:

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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 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 attendee will share a small team role or responsibility over time (see the Team Roles).

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).

Our Times Together: • Refreshments ____________________________________________________________________ • Child care ________________________________________________________________________ • When we will meet (day of week) ____________________________________________________

STRUCTURE Life groups gather not just to answer questions or study a text, but to deepen our connection with God and with one another.

We suggest that every meeting include not just study, but times of sharing, worship and prayer. Every week, include the following elements:

SHARING At your first or second meeting, use the Circles of Life diagram on the next page to write the names of two or three people you know who need to know Christ. Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to share with each of them. At subsequent meetings, check in with how group members are doing at reaching out to the people they’ve each listed on their circles chart.

PRAYER Allow everyone to answer this question: “How can we pray for you this week?” Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page ???.

WORSHIP Spend a few minutes worshiping God together. Here are two ideas: « Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song. Try singing á capela, using a worship CD, or have someone accompany your singing with a musical instrument.

• 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 ______________________________________________________________________________

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

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MANIFESTO

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

MEETING

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LIFE GROUP

MEMORY

CALENDAR

VERSES

DATE

LESSON

HOST HOME

REFRESHMENTS

LEADER

Monday Jan 15

1

Bill

Joe

Bill

SESSION ONE | MISSION A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35) SESSION TWO | VISION If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32) SESSION THREE | WALK I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

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SESSION FIVE | WITNESS I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

(Psalm 63:2-3) SESSION SIX | GIFTS From the fullness of his grace we all received one blessing after another. (John 1:16) SESSION SEVEN | GROUP For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. (Matthew 18:20) SESSION EIGHT | GENEROSITY The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it. (Psalm 24:1)

MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO

SESSION FOUR | WORSHIP Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

(Psalm 103:1)

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DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS!

• PROPHECY—The gift of prophecy is proclaiming the Word of God boldly. This builds up the body and leads to conviction of sin. Prophecy manifests itself in preaching and teaching (1 Cor. 12:10; Rom. 12:6).

BY GENE WILKES, LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN RESOURCES

• DISCERNMENT—Discernment aids the body by recognizing the true intention of those within or related to the body. Discernment tests the message and actions of others for the protection and well-being of the body (1 Cor. 12:10).

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• LEADERSHIP—Leadership aids the body by leading and directing members to accomplish the goals and purposes of the church.

Leadership motivates people to work together in unity toward common goals (Rom. 12:8).

• ADMINISTRATION—Persons with the gift of administration lead the body by steering others to remain on task. Administration enables the body to organize according to God-given purposes and longterm goals (1 Cor. 12:28).

• EXHORTATION—Possessors of this gift encourage members to be involved in and enthusiastic about the work of the Lord. Members with this gift are good counselors and motivate others to service.

Exhortation exhibits itself in preaching, teaching, and ministry (Rom. 12:8).

• SHEPHERDING—The gift of shepherding is manifested in persons who look out for the spiritual welfare of others. Although pastors, like shepherds, do care for members of the church, this gift is not limited to a pastor or staff member (Eph. 4:11).

• FAITH—Faith trusts God to work beyond the human capabilities of the people. Believers with this gift encourage others to trust in God in the face of apparently insurmountable odds (1 Cor. 12:9).

• EVANGELISM—God gifts his church with evangelists to lead others to Christ effectively and enthusiastically. This gift builds up the body by adding new members to its fellowship (Eph. 4:11).

• TEACHING—Teaching is instructing members in the truths and doctrines of God’s Word for the purposes of building up, unifying, and maturing the body (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11).

• APOSTLESHIP—The church sends apostles from the body to plant churches or be missionaries. Apostles motivate the body to look beyond its walls in order to carry out the Great Commission (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11).

• KNOWLEDGE—The gift of knowledge manifests itself in teaching and training in discipleship. It is the God-given ability to learn, know, and explain the precious truths of God’s Word. A word of knowledge is a Spirit-revealed truth (1 Cor. 12:28).

• SERVICE/HELPS—Those with the gift of service/helps recognize practical needs in the body and joyfully give assistance to meeting those needs. Christians with this gift do not mind working behind the scenes (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7).

• WISDOM—Wisdom is the gift that discerns the work of the Holy Spirit in the body and applies His teachings and actions to the needs of the body (1 Cor. 12:28).

• MERCY—Cheerful acts of compassion characterize those with the gift of mercy. Persons with this gift aid the body by empathizing with hurting members. They keep the body healthy and unified by keeping others aware of the needs within the church (Rom. 12:8).

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Ken Hemphill defines a spiritual gift as “an individual manifestation of grace from the Father that enables you to serve Him and thus play a vital role in His plan for the redemption of the world.” Peter Wagner defines a spiritual gift as “a special attribute given by the Holy Spirit to every member of the Body of Christ according to God’s grace for use within the context of the Body.” I like to use this definition: A spiritual gift is an expression of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers which empowers them to serve the body of Christ, the church.

Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:9-11 contain representative lists of gifts and roles God has given to the church. A definition of these gifts follows.

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• GIVING—Members with the gift of giving give freely and joyfully to the work and mission of the body. Cheerfulness and liberality are characteristics of individuals with this gift (Rom. 12:8).

• HOSPITALITY—Those with this gift have the ability to make visitors, guests, and strangers feel at ease. They often use their home to entertain guests. Persons with this gift integrate new members into the body (1 Pet. 4:9).

God has gifted you with an expression of His Holy Spirit to support His vision and mission of the church. It is a worldwide vision to reach all people with the gospel of Christ. As a servant leader, God desires that you know how He has gifted you. This will lead you to where He would have you serve as part of His vision and mission for the church.

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Gene Wilkes is pastor of the Legacy Drive Baptist Church, Plano, TX. This article was adapted from Jesus on Leadership by Gene Wilkes (LifeWay Christian Resources 1998).

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