Foundations Leader Guide by Rock City Church

Hey Leaders,

Welcome to your Small Group study, FOUNDATIONS. This 12-week Rock City Small Group experience is designed to connect you and your group members to God, to the church and to your purpose. Together, your group will explore the Bible, engage in prayer and serve experiences, share stories and practice rhythms essential to a healthy spiritual life.

This study came about as our team considered how we might better equip believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Our church is full of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Some have been Christians for a very long time; others are new to their faith. Providing this FOUNDATIONS study as a resource to our church will help us all to grow in any stage our faith, and it will ultimately help us fulfill our mission as a church to MAKE HEAVEN FULL.

Over the next 12 weeks, your group will explore important and foundational topics and truths related to the Christian faith. Your group will have the opportunity to practice important spiritual disciplines and grow in relationship with one another. Most importantly, our hope is that each of your group members, including you, will grow in your relationship with the Lord, connect deeply with the Holy Spirit and experience His Word in a new way.

Below is an overview of the next 12 weeks. As a group leader, you are not expected to be an expert in any or all of these topics. Your role is to create space for your group to learn, discuss, pray and connect. You are not expected to have the answers to every question raised. As always, the Rock City team is here for you and is available to help answer any question that may come up in your group. We have been praying for you and your group, and we are excited to hear how God uses this study to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.

FOUNDATIONS OVERVIEW

WEEK 1 WHAT IS FOUNDATIONS?

WEEK 2 WHO IS GOD?

WEEK 3 WHO AM I?

WEEK 4 HOW DOES GOD SPEAK?

WEEK 5 WHY IS CHURCH IMPORTANT?

WEEK 6 THE BATTLE

WEEK 7 WHERE IS GOD IN SUFFERING?

WEEK 8 WHAT AM I HERE FOR?

WEEK 9 *SERVE EXPERIENCE

WEEK 10 GOD + MONEY

WEEK 11 GO + TELL

WEEK 12 WHAT IS GOD’S WILL FOR MY LIFE?

This is a study that builds upon itself. So, we are asking for a high commitment of consistency and engagement from group members. This ensures that each participant, and the group as whole, gets the most out of it.

Here are expectations you can share with your group at the beginning of this study and reiterate each week:

• Bring your Bible (not your phone, your actual Bible) there is something about opening up a physical Bible that will be help you connect with the Word of God each week.

• Show up each week! We are asking each person to attend 10 of the 12 sessions.

• Be ready to participate during the group meeting and throughout the week. Do the devotions on your own and come ready to share how you saw God work each week.

This FOUNDATIONS Leader Guide is for you, the leader, to read through, look ahead and help guide your participants each week. For consistency, this guide will follow a very similar format each week. As the leader, be sure to look through these questions and outlines, giving yourself enough time to feel prepared. Additionally, be sure to watch the videos in advance, pray, do your devotions and come ready to facilitate the conversations each week.

Note that Week 9 will follow a different format than the other weeks. That week, you and your group will engage in serving your community together. We are asking you and your group to find a need in your community and meet that need. You and your group members are encouraged to research a way for your group to serve. Here are some suggestions as you plan for this Serve Experience:

• Sign up to serve at the Columbus Dream Center columbusdreamcenter.org

• Serve with Bed Brigade making beds for those in need and delivering those beds to their homes. bedbrigadecolumbus.org

• Look for a neighbor who you can serve as a group.

• Research non-profits in your area to serve alongside.

• Sign up to serve at one of Rock City Prison locations. (This takes a bit of time so would need to be chosen early on in the semester)

WEEKLY RHYTHM Example of each week’s group meeting:

As the leader, you are encouraged to feel out how long each section needs to be. This suggested timeline is here to simply serve as an example of how to facilitate your group. The prayer portion is a space for your group to grow into each week. As the leader, empower your group to take the entire 15 minutes to pray with one another. Allow your group to divide up into groups of 2-3 people each week and pray with one another. There is so much power in having people pray with and for one another.

We’re grateful for your willingness to step up and lead others through what we believe will be an impactful study and a season of immense growth.

WEEK 1

WHAT IS FOUNDATIONS?

OBJECTIVE

Everyone is encouraged to show up to FOUNDATIONS Kick-Off Night at your Rock City location with your group. You and your group will hear vision from your Campus Pastor and Small Groups team members about the importance of the FOUNDATIONS study and the importance of Small Groups at Rock City. This will also be a place for anyone in our church who would like to join a group to find a group and connect with their new group.

CHECKLIST

• Follow up with any group request you received.

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Text each group member the details and where and when you will meet for FOUNDATIONS KickOff Night.

• Give details and expectations to your group members, including the address and time that you will meet for Week 2 of the study.

• Be sure each member leaves FOUNDATIONS Kick-Off Night with their FOUNDATIONS book.

Your group is highly encouraged to attend FOUNDATIONS Kick-Off Night, where group members will be led through a program that includes the Week 1 video and some discussion questions. If you are unable to attend the kick-off event together, we have provided leader content for a Week 1 Small Group meeting below.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group, introduce and re-introduce people, create a comfortable and inviting environment.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

Go around and introduce yourself and share why you are here and what you are looking to get out of being in this group.

STORY: 3 MINUTES

As the small group leader, share your “Jesus” story, describing how you came into relationship with Jesus and how He has made an impact in your life. In each of the following weeks, you’ll be asking others in the group to share their story, so use this as an example of how each of the stories should be shared.

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Give a brief overview of expectations for your group, where you plan to meet, time and where to park. Share how your group plans to communicate throughout the semester.

“This week, we are going to spend some time introducing this study and talking about the importance of our coming weeks together.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Matthew 7:24-27

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

Lead the group through the reflection questions, encouraging them to even ask their own questions. (This is not the time for the leader to talk, but for participants to engage with each other. Rule of thumb: you talk 30% of the time, they talk 70% of the time.) Be sure that no one or two people dominate the conversation, but you’re facilitating and directing the participation of everyone.

QUESTION 1

What about this group excites you the most? What about this study of the foundations of our faith are you excited to learn more about?

QUESTION 2

List the things in your life that are currently serving as your foundation. How does your relationship with Jesus fit into this mix?

QUESTION 3

Do you think that it’s easier to build a strong foundation alone or as a team? Discuss how the role of others in your life can help strengthen your foundation.

QUESTION 4

Was there a time in your life when you felt like the ground was crumbling beneath you?

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split up into groups of two and pray through these topics:

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you learn and grow through this group.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

Introduce the materials and encourage members to engage in their weekly devotions for the coming week. Discuss any upcoming events or opportunities for them to take next steps (attending worship experiences, baptism, Rock City Connect, serving beyond our walls).

• Encourage your group members to download the Rock City App and set up their Rock City Dashboard to access personal next steps for each member.

WEEK 2 WHO IS GOD?

OBJECTIVE

Come prepared to dive into a conversation as people confront their perceptions of God. You’ll create space for your group to wrestle through the reality of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out a mid-week text to check in with Small Group members.

• Reiterate the commitment from the FOUNDATIONS book.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.).

• Introduce the Week 9 Serve Experience and encourage members to research an opportunity to serve.

• Select someone to share their story next week.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group, introduce and re-introduce people, create a comfortable and inviting environment.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

“Before we watch our video together, how did you see God work through your FOUNDATIONS devotions?

Were there any questions that came to mind as you dove into each devotional and reflection time? Let’s go around.”

STORY: 3 MINUTES

At least a few days in advance, ask one person from the group to share their story of what their life was like before Jesus and when they made the decision to follow Jesus. (Be sure to hold them to a 3-minute limit!)

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrate any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Use this as an opportunity to share the importance of accountability and commitments.

“Go ahead and show the group your signature from the commitment page.”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up the video and introduce Pastor Patrick Crawford.

“This week, we’ll be jumping into our first FOUNDATIONS topic: Who is God? This is a loaded question for many people—and likely a complex question for many of us to answer in confidence. There is just SO MUCH to the God that we serve.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

What may be known about God is plain to [us], because God has made it plain to [us]. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Romans 1:19-20

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

QUESTION 1:

How does this statement get you excited to learn more about God? God cannot be DEFINED by our own ideas, but He must be DISCOVERED according to his revelation.

QUESTION 2

How have you seen God in creation?

QUESTION 3

What has been your understanding of God being Three-in-One?

QUESTION 4

The Holy Spirit is a person. Up until now, what has been your understanding of the Holy Spirit? Has your perspective of the Holy Spirit changed?

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split up into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: Even if we don’t fully understand God, we still choose to submit anyway. Share one thing in your life you need to submit over to him. Take time praying over one another and the ways the Holy Spirit will work through what you have chosen to submit.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

• Show up next week

• As you look to next week’s topic of “Who Am I?” be sure to reflect on this subject and write down any questions you may have as you go through your devotions this week.

• If anyone has not yet been baptized, encourage them to pray about taking that next step (rockcitychurch.tv/baptism).

WEEK 3 WHO AM I?

OBJECTIVE

This week, we get into revealing our brokenness and the sin that is in our lives. Be prayerful about this week and come ready to allow space for people to confess their sins to one another. This week will also end with giving your group members an opportunity to commit their lives to Jesus. Read through the prayer and be ready if someone in your group is ready to take this next step.

*If yours is a co-ed group, during that portion of the group time, create space for men to be with men and women to be with women.

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out mid-week text to check in with Small Group members.

• Start looking into serving opportunities for the Week 9 Serve Experience.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s devotions.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.)

• Select someone to share their story next week.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group, introduce people, make it comfortable.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

Have you ever looked up the meaning of your name? Do you know the story of how your parents came up with your name?

STORY: 3 MINUTES

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrate any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Allow participants to share their thoughts on the previous week’s devotional and encourage them to ask any questions they had written down regarding last week’s topic.

“How did you see God move through you this week through your devotions?”

“What questions did you write down?”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up and introduce Pastor Patrick and the topic for this week’s video.

“Today’s topic will be all about answering the question Who Am I? Last week, we learned about who God is and now the next question to create a strong foundation is finding out who we are and how and why God created us. Let’s turn out attention to the video and lean in.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

God Created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. GENESIS 1:27

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

QUESTION 1

Close our eyes and reflect for a moment. How has sin affected your life? How has sin affected your parents and your grandparents’ lives?

QUESTION 2

Share how you’ve seen sin affect your relationship with Christ.

VIDEO (LAST 5 MINUTES)

Now let’s jump back to the video and here the good news!!

QUESTION 3

“Only when we understand the severity of our condition can we appreciate the lengths God went to free us from that condition.”

How does this phrase help you have more appreciation for what Jesus did for you on the cross?

QUESTION 4

Read Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, BUT the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How does this help you look at the people in your life from a different perspective?

QUESTION 5

If someone asked you to help lead them to Jesus, do you know how to do that?

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

*Note that this week we are getting more vulnerable than participants may feel comfortable with. However, this is what this group is for! James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Prayer Focus: Confess to one another where you feel sin has entered your life and pray healing over one another.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

“If you are here tonight and you want to make a decision to follow Jesus with your life, this is the best step you can take. If that’s you, I want to encourage us as a group to come alongside one another and have you pray that prayer tonight.”

“Jesus, I need You. I trust you as Lord and savior of my life, I recognize your presence here. I call upon Your name with every ounce of faith that I have. Even if it’s not a lot of faith I’m trusting you. Give me faith as I choose to follow You to live my life for You. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and forgive my every sin. Lead me daily by your presence and heal my heart in my mind and my body make me whole, full of peace and life and promise in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Additional next steps:

• Show up next week!

• Encourage group members to do their devotions and look into next week’s topic of How Does God Speak? Remind them to reflect on this subject and write down any questions they may have as they go through the book this week.

• If anyone has not yet been baptized, encourage them to pray about taking that next step (rockcitychurch.tv/baptism).

WEEK 4 HOW DOES GOD SPEAK?

OBJECTIVE

God is speaking to us on a regular basis, and when we are aware and position ourselves to listen, it’s life changing. This week, group members will reflect on how God is speaking to them and if they are listening.

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out mid-week text to check in with Small Group members.

• Decide what the Serve Experience will be for Week 9.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s topic.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.)

• Select someone to share their story next week.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group and create connections for group members to one another.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

“What is your choice of communication: text, phone call, Facetime, or in person?”

STORY: 3 MINUTES

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrate any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Allow participants to share their thoughts on the previous week’s devotional and encourage them to ask any questions they had written down regarding last week’s topic.

“How did you see God move through you this week through your devotions?”

“What questions did you write down?”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up and prepare for this week’s video teaching.

“Today’s topic will be all about how God speaks to us, but are we ready to listen? Let’s lean into this week and learn all about this topic together. Let’s keep building.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

John 10:3-4

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

QUESTION 1

The Bible is where we should go when we want to hear from God. How often do you find yourself reading God’s Word?

QUESTION 2

In addition to going to His word we also hear from God when we pray. What do you know about prayer? How has prayer (yours or someone else’s) impacted your life?

QUESTION 3

Share about a time you heard God speak to you. How did He guide you in a decision, a thought or a nudge to do something for someone, etc.?

QUESTION 4

In what ways are you currently waiting for God to speak to you?

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: Spend time with one another and share how you are hoping to hear God speak in your life.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

• Commit this week to spending each day reading the Bible, praying and sitting in quiet. Remember that time with God is never wasted, even if you don’t hear from Him. He is working!

WEEK 5

WHY IS THE CHURCH IMPORTANT?

OBJECTIVE

Help your group understand that we all crave to belong— it’s how God created us. And He started the Church and promised to build the church so that each as followers of Christ have a place to belong, be encouraged and be in relationship with others.

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out mid-week text to check in with Small Group members.

• Your Week 9 Serve Experience should be chosen by this week. Start giving group members details of time, locations, what to wear and what you will be doing.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s topic.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.).

• Select someone to share their story next week.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group and create connections for group members to one another.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

“If you were to choose a club, team or a group of people to belong to, who would it be and why?”

STORY: 3 MINUTES

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrate any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Allow participants to share their thoughts on the previous week’s devotional and encourage them to ask any questions they had written down regarding last week’s topic.

“How did you see God move through you this week through your devotions?”

“What questions did you write down?”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up and prepare for this week’s video teaching.

“We are learning today why the Church is important. There are many reasons that I think we could answer this question, so let’s lean in and learn together what God’s Word says.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Matthew 16:18

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

QUESTION 1

We gather as a church to EXPERIENCE the presence of God.

Share how you’ve experienced His presence when gathering together.

QUESTION 2

We gather to EDIFY and to BUILD UP the faith of believers.

When you hear that you have a part to play in the church, you’ve been given gifts, we submit to one another. How have you used your gifts in the church to build up others? If you aren’t currently, what are ways you’d like to take the step to play a part?

QUESTION 3

We gather to be EQUIPPED to take the Gospel beyond the walls of the church.

How do you feel you’ve been equipped to go into the world and spread the Gospel? What are ways you’d like to be better equipped?

QUESTION 4

We gather for EVANGELISM.

When we gather as believers, everything we do is with the unbeliever in mind knowing that the unchurched, the lost the ones who don’t know Jesus yet, might be in the room with us. If this is true, then in what ways do you live out your faith in every room to point people to Jesus? What adjustments in your life might you need to make if you say your life isn’t pointing people to Jesus?

QUESTIONS 5

We gather for PERSEVERANCE.

We gather as a local church, both on Sundays and in small groups to exhort one another toward godliness. How has being a part of this group been an encouragement to you? What about gathering consistently in church on Sunday has helped you feel encouraged?

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: Spend time with one another encouraging each other in the ways you’ve seen God working in that person’s life so far through this group.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

• Encourage group members to sign up for water baptism and be sure to invite your group to show up for anyone in your group who will be baptized (rockcitychurch.tv/baptism).

• Encourage group members to learn how they can play a part and use their gifts in the church by attending the next Rock City Connect (rockcitychurch.tv/connect). You can also attend Connect together as a group!

WEEK 6 THE BATTLE

OBJECTIVE

The same Gospel that makes peace with God also makes war with sin. When we say “yes” to Jesus, we are entering into a spiritual battle. We will discuss how to prepare for this battle, where the battle is, and how and when we choose to fight.

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out mid-week text to check-in with Small Group members.

• Announce Serve Experience details for Week 9. Share time, location, what to wear and what you will be doing.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s topic.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.)

• Select someone to share their story next week.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group and create connections for group members to one another.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

“Who was your biggest rival growing up? Or what team was your biggest rival?”

STORY: 3 MINUTES

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrate any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Allow participants to share their thoughts on the previous week’s devotional and encourage them to ask any questions they had written down regarding last week’s topic.

“How did you see God move through you this week through your devotions?”

“What questions did you write down?”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up and prepare for this week’s video teaching.

“We are learning today how we can best fight the battles that we either are in, are headed into or have already gone through. It’s time lean in and learn together what God’s Word says.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

When you were dead in your sins…God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins … And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:15

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

QUESTION 1

What battle(s) are you currently facing? Is it an external battle or is this a battle within your soul?

QUESTION 2

Share about a time when you resisted your sin nature and submitted it over to God.

QUESTION 3

Read Ephesians 6:10-20. Take turns going around in your group reading one verse at a time. How would memorizing this verse in the weeks to come help fight the battles you feel each day?

QUESTION 4

Share about a battle you have gone through. How did you see God work through the battle to bring about good to the situation?

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: Spend time sharing about a current battle, external or internal, and pray over how you can become a victor in this season.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

• Share specifics of your Serve Experience for Week 9.

WEEK 7

WHERE IS GOD IN SUFFERING?

OBJECTIVE

The reality of life is that we’ve either experienced suffering, we are suffering right now or we will suffer in the future. No matter which one of these seasons your group members are in, we remember that God the Father is ABOVE US, God the Son has gone BEFORE US, and God the Spirit is WITH US.

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Prepare for those that you may not know have suffered or are suffering. Ask the Lord to reveal and go before your group meeting to allow your group to really come around one another as you head into this week’s group meeting.

• Send out mid-week text to check in with Small Group members.

• Ensure your group members have all the information they need for your Serve Experience for Week 9.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s topic.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.).

• Select someone to share their story next week.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group and create connections for group members to one another.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

Have you ever broken any bones? If so, how did it happen? If not, have you had any other injuries?

STORY: 3 MINUTES

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrating any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Allow participants to share their thoughts on the previous week’s devotional and encourage them to ask any questions they had written down regarding last week’s topic.

“How did you see God move through you this week through your devotions?”

“What questions did you write down?”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up and prepare for this week’s video teaching.

“We are building on each week and this week is going to help each of learn how to be there for one another and how others can best help you if you are going through a season of suffering. Let’s lean into the video, and then we can dive into the questions for today.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

one or two people dominate the conversation, but you’re facilitating and directing the participation of everyone.

QUESTION 1

Have you ever seen someone go through suffering while at the same time responding with, “God you are so good?” How has that inspired you and your faith?

QUESTION 2

As you look at your suffering experience(s), what was revealed to you about your character? What did you learn about God’s character?

QUESTION 3

Who in your life is currently going through a time of suffering? How could you reach out to them this week and encourage them?

QUESTION 4

Have you ever put together a playlist of worship songs that you could use to prepare for a time you may or will go through suffering? What would it feel like to begin to worship God now before the suffering?

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: Spend time sharing if you are going through or have gone through suffering. Let the person pray over how God might reveal to you the goodness and mercy’s He gives us each day. If you are not going through suffering, pray now for how you will respond and be given the strength to go through suffering and come out closer to God on the other side.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

• Share specifics of the Serve Experience for Week 9.

• Encourage group members to reach out to a friend who is going through suffering or who has gone through suffering, encouraging them to use God’s Word to encourage their friends in this time.

WEEK 8 WHAT AM I HERE FOR?

OBJECTIVE

We ask these types of questions often, if not every day: What’s my purpose? Am I doing what I’m supposed to be doing? This week, you will have the opportunity to guide your group to look at how God has made each of us Together, we’ll be encouraged to use our lives to serve those around us, even if we aren’t where we thought we would be in life.

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out mid-week text to check in with Small Group members.

• Next week is your Serve Experience! Finalize and share all details of time, location, what to wear and what you will be doing.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s topic.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.).

• Select someone to share their story next week.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group and create connections for group members to one another.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

“What did you want to be when you were growing up?”

STORY: 3 MINUTES

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrate any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Allow participants to share their thoughts on the previous week’s devotional and encourage them to ask any questions they had written down regarding last week’s topic.

“How did you see God move through you this week through your devotions?”

“What questions did you write down?”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up and prepare for this week’s video teaching.

“Today we will lean into the difference we can make with the lives that we’ve been given. Are we stewarding our abilities, our gifts, our influence to build our kingdoms or are we using those to build GOD’S KINGDOM? Let’s learn together. Here we go!

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

John 13:14-15

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

QUESTION 1

In what ways do you see your work as a way to subdue the earth?

QUESTION 2

How are you stewarding, and how have you stewarded, the role that God has given you within your vocation?

QUESTION 3

Share a time when someone served you. How did that make you feel?

QUESTION 4

How does hearing and reading about Jesus choosing to wash the feet of His disciples inspire you to serve those whom you work alongside?

QUESTION 5

As a church, one of the ways we invite others into serving is by being a part of our Sunday ministry teams and our local and global Beyond Our Walls teams. Share about your experience serving. How and when did you start serving at Rock City?

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: Pray over the Serve Experience. Pray that God will go before your group and give you opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with the people you have the opportunity to serve.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

• Next week, you’ll meet for your Serve Experience. Share the details of where and when to meet and what you will be doing as a group.

WEEK 9

SERVE

OBJECTIVE

This week, you’ll create an opportunity for your group to get out of their comfort zones and serve people that they may not typically encounter. Help your group to create conversations around God and have them seek out ways to pray with the people you serve.

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out mid-week text to check in with Small Group members.

• Send a reminder of the Serve Experience details.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s topic.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.).

SMALL GROUP

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:14-17

SERVE: 60-90 MINUTES

Set up and prepare for the Serve Experience

“Today we will have the opportunity to serve, to put into practice what we learned last week of using our lives to serve those in our community. Lean into this experience today, ask the Lord to give you the words to encourage

someone, pray with them and simply be obedient to serving the people God brings into your life today.”

POST SERVE DISCUSSION: 10 MINUTES

Question 1: How did you see God work through you as you participated in the Serve Experience?

PRAYER: 10 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: Pray with your group at the end of your time serving.

WEEK 10 GOD + MONEY

OBJECTIVE

Our goal is to better understand how to be great stewards of all that God has given us. God has a lot to say about our possessions. In fact, one act of generosity saved us all.

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out mid-week text to check in with Small Group members.

• Check out the Ramsey+ free subscription to everyone at Rock City Church. Be ready to share this link with anyone in your group who would benefit from it.

• Three weeks remain in our semester. Begin to identify who in your group can lead a FOUNDATIONS group next Small Group session.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s topic.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.).

• Select someone to share their story next week.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group and create connections for group members to one another.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

“What are the last three transactions that have come out of your bank account?”

STORY: 3 MINUTES

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrate any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Allow participants to share their thoughts on the previous week’s devotional and encourage them to ask any questions they had written down regarding last week’s topic.

“How did you see God move through you this week through your devotions?”

“What questions did you write down?”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up and prepare for this week’s video teaching.

“Here we go, let’s talk about…GOD and MONEY. God has a lot to say about this topic. Let’s surrender what we may think about our money and dive in to hear how God wants us to use what He has entrusted us.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

Malachi 3:6-12

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

QUESTION 1

We learned that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Are you engaging in wise spending habits that honor the gifts God has entrusted you with? In what ways could you adjust your lifestyle to be a better steward?

QUESTION 2

We are created to be generous. Share about a time when you were the recipient of generosity. When were you able to be generous?

QUESTION 3

Share your tithe sstory. When did you start and how is it going? If you haven’t yet started tithing, what is the barrier to taking this step?

QUESTION 4

Have you ever given so much that it hurt? Would you say you did it freely and joyfully?

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: Share how you want to grow in this area of financial health. Then, ask for prayer that God would reveal ways to put what we learned into practice.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

• As a church, we have available a free online subscription that provides financial tools to learn and practice stewardship. Share the link from the leader hub and encourage group members to access the Ramsey+ Subscription for Financial Peace University, a budgeting app and additional resources to help in their financial journey.

• Encourage everyone in your group to take the “Get Started Assessment” from the Ramsey+ homepage to help identify what steps they need to take to grow in peace and freedom in their finances.

WEEK 11 GO + TELL

OBJECTIVE

This week, we’ll learn to share our Jesus story with others, and we’ll be encouraged to share it often. We may not be able to go into all the world and share the good news, but what about our world?

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out mid-week text to check in with Small Group members.

• Two weeks remain of our semester. Begin to identify who in your group can lead a FOUNDATIONS group next Small Group session.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s topic.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.).

• Select someone to share their story next week.

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group and create connections for group members to one another.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

“What’s the last experience that you told someone about that they just had to experience for themselves?”

STORY: 3 MINUTES

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrate any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Allow participants to share their thoughts on the previous week’s devotional and encourage them to ask

any questions they had written down regarding last week’s topic.

“How did you see God move through you this week through your devotions?”

“What questions did you write down?”

“Who filled out the Getting Started Assessment and signed up for a Ramsey+ subscription? And what did you learn?”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up and prepare for this week’s video teaching.

“Here we go. Two weeks remain of our FOUNDATIONS study. We’ve learned a lot about how we can serve, give and sacrifice, but what about sharing our story and inviting people in our world to follow Jesus? It might be easier than you think. Let’s check it out and keep building.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

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.”

Matthew 28:18-20

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

QUESTION 1

If you were to ask a close friend what your life is preaching, what do you think they would say?

QUESTION 2

Share about a time you have had the opportunity to share the Gospel. How did it go, and how do you think you grew?

QUESTION 3

In what ways would like to grow in sharing your story with others? In what ways could you get more practice sharing your story?

QUESTION 4

We can commit to do these three things consistently with our lives:

- SHOW the Gospel with your life.

- TELL your story of how Jesus changed your life.

- EXPLAIN the greater plot points of the Gospel.

Rate these 1 through 3, 1 being the easiest for you and 3 being the one you want to grow in the most.

PRAYER: 15 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: In your group, share a two- to three-minute version of how you met Jesus, what life was before and what it looks like now. Then, pray for how God may allow each of you to share your stories this week.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

• Remind group members that next week is the last week together for our FOUNDATIONS study.

• Small Group Leader Training: Tell your group that Rock City will be offering this study each time we

have a Small Group semester. There will be plenty of opportunity to see new leaders step up and lead these types of groups. If someone would like to learn more about leading a group of their own, encourage them to sign up for the next Small Group Leader Training event.

WEEK 12

WHAT IS GOD’S WILL FOR MY LIFE?

OBJECTIVE

This week, we’ll learn the will God has for our lives. Simple, right?! Maybe not. But we can take all that we have learned so far and see how God is leading, guiding and giving us answers when we submit and surrender to His Will.

CHECKLIST

• Pray over each group member by name.

• Send out mid-week text to check-in with Small Group members.

• Identify and invite those in your group who can lead a FOUNDATIONS group next Small Group semester to sign up for Small Group Leader Training.

• Invite group members to bring any questions from last week’s topic.

• Remind group members of upcoming Next Steps opportunities (Baptism, Connect, etc.).

SMALL GROUP

SOCIAL: 10 MINUTES

Welcome the group and create connections for group members to one another.

ICEBREAKER: 5 MINUTES

“What was the latest fork-in-the-road decision you ran into?”

STORY: 3 MINUTES

INTRODUCTION: 5 MINUTES

Remind attendees of the purpose of this group and the importance of their (and your) commitment to it. Celebrating any milestones or next steps of individuals in the group.

Allow participants to share their thoughts on the previous week’s devotional and encourage them to ask any questions they had written down regarding last week’s topic.

“How did you see God move through you this week through your devotions?”

“What questions did you write down?”

“Did you share your story with anyone in your world?”

VIDEO: 15 MINUTES

Set up and prepare for this week’s video teaching.

“This is it, our last week of FOUNDATIONS, and we are ending with a big question for all of us: what is God’s will for my life? When we know this answer, it will help set us free to live a life more devoted to Him. Let’s lean in and watch.”

READ: 2 MINUTES

Open your Bibles together and read through this week’s passage. Be sure that everyone is able to find the book, chapter and verses and encourage group members to take turns reading.

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

Proverbs 3:5-6

DISCUSSION: 30 MINUTES

QUESTION 1

Share an example of a time with you trusted God in the “not knowing.”

QUESTION 2

Sanctification is the process of becoming holy. It is a process, meaning it doesn’t take place over night. But it is unquestionably the will of God that you PROGRESS in this PROCESS. Put simply, if something doesn’t lead to you becoming more holy, it is NOT the will of God for your life.

Have you seen your life decisions in the past 12 weeks become more holy?

QUESTION 3

Foundations are not just meant to be maintained but to be built upon. What do you plan to keep doing so that you can build upon these past 12 weeks.

QUESTION 4

Which topic in our FOUNDATIONS study stretched and challenged you most? Why?

PRAYER:

15 MINUTES

Split into groups of two and pray.

Prayer Focus: Read 2 Peter 1:3-8

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray over which attribute you would like to increase in your life, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection or love.

NEXT STEPS: 5 MINUTES

Recap and celebrate the milestones the people of your group experiences throughout the semester.

• Small Group Leader Training: If you are someone that would like to learn more about leading a FOUNDATIONS group like this one next semester, let your leader know and they can give you the information to attend our next Small Group Leader Training.

• Encourage everyone in your group to keep up the spiritual rhythms they’ve been putting into place these past 12 weeks.