What was your favorite musical group when you were in Junior High?

The Power of Encouragement

Facilitator Instructions: The words in italic are possible answers you are looking for as you lead the discussion. Give a number of people time to answer the questions before you try to answer the question. Also, always have group members look up the Scriptures in their Bibles while one group member reads.

As you lead the discussion, be open to the Holy Spirit and what He is doing during the meeting. You may never get beyond one or two questions if they are provoking a great discussion. It may also be that someone in the group needs important ministry because of what the discussion opened in their heart. Take the time to allow the Holy Spirit to minister the person through your group members.

Ice Breaker: What has been the hardest job you've ever had? What made it so difficult?

Opening Question: When you were a child, who did you feel loved you the most? How did that person show love to you?

Bible Study Discussion: The Power of Encouragement.

In this study you group members will gain an in-depth perspective on what true fellowship in the church is all about.

Facilitator: Have someone read the following passage of Scripture

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Facilitator: Share the following with your group.

This passage of Scripture contains understanding on our role as functional members of the body of Christ. These two verses contain a wealth of information that indicates very clearly how we are to regard our participation in the church and community life.

Opening Story to Share:

Long ago a country pastor paid a visit to a man in his congregation. This man attended church infrequently, always finding excuses for his lack of attendance. Upon entering this man's home, the pastor walked over to the fireplace, picked up the tongs, removed a coal from the fire, and placed it by itself on the hearth. The man thought his action very strange, but as they talked, the force of the pastor's illustration hit home. If you spread out the coals of a fire, the flame will soon go out. But coals burning brightly together can warm, comfort, and protect. We are "living coals," designed by God to burn brightest when brought together in close association. And in case you were wondering, the man agreed to attend church next Sunday.

The key question to be asked repeatedly throughout the study is: What do we learn about being a contributor to the church through our relationships? By examining these verses, we will gain an in-depth perspective on what fellowship in the church