Bill Donahue & Steve Gladen
Building Biblical Community CELEBR ATE. LE A R N. LOV E. SERV E.
Building Biblical Community Small-Group Study Published by LifeWay Christian Resources ©2010 Bill Donahue and Steve Gladen All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photo-copying and recording, without express written permission of the publisher. Request for permission should be addressed to LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175. ISBN: 978-1-4158-6974-1 Item 005363571 Dewey Decimal Classification: 268.434 Subject Heading: CHURCH GROUP WORK \ SOCIAL GROUPS \ GROUPS Unless otherwise marked, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Scriptures marked NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. To order additional copies of this resource, order online at www.lifeway.com; write LifeWay Small Groups; One LifeWay Plaza; Nashville, TN 37234-0175; fax order to (615) 251-5933; or call toll-free (800) 458-2772. Printed in the United States of America Leadership and Adult Publishing LifeWay Church Resources One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0175
Contents From the Authors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 SESSION 1
Becoming a Celebrating Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Personal Devotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SESSION 2
Becoming a Learning Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Personal Devotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 SESSION 3
Becoming a Loving Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Personal Devotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 SESSION 4
Becoming a Serving Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Personal Devotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Leader Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Group Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
From the Authors When Jesus prayed in John 17:11 that we would be one as He and the Father are one, He was expressing the desire of the Trinity to see followers of Christ experience the same authentic, life-giving community Bill Donahue & Steve Gladen
He has with God and the Spirit. That’s remarkable—though He was facing the
cross, His heart was focused on building a community characterized by true fellowship and shalom (wholeness, peace, and joy). When Christ-followers gather in Jesus’ name, we are an answer to His prayer. And when that happens, all heaven breaks loose! There is power in community— healing, redemptive, transformational power. A place where Christ Himself is uniquely dwelling in the midst of His people. Our very first groups provided a small taste of the oneness Jesus prayed for. They were places filled with grace and truth. But they were far from perfect. (Actually, Steve’s group was perfect—until he joined it.) Yes, at times our groups were amazing and loving and healing and energizing. But other times they were bumpy and awkward and fragile and stuck. Why? Because small groups work perfectly … until people show up. But that’s the Kingdom opportunity—connecting in real groups with real people who have real problems, talents, and dreams. We come and boldly ask God to intervene in timespace history and do something remarkable, impossible, unforgettable in our lives. And then we agree to help one another along the way.
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So, even though the “group thing” was new to us at the time, we jumped in the deep end and have been swimming around ever since. Building Biblical Community is not hype or a smoke-and-mirrors vision of what could happen in the perfect group. It is a four-session process that asks participants to roll up their sleeves, engage, and take some risks to grow in the context of building solid relationships. It is grounded in biblical truth and designed for your participation and growth. And it also includes a lot of fun along the way. We have high hopes for this process, whether it is your first group or your twentyfirst. These four sessions will stretch you, refine your thinking, reformulate your mission, and renew your passion for community. And for first-timers, you will get started in the right direction, pursuing life with God as you connect with others. So go for it! We are praying for God to work among you, shaping all of you in the image of Christ together, so that you and this world will never be the same. Grace and peace, Bill & Steve P. S. The front cover of the study guide is designed with your group in mind! At the beginning of your first session, write your name on the cover of your book and then everyone else’s book. You might even want to take a group picture together. Start building community from Day 1!
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Session 1 BECOMING
A Celebrating Community
Joy is contagious. Joy brightens the face and lifts the heart. The practice of celebration is indeed an expression of joy, something we do together that allows us to laugh at ourselves, accept our trials, and remember that God is still good.
It has been said that community is the place where the person you least like to be with always lives. We don’t like to think about it, but there is some truth in that. We are called to love and connect with people we may not like, or who dislike us. It definitely takes maturity to love and build community in that setting.
But there is another side to community—the part that invites us into generous, caring, joy-filled relationships. That is the fun, exciting aspect of meeting new friends, getting to learn new truths about God, the world, and ourselves, and coming together to play, laugh, and enjoy life.
Our desire is that your group becomes such a community. But that requires getting to know each other—your stories, dreams, personalities, passions, bumps, and bruises—so you can celebrate what God is doing in and through each other and the group itself.
Our goal for the first session is that you begin to learn more about one another so you can become a community that celebrates being together.
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LEADER: (15 min.) Play DVD Segment 1.1 and have group members share in the following experience.
Reflect on the statement below, jot some notes, then discuss with the rest of the group. 1. I am attending this group because I hope/expect that ‌
You probably remember the first time you joined a group or team. Perhaps it was a study group, a sports team, or your first work group. Or maybe it was just a group of kids you hung out with in the neighborhood. 2. What do you remember about that group or team? What made it fun to be a part of? If it wasn’t fun, what was missing that would have made it so?
LEADER: (15 min.) Play DVD Segment 1.2. In this segment, Bill and Steve describe why celebration is essential in building a life-changing community. Then have group members share in the following experience.
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Place a mark on the continuum indicating your joy factor this week. I am experiencing much joy.
Joy—what’s that?
3. Explain why you find yourself there. What is it that stirs joy in you?
LEADER: (15 min.) Play DVD Segment 1.3 and then have group members share in the following experience.
Look at Acts 2:42-47 below and read it together. It mentions “a joyful and humble attitude” and a group of people who were “having favor with all the people” (NIV). Joy was at the center of this community. 42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to
the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. 43
Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being
performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.
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4. List some of the characteristics of this community that produced joy.
5. What role do you think community activities played in fostering this atmosphere of joy? Where have you seen that in your own life?
Joy may be a regular experience for you or perhaps at this moment the hassles of life just cloud it out. So think back for a moment and respond to the following question. 6. Describe a time when you felt built up, encouraged, and aďŹƒrmed. For example, think back to a birthday celebration or maybe a graduation party. What did the people around you do that filled you with joy?
LEADER: (30 min.) Play DVD Segment 1.4. Then have group members share in the following experience.
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Notes from Bill and Steve’s Teaching:
The Practice of Celebration Joy seems to revolve around three relationships: with God, self, and others. Usually we have cause to celebrate life in at least one of these relationships at any point in time. For now, let’s reflect on “self.” Focus on what’s going on in your own life. 7. Take a moment to reflect on God’s work in your life. What things can you celebrate? What could the group do to express joy for what God is doing or has done? Here are some ideas to get you started. + Worship together by listening to some music and reflecting on God. + Ask one or two people to tell stories of God’s specific work in their lives. + Give thanks: Ask everyone to finish the sentence, “I am so grateful to God because …”
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LEADER: (15 min.) Play DVD Segment 1.5 as a wrap-up to this session. Then have group members answer the following question. Close with prayer.
8. What I learned or experienced during this meeting:
Prayer Reminders
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Notes
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Session 1
Personal Devotions
Day 1 Rejoice! Nehemiah 8:10 10
Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and
send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.”
Our relationship with God produces joy in us, and that joy provides strength to weather the storms of life. Notice in this passage what the people are told to do. They have just completed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall, the one destroyed by Babylon. They have just finished a worship service (8:5-6) and now are celebrating the work of God. Even though they still have hardships and are sad for the 70 years in exile they experienced for their sin, they are told not to grieve but to rejoice. God has indeed done a great thing in their midst. Despite the failures and challenges you are facing, what has God done in and through you that prompts you to worship Him and celebrate His goodness? Reflect on practical ways to express your gratitude today.
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Day 2 Feasts and festivals: Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:1-17 14
Celebrate a festival in My honor three times a year (Ex. 23:14).
There were several Jewish festivals observed in ancient Israel. These were times set apart for worship, feasting, and celebration. It appears that God knew His people needed such times, and that they might not pause to actually declare His goodness and celebrate with joy otherwise. So He established “celebration rhythms” for their community. Here are some of the more popular feasts, festivals, or celebrations of the Jewish people. Some of these were given in Scripture and others passed down by tradition. Shabbat (Sabbath): A weekly time of rest and joy in the Lord Rosh Hashanah (New Year): A time of rest and a sacred assembly Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement; Lev. 23:26-32): A solemn assembly of confession and repentance, and a time of rest Rosh Kodesh (New Moon): Pausing to celebrate the gift of a new month Hanukkah (Feast of Lights, Feast of Dedication; John 10:22): Celebrating the Jews recovering sacred worship in the temple after being desecrated by Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 167 BC Feast of Purim (Esther): Celebrating Esther’s work to save the Jews from extinction in Persia in 464 BC Passover (Feast of Unleavened Bread; Ex. 23:15,18): Commemorates the departure of Israel from 430 years of slavery in Egypt Pentecost (Feast of Weeks or Feast of Harvest; Ex. 23:16): A feast 50 days after the Passover to celebrate the wheat harvest Building Biblical
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Feast of Ingathering (or Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Booths; Ex. 23:16): Commemorates the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness when the Israelites had no homes but lived in tents (booths); it celebrates the ingathering of the fruit harvest Sabbath Year Feasts (every 7 years; Lev. 25:2-7): No agricultural work is done and the land is given a “rest� for that year Jubilee Year Feast (every 49 years; Lev. 25:8-17): Slaves are returned to their original owners and all debts are forgiven1 Some of these feasts celebrate particular events; others mark the end of a season or era. You can do more study on these with a Bible encyclopedia or online study resources (such as MyStudyBible.com). How and when do you set aside time to celebrate what God has done? What traditions can you start that may help you mark eras and seasons of life? Spend some time thinking about when you can set aside specific time to thank God, alone and with others.
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Day 3 Join the celebration! Luke 15:11-32 32
But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead
and is alive again; he was lost and is found. What role does celebration have in this story? Would you be willing to celebrate the “homecoming� of a wayward sinner with joy, or would you be like the older brother?
If you have time, contrast the reactions and traits of the older brother with those of the runaway son. What strikes you? How do these characteristics exist in your own life? Runaway Son
Older Brother
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Day 4 Joy in the job: Luke 10:17-20 17
The Seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us
in Your name.” 19
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He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a lightning flash.
Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions
and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will ever harm you. 20 However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” There is joy in accomplishing God’s work. Think about a time you were serving Christ in some way. Why do you think service produces joy?
Look at Luke 15:1-10 (parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin) and try to find common elements in the two stories. What produces joy here?
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Day 5 Grab your net: “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”2 —Mother Theresa How have you found this to be true in your life?
Compare the quote above to Psalm 67 and ponder the role of joy in helping others find a relationship with the one true God. 1
May God be gracious to us and bless us; look on us with favor
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so that Your way may be known on earth (Ps. 67:1-2a).
How does this Psalm impact your worldview?
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Day 6 Finding joy in suffering: 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:6-9 6
You became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe
persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 1:6). 6
You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in
various trials 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Pet. 1:6-9). First, take some time to pray for brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer simply because they are believers.
Ask yourself how it’s possible that those who suffer for Christ can find joy. (Look at Matt. 5:11-12 for more insight into this.)
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Day 7 Spread the joy: Philippians 2:1-2 1
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if
any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. What can you do or say that may give someone else joy?
What would give you joy right now? What words would you like to hear, or acts done on your behalf that would cause you to smile?
1. Information in the “Feasts and Festivals” section is from Larry Walker, “Festivals” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 567-573. 2. Mother Theresa quote is available online at www.thinkexist.com.
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Welcome to Biblical Community! In the fast-paced society in which we live, it’s easy to see church as just another event on our calendars if we’re not careful. The early church modeled for us a different way of life, however, and we’ve drawn from their example and principles to create Building Biblical Community, a dynamic small-group resource. By focusing on four important aspects of community—celebrating, learning, loving, and serving—your group will experience the joy of biblical community as you journey together. Your Building Biblical Community study guide includes:
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Sound Bible teaching Group activities Core small-group principles and practices Daily devotions
So plan to bring the 1st century into the 21st as you embrace life together by Building Biblical Community!
Bill Donahue is a best best-selling author, consultant, and strategic voice for biblical community worldwide. After 18 years building Group Life with Willow Creek Community Church and the Willow Creek Association, Bill now focuses his energy creating innovative structures and strategies for establishing transformational groups and teams in churches and other organizations. Stay connected with Bill at www.drbilldonahue.com. Bill Donahue & Steve Gladen
Steve Gladen is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary with a concentration in Pastoral Counseling and has co-authored Big Ideas for Small Group Leaders. Steve oversees both the strategic launch and development of small groups and also the staff of the Small Group Network. In addition to his responsibilities as Small Groups Pastor of Saddleback Church, he does consulting and seminars throughout the country championing small groups.