One

A 4 PA R T S E R I E S O N R A C I A L R E C O N C I L I AT I O N

DENNIS ROUSE

A 4 PA R T S E R I E S O N R A C I A L R E C O N C I L I AT I O N

DENNIS ROUSE

Copyright © 2016 by __________ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published by LifeTogether.

Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman.

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

ISBN Printed in the United States of America

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Using This Workbook (Read This First) Outline for Each Session

04 06 08

SESSIONS Session One: Session Two: Session Three: Session Four:

The Challenge Freedom Healing the Political Divide The Weapon of Love

10 28 44 60

APPENDICES Frequently Asked Questions Small Group Agreement Small Group Calendar Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review)

78 80 81 82

SMALL GROUP LEADERS Hosting an Open House Leading for the First Time Leadership Training 101 Prayer and Praise Report Small Group Roster

86 87 88 90 91

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INTRODUCTION I want to welcome everyone to a new series that I believe could be one of the most important topics of our time! The series is simply called “ONE” and over the next few weeks we are going to dive into one of the most challenging themes in our nation, “How to heal the racial divide”! As tension continues to build in our society between the races, it’s clear that our society has become more divided than ever and is in desperate need of healing. As events continue to unfold almost daily reminding of us of this tension, the question is where will that healing come from?

During the Martin Luther King era, the church stayed silent on these issues and relied on government to solve the mounting divide that was happening in our nation. Now we can no longer afford to stay silent any longer and our goal in this series is to take you on a journey through God’s Word and find out how to bring this nation back together! We’re going to start at the beginning of the Bible and discover how this divide happened and then find out what God says about hot topics like Immigration, Black Lives Matter, Politics and Race, etc. During the series we will be using a town hall format in our small groups featuring lively discussions led by our pastors talking about some of these issues from each cultural side. While it’s going to be exciting, it’s also going to require the church to be mature and move beyond the wounds of our past and demonstrate to the world what it looks like to live in unity together.

We challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and invite your friends into the discussion. Let’s find out what it takes to be “ONE”!

DENNIS AND COLLEEN ROUSE Founding and Senior Pastors Victory World Church

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USING THIS WORKBOOK TOOLS TO HELP YOU HAVE A GREAT LIFEGROUP EXPERIENCE!

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1. Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices.

Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

2. If you are leading or co-leading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you tips for effective leadership, encourage you, and help you avoid a few common obstacles.

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

4. Enjoy your Small Group experience.

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

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

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OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION A typical group session for the One study will include the following sections. Read through this to get a clear idea of how each group meeting will be structured: WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. Each session opens with a Memory Verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but we believe memorizing scripture is a powerful way to grow spiritually. We encourage you to give this important habit a try. The verses for each session are also listed in the appendix.

INTRODUCTION. Each lesson opens with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about that week’s topic. Make it a practice to read these before the session. You may want to have the group read them aloud.

SHARE YOUR STORY. The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and His family. You build that connection by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who have earned your trust. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you choose.

HEAR GOD’S STORY. In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching in order to hear God’s story—and begin to see how your story aligns with His. When the 8

study directs you to, you’ll watch a short teaching segment on video. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of scripture and discuss both the teaching and the text. The goal isn’t to accumulate information, but to apply the insights from scripture to your daily life.

STUDY NOTES. This brief section provides additional commentary, background, or insights on the passage you’ve studied or on some aspect of the video teaching.

CREATE A NEW STORY.

In this section, you’ll have an opportunity to go beyond Bible study to biblical living. This section will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing your faith, or worshiping God. FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY. If you have time and want to dig deeper into more Bible passages about the topic, we’ve provided additional passages and questions.

You can use them during the meeting or as homework. Your group may choose to read and prepare before each meeting in order to cover more biblical material. Or, group members can use the additional study section during the week after the meeting. If you prefer not to do study homework, this section will provide you with plenty to discuss within the group. These options allow individuals or the whole group to expand their study while still accommodating those who can’t do homework or are new to your group.

DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages, we provide scriptures to reflect on between sessions. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read just a small portion of scripture each day, and pray through it. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. Use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear from God and talk to him!

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THE CHALLENGE

As a nation that has historically welcomed immigrants and refugees from the around the world, America is home to hundreds – perhaps thousands! – of different people groups, races, and cultures. As a country with a legacy of slavery, America is also home to prejudice, racism, and cultural tension.

As Christians, we are not to ignore these realities nor despair over them. Instead, our calling as Christ-followers is to explore what the Word has to say, examine our own hearts, and engage in God-honoring conversations about these issues. Today we kick things off by studying what it means to be reconcilers in a divided world, and how our connections in Christ are more important than the divisions of culture.

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For i f, wh i le we were G od ’s enem ie s , we were reconc i led to h i m t h rou gh

t he deat h of h is S on, how muc h more , hav i ng b e en reconc i led , sha l l we b e saved t h rou gh h is l i fe! Roma ns 5:10

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LEADER NOTES

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If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone – you may even want to have name tags for this first meeting.

Open your group with a brief prayer asking God for insight as you study. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Before you start this first meeting, get contact information for every participant.

Take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page 91 or a blank sheet of paper. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group during the week.

Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to review your values. On page 80 is a Small Group Agreement with important values for sustaining healthy, balanced groups.

Choose one or two of these values – ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in – to emphasize during this study.

The Small Group Calendar on page 81 is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Consider rotating hosts and leaders and take a few minutes to plan future meetings.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

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Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

QUESTIONS What brought you here? What do you hope to get out of this group? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Why is racial reconciliation such an important topic to study and discuss? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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WATCH THE DVD Use the Notes space on the next page to record your thoughts and questions as well as the things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and start the conversation.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY

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Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced on the DVD and the Bible passage below.

READ EPHESIANS 4:11-16.

QUESTIONS

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 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.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

How does serving each other build the church? How does it create opportunities for reconciliation?

What is required for growing in maturity? (verse 13)

What happens if we remain spiritual infants?

How do we speak the truth in love?

How does this help us grow?

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STUDY NOTES Several times in this week’s teaching, Pastor Dennis talked about the importance of prioritizing Kingdom culture over our individual earthly cultures. Although we come from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds, each with their own traditions and practices, as Christians we are united as citizens of God’s Kingdom. Our earthly cultural values are not necessarily wrong, but the values and priorities of God’s Kingdom should take precedence.

So what does it mean to live in the Kingdom? What are the cultural values we are called to as God’s people? Here are some verses that explain what it means to be Kingdom people.

THINK ABOUT IT For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

Romans 14:17-18 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

Luke 17:20-21

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3-10 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26-28

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CREATE A NEW STORY In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

QUESTIONS The four barriers to reconciliation are spiritual warfare, conflicting perspectives, cultural idolatry, and wounds from the past. Which one do you struggle with the most?

This week how will you interact with the Bible? Can you commit to spending time in the Daily Devotions? Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

Give each person an opportunity to share prayer requests.

If you’d like, you can write these on the Prayer and Praise report on page 90.

Close your meeting with prayer.

Why is humility so important to racial reconciliation?

Why are we so quick to categorize people by race or culture? How is fear related to racism?

FAMILY

(IMMEDIATE OR EXTENDED)

What can you do to improve your relationships with other cultures?

FAMILIAR (NEIGHBORS, KIDS, SPORTS TEAMS, SCHOOL, AND SO FORTH)

Take a look at the Circles of Life diagram below and 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. Would they be open to joining the group? Share your lists with the group so you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

FUN

(GYM, HOBBIES, HANGOUTS)

FRIENDS

FIRM (WORK)

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY

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Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

READ 1 JOHN 4:15-21.

READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:16-21.

What does it mean to “rely on” love?

How does love help us to live like Jesus?

Can you think of some worldly points of view that we use when considering others?

How does the love of God drive out earthly fears?

What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ?

Explain why it is impossible to love God, yet hate other people.

How do we participate in the ministry of reconciliation? What does it mean to be an ambassador for God? Be specific.

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS

1 2 3 DAY

DAY

DAY

JOHN 1:17.

EPHESIANS 4:4-6.

ROMANS 5:10.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

Reflect: Loving others is not about following rules, and we can’t “think” our way to the love God has called us to.

What does it mean to balance both grace and truth in our conversations with others?

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Reflect: What does it mean to be part of one body, one faith, and one baptism? How does this truth lead us to be people of reconciliation?

Reflect: How does Jesus’ death reconcile us to God? What implications does this have for the way we live?

4 5 6 DAY

DAY

DAY

1 PETER 4:8.

COLOSSIANS 1:19-20.

Use the following space to reflect on what you learned this week and what God is saying to you.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Reflect: Intentional conversations and seeking to understand others are so important. But let’s remember that all of our efforts should be rooted in love.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Reflect: As we close this week, take some time to thank God for reconciling us to himself and giving us peace. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice!

Look for ways to reconcile with other cultures.

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2 FREEDOM

Bob Dylan famously sang that “everybody’s gotta serve somebody.” Some people are slaves to their work or their addictions or their ego, and some people are slaves to prejudice. This form of enslavement to racism and bigotry not only limits our growth as people of faith, it also limits our ability to experience the life of love God has for us.

Fortunately, as Christians we don’t have to be captive to any of these things. Today we’ll look at how we can find freedom by seeking God’s heart on racial reconciliation and choosing to serve Him above all.

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I have come t hat t he y may have l i fe , a nd have it to t he f u l l .

Joh n 10 :10

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SHARE YOUR STORY

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Open your group with a brief prayer asking God for insight as you study. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Then begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking:

QUESTIONS What are some of the messages we get from the media about prejudice and racial issues? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Share something you learned in your Daily Devotions this past week. __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

In the last session we asked you to write some names in the Circles of Life diagram. Who did you identify as the people in your life who need to meet Jesus? Go back to the Circles of Life diagram on page 23 to help you think of various people you come in contact with on a regular basis; people who need to know Jesus more deeply. Consider ideas for action and make a plan to follow through on one of them this week.

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WATCH THE DVD Use the Notes space on the next page to record your thoughts and questions as well as the things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and start the conversation.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY

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Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced on the DVD and the Bible passage below.

READ PSALM 133:1-3.

QUESTIONS

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.

3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

What does it mean to live in unity?

Does it mean we are all the same?

Check out the study notes for more on the analogy in verse 2. Then reflect on verse 3. How is unity and cooperation among God’s people like fresh dew?

What are some of the ways God blesses unity?

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STUDY NOTES Although we can all agree with the first verse of Psalm 133, the second verse might seem totally strange. Why does the Psalmist talk about pouring oil on a person’s head, and what does that have to do with loving other people in God’s family?

In Exodus 29 we see the origin of this practice. Here, Aaron is set apart as a priest and in verse 7 God instructs the people, “Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.” The oil consecrates Aaron, making him holy and, by extension, consecrating the entire nation of Israel.

Notice also that throughout this Psalm, things are descending: the oil is running down, the dew is falling down, and the Lord is bestowing His blessing down on us. The Psalm seems to be saying that just as the oil flowed down over Aaron’s head and shoulders, the example of God’s people living in unity and love for each other will influence others and serve as a symbol of God’s presence.

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CREATE A NEW STORY In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

QUESTIONS The six areas where can experience the captivity of prejudice are family, friends, personal experience, economics, media, and the church.

Which of these affect you the most?

React to Colleen’s story about giving another, more positive experience to the girl working in the store instead of immediately taking offense. How can you practice this kind of patience and love in your own life?

When you were growing up, what was your family’s attitude toward other races?

How is tolerance different from reconciliation?

How does the media influence prejudice? How does prejudice limit us?

Here are some simple ways to connect with God. Tell the group which ones you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

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

Daily Devotions. The Daily Devotions provided in each session offer an opportunity to read a short Bible passage five days a week during the course of our study. Take time to read carefully and reflect on the passage. Write down your insights about what you read each day. Copy a portion of scripture on a card and tape it somewhere in your line of sight, such as your car’s dashboard or the bathroom mirror.

Or text it to yourself! Think about it when you sit at red lights or while you’re eating a meal. Reflect on what God is saying to you through these words. On the sixth day summarize what God has shown you throughout the week.

Give each person an opportunity to share prayer requests.

If you’d like, you can write these on the Prayer and Praise report on page 90.

Do you have any experiences that have tainted your view of of other races? What are some specific ways you can love other races as much as you love people from your own race?

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY

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Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

READ 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23.

READ 2 CORINTHIANS 3:17-18.

What does it mean to “become a slave” to others? How does entering into the experience of others allow us to share the gospel with them?

How does the Spirit of the Lord bring freedom?

How is this way of living actually a path to freedom?

What are some ways you can apply this teaching to your own life?

What does it mean to be transformed into His image? How should this truth cause us to live?

How does our freedom to be in relationship with God affect our relationship with others?

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS

1 2 3 DAY

DAY

DAY

MARK 12:30-31.

MATTHEW 16:24-25.

JOHN 10:10.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Reflect: Why are these the greatest commandments? How are they connected?

Reflect: What does it mean to take up your cross? How does “losing” your life this way actually help you find it?

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Reflect: What are some of the ways “the thief” tries to destroy life? What is the full life Jesus wants to give us?

4 5 6 DAY

DAY

DAY

GALATIANS 5:13.

JOHN 8:32.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Use the following space to reflect on what you learned this week and what God is saying to you.

Reflect: What are some negative ways we can abuse our freedom in Christ? What does God call us to instead?

Reflect: When we are growing in God’s truth, we experience the freedom He wants for us.

Ask that this study would help you understand His truth in a deeper way and find greater freedom to love.

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HEALING THE POLITICAL DIVIDE In our first week together, we talked about the difference between the cultural values of the world and the cultural values of the Kingdom. However, it is one thing to know intellectually that as Christians we are part of a higher Kingdom, and it’s something else to live that way – especially when the conversation turns to politics!

The racial divisions in our country are real, and so is the ongoing political divide that so often separates us. Both of these aspects of life affect us deeply, but God has a lot to say about how we live in the tension between right and left. Today we’ll talk about the role of the church in bringing healing to our nation and how we can be citizens of both an earthly country and a heavenly Kingdom.

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R ighteousne s s a nd just ice a re t he

fou nd at ion of you r t h rone; love a nd fa it h f u l ne s s go b efore you.

Psa l m 89:14

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SHARE YOUR STORY

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Open your group with a brief prayer asking God for insight as you study. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Then begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking:

QUESTIONS How would you describe the political climate of our country right now? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Share something you learned in your Daily Devotions this past week. __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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WATCH THE DVD Use the Notes space on the next page to record your thoughts and questions as well as the things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and start the conversation.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY

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Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced on the DVD and the Bible passage below.

READ ISAIAH 58:6-12.

QUESTIONS

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sunscorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Why does God compare resisting oppression to a form of fasting? How is our treatment of the oppressed a form of worship?

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How do we witness to the character of God when we obey the commands in this passage? (verse 8)

What is the connection between judgment of others and justice for others? (verse 9-10)

What are the promises God gives His people in this passage if they live with righteousness and justice?

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STUDY NOTES Pastor Dennis mentioned that God gave the Israelites specific instructions about how to treat the foreigners and immigrants among them. While we certainly can’t take every specific aspect of these verses and apply it to every aspect of 21stcentury America, there are values and principles we can learn from. What do the following verses teach you about the issues we’ve discussed this week?

THINK ABOUT IT “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:9-10 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.

Deuteronomy 10:17-19 If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever.

Jeremiah 7:5-7

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CREATE A NEW STORY In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

QUESTIONS How is our country divided on justice issues? How is it divided on righteousness? Do you have one that you often lean toward?

How is identification with different political parties often tied to our identification with race or ethnicity?

How does the Church fit into this issue?

What steps will you take this week to grow in your relationship with God? If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention to scripture this week. If you’ve been reading God’s Word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group what you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

Give each person an opportunity to share prayer requests.

If you’d like, you can write these on the Prayer and Praise report on page 90.

Close your meeting with prayer.

Why does fear lead to prejudice?

How can the church minimize fear and maximize understanding?

What are you doing to gain a better understanding of others’ views?

What is one positive thing you can do as a response to this week’s conversation?

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY

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Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

READ ACTS 2:1-12.

READ ROMANS 13:1-5.

Why do you think God chose such a dramatic way to display His power?

What does it mean to be subject to authority?

Why was it so important that every people group heard its own language?

How does this story illustrate God’s heart for the nations?

Why should we respect our government leaders?

How does following the teaching in this passage lead to peace? How does it lead to a stronger witness for Christ?

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS

1 2 3

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DAY

DAY

DAY

ISAIAH 56:1.

MATTHEW 28:18.

PSALM 146:9.

Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

Reflect: What are some ways you can work to maintain justice in your own neighborhood? In your workplace?

Reflect: How does it change your perspective on political issues to remember that Jesus is your ultimate authority?

Reflect: In ancient times, foreigners and those without fathers or husbands often lived poor and hopeless lives. If God cares for their future, how should we care for them?

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1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2.

1 PETER 2:17.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Use the following space to reflect on what you learned this week and what God is saying to you.

Reflect: As we consider this issues discussed this week, it’s important to remain people of prayer – whether we voted for our leaders in office or not!

Take some time to pray for our national and local leaders today.

Reflect: What is the difference between fearing and honoring?

What does this passage teach us about living in the world while living in the Kingdom?

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THE WEAPON OF LOVE The world is full of messages about love. Movies, music, and novels lift up romantic love. Apps and websites help us get a date, and books and conference speakers coach us on how to improve our marriages. We are a society focused on love.

However, as Christians we are called to a higher kind of love.

While some of us might be part of a romantic relationship, all of us are part of God’s family and part of His mission to love the world – even those who hurt us, persecute us, misunderstand us, and mistreat us. Today we’ll talk about how we respond with supernatural love to the challenges of our time and how the church can battle racism and hatred with the weapon of love.

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For t he ent i re l aw is f u l f i l led i n k e epi ng t h is one com ma nd : “ L ove you r neighbor a s you r s el f.�

G a l at ia ns 5:14

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SHARE YOUR STORY

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Open your group with a brief prayer asking God for insight as you study. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Then begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking:

QUESTIONS Share something you learned in your Daily Devotions this past week. __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What has surprised you most about this group? Where did God meet you over the last three weeks? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Take some time for each person to share about how they’ve done with inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your small group. What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

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WATCH THE DVD Use the Notes space on the next page to record your thoughts and questions as well as the things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and start the conversation.

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HEAR GOD’S STORY

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Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced on the DVD and the Bible passage below.

READ MATTHEW 5:43-48 (NKJV)

QUESTIONS

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Why do we pray for those who persecute us and love our enemies?

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How does God’s love for all people model the way we are called to love?

How are we called to a higher love than those who don’t follow God? How is our love different from the love of the world?

We can’t be perfect in our own power.

What do you think Jesus means by ending His teaching this way?

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STUDY NOTES In our culture, the word love is overused and misunderstood.

We use the same word to describe our enthusiasm for a hobby (“I just love reading mystery novels�) as we do to describe our love for our spouse, family or even God. But ancient Greek, the original language of the New Testament, had four words that meant love. There is eros, which is sexual and romantic love. There is storge, the affectionate love for family and community. There is phileo, the love between good friends, and agape, the self-sacrificing and unconditional love we are called to as Christians.

All four kinds of love are important, but agape love is what sets Christianity apart. The world understands sexual and romantic love. Unbelievers are able to experience love for their family, friends, and neighbors. But only God can give us the kind of love that overcomes hatred, racism, and injustice.

Jesus showed us this love by dying for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) and God extends this same love to us each day. Because God loves us with agape love, we’re called to love others with similar selflessness.

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CREATE A NEW STORY How has God changed your story during this study? What new things is He asking you to do? What truth has transformed your heart? Think about specific steps you want to take to apply what you’ve learned.

QUESTIONS What is the difference between reacting and responding? How does fear drive us to react?

Close by praying for your prayer requests and take a couple of minutes to review the praises you have recorded over the past four weeks on the Prayer and Praise Report on page 90. Spend some time thanking God for all He’s done in your group during this study.

Why is it important to reflect before we respond?

What are some ways Jesus was mistreated and persecuted? Read Isaiah 53:7. How did Jesus respond to mistreatment? What does it mean to follow His example?

Why is bitterness so toxic to our lives?

If your group still needs to make decisions about continuing to meet after this session, have that discussion now. Talk about who will lead and when you will meet.

Review your Small Group Agreement on page 80 and evaluate how well you met your goals. Discuss any changes you want to make as you move forward.

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY

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Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

READ 1 CORINTHIANS 13.

READ 2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5.

The word used for love in this passage is “agape,” which means a self-sacrificing love like God has for us. (See this week’s Study Notes for more on this idea.) Why would the apostle Paul have chosen this word when writing? Does it affect the meaning of these verses for you?

What are some “strongholds” the weapon of love can demolish?

What attribute of love that’s listed here is easiest for you to live out?

Which one is most difficult?

How can this weapon change minds and hearts?

What does it mean to take our thoughts captive?

What does it mean to delight in evil?

What is that contrasted with rejoicing in the truth?

How is love greater than faith and hope?

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS

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1 CORINTHIANS 16:13-14.

JAMES 1:19-20.

PHILIPPIANS 2:5-6 (NLT).

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.

Reflect: The kind of love God calls us to is not weak! Ask Him for the courage and faith to love others in challenging times.

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Reflect: This is a hard teaching!

How is this connected to responding instead of reacting? What does human anger lead to?

Reflect: How does Jesus model humility and love? Ask for His help in having this attitude in your relationships with others.

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1 JOHN 4:8.

GALATIANS 5:14.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.�

Use the following space to reflect on what you learned this week and what God is saying to you.

Reflect: Why is fear related to punishment? How does the love of God overcome fear?

Reflect: How does loving others fulfill every law? What does it mean to love others the way you love yourself?

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APPENDIX RESOURCES TO MAKE YOUR LIFEGROUP EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!

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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 Group Agreement (page 80) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins.

Can we do this study on our own?

Absolutely! This may sound crazy, but one of the best ways to do this study is not with a full house but with a few friends. You may choose to gather with another couple or a few friends who would enjoy going out for dinner and then walking through this study.

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 study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. However, don’t bail out before the four weeks are up—God might have something to teach you. Also, don’t run from conflict or prejudge people before you have given them a chance. God is still working in your life, too!

Who is the leader?

Most groups have an official leader.

But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. Healthy groups often rotate hosts and leaders on a regular basis.

This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution, and develop their gifts.

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How do we handle the childcare needs in our group?

Very carefully. Seriously, this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest that you empower the group to openly brainstorm solutions. You may try one option that works for a while and then adjust over time. One approach is for adults to meet in the living room or dining room and to share the cost of a babysitter (or two) who can watch the kids in a different part of the house.

This way, parents don’t have to be away from their children all evening when their children are too young to be left at home. A second option is to use one home for the kids and a second home (close by or a phone call away) for the adults. A third idea is to rotate the responsibility of providing a lesson or caring for the children.

This can be an incredible blessing for kids. Finally, the most common solution is to decide that you need to have a night to invest in your spiritual lives individually or as a couple and to make your own arrangements for childcare. No matter what decision the group makes, the best approach is to dialogue openly about both the problem and the solution.

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SMALL GROUP AGREEMENT OUR PURPOSE: To provide an environment where the Christian life can be lived out and a person who is at any point of his discipleship journey can learn what it means to take steps. To be a place to be known and cared for.

GROUP ATTENDANCE

To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent. (Completing the Group Calendar on page 81 will minimize this issue.)

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

To 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 fellow group members with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections.” We are all works in progress.

CONFIDENTIALITY

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

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR GROWTH

To be not just takers but givers of life. We want to spiritually multiply our life by serving others with our God-given gifts.

SHARED OWNERSHIP

To remember that every member is a minister and to ensure that each attender will share a small team role or responsibility over time.

ROTATING HOSTS/LEADERS AND HOMES

To encourage different people to host the group in their homes and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Group Calendar on page 81.)

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GROUP CALENDAR DATE

LESSON

HOST HOME

REFRESHMENTS

LEADER

Monday Jan 15

1

Bill

Joe

Bill

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MEMORY VERSES SESSION ONE

SESSION TWO

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Romans 5:10

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John 10:10

SESSION THREE

SESSION FOUR

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Psalm 89:14

Galatians 5:14

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LIFEGROUP LEADERS KEY RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE BE THE BEST IT CAN BE.

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HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE If you’re starting a new group, try planning an “open house” before your first formal group meeting. Even if you have only two to four core members, it’s a great way to break the ice and to consider prayerfully who else might be open to joining you over the next few weeks. You can also use this kick-off meeting to hand out study guides, spend some time getting to know each other, discuss each person’s expectations for the group and briefly pray for each other. A simple meal or good desserts always make a kick-off meeting more fun.

After people introduce themselves and share how they ended up being at the meeting (you can play a game to see who has the wildest story!), have everyone respond to a few icebreaker questions: - - -

What was your favorite childhood game and why?

What is one thing you love about your church/our community?

What are three things about your life growing up that most people here don’t know?

Next, ask everyone to tell what he or she hopes to get out of the study. You might want to review the LifeGroup Agreement and talk about each person’s expectations and priorities.

You can skip this kick-off meeting if your time is limited, but you’ll experience a huge benefit if you take the time to connect with each other in this way.

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LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME Sweaty palms are a healthy sign. The Bible says God is gracious to the humble. Remember who is in control; the time to worry is when you’re not worried. Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to speak through.

Ask for feedback so you can grow. Perhaps in an email or on cards handed out at the study, have everyone write down three things you did well and one thing you could improve on. Don’t get defensive. Instead, show an openness to learn and grow.

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.

Prayerfully consider launching a new group. This doesn’t need to happen overnight, but God’s heart is for this to take place over time. Not all Christians are called to be leaders or teachers, but we are all called to be “shepherds” of a few someday.

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

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.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and watch the Leadership Training Sessions. Consider writing in a journal or fasting for a day to prepare yourself for what God wants to do. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.

Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the baton to next week. It’s only fair. God is ready for the next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled. Make it fun, and expect God to do the rest.

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LEADERSHIP 101 Congratulations! You have responded to the call to help lead your group. As you prepare to lead, whether it is one session or the entire series, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind.

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

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

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

3. Just be yourself. If you won’t be you, who will?

God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you!

Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

4. Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion.

These exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, not just talk about it. Be sure you understand how an exercise works, and bring any necessary supplies (such as paper and pens) to your meeting. If the exercise employs one of the items in the appendix, be sure to look over that item so you’ll know how it works. Finally, review “Outline for Each Session” so you’ll remember the purpose of each section in the study.

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5. Pray for your group members by name. Before you begin your session, go around the room in your mind and pray for each member by name.

You may want to review the prayer list at least once a week. Ask God to use your time together to touch the heart of every person uniquely.

Expect God to lead you to whomever He wants you to encourage or challenge in a special way. If you listen, God will surely lead!

6. When you ask a question, be patient. Someone will eventually respond. Sometimes people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question. 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 smaller groups each week. If your group has more than seven people, we strongly encourage you to have the group gather at times in discussion circles of three or four people during the Hear God’s Story or Change Your Story sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply what they’re learning more quickly, and ultimately get more out of it. A small circle also encourages a quiet person to participate and tends to minimize the effects of a more vocal or dominant member. 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.

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

10. One final challenge (for new or first time leaders): Before your first opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below. Read each one as a devotional exercise to help yourself develop a shepherd’s heart. Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more than ready for your first meeting.

Matthew 9:36 1 Peter 5:2-4 Psalm 23 Ezekiel 34:11-16 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12

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PRAYER & PRAISE REPORT .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................

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SMALL GROUP ROSTER NAME

A D D R ES S

PH O N E #

EM A I L

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