Christine Cain - Propel - Book 1 - Print Curriculum by Lifetogether Ministries

C O N V E R S AT I O N S E R I E S

Propel Women

CHRISTINE CAINE LISA HARPER MERCY LOKULUTU ALLI WORTHINGTON B I A N C A O LT H O F F

welcome

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. Photos by Kat Harris Photography and Sidney Morgan Photography, used with permission. ISBN: 978-1-940077-56-7 Printed in the United States of America

intro

contents

Introduction by Christine Caine

Your Hosts

Outline for Each Session

sessions

appendix

Propel Chapter and Group Values

Chapter and Group Calendar

A Few Tips from the Wise

Leader Guide

20 28 36 44 52

SESSION ONE

BALANCE: THE MYTH OF HAVING IT ALL SESSION TWO

DECISION MAKING SESSION THREE

COMMUNICATION SESSION FOUR

OUR THOUGHTS: MINDSET SESSION FIVE

PRAYER LIFE SESSION SIX

SELF-CARE

65 Acknowledgements 66 A21

welcome!

My purpose in founding Propel is to help Christian women realize that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are all called to lead people to Him. Therefore, we are all leaders. We are all in different seasons, circumstances, places, have different gifts, talents, and callings, but we all have a responsibility to keep moving forward as we follow Jesus, and to lead others to Him along the way. Leadership isn’t made by position, corner office, or title. God plucked you out of eternity, He positioned you in time and He gave you gifts and talents to use for His purpose and glory. As His daughters, we cannot ignore our calling to follow this great Leader in his mission. My prayer is that you will be propelled, pushed out and thrust forward into His word and His world through this workbook. No matter if you are coming from the boardroom or playroom, I want you to know that we are joining together on this fact alone: He has called us to join Him in mission to lead others to Christ. This new curriculum invites you right into the conversation, to explore and discuss the principles and issues we encounter in leadership roles in the home, community, and workplace. My hope is that Propel will help thrust those of us who are operating in the full throttle of our leadership gifting even further than we have ever been, and that women who never thought they were leaders will begin to see themselves as leaders and step into their passion, purpose, and potential. I hope you’ll laugh and learn from them as much as I have! The conversation is about to begin…pull up a chair and join us. Love,

CHRISTINE CAINE

hosts Y O U

MERCY LOKULUTU Mercy is an author and a Bible teacher, an avid reader who always knows where the nearest bookstore is, and a nurse educator. She was born in Nigeria, moved to Florida to study nursing in 2001 and met her husband, Marcus. They now enjoy a Texas-sized, adventure-filled life with their two children Isaiah and Ava-Pauline. You will find her kids zip-lining in the backyard, reading books or planning funny pranks for their unsuspecting parents. She is the author of As You Wish: Finding Strength in True Surrender to God.

CHRISTINE CAINE

You can follow @MercyLokulutu on Twitter.

ALLI WORTHINGTON

enough to write down her words and turn them into books, including her

Alli Worthington helps people be more successful in business and life.

most recent release UNSTOPPABLE: Running the Race You Were Born

She serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Propel Women. Previously

to Win. Originally from Australia, Christine travels the globe teaching and

she founded Blissfully Domestic Magazine and the international women’s

advocating for justice. In addition to Propel, Christine and her husband Nick also founded The

conference BlissDom. Her insights on balancing motherhood, career, and

A21 Campaign, an anti-human trafficking organization that fights slavery around the globe.

marriage have led to articles and appearances across the nation. She

You can follow @ChristineCaine on Twitter.

lives outside Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, Mark, their five sons and rescued dog, Mollie. Her house is loud, covered in legos and she is always looking for a

few minutes to herself. You can follow @Alli on Twitter.

LISA HARPER Lisa Harper is a hilarious storyteller and theological scholar. She spent six years as the director of Focus on the Family’s national women’s ministry,

BIANCA JUAREZ OLTHOFF

has a masters in theological studies from Covenant Seminary, and has

Bianca Juarez Olthoff is a lover of words and stories. Passionate about

written fourteen books and Bible study curriculums including her latest,

creating beautiful things, she spends her week working as Chief

Believing Jesus: Are You Willing to Risk Everything? She speaks all over

Storyteller for The A21 Campaign and Creative Director for Propel

the world but considers motherhood (she recently adopted her daughter

Women. Bianca has spent over 15 years mobilizing God’s people to

Missy from Haiti) her greatest accomplishment. Oh and she rides a motorcycle in her spare

action inside and outside of the Church and is dedicated to teaching

time. You can follow @lisadharper on Twitter.

God’s word around the globe. She lives in Southern California and loves spending time with her husband Matt, cooking for friends, and hanging out with her two stepchildren. You can follow @BiancaOlthoff on Twitter.

outline O F

E A C H

S E S S I O N

A typical session in the Propel Women curriculum conversation series will include the following sections. Read through this brief outline to get a clear idea of how each meeting will be structured. INTRODUCTION. Each conversation opens with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the subject you’ll explore with your group. LISTEN. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you want. You can get to know your whole group by answering the questions together, or split into smaller groups with one or two others to go deeper. LEARN. In this section, watch part one of the conversation on the video, and then continue the conversation in your group. During this time you’ll also read a short scripture passage together and apply it to your lives. LEAD. Watch the DVD a second time to listen to the Propel team take questions from the audience, then use the questions in this section to explore these insights and consider how they affect your leadership. LOOK CLOSER. This brief section provides an additional perspective or more information on the week’s theme. This can be great additional material for your group to discuss or something you can reflect on during the week.

one S E

I O N

BALANCE: THE MYTH OF HAVING IT ALL

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.

Want to have it all? Here’s what society says

marathon a year, take at least one yoga

we should do: earn a master’s degree or

class a week, and be sure you’ve read

higher in your field; start your own business;

several of the books topping the best-seller

earn six figures; lead a staff; get married

lists each month. Keep a Pinterest-worthy

to your soul mate. Work hard but smart, so

house neat and tidy at all times, keep time

you can keep passing your peers on the

in your schedule to nurture several close

promotion ladder without ever having to

friendships, and keep yourself in a size

work on a weekend.

eight—no higher!

Not only that, but add in the messages

We laugh at the idea of actually achieving all

that you should have two children who eat

of these “goals,” but if we’re honest, many

only organic food, effortlessly make great

of us burden ourselves with expectations

grades, excel in a sport, and behave politely

about everything from the numbers on the

to everyone they meet. Make sure you

scale to the letters after our last name. We

have a warm, supportive, romantic,

look to others to tell us who we are—and

and passionate relationship with

then exhaust ourselves trying to make it a

a handsome husband who

reality!

excels in his own profession. Volunteer at the church

Fortunately, there’s a better way. Jesus tells

at least a few times a

us to fix our eyes on Him, not on the endless

month and devote at

demands of every other thing calling for

least 30 minutes

our attention. He calls each one of us to a

a day to reading

life fulfilled in Him, of flourishing in every

scripture and

responsibility and season, and focused on

praying. Run

the outcomes that matter to Him—and He

at least one

promises us freedom from “having it all” and moves us towards understanding what it means to have what He wants for us.

PSALM 92:13 12

listen Q

Think about your relationships,

learn

Q What’s an area of life you tend to neglect? What changes would you need to make to flourish and thrive in that part of life?

Q How would you know if you were

your career, your personal development, and your physical

trying to do more than God’s “all” for

health. What does “having it all”

your life?

look like for you? What do you consider “success” to look like and feel like? How do you know you’ve achieved it?

Q Share your top three priorities in life with the group based on the time you currently spend on them (not the priorities you think should be your top three!).

Q What do you need to say no to in

Take a few minutes to watch part one of the video, then use the following questions to guide your conversation.

order to say yes to something more important? How can you move toward an interconnected life?

JOSHUA 1:8

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Q How does God’s word lead to a flourishing life?

Q After reading Joshua 1:8, why should we meditate on God’s law? What are the

“I don’t juggle. I cradle.” - Mercy -

lead

Watch the last few minutes of the video in which the panel answers questions from the audience.

Q Do you feel guilty about any choices you are currently making with your time and priorities?

benefits?

What does God’s word say to this?

(Ephesians 5:1-17)

Q Are you allowing anyone else to write your story besides you and God?

Q How can you encourage other women in their calling? How can you be a cheerleader for the work they’re doing?

Q How would you rate how you are doing right now running “the race marked out” with joy

(Hebrews 12: 1-2)?

“I don’t become a people pleaser, but I try to remain a God pleaser.” - Christine -

LOOK

closer When we’re talking on the phone, flipping channels on the TV, and paying bills, we may feel like we’re getting a lot done. But scientists tell us that multitasking is not really possible. We’re not actually doing multiple things at the same time, they say; instead, we’re shifting our attention and focus back and forth between several things very quickly, and each time we stop and start an activity, our brain must quickly re-adjust. As a result, this effort to be more efficient can actually cost us time, consume huge amounts of energy, and result in lowerquality work.

As Christine said, “Balance is not about doing everything well at the same time, but about doing the right thing well at the right time.” In other words, just as our brains were not designed to do too many things at once, our souls were not created to excel in every part of life simultaneously. Instead, it’s more important to identify the most important things and then “unitask” those priorities with excellence. What would it look like for you to adopt this approach? What are the right things for you to be focusing on in this season of your life? If you have multiple spheres of influence, such as personal, church, work and family, write down the top goals for each of those roles. How can you reduce distractions and give these goals more attention? Look at the priorities you wrote down at the beginning that take most of your time; then write down the three most important priorities you feel God is prompting you to focus on to lay a foundation for flourishing in your life. Then write down corresponding practical ways to make those happen on a day-to-day basis.

Many people are now moving toward unitasking: doing one job, giving it their full attention, and tuning out distractions. Although this is challenging for most of us—and may require turning off our Internet connections and hiding our phones—it can make us more productive and make our work more enjoyable. This is interesting on its own, but it’s especially helpful in light of this week’s conversations about establishing priorities.

two S E

S S

I O N

potential consequences creates endless

does mean that God as a loving Father

growth potential for good--but making hasty

longs to give us good things.

or thoughtless decisions can damage your Today we’ll look at some timeless

effectiveness and those closest to you.

principles and some new insights for

How we make those decisions matters to

what it looks like to live as a disciple of

others and to God. We should always start

Jesus Christ who is “counting the cost” and choosing well, whether steering a company, starting a new project or shepherding hearts.

DECISION MAKING

From the moment you wake up in the

and end with the final authority of God’s

morning until you fall back into bed at

word. Leadership in decision making is

night, you are faced with almost constant

undergirded by the wisdom described in

decisions. Some are minor but many of the

the Bible. If we lived by the world’s wisdom,

decisions you face are more serious than

our lives would be directed by popularity,

your outfit, the route you choose to get to

polling and cultural values; but as His

work and what to feed yourself or family for

daughters, we are called to participate in

dinner.

His will for our lives by obeying His word

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

and putting it into action with energy.

In fact, as a leader, you are constantly weighing significant choices because they

Again, as we talk about decision-making,

often affect more than your own life— most

PROVERBS 16:9

we must keep in our mind the character of

times they involve the welfare of others.

our Father God. Like Lisa states today, this

Making wise choices that consider past

doesn’t mean every decision will lead to

experiences, future possibilities, and

a huge paycheck or non-stop thrills, but it

listen

Q Do you always finish what you

learn

Q Do you have any tools that help you make decisions like Alli’s “10/10/10” rule?

Q Are you more of a thinker or a feeler

start, or do you tend to begin lots

when making decisions? What are

of things and not complete them?

the strengths of that approach? What are the weaknesses?

Q Are you facing any decisions right now? This can be something you deal with regularly or something major that’s unique to this season.

Q What is a strength you bring to the decision making process? What’s something you don’t do so well?

Q What does it look like to listen to the

Take a few minutes to watch part one of the video, then use the following questions to guide your conversation.

Lord for wisdom?

READ LUKE 14: 28-30.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”

Q What does it mean to commit to a decision? How does that give you credibility with

“God can move a ship that’s moving.”

others?

- Christine -

Q In addition to money, what are some

lead

Watch the last few minutes of the video in which the panel answers questions from the audience.

Q Who are the trusted advisors or mentors in your

other “costs” we need to consider when

life? If you can’t think of a few people you trust

making big decisions? Jesus does not

to speak into your life, how could you begin to

admonish the disciples to follow Him and

cultivate these relationships?

ignore the cost; no, He makes them name those things that were the most important in their society— family ties, belonging,

Q In what ways do you need to create boundaries? Is

property and reputation. Jesus wants us to recognize that disciples of Christ

your past making it difficult for you to let the right

understand the cost of following Him. As

people into your life?

was mentioned, we must examine our own motives when we make decisions; what does it look like to own our choices and

Q Lisa says we have to recognize the character of

how our motives influence us?

God. This doesn’t mean every decision will lead to a huge paycheck or non-stop thrills, but it does mean that God as a loving Father longs to give us good things. How does this affect your thinking about the decisions you’re facing?

Q What are you dreaming about building right now? How do you need to count the cost?

“The true test of whether someone earns the trust to speak into your life is if they will say, ‘I think you’re wrong there.’” - Alli -

LOOK

closer Sunk Cost: “To make choices in a way that justifies past choices, even when the past choices no longer seem valid.”

We all believe our decision making process is rational. After all, when faced with an important choice we evaluate the facts and the data, and we may ask a few trusted mentors or friends to weigh in. If we follow Jesus, we will certainly search scripture for insights and pray about the decision. But despite our best efforts to be logical and systematic in our approach to life’s big decisions, a recent Harvard Business Review article suggests that we are still prone to several common errors in our thinking. In “The Hidden Traps in Decision Making,” authors John Hammond, Ralph Keeney, and Howard Raiffa note the following common mistakes. Think about the decisions you’re wrestling with right now. How do these influence your decision making?

Confirming Evidence: “This bias leads us to seek out information that supports our existing instinct or point of view while avoiding information that contradicts it.” Overconfidence: “Even though most of us are not very good at making estimates or forecasts, we actually tend to be overconfident about our accuracy. That can lead to errors in judgment and, in turn, bad decisions.” Prudence: “When faced with high-stakes decisions, we tend to adjust our estimates or forecasts ‘just to be on the safe side.’”

Anchoring: “When considering a decision, the mind gives disproportionate weight to the first information it receives. Initial impressions, estimates, or data anchor subsequent thoughts and judgments.”

Recallability: “Because we frequently base our predictions about future events on our memory of past events, we can be overly influenced by dramatic events—those that leave a strong impression on our memory.”

Status Quo: “Sticking with the status quo represents, in most cases, the safer course because it puts us at less psychological risk.”

We are created in the image of God; and just as God speaks the world into being in Genesis 1, He creates us with the ability to speak. God continues as a communicator, through His word and by inviting us into a personal connection

three S

COMMUNICATION

through prayer. The Bible states that He longs to be in fellowship with His children because He loves us. As His followers, He not only gives us the gift of communication, He places us in community. We are not created to speak a language only to Him but He calls us on mission to share this good news with others. The tongue is a powerful weapon for good; it is also known to wound others and destroy lives and reputations. Speakers and writers love to point out how women use more words than men on a day-today basis; all the more reason to learn how to wield this tool with skill. We all have a long way to go in becoming effective communicators who can speak truth, share grace, and build life with our

From the fruit of a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

words. In this session weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll explore why good communication is a hallmark of leadership. PROVERBS 18:20-21 ESV

listen

Q What are some skills that are keys

learn

Q Share a situation in your professional or personal life where you’re struggling to control what you say. Why is this difficult?

Q Do you have “shorthand” phrases

to good communication?

like, “What I hear you saying is……”? Are they helpful? What other tools and tips did you pick up from the video that could improve your

Q Share a time when someone else encouraged you or challenged you with their words.

Q Does listening well to others come easily to you, or do you have to work at it?

communication?

Take a few minutes to watch part one of the video, then use the following questions to guide your conversation.

Q How can your words “breathe life” into other people? How does this apply to the people right in front of you every day?

READ EPHESIANS 4:29.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Q Some versions translate “unwholesome” as “corrupting” or even “evil.” Why is it important for a Christ-follower to avoid this kind of communication? How is it in contrast with “helpful” talk?

Q What is the secondary benefit to building people up with our words?

“We want to be entertained, but it takes work to communicate.”

lead

Watch the last few minutes of the video in which the panel answers questions from the audience.

Q How can we hold each other more accountable for what we say (and how we say it)? Are there relationships you’ve harmed with your words?

- Mercy Q If the heartbeat of effective leadership is to “benefit” those who will listen, what else

Q Where do you fall on the spectrum between truth teller and gracious overlooker?

does God’s word say about our words?

Q What are the challenges for you in communicating well with others?

“A genuine ‘I’m sorry’ has the power to heal dysfunction.” - Christine -

Q From the previous session on decision making, how can we take what we have learned about our decision making style and tailor our communication when we work in partnership with others to be more effective to reach our goals?

LOOK

closer On today’s video, the group talks about the importance of acknowledging other people nonverbally, even if it’s as simple as making eye contact. Words are a significant aspect of communication, but our body language is also an important way we can show respect and care for others—or a way we can communicate disrespect and indifference.

Theologian Richard Foster wrote, “If we watch the interactions between human beings, we will receive a graduate-level education.” As Christian women we live under God’s authority and in community to proclaim the gospel— whether in our homes, with our family, our spouse and our children, in the community among our neighbors and society, and at work with our bosses and co-workers. What are family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers learning by watching you and hearing what you speak? Like Christine states, how much of our communication will merely burn up, and how much will it ignite love and grace and power into someone’s life?

In his book Silent Messages, Dr. Albert Mehrabian describes his research on nonverbal communication and reports that 7% of a message is communicated through the words, while 38% is voice and tone and the remaining 55% is facial expressions, gestures, and posture. That means in every interaction you have with another person, each time you try to communicate and connect with someone else, what you don’t say is saying the most.

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OUR THOUGHTS: MINDSET

The famous American writer Ralph Waldo

This starts with a good idea of who we are

Emerson once said, “Life consists of what a

created to be as women. Then it builds as

person is thinking of all day.” If you’ve ever

we shed the lies and shame of our past and

struggled to control a whirlwind of thoughts

enter a new life with Him. As we build rich,

laying in bed at night, you understand

healthy, God-fearing thought lives, we are

Emerson’s point. Life is much more than

empowered by grace and energy for the

the exterior; it is shaped, flavored and

wonderful things that God has called us to

influenced by the inner architecture that no

today and poised for the great things He will

one sees from the outside.

build through us in the future.

Great leaders always develop great thought

Let’s dive into this week’s discussion

lives; if you survey history, many wrote

about what it means to “take every thought

journals in which they wrestle with their

captive,” and live freely to accomplish the

own thoughts to bend them towards a great

mission He has laid out for us.

mission. As women, we must first lead our inner life; and this starts with disciplining our thoughts according to God’s word.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. PHILIPPIANS 4:8

listen

Q What’s something that stays on

learn

Q Why is it easier to believe old lies than to think new truths?

Q How can you be more strategic and

replay on your mental track?

more intentional in what you put into your mind?

Q Think about your work, your family, your marriage, your friendships, or some other important decisions you’ve made in your life. What thoughts led you to those decisions? What did you learn about yourself in those moments?

Q Who does God say you are? How

Take a few minutes to watch part one of the video, then use the following questions to guide your conversation.

does that need to change the way you think?

READ ROMANS 12:2.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Q How does renewing our mind transform us?

Q What is the reward for doing this hard

“Our thoughts are like a train —they take us somewhere.”

work?

lead

Watch the last few minutes of the video in which the panel answers questions from the audience.

Q How can you put lies in a chokehold, or “throw them up against the cop car and frisk them”?

- Christine Q What are some practical routines you can develop to make sure your thoughts are aligned with the truth?

Q Are your thoughts bringing conviction or condemnation?

“Conviction makes me think more of God. It does not make me think less of myself.” - Lisa -

Q Are you committed to a local church?

LOOK

closer One reason it’s so hard to break free of the persistent negative thoughts in our brain is because the more we think something, the easier it is to think it a second time. Some scientists compare those recurring thought patterns to “highways” in the brain, whereas the new patterns of thought are more like small footpaths.

which means developing a new habit or overcoming a persistent anxiety can be very difficult. St. Theresa of Avila refers to our thought life as the “interior castle.” Ultimately, God is the architect of your inner structure. He knows how our thoughts affect our hearts and even our physical bodies. The Bible says that the word of God is sharper than a double-edged sword and able to divide between joint and marrow, which means His word gives us power to change our thoughts. Yes, this will take time, but we are assured that He will be with us and He will give us the strength to replace old, negative thinking with life-giving thoughts.

This is because the more we think or do something, the stronger the neural pathways associated with those behaviors become. The more we think a thought, the deeper that neural groove grows and the more difficult it becomes to break out of it. Over time, our brain will default to the strong, established networks it’s already carved—

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PRAYER LIFE

As leaders, we may have access to some pretty powerful people. Perhaps you work for a great boss who is well-connected in your field and willing to pass those connections on to you. Perhaps you are the boss and you regularly interact with board members and other industry leaders. Or maybe you’re an entrepreneur lining up investors for your next great idea, a mom making things happen in your local schools, or even a student learning from professors who are blazing new trails. No matter who you know here on earth, you also have a personal invitation to know the JAMES 5:16

Leader. Every day you have an opportunity to tap into the power of God and build a relationship with Him through prayer. You can’t do a networking lunch with God, but you can talk to Him while you eat. You can’t invite Him to speak at your board meeting, but you can listen for His wisdom while you plan. You can’t see God, but He is always present and always looking forward to hearing from you. Prayer might already be a significant part of your life and leadership, or this may be a new idea for you. Wherever you find yourself, this session will offer some new insights on why we pray, how we pray, and why it matters.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

listen

Q Do you have a story about an

learn

Q So often we approach prayer as a shopping list of things we want. How could Alli’s focus on gratitude change the way you pray?

Q Is it freeing to know you don’t have to have the perfect words—or a perfect

answered prayer? Share it with the

life—before you can pray?

group.

Q Do you believe that God really cares about the details of your life?

Q If God already knows what’s going on, why should we take time to pray about it?

READ PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7.

Take a few minutes to watch part one of the video, then use the following questions to guide your conversation.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Q How many things should we be anxious about? How many situations should we pray about?

Q How does the peace of God “guard” us?

“Just pray. Consistency is more important than worthiness.”

lead

Watch the last few minutes of the video in which the panel answers questions from the audience.

Q What are some practical ways you can incorporate prayer into your life?

- Mercy Q If prayer is a language we can learn, where are you in the process?

Q How could the women in this group pray for you this week? How could you pray for them? Take a few minutes for each person to share one need and commit to pray for each other before your next gathering.

“I think we could have a radical marketplace revival if Christians started praying.” - Christine -

LOOK

closer Did you know there’s actually a study guide for prayer?

In these few sentences, Jesus teaches us that…

The disciples who followed Jesus had as many questions about prayer as we do today, and they asked Jesus for help in knowing how they should pray. Jesus’s answer is one of the most well-known and well-loved passages of scripture—you may know it as “The Lord’s Prayer.”

- Prayer means talking to a Father who loves us; - We should praise and honor Him when we pray; - We should pray for the things He wants for our world and for our lives, not only what we want;

MATTHEW 6:9-13

- We can ask for our needs to be met;

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”

- We can ask for forgiveness, but must also stand ready to forgive others; - God wants to help us face difficult situations. If you’re unsure how to get started in prayer, begin with one or two of these “talking points,” or try rewriting this prayer in your own words. God is listening!

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The Bible is full of teaching about loving and serving others, but it’s also clear that our compassion and care are the overflow of a

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

healthy life that’s rooted in God. This week as we wrap up our time together we’ll focus on how we can rest our bodies, restore our souls, and connect to the life-giving oxygen God wants for us.

SELF-CARE

You’ve probably heard it so many times you can recite it along with the flight attendants: “If we

experience a loss of cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask toward you and place

it over your nose and mouth. If you are traveling with someone who requires assistance, secure your own mask first, and then assist the other person.”

You know this speech, right? And it makes total

sense—if you don’t have enough oxygen yourself, you’ll pass out before you can help anybody else.

ISAIAH 40:30-31

But all too often we live our lives this way, giving and giving to our work, our family, and even complete strangers without first taking care of ourselves.

listen

Q Do you feel guilty when you take

learn

Q In what parts of your life do you feel especially healthy and strong? In what parts do you feel exhausted and unhealthy?

Q Lisa reminded us that rest isn’t an accommodation for those who just

time for yourself?

aren’t mature enough—it’s a gift intended for everyone. How does this change your perspective on selfcare?

Q What is especially restful or Q You have a whole day off to do whatever you want. (Hey, we can dream.) What would you most want to do with that time?

replenishing to you? How can you be

Take a few minutes to watch part one of the video, then use the following questions to guide your conversation.

more intentional about planning time for these activities?

READ EPHESIANS 3:16-19.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Q How does the Spirit strengthen us? What is our role in this process?

“We have to distinguish between selfish and self-care.”

Q How does a greater understanding of God’s love give us power?

lead

Watch the last few minutes of the video in which the panel answers questions from the audience.

Q What did your mom or other women in your life teach you about taking care of yourself? Do you have any role models for practicing self-care?

- Bianca -

Q Do you judge other women when they need to create margin in their lives? How can you celebrate their choices instead of comparing them to yours?

“When we lose our joy, that usually means it’s time to take a break.” - Lisa -

Q What are the physical, emotional, or spiritual triggers that alert you to burnout? How do you know when you’re doing too much?

LOOK

closer “R&R.” It’s an abbreviation for “rest and recreation” that originated in the military. Did you know there is even an official “Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation” program as part of the armed forces? At bases around the world it provides resources like fitness centers, golf courses, restaurants, movies, and more to military personnel and their families.

we spend time alone with Him, experience the beautiful world He’s created, and enjoy fun activities with family and friends, we’re not only having a good time or taking a break from work. We’re also allowing God to reshape us, remind us what’s important, and reconnect us to our passion, purpose, and potential. God’s original creation included an entire Sabbath for this reason, and He still wants to re-create our hearts as we rest in Him.

Recreation is so important because it’s literally a way God can “re-create” us. When

C H A P T E R

A N D

G R O U P

values

Our Purpose We want to provide a comfortable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth. Our desire is that the Propel curriculum will help thrust those of us who are operating in the full throttle of our leadership gifting even further than we have ever been, and that women who never thought they were leaders willÂ begin to see themselves as leaders and step into their passion, purpose, and potential.

Our Values

C H A P T E R

G R O U P

calendar

Planning and calendaring can help ensure the greatest participation at every gathering. At the end of each meeting, review this calendar. Date

Lesson

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 61 will minimize this issue.)

1 2 3 4 5 6

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 people with different personal opinions, temperaments, and levels of spiritual maturity. 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.

A N D

Location

Notes

F E W

tips

F R O M

T H E

W I S E

1 Pray for your group members by name. Before the session, go around the room in your

5 Invite others. The Propel curriculum is built as a series, but it is intentionally designed

mind and pray for each member by name. Ask God to use your time together to touch

so women can join at any point in the six sessions. Between each meeting think of a

the heart of every person uniquely.

friend you can bring to the next meeting.

2 When you ask a question, be patient. Someone will eventually respond. Sometimes

6 Stay connected. Use Instagram and Facebook to stay connected with the women in

people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question. Keep in mind that

your group. Share what you are learning, how you are using what you have learned

if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else.

between meetings and of course invite your friends. Encourage the women in your group to do this as well and post content using the hashtag #PropelWomen.

3 Do you need to break up into smaller groups? If your group has more than 10 people, be sure to break into round table small groups of three or four for discussion and

7 Keep learning. Continue your development as a leader by watching the videos on

prayer times. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect

the Propel Women website, reading the new article each week, and following Propel

more with the conversation, apply more quickly what they’re learning, and ultimately

online for daily encouragement.

get more out of it.

4 Have facilitators at each round table. To keep conversation flowing be sure to have a facilitator at each round table who can take the lead.

L E A D E R

guide

Acknowledgements Special thanks to each of the women who participated in our studio audienceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you asked

Download your leader guide for your chapter or your group here: www.PropelWomen.org/LeaderGuide

some great questions and we are so thankful for our time together! Thank you to Pastor Kenton Beshore and Mariners Church for letting us use the chapel for our filming. We are indebted to your generosity and grateful for your kindness. Your hearts are even more beautiful than your campus. We are so grateful to Beth Graybill for her insight and true servant leadership on this project and Nora Shank for her editing and keen insight. To our favorite photographers, Kat Harris and Sidney Morgan, we adore you and think you are brilliant. Special thanks to Lifetogether for their patience, kindness, and collaboration with us to create this curriculum conversation series.

We exist to change that. Every 30 seconds somebody is forced into the bondage of modern-day slavery

Our goal for humanity is simple: FREEDOM. Join us as we abolish slavery in the 21st century.

A21.org @thea21campaign @A21 @A21

join the conversation! Propel exists to help women fulfill their passion, purpose, and potential. This new curriculum invites your group right into the discussion as Christine Caine and guests discuss the ideals and issues all women face, whether that be in the home, community, or workplace. CHRISTINE CAINE

Christine is a lover of Jesus, wife to Nick, and mum to Catie and Sophie. Powered by hot, extra-dry, skinny cappuccinos, Christine is a lover of words who speaks too fast, talks too much, and occasionally pauses long enough to write down her words and turn them into books, including her most recent release UNSTOPPABLE: Running the Race You Were Born to Win. Originally from Australia, Christine travels the globe teaching, and advocating for justice. In addition to Propel, Christine and her husband Nick also founded The A21 Campaign, an anti-human trafficking organization that fights slavery around the globe. You can follow @ChristineCaine on Twitter.

LISA HARPER

MERCY LOKULUTU

ALLI WORTHINGTON

BIANCA OLTHOFF

Lisa Harper is a hilarious storyteller and theological scholar. She spent six years as the director of Focus on the Family’s national women’s ministry, has a masters in theological studies from Covenant Seminary, and has written fourteen books and Bible study curriculums including her latest, Believing Jesus: Are You Willing to Risk Everything? She speaks all over the world but considers motherhood (she recently adopted her daughter Missy from Haiti) her greatest accomplishment. Oh and she rides a motorcycle in her spare time. You can follow @lisadharper on Twitter.

Mercy is an author and a Bible teacher, an avid reader who always knows where the nearest bookstore is, and a nurse educator. She was born in Nigeria, moved to Florida to study nursing in 2001 and met her husband, Marcus. They now enjoy a Texas-sized, adventurefilled life with their two children Isaiah and Ava-Pauline. You will find her kids zip-lining in the backyard, reading books or planning funny pranks for their unsuspecting parents. She is the author of As You Wish: Finding Strength in True Surrender to God. You can follow @MercyLokulutu on Twitter.

Alli Worthington helps people be more successful in business and life. She serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Propel Women. Previously she founded Blissfully Domestic Magazine and the international women’s conference, BlissDom. Her insights on balancing motherhood, career, and marriage have led to articles and appearances across the nation. She lives outside Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, Mark, their five sons and rescued dog, Mollie. Her house is loud, covered in legos and she is always looking for a few minutes to herself. You can follow @Alli on Twitter.

Bianca Juarez Olthoff is a lover of words and stories. Passionate about creating beautiful things, she spends her week working as Chief Storyteller for The A21 Campaign and Creative Director for Propel Women. Bianca has spent over 15 years mobilizing God’s people to action inside and outside of the Church and is dedicated to teaching God’s word around the globe. She lives in Southern California and loves spending time with her husband Matt, cooking for friends, and hanging out with her two stepchildren. You can follow @BiancaOlthoff on Twitter.

SESSION 1

SESSION 2

BALANCE: THE MYTH OF HAVING IT ALL

DECISION MAKING COMMUNICATION

SESSION 3

SESSION 4

SESSION 5

SESSION 6

OUR THOUGHTS: MINDSET

PRAYER LIFE

SELF-CARE