Heartland - Josh Peigh - Why Am I Here - Print Curriculum by Lifetogether Ministries

HEARTLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

Gene Appel, Mike Breaux, John Ortberg, Josh Peigh, and Pete Wilson Foreword by Gordy Smith

CONTENTS FOREWORD BY GORDY SMITH

WHY AM I HERE? INTRODUCTION BY JOSH PEIGH

USING THIS WORKBOOK (READ THIS FIRST)

OUTLINE FOR EACH SESSION

Sessions

Copyright © 2015 by Heartland Community Church, Rockford, IL 61108 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published by Heartland Community Church 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: 978-1-940077-89-5 Printed in the United States of America

SESSION ONE: THE PURPOSE OF MY LIFE

SESSION TWO: TO PURSUE

SESSION THREE: TO CONNECT

SESSION FOUR: TO BECOME

SESSION FIVE: TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

SESSION SIX: TO BE SENT

Appendicies

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

100

117

GROUP AGREEMENT

120

GROUP CALENDAR

122

GROUP PARTNERS CHECK-IN

123

GROUP ROSTER

124

MEMORY VERSE CARDS (CLIP AND REVIEW)

125

PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

128

Small Group Leaders HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE

131

LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME

132

LEADERSHIP TRAINING 101

133

TEACHER BIOS

136

Foreword by Gordy Smith

There is an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”Taking the step to buy this book and get into a small group for these 6 weeks is much more than just a “church activity”. It is actually a courageous, intentional, step in your own personal and spiritual development. John Ortberg says that a key com ponent of your spiritual growth is to become the best vers ion of you that you can be. And God has wired each of us in such a way that we stand the best chance of becoming the pers on we want to be, the person that God has designed us to be, when we take that journey with some other people rather than going it alone. This book, and the materials for this series, were created with one thing in mind: YOU! We have wor ked hard to make it as simple as we can for you to be in a small group, get to know some people, and together process the ultimate question: “Why am I here?”. If you haven’t already gotten into a group for this series, grab a few people you know, have them each get a book, and start your own group. It’s that simple! Contact us and we’ll get you a DVD and everything you need to have a great group experience, even if you’ve never led a group before or have no idea what to do. Congratulations! I believe that God will honor your decision to be in a small group for “Why Am I Here ?” and He’ll show up to help make it a great experience for you. HAVE FUN!

Gordy Smith

why am i here?

Small Groups Architect

foreword

Why am I here?

Have you ever asked yourself that question? What is the purpose of my life?

All of us are in pursuit of an answer. Search the web and you’ll discover you’ll discover what seems like a billion websites offering possible answers. Visit a bookstore and you will find hundreds of titles written to reveal your purpose. Turn on the television and you will hear wise tips for finding ultimate fulfillment in life. It is on the mind of middle school students as they walk the hall during passing period. It’s front and center for the college bound high school senior. It is head scratching for the career minded guy who feels trapped in a corporate sea of cubicles. It’s overwhelming to the weary, laundry-folding mother of four. It’s a daily motivator to the recovering alcoholic. And it is a nervous adventure to those contemplating retirement. It is a question we all ask. And it’s a question that must be answered as we pursue meaning, purpose and a vision to guide our life. But I agree with Rick Warren when he says, “the starting place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life. Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God’s purposes for putting us on earth.” Similarly, the Apostle Paul wrote to followers of Jesus in Ephesus, “for you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do.” Ephesians 2:10

You want to know the meaning of a song…ask its author. You want to know the emotion behind a painting…ask the artist. You want to understand the design qualities of a home…ask the architect. You want to know why you are here? Go the source of all life. In the coming weeks, we will wrestle with this truth. Until we do, life will not fully make sense. This adventure will require a spirit of humility, intrigue, and courage. It will involve being honest with yourself and being open to authentic conversation with friends. And in the end, it is my prayer that you discover an answer to the question that stirs in us all… “Why am I here?” Cheering you on!

Josh Peigh • Lead Pastor

why am i here?

introduction

1. Notice in the Contents there are three sections:

using this workbook Tools to Help You Have a Great Small Group Experience!

(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 hosting/leading or co-leading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you some experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

3. Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. 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 sessionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for your group members, for your time together, or wisdom and insights.

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

why am i here?

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Outline of Each Session

HEAR GOD’S STORY A TYPICAL GROUP SESSION FOR THE WHY AM I HERE? 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 that memorizing scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s will for our lives. We encourage you to give this important habit a try. The verses for our five sessions 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 the particular subject you will explore with your group. 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 a connection with God and His family. You build that connection by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who earn 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 feel comfortable doing. Each session typically offers you two options. You can get to know your whole group by using the icebreaker question(s), or you can check in with one or two group members, your group partner(s), for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

why am i here?

In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching, in order to hear God’s story—and begin to see how His story aligns with yours. When the study directs you to, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of scripture, and discuss both the teaching and the text. You won’t focus on accumulating information but on how you should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from scripture practically and creatively, from your heart as well as your head. At the end of the day, allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in Christ should be your greatest aim.

STUDY NOTES This brief section provides additional commentary, background or insights on the passage you’ll study in the Hear God’s Story section.

CREATE A NEW STORY God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instructions to “be doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) comes into play. Many people skip

using this workbook

over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary, relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules. But Jesus wanted all of His disciples to know Him personally, carry out His commands, and help outsiders connect with Him. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners. It could mean welcoming newcomers, hosting a short-term group in your home, or walking through this study with a friend. In this study, 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, and worshiping God.

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY If you have time and want to dig deeper into more Bible passages about the topic at hand, we’ve provided additional passages and questions, which you can use either 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 read and reflect on between sessions. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read just a small portion of scripture each day, and reflect and pray through it. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. This may be a totally new experience for you. 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 God’s direction.

why am i here?

using this workbook

Session One

e s o p r u p e h t of my life You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16

why am i here?

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The Purpose of My Life

Share your story

EACH OF US HAS A STORY. THE EVENTS OF OUR LIFE— GOOD, BAD, WONDERFUL OR CHALLENGING—HAVE SHAPED WHO WE ARE. GOD KNOWS YOUR STORY, AND HE INTENDS TO REDEEM IT—TO USE EVERY STRUGGLE AND EVERY JOY TO ULTIMATELY BRING YOU TO HIMSELF, AND TO MAKE YOU INTO THE PERSON HE DESIGNED YOU TO BE. WHEN WE SHARE OUR STORIES WITH OTHERS, WE GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE GOD AT WORK.

4. Whether your group is new or

ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On page 120 is a Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values—ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health.

WHEN WE SHARE OUR STORIES, WE ALSO REALIZE W E A R E N OT A LO N E —T H AT W E H AV E CO M M O N EXPERIENCES AND THOUGHTS, AND THAT OTHERS CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH. YOUR STORY CAN ENCOURAGE SOMEONE ELSE. AND TELLING IT CAN LEAD TO A PATH OF FREEDOM FOR YOU AND FOR THOSE YOU SHARE IT WITH.

1. Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in

• We recommend you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. Studies show that healthy groups rotate leadership. This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside Him (Mark 6:3044). Look at the FAQs in the Appendicies for additional information about hosting or leading the group.

• The Group Calendar on page 122 is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t skip this important step! It will revolutionize your group.

which you invite God to give you 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.

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

participant. Take time to pass around a copy of the Group Roster on page 124, a sheet of paper, or one of you pass your Study Guide, opened to the Group Roster. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group during the week.

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

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

• How many social media sites are you on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Vine?

• Do you have a mission statement for your life or your family?

why am i here?

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

The Purpose of My Life

Watch the DVD Use this space for notes to record key thoughts, questions and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

why am i here?

The Purpose of My Life

hear god’s story

READ EPHESIANS 2:4-10. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2. Why is it so important that we are saved by grace, not through anything we have done?

3. List some of the things

this passage teaches us about who we are in Christ; for example, we are greatly loved and we are alive with Christ (verse 1). How do these truths give us a purpose?

1. What is one reason God has shown us mercy and grace? (verse 7) 4. Why does God prepare good works for us to do?

why am i here?

The Purpose of My Life

study notes

JOSH MENTIONED THE PERSPECTIVE WE NEED TO HAVE THAT WILL CHANGE HOW WE THINK ABOUT OUR LIVES AND OUR PURPOSE. SINCE GOD CREATED US, HE’S THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN TELL US WHO WE ARE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE WAYS GOD SEES YOU:

YOU ARE…. a child of God (1 John 3:12) a friend of Christ (John 15:15) free from slavery to sin (Romans 6:6) an heir with Christ (Romans 8:17) the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) a member of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19) the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) a conqueror (Romans 8:37) the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13) the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27) a citizen of heaven (Philippians 4:7)

why am i here?

The Purpose of My Life

Create a new story

GOD WANTS YOU TO BE PART OF HIS KINGDOM—TO WEAVE YOUR STORY INTO HIS. THAT WILL MEAN CHANGE—TO GO HIS WAY RATHER THAN YOUR OWN. THIS WON’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, BUT IT SHOULD HAPPEN STEADILY. BY STARTING WITH SMALL, SIMPLE CHOICES, WE BEGIN TO CHANGE OUR DIRECTION. THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US ALONG THE WAY— GIVING US GIFTS TO SERVE THE BODY, OFFERING US INSIGHTS INTO SCRIPTURE, AND CHALLENGING US TO LOVE THOSE AROUND.

4. What’s at the center of your life right now? 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. Perhaps they would be open to joining the group? Share your lists with the group so you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

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.

1. What would it look like for you to make your life count in new ways?

2. Is it a new idea that your job and your life calling are two different things? Do you know what your calling is?

3. What are some places, other than God, that you have looked for your purpose?

why am i here?

The Purpose of My Life

5. Also consider someone—in this group or outside

it—that you can begin going deeper with in an intentional way. This might be your mom or dad, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, a roommate, a college buddy, or a neighbor. Choose someone who might be open to “doing life” with you at a deeper level and pray about that opportunity.

6. This week how will you interact with the Bible?

Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s Word (use the Daily Devotionals section to guide you)? Tell the group what you plan to do this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

7. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 128.

8. Close your meeting with prayer.

why am i here?

The Purpose of My Life

For additional study

IF YOU FEEL GOD NUDGING YOU TO GO DEEPER, TAKE SOME TIME BEFORE THE NEXT MEETING TO DIG INTO HIS WORD. EXPLORE THE BIBLE PASSAGES RELATED TO THIS SESSION’S THEME ON YOUR OWN AND JOT YOUR REFLECTIONS IN A JOURNAL OR IN THIS STUDY GUIDE. A GREAT WAY TO GAIN INSIGHT ON A PASSAGE IS TO READ IT IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT TRANSLATIONS. YOU MAY WANT TO USE A BIBLE APP OR WEBSITE TO COMPARE TRANSLATIONS.

READ 2 CORINTHIANS 4:5-7. 1. What does it mean to “preach ourselves”? How is this different from preaching Christ?

READ 1 PETER 2:9-10 1. This passage tells us several things about our identity and calling. Which one is especially meaningful or significant to you?

2. Why are we chosen,

holy, and special? What does God intend for us to do? (verse 9)

2. How does knowledge of God’s glory remind us that it’s not about us?

3. What are the “jars of clay” in verse 7? Why does God use this approach to share his word?

why am i here?

3. Why does Peter remind us of God’s mercy in this passage?

The Purpose of My Life

Daily Devotions

DAY 3 • READ PSALM 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

RESPOND: God knows you, He created you, and He has work for you to accomplish!

DAY 1 • READ ROMANS 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

RESPOND:

DAY 4 • READ PHILIPPIANS 1:6 He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Understanding our purpose begins with understanding our need for God—and His great love that rescues us. Spend a few minutes thinking about God’s love and thanking Him for the purpose He has for your life.

RESPOND:

DAY 2 • READ MATTHEW 6:33

DAY 5 • READ ISAIAH 12:5

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

RESPOND: When we begin by seeking after God, we remember that our lives are about Him and not ourselves. How can you seek His kingdom and righteousness today?

why am i here?

It’s easy to become discouraged when our spiritual progress is slow. Never fear—if you have submitted your life to Christ, He is working in you.

Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

RESPOND: Ultimately our purpose is to make the Lord known with our life. Spend some time praying about how God can use you to share His good news with the world.

The Purpose of My Life

DAY 6 Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and

all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

why am i here?

The Purpose of My Life

Session Two

TO Pursue

ars, last few ye church the in e tim h ent muc t worship: If you’ve sp opinions abou of ts lo d d more ably hear “I wish we ha you’ve prob is too loud.” ic us traditional m e ip or sh m “The wor ish we had w “I .” ip sh ry wor contempora worship.” , but as this mean music e w n he w e. ” y “worship t much mor ship is abou We often sa or w u, yo lives we y will show sing, it’s the week’s stud e songs we th st ju t no . Worship is med by God ing transfor lead—lives be

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

why am i here?

To Pursue

Share your story

AS WE SAID LAST WEEK, WHEN WE SHARE OUR STORIES WITH OTHERS, WE GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE GOD AT WORK. YOUR STORY IS BEING SHAPED, EVEN IN THIS MOMENT, BY BEING PART OF THIS GROUP. IN FACT, FEW THINGS CAN SHAPE US MORE THAN COMMUNITY. WHEN WE SHARE OUR STORIES, WE CAN ENCOURAGE SOMEONE ELSE, AND LEARN. WE EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE OF GOD AS HE HELPS US BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO REVEAL OUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS.

• 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 25 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.

1. Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. 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.

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

• Do you have a favorite worship song or hymn?

• Have you ever attended the worship service of a different faith or tradition? What was that experience like?

why am i here?

To Pursue

why am i here?

To Pursue

hear god’s story

3. These commandments

begin with the word “Love” instead of “do” or “say” or “obey.” Why is this significant?

READ MATTHEW 22:35-40 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

4. How do you love God with

your heart? With your soul? With your mind?

1. Why is this considered the greatest commandment?

2. What does it mean that “All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments”?

why am i here?

To Pursue

study notes

For thousands of years, the Jewish people had sacrificed animals, grain, and oil to God as a major part of their worship. This included killing the animal, pouring out the blood at the base of the altar, cutting the animal into pieces, and then burning the carcass until there was nothing left. This system seems strange to us, but it was how God taught his people to worship Him and it was normal to them. It also helped people understand that there must be an attonement (penalty paid) for our individual sin. There were daily sacrifices, sacrifices for specific sins, and sacrifices for festival days. Of course, this system was a form of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make for us on the cross. Because of His death and resurrection, we no longer worship God by killing bulls and lambs and doves. Instead, we worship God with our lives.

HEBREWS 13:15-16 SAYS: Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Our “sacrifice” is praising God with our words, our deeds, and our hearts. How is this way of living a form of worship?

why am i here?

To Pursue

Create a new story

4. “Worship is responding to all that God is with all that I am.” This has

implications not only for what happens in one hour during a weekend church service but also the other 167 hours during the week. What are some new ways you can respond to who God is this week?

5. Here are some simple ways to connect with God. Tell the group which ones 1. Do you relate more to Gene or Mike when it comes to your attitude about worship?

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. If you’re not a writer, maybe setting time aside to go for a walk (unplugged), just talking to God and listening to Him.

2. How is surrender to God an act of worship?

3. How does worship reframe our perspective on who we are and why we’re here? How does it affect our priorities?

• 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. In our hurry-up world, we often move too quickly through everything—even reading God’s Word! Slow down. Don’t just skim, but take time to read carefully and reflect on the passage. Write down your insights on 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.

6. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but

don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 128.

7. Close your meeting with prayer.

why am i here?

To Pursue

For additional study

IF YOU FEEL GOD IS NUDGING YOU TO GO DEEPER, TAKE SOME TIME BETWEEN NOW AND OUR NEXT MEETING TO DIG INTO HIS WORD. EXPLORE THE BIBLE PASSAGES RELATED TO THIS SESSION’S THEME ON YOUR OWN, JOTTING YOUR REFLECTIONS IN A JOURNAL OR IN THIS STUDY GUIDE. WANT TO GO DEEPER? SELECT A FEW VERSES AND TRY PARAPHRASING THEM: WRITING THEM IN YOUR OWN WORDS. IF YOU LIKE, SHARE THEM WITH THE GROUP THE NEXT TIME YOU MEET.

READ JOHN 4:23-24. 1. What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth?

2. What does this verse have READ ROMANS 12:1-2. 1.

What does it mean to be a “living sacrifice”?

2. Can changing the way we think really transform us?

3. What does verse two tell us is the “reward” for worshiping God this way?

to say to those who think worship must involve a certain building/style/song/ collection of words?

why am i here?

3. Does it surprise you to

read that the Father seeks worshippers?

ANOTHER THING YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY IS TO GET TOGETHER WITH SOMEONE IN YOUR GROUP. (WE SUGGEST THAT MEN PARTNER WITH MEN AND WOMEN WITH WOMEN.) THIS PERSON WILL BE YOUR ”GROUP PARTNER” FOR THE REST OF THIS STUDY. HE OR SHE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE YOUR BEST FRIEND. INSTEAD, THIS PERSON WILL SIMPLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO COMPLETE THE GOALS YOU SET FOR YOURSELF DURING THIS STUDY. FOLLOWING THROUGH ON A RESOLUTION IS TOUGH WHEN YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN; IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE TO HAVE A PARTNER TO CHEER YOU ON.

To Pursue

Daily Devotions

DAY 3 • READ 1 CHRONICLES 16:28-29 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

REFLECT What offering from your life can you bring Him today to give Him glory?

DAY 1 • READ COLOSSIANS 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

RESPOND

DAY 4 • READ PSALM 95:6

Thankfulness is consistently linked to worship. How can the “richness” of Christ fill your life today? What part of His message are you thankful for?

REFLECT

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Bowing and kneeling before God shows our respect and honor for Him. Try kneeling, right where you are, and praising God. Name five characteristics of God (for example, He is powerful) and thank Him for the way He has demonstrated that in your life.

DAY 2 • READ PSALM 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

RESPOND According to this verse, what is a benefit of praising God in addition to our own relationship with Him?

DAY 5 • READ REVELATION 5:13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

RESPOND Someday we will worship God constantly as we live in his presence for eternity. Today, thank God for His faithfulness to you and praise Him for your salvation!

why am i here?

To Pursue

DAY 6 Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:3

why am i here?

To Pursue

Session Three

TO t c e n n o C For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

why am i here?

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To Connect

Share your story

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER. THIS SHOULD BE A BRIEF, SIMPLE PRAYER IN WHICH YOU INVITE GOD TO BE WITH YOU AS YOU MEET. 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. S H A R I N G P E R S O N A L S TO R I E S B U I L D S D E E P E R CONNECTIONS AMONG GROUP MEMBERS. BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING.

1. Do you have a best friend? How long have you been friends?

Watch the DVD Use this space for notes to record key thoughts, questions and 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 direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

2. Is it difficult for you to be vulnerable or honest with others about your struggles, or are you more of an open book?

why am i here?

To Connect

hear god’s story

U S E T H E F O L LOW I N G Q U E ST I O N S TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE T E AC H I N G A N D STO R I E S YO U J U ST EXPERIENCED ON THE DVD AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE BELOW.

READ GALATIANS 6:2-5. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.

How does carrying each other’s burdens fulfill the law of Christ?

3. Why would verses about pride and humility be sandwiched in the middle of this teaching?

2. This passage says to both carry other’s burdens and carry our own load.

The word for burdens means a weight, something heavy that’s beyond our ability to handle alone, and the word for load means the responsibility of one person. How does that clarify this passage? What is the difference between the two commands?

why am i here?

To Connect

study notes

THE BIBLE DOESN’T JUST SUGGEST THAT WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS—IT COMMANDS IT! IN FACT, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PASSAGES IN THE BIBLE YOU SIMPLY CAN’T OBEY IF YOU DON’T PARTICIPATE IN THE LIFE OF A CHURCH AND CONNECT WITH OTHER BELIEVERS. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THOSE “ONE ANOTHER” VERSES:

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 Serve one another in love.

Galatians 5:13

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Colossians 3:13 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

why am i here?

To Connect

Create a new story

GOD WANTS YOU TO BE PART OF HIS KINGDOM—TO WEAVE YOUR STORY INTO HIS. THAT WILL MEAN CHANGE. IT WILL REQUIRE YOU TO GO HIS WAY RATHER THAN YOUR OWN. THIS WON’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, BUT IT SHOULD HAPPEN STEADILY. BY MAKING SMALL, SIMPLE CHOICES, WE CAN BEGIN TO CHANGE OUR DIRECTION. THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US ALONG THE WAY, BY GIVING US GIFTS TO SERVE THE BODY, OFFERING US INSIGHTS INTO SCRIPTURE, AND CHALLENGING US TO LOVE NOT ONLY THOSE AROUND US BUT THOSE FAR FROM GOD.

4. Have you isolated yourself in any area of life? What steps can you take to begin sharing that part of your life with others?

IN THIS SECTION, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL APPLY THE WISDOM YOU’VE LEARNED IN THIS SESSION.

1. Why can we go farther together than we can alone?

5. 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 which one you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time.

2. Have you experienced a season of brokenness like Gene did in which

your friendships became especially important? How did that experience change you?

3. How does your vertical relationship with God affect your relationship with others? How does your relationship with others affect your relationship with God?

6. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but

don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 128.

7. Close your meeting with prayer.

why am i here?

To Connect

For additional study

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. 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 2:42-47. 1. The community life described here is very different from what we experience today. Why do you think this is?

2. Are there things this early church did that we should be more intentional about doing?

READ ROMANS 12:9-21 1. This passage is full of

instructions for living in community with other believers. Which one do you find most challenging?

2. What does verse 11 tell us is the key to keeping our spiritual fervor?

3. What are some ways we

can rejoice with those who rejoice? Mourn with those who mourn?

3. Later on the church will be heavily persecuted, but here it says they had “the favor” of everyone in the city. Why does real community attract others?

IF YOU HAVE A GROUP PARTNER, GET TOGETHER WITH THEM AND DISCUSS WHAT YOU GOT OUT OF THIS WEEK’S MESSAGE AND GROUP TIME. SHARE WITH EACH OTHER WHAT PLANS OR ACTION STEPS HAVE COME OUT OF THIS SESSION FOR YOU. IF YOU HAVE NOT CONNECTED WITH SOMEONE AS A GROUP PARTNER, IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO START. (SEE SHARE YOUR STORY IN SESSION TWO ON PAGE 47.)

why am i here?

To Connect

Daily Devotions

DAY 3 • READ ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

RESPOND Have you ever “fallen” and needed a friend’s help? How could you be that friend to someone else? Ask God for opportunities to love other people this way.

DAY 1 • READ PROVERBS 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

RESPOND How do we grow in wisdom just by associating with other wise people? Why is the opposite also true?

DAY 4 • PHILIPPIANS 2:1-2 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

RESPOND What does it mean to be “like-minded”? Does it mean people always have to agree? How does the rest of the verse explain this command?

DAY 2 • READ ROMANS 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

RESPOND What are some ways Christ accepted you? How can you show that same acceptance to others?

DAY 5 • READ 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

REFLECT What struggles have you gone through? How can you use that to comfort someone else?

why am i here?

To Connect

DAY 6 Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. Ecclesiastes 4:9

why am i here?

To Connect

Session Four

TO e m o c e B

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

why am i here?

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To Become

Share your story

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER. THIS SHOULD BE A BRIEF, SIMPLE PRAYER, IN WHICH YOU INVITE GOD TO BE WITH YOU AS YOU MEET. 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. AS WE HAVE SAID IN PREVIOUS LESSONS, SHARING OUR PERSONAL STORIES BUILDS DEEPER CONNECTIONS AMONG GROUP MEMBERS. YOUR STORY MAY BE EXACTLY WHAT ANOTHER PERSON NEEDS TO HEAR, AND YOUR LISTENING TO OTHERS’ STORIES IS AN ACT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS TO THEM—AND COULD VERY WELL HELP THEM TO GROW SPIRITUALLY. BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING.

1. Think of one person you really admire. This can be a friend or family

Watch the DVD Use this space for notes to record key thoughts, questions and 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 direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

member, or it can be someone you don’t know personally. What do you respect or like about that person? Do you want to be more like that person?

2. What distracts you from focusing on your spiritual journey?

3. Take some time for each person to share about how they’re doing on the idea of 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?

why am i here?

To Become

hear god’s story

3. Why do you think Paul

chose to say “crucified” the flesh instead of “overcome” the flesh?

READ GALATIANS 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

4. How do we keep in step with the Spirit?

1. Is the Spirit producing any of these fruit in your life right now? Are there any you want Him to develop in you?

2. What do you think it means to crucify the flesh?

why am i here?

To Become

study notes

MIKE AND GENE MENTIONED SEVERAL PRACTICES THAT CAN HELP US GROW IN OUR FAITH. SOMETIMES THESE ARE CALLED “SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES.” SIMPLY PUT, THEY ARE PRACTICES THAT CHRISTIANS HAVE USED FOR CENTURIES TO DRAW CLOSER TO GOD AND ALLOW HIS SPIRIT TO TRANSFORM THEM. TAKE A LOOK AT THIS LIST OF THE DISCIPLINES. ARE THERE ONE OR TWO THAT ESPECIALLY APPEAL TO YOU AT THIS SEASON OF LIFE? HOW COULD YOU BE MORE INTENTIONAL ABOUT INCORPORATING THOSE DISCIPLINES INTO THE DAILY OR WEEKLY RHYTHM OF YOUR LIFE?

SOLITUDE

Spending time alone with God

SILENCE

Choosing not to speak as a way to listen to god or to others

FASTING

Going without food or some other pleasure for a set period of time in order to pray and refocus your mind

SABBATH

Intentionally refraining from work on a regular basis in order to rest and renew

BIBLE

Reading the Word!

WORSHIP

Praising God for who He is and thanking Him for what He’s done. (This doesn’t have to involve music.)

REFLECTION Thinking about God’s Word, prayerfully considering a scriptural idea, and applying it to your own life. Journaling may be helpful here. SERVICE

Serving others in a tangible way to bless them and glorify God

why am i here?

To Become

Create a new story

5. How do you see God using the current circumstances of your life to make

you more like Him? Is the “University of Character Development” shaping you right now?

6. Each of you in the group has different gifts and abilities. And every small

group has tasks and roles that need to be done. How could you serve this group—perhaps with hospitality or prayer, by organizing an event, research or study of a topic, by worshipping or inviting new people?

1. Is it a new idea for you to think of Christ living in you? How does that affect our ability to become more like Him?

2. What are some areas of life you need to surrender to God?

3. What is the difference between “doing good stuff” and growing to be more like Jesus?

7. Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a

simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your small group, or even to just have coffee and talk about spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you can pray for.

8. Groups grow closer when they serve together. How could your group serve

someone in need? You may want to serve at the Rescue Mission, provide a meal for a family who is going through difficulty, or give some other practical help to someone in need. If nothing comes to mind, spend some group time praying and asking God to show you who needs your help. Have two or three group members organize a serving project for the group, and then do it!

How does pain help us to grow?

why am i here?

To Become

For additional study

READ PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13. 1. What does it mean to work out our salvation? How do we follow

READ JAMES 1:2-4. 1. Trials and struggles are one way God often forces us to grow. Why does James say we should welcome these experiences?

2. Why is perseverance a result of our faith being tested?

this command?

2. Why would this work require “fear and trembling”?

3. What does it mean

to “let perseverance finish its work”?

3. What is the promise we can count on and find comfort in? (verse 13)

why am i here?

To Become

Daily Devotions

DAY 3 • READ EPHESIANS 4:15-16. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 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.

RESPOND These verses remind us we have a responsibility not only for our own growth, but for the growth of our fellow believers. It doesn’t work for one part of the body to grow and none of the rest! How can you help others grow and change?

DAY 1 • READ 1 PETER 2:2-3. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

RESPOND

DAY 4 • READ COLOSSIANS 2:6-7.

What are examples of the “spiritual milk” that can help people grow? Do you need any of them in your life? Give thanks for the ways they have shown you the Lord is good.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

RESPOND What does it mean to be “rooted” in Christ? Does this describe your life?

DAY 2 • READ 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

RESPOND There is so much in this verse! Read it slowly a few times and let it sink into your heart, then spend some time asking God to continue His transforming work in you.

DAY 5 • READ PSALM 92:12-13. 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.

RESPOND Ask God to help you apply what you’ve learned this week, and ask for wisdom about how you can grow more deeply and flourish in your faith.

why am i here?

To Become

DAY 6 Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

why am i here?

To Become

Session Five

To Make a

Difference

presents of piles of s, we think ft gi of , or maybe k ry in ding regist When we th ed w a or , , istmas tree In the Bible r birthday. under a Chr ou r fo e x e don’t com wrapped bo of gift. Thes a beautifully nd ki t ’t en d they won out a differ the Spirit, an we read ab ome from c ey th ome part of e, c ead, they be from a stor st In . ee tr ue or under a us with uniq fit in a bag ch one of ea ts us tr e as God en who we ar abilities. talents and not ours se they’re erent becau ff di so al e so we can ar nts or skills These gifts give us tale t n’ es le point is do ct, the who to keep. God elves— in fa rs ou erving r fo a surprise—s just use them shouldn’t be at th ut want it B e . w rs ge, and to bless othe Jesus’ messa of e er. or c th e ge th llow him to others is at es as we fo liv r ou to al to be centr

We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift. John 1:16 (MSG)

why am i here?

To Make a Difference

Share your story

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER. THIS SHOULD BE A BRIEF, SIMPLE PRAYER, IN WHICH YOU INVITE GOD TO BE WITH YOU AS YOU MEET. 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. TELLING OUR PERSONAL STORIES BUILDS DEEPER CONNECTIONS AMONG GROUP MEMBERS. BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING. SHARING OUR STORIES REQUIRES US TO BE HONEST. WE CAN HELP ONE ANOTHER BE HONEST AND OPEN BY CREATING A SAFE PLACE; BE SURE THAT YOUR GROUP IS ONE WHERE CONFIDENTIALITY IS RESPECTED, WHERE THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS “STUPID QUESTIONS,” WHERE YOU LISTEN WITHOUT CRITICIZING ONE ANOTHER.

Watch the DVD Use this space for notes to record key thoughts, questions and 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 direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

1. What is something you do that makes you come alive?

2. What is something you wish you could do really well?

3. Sit with your spiritual partner. If your partner is absent or if you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. If you haven’t established your spiritual partnership yet, do it now. Answer this question: how has being in this group impacted your personal relationship with God? (See Share Your Story in Session Two on page 36.)

why am i here?

To Make a Difference

hear god’s story

3. What does it mean that

“each member belongs to all the others”?

READ ROMANS 12:3-8. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

4. Why does God gift us so differently?

1. Paul begins by encouraging his readers to be humble and honest when considering their gifts. Why is this so important?

2. How does the analogy of a body with many parts illustrate the importance of each gift?

why am i here?

To Make a Difference

study notes

THE BIBLE MENTIONS A NUMBER OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS THAT GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE WHEN THEY CHOOSE TO FOLLOW HIM. HERE ARE SOME OF THESE GIFTS. DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANY OF THEM IN YOURSELF? DO YOU SEE ANY OF THEM IN YOUR SPOUSE, YOUR CHILDREN, OR YOUR FRIENDS? HOW CAN YOU USE THEM TO BLESS OTHERS? (SEE ROMANS 12, 1 CORINTHIANS 12 AND EPHESIANS 4 FOR MORE)

ADMINISTRATION

HOSPITALITY

APOSTLESHIP

INTERCESSION

ARTS

KNOWLEDGE

CRAFTSMANSHIP

LEADERSHIP

DISCERNMENT

MERCY

ENCOURAGEMENT

PROPHECY

EVANGELISM

SHEPHERDING

FAITH

TEACHING

GIVING

WISDOM

HELPS

why am i here?

To Make a Difference

Create a new story

GOD WANTS YOU TO BE PART OF HIS KINGDOM—TO WEAVE YOUR STORY INTO HIS. THAT WILL MEAN CHANGE. IT WILL REQUIRE YOU TO GO HIS WAY RATHER THAN YOUR OWN. THIS WON’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, BUT IT SHOULD HAPPEN STEADILY. BY MAKING SMALL, SIMPLE CHOICES, WE CAN BEGIN TO CHANGE OUR DIRECTION. THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US ALONG THE WAY—GIVING US GIFTS TO SERVE THE BODY, OFFERING US INSIGHTS INTO SCRIPTURE, AND CHALLENGING US TO LOVE NOT ONLY THOSE AROUND US BUT THOSE FAR FROM GOD. IN THIS SECTION, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL APPLY THE WISDOM YOU’VE LEARNED IN THIS LESSON.

5. Be brave—ask others in your group to share what gifts and talents they’ve noticed in you.

6. Spend some time praying about those you know who might

respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your small group, or even just to have coffee and talk about spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you can pray for.

1. Do you have a story like Mike’s when you realized a gift or ability for the first time?

7. A strong group is made up of people who are all being filled 2. What are you especially passionate about? Does that give you any insight into the way God has wired you to serve Him?

3. Are there gifts you wish you had? How can you focus less on how God’s

up by God, so that they are empowered to love one another. What specific steps will you take this week to connect with God privately, so He can “fill you up?” 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 which one you plan to try this week. Then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

gifted others and begin investing in the way He’s gifted you?

8. Ask “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone 4. What would it mean for you to be the “best version” of you?

why am i here?

to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 128.

9. Close your meeting with prayer.

To Make a Difference

For additional study

READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-11. 1. Why is it so important to

remember that our gifts come from the Holy Spirit? Why is it important to remember that they are all ways God is working?

2. How are our gifts a READ 1 PETER 4:10-11. 1. The Greek word translated as “various” in 1 Peter means “of many colors.”

When we all use our gifts, we create something more beautiful than any of us could alone. How are the various gifts designed to work together?

manifestation of the Spirit?

3. Our gifts are not for ourselves, but for “the common good.” How can you use your gifts for others?

4. Explore your own spiritual 2. Peter says we should use our gifts faithfully. What does this mean? How is using our gifts a stewardship issue?

gifts by taking Heartland’s online assessment at: heartland.cc/sga

5. If you have a Group Partner, 3. How do we demonstrate God’s grace to others when we use our gifts?

why am i here?

get together with them and discuss what you got out of this week’s message and group time. Answer this question: how has being in this group impacted your personal relationship with God?

To Make a Difference

Daily Devotions

DAY 3 • READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:18-20 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

REFLECT Everyone has a part to play and everyone has a purpose in God’s plan. How can you encourage those around you in developing and using their gifts?

DAY 1 • READ JAMES 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

REFLECT This week we’ve focused a lot on the spiritual gifts, but of course God has given us many other good gifts as well. Take a few moments today to thank Him for the many ways He’s blessed your life.

DAY 4 • READ EPHESIANS 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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.

REFLECT What are the reasons given here for God gifting His people? How can your gift contribute to one of these goals?

DAY 2 • READ EXODUS 31:1-5 Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge of all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.

REFLECT Even at the beginning of God’s story with His people, He is equipping them with talents. Note that here, as in the other passages we’ve studied, these skills are given to serve Him and bring Him glory. Do you have professional or artistic abilities that could be used to honor God?

why am i here?

DAY 5 • READ 2 TIMOTHY 1:6-7 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

REFLECT God equips us with spiritual gifts so we can act! Do you need love, self-discipline, or a spirit of power in using your gift? Ask God to help you grow in that area.

To Make a Difference

DAY 6 Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge of all kinds of craftsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Exodus 31:3-5

why am i here?

To Make a Difference

witness??? Can I get a

Session Six

to be sent

the famous rase from with that ph r ilia m gospel fa re heard it in Maybe you’ rhaps you’ve pe or , on. The ng e so ring his serm Marvin Gay preacher du a men” or om “A fr en ask for an music or ev is simple—to n tio e the es lik qu s the g shared. It’ idea behind essage bein m e ink—you th th I of t ion “Here’s wha , an affirmat ng yi sa is r the speake musician or !” t? gh ri me, agree with u are estion. If yo the same qu us ng ki grace, as d sus is d his love an In a way, Je ady witnesse re al good e ve th ha you s, sharing a Christian, be a witnes to u e ir yo qu ng re ’s aski is doesn’t and now he r people. Th he ot ith of w b love ’s the jo news of his ed degree—it k or an advanc ng ni ai our last wee tr l of ia spec d the focus an , er w llo t-fo every Chris ther. learning toge d an ng studyi

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

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Share your story

OPEN YOUR GROUP WITH PRAYER. THIS SHOULD BE A BRIEF, SIMPLE PRAYER, IN WHICH YOU INVITE GOD TO BE WITH YOU AS YOU MEET. 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. AS WE HAVE SAID IN PREVIOUS LESSONS, SHARING OUR PERSONAL STORIES BUILDS DEEPER CONNECTIONS AMONG GROUP MEMBERS. YOUR STORY MAY BE EXACTLY WHAT ANOTHER PERSON NEEDS TO HEAR TO ENCOURAGE OR STRENGTHEN THEM. AND YOUR LISTENING TO OTHERS’ STORIES IS AN ACT OF LOVE AND KINDNESS TO THEM—AND COULD VERY WELL HELP THEM TO GROW SPIRITUALLY. BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER BY USING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO GET PEOPLE TALKING.

1. What has surprised you most about this group? Where did God meet you

Watch the DVD Use this space for notes to record key thoughts, questions and 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 direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

over the last six weeks?

2. Have you ever shared your faith with someone else? Tell the group about your experience.

3. 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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hear god’s story

3. Jesus has all authority, we

are to go into all nations, we are to teach obedience to everything he has commanded, and He will always be with us. Why do you think Jesus emphasized these ideas?

READ MATTHEW 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

1. We have the authority to connect people to God because Jesus told us to.

Why would Jesus end this commissioning with a promise not to leave us?

Who gave him this authority (verse 18)? Why? Is this different from the authority Jesus had during his earthly ministry?

2. This passage says it’s not enough to help others make the initial connection to Christ; we must also “disciple” them. What does that mean? How do we do it?

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study notes

The passage we looked at in Matthew 28 is often called “The Great Commission.” Perhaps you’ve heard someone say, “It’s called a commission, not a suggestion.” In other words, if we follow Christ, we are commanded to go, to disciple, and to teach others about Him. It’s not an option. This can be intimidating, however, especially if faith is new to us. “But I don’t know that much about the Bible yet,” we think. “How can I tell other people about what it says? What if they ask me a question I can’t answer?” But Jesus didn’t say, “Go and explain theology” or “Go after you have a degree from seminary.” The disciples were not scholars, and as you’ll see if you read the book of Acts, they didn’t have it all figured out. Instead, Jesus is simply saying, “Go and tell your story. Tell what you’ve seen, what you’ve experienced, and how it has changed you—and I will be with you.” So don’t worry about what you don’t know. Focus on what you do—what you’ve learned in this study and what God is doing in your life—and then be open to the opportunities God gives you to share with others.

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Create a new story 1. How has God changed your story during this six-week 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 live a new story, to walk more closely with God so you can be part of His story, engaged in His kingdom.

5. Reflect on Gene’s story about losing his dad. Are you ready to

use your life to help other people get ready for their last day? What is one step you could take this week?

6. As this is the last meeting in this study, take some time

to celebrate the work God has done in the lives of group members. Have each person in the group share some step of growth they have noticed in another member. (In other words, no one will talk about themselves. Instead, affirm others in the group.) Make sure each person gets affirmed and noticed and celebrated—whether the steps they’ve made are large or small.

7. If your group still needs to make decisions about continuing 2. Why does God invite us to be part of His mission in the world?

3. Why is it so important to “go and be” beyond the church walls, not just invite people to “come and see”?

4. When the church started, people were drawn to it. Why is it “contagious”

when we live out our faith and love others? How does that influence the way we are sent into the world?

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to meet after this session, have that discussion now. Talk about what you will study, who will lead, and when you will meet.

8. Review your Group Agreement on page 120 and evaluate

how well you met your goals. Discuss any changes you want to make as you move forward. If you plan to continue to meet, and your group starts a new study, this is a great time to take on a new role or change roles of service in your group. What new role will you take on? If you are uncertain, maybe your group members have some ideas for you. Remember you aren’t making a lifetime commitment to the new role; it will only be for a few weeks. Maybe someone would like to share a role with you if you don’t feel ready to serve solo.

9. Close by praying for your prayer requests and take a couple

of minutes to review the praises you have recorded over the past five weeks on the Prayer and Praise Report on page 128. Spend some time thanking God for all He’s done in your group during this study.

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For additional study

EXPLORE THE BIBLE PASSAGES RELATED TO THIS SESSION’S THEME ON YOUR OWN, JOTTING 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.

READ MATTHEW 5:13-16 1. Think about the metaphor that

Jesus uses here, comparing us to salt. What does He mean? How are Christians “salt” to the world?

2. What responsibility comes READ MATTHEW 9:35-38.

with being a light that points to Jesus?

1. The gospel is a word that means “good news,” like we see in verse 35. How does the fact that we’re sharing good news make it easier to tell people about Jesus?

3. Why do we let our light shine before others?

2. Why would Jesus have compassion on the people? How would this compassion lead into His comment to the disciples?

3. What is the harvest field? Who are the workers? What is their work?

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4. Take time after this final

session to connect with your group partner. What has God been showing you through these sessions? What positive changes has your partner noticed in you? Check in with each other about the progress you have made in your spiritual growth during this study. Make plans about whether you will continue your relationship after the group has concluded.

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Daily Devotions

DAY 3 • READ GALATIANS 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

REFLECT The way we live our lives and imitate Christ is just as much a witness as any words we say. Take a few minutes to thank God for living in you and to ask for His Spirit to work through you in reaching out to others.

DAY 1 • READ LUKE 8:38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

DAY 4 • READ PHILEMON 6

REFLECT

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

This man begged to be a disciple, but Jesus thought it was more important for him to be a witness right in his hometown. Who is right there at home (in your family, your friends, or your community) that you can tell how much God has done for you?

RESPOND According to this verse, what is required for us to fully understand our faith?

DAY 5 • READ COLOSSIANS 4:5-6 DAY 2 • READ 1 PETER 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

REFLECT How can you grow in your ability to give an answer for your hope in Christ?

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Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

REFLECT This is another great passage that teaches us the attitude and approach we should have when sharing our faith. What does it mean to “make the most” of an opportunity? What does it mean for our conversations to be “seasoned with salt”?

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DAY 6 Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DO WE DO ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF OUR GROUP?

s e c i d n e p p A help urces to o s e r t a e up Gr small gro r u o y e k a m n better! e v e e c n ie exper

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 (pages 104–105) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins.

WHERE DO WE FIND NEW MEMBERS FOR OUR GROUP? This can be troubling, especially for new groups that have only a few people or for existing groups that lose a few people along the way. We encourage you to pray with your group and then brainstorm a list of people from work, church, your neighborhood, your children’s school, family, the gym, and so forth. Then have each group member invite several of the people on his or her list. No matter how you find members, it’s vital that you stay on the lookout for new people to join your group. All groups tend to go through healthy attrition—the result of moves, releasing new leaders, ministry opportunities, and so forth—and if the group gets too small, it could be at risk of shutting down. If you and your group stay open, you’ll be amazed at the people God sends your way. The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know!

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HOW LONG WILL THIS GROUP MEET?

WHO IS THE LEADER?

Most groups meet weekly for at least their first 5 weeks, but every other week can work as well. We strongly recommend that the group meet for the first six months on a weekly basis if at all possible. This allows for continuity, and if people miss a meeting they aren’t gone for a whole month.

Most groups have an official host or leader. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate hosts/leaders and homes on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution, and develop their gifts. This study guide and the Holy Spirit can keep things on track even when you rotate leaders. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way.

At the end of this study, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Some groups launch relationships for years to come, and others are stepping-stones into another group experience. Either way, enjoy the journey.

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 who would enjoy some relational time (perhaps going to the movies or having a quiet dinner) and then walking through this study. Jesus will be with you even if there are only two of you (Matthew 18:20).

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 5-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t typically buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date, and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before the 5 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!

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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 care for the children either in the same home or in another home nearby. 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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Group Agreement OUR PURPOSE To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

OUR VALUES 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 122 will minimize this issue.) Safe Environment To help 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 spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;imperfectionsâ&#x20AC;? in fellow group members. We are all works in progress.

OUR EXPECTATIONS Refreshments/mealtimes

Childcare

When we will meet (day of week)

Where we will meet (place)

We will begin at (time)

and end at

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

(Optional) We will do our best to have some or all of us attend a worship service together. Our primary worship service time will be

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.

Date of this agreement

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

Date we will review this agreement again

Rotating Hosts/Leaders To encourage different people to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Group Calendar on page 122.)

Who (other than the leader) will review this agreement at the end of this study

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Group Calendar

Group Partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Check-In

Planning and calendaring can help ensure the greatest participation at every meeting. At the end of each meeting, review this calendar. Be sure to include a regular rotation of host homes and leaders, and do not forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects.

Briefly check in each week and write down your personal plans and progress targets for the next week (or even for the next few weeks). This could be done before or after the meeting, on the phone, through an e-mail message, or even in person from time to time.

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Group Roster

Memory Verse Cards SESSION ONE • JOHN 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

SESSION TWO • 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 EMAIL

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

SESSION THREE • MATTHEW 18:20 PHONE

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.

SESSION FOUR • 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

SESSION FIVE • JOHN 1:16 (MSG) NAME

We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift.

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SESSION SIX • ISAIAH 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

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Clip and review the Memory Verses on the other side of this page.

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praise reports

SESSION 6

SESSION 5

SESSION 4

SESSION 3

SESSION 2

SESSION 1

prayer requests

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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.

rs e d a e l p u o r G Small your s to help e c r u o s e Key r e erience b p x e ip h s leader can be. it t s e b e h t

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 is your favorite family vacation? • 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 Group Agreement and talk about each person’s expectations and priorities. Finally, set an open chair (maybe two) in the center of your group and explain that it represents someone who would enjoy or benefit from this group but who isn’t here yet. Ask people to pray about inviting someone to join the group over the next few weeks. Don’t worry about ending up with too many people; you can always have one discussion circle in the living room and another in the dining room after you watch the lesson. Each group could then report prayer requests and progress at the end of the session. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

4. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times. If you

are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and Leadership Lifter. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 Training 101 CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CALL TO HELP SHEPHERD JESUS’ FLOCK. THERE ARE FEW OTHER TASKS IN THE FAMILY OF GOD THAT SURPASS THE CONTRIBUTION YOU WILL BE MAKING. AS YOU PREPARE TO LEAD, WHETHER IT IS ONE SESSION OR THE ENTIRE SERIES, HERE ARE A FEW THOUGHTS TO KEEP IN MIND. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ THESE AND REVIEW THEM WITH EACH NEW DISCUSSION LEADER BEFORE HE OR SHE LEADS.

1. Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and He knew that you would be asked to lead your group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that 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,

9. Rotate facilitators weekly. At the end of each meeting, ask the group

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

10. One final challenge (for new or first time leaders): Before your first

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

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 Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting leaders at once if you prefer. 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 2:7-11-12

8. Break up into smaller groups each week or they won’t stay. If your

group has more than seven people, we strongly encourage you to have the group gather sometimes in discussion circles of three or four people during the Hear God’s Story or Create a New Story sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply more quickly what they’re learning 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. It can also help people feel more loved in your group. 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.

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teacher bios Gene Appel

Gene Appel is the senior pastor at Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, California. Gene actually started at Eastside as a 20-year-old intern from Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, IL, before spending time as pastor of Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, NV and Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, IL. He returned to Eastside in 2008 as senior pastor there. While at Willow, Gene became a familiar and loved teacher at Heartland during the era where most of Heartland’s teaching came on video tape from Willow Creek. Gene co-authored the book How to Change Your Church Without Killing It. Gene is married to Barbara and they have a son and two daughters.

Mike Breaux

Mike Breaux has been the teaching pastor at Heartland Community Church for eight years. Before joining Heartland, Mike was teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in S. Barrington, IL, where he began teaching at Heartland on video. Prior to Willow, he was senior pastor at Southland Christian Church in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. In the eight years that Mike led Southland, the church grew from 3,500 to more than 8,000 people. He is the author of Making Ripples and Identity Theft. Currently Mike and his wife, Debbie, are relocating to southern California to partner with several churches there in a unique role as a teaching pastor with their existing teams. Mike and Debbie have three grown children.

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John Ortberg

John Ortberg is the senior pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church outside of San Francisco. Born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, John graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in psychology. He holds a Master of Divinity and doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Fuller Seminary, and has done post-graduate work at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He has written books on spiritual formation including, The Life You’ve Always Wanted, Know Doubt, The Me I Want To Be, and most recently, Who is This Man?. Prior to joining MPPC, John served as teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, where he was one of Heartland’s primary teachers via video in the early years of our church. John’s teaching has been formative in the church that Heartland has become. John is married to Nancy Ortberg, and they have three grown children.

Josh Peigh

Josh Peigh is the lead pastor at Heartland Community Church in Rockford, Illinois. Josh grew up in Indiana and got his degree from Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, IL. He was on the pastoral staff at Crossway Christian Church in Nashua, NH, and Manchester Christian Church in Manchester, NH prior to moving back to his Midwest roots in 2010 to join the staff at Heartland. Even though only at Heartland for a short time, in 2013 the Elders asked Josh to step into the Lead Pastor role to lead the church. Josh and his wife, Pilar, have 2 young children.

Pete Wilson

Pete Wilson is the founding and senior pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee, a church that he and his wife, Brandi, planted in 2003. Over the course of 11 years, Cross Point has grown to reach more than 7,000 people each weekend through its five locations around the Nashville area and online. Pete is the author of the books, Plan B, Empty Promises, and Let Hope In. Pete earned his Bachelors degree in Communications from Western Kentucky University and attended seminary at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY.

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