UGA Wesley Foundation 2014 Discipleship Manual by UGA Wesley Foundation

2014 2015 DISCIPLESHIP MANUAL WESLEY DISCIPLESHIP EXISTS TO PROVIDE A MENTORING RELATIONSHIP TO ASSIST STUDENTS IN TAKING THEIR NEXT STEPS WITH GOD.

Wesley Discipleship E X I S T S TO P ROV I D E

A MENTORING R E L A T I O N S H I P

TO ASSIST STUDENTS

next steps IN TAKING THEIR

WESLEY

TABLE OF CONTENTS PURPOSE OF DISCIPLESHIP............................................................................................................................ VISION FOR DISCIPLESHIP AT WESLEY........................................................................................................ DISCIPLESHIP SCHEDULE............................................................................................................................... FOUNDATION SCHEDULE.............................................................................................................................. LEAD COVENANT............................................................................................................................................. COVENANT ISSUES..........................................................................................................................................

4 5 6 7 8 9

THE 5 ELEMENTS REAL TALK............................................................................................................................................. 10 - 11 TRUTH & ACCOUNTABILITY............................................................................................................... 12 - 13 THE FOUNDATIONS............................................................................................................................ 14 - 15 NEXT STEPS........................................................................................................................................... 16 - 17 PRAYER................................................................................................................................................... 18 - 19 HOW THE 5 ELEMENTS WORK TOGETHER.................................................................................... 20 - 21 DT CARD.............................................................................................................................................................. 22 DT SUMMARY FORM........................................................................................................................................ 23 THE FOUNDATIONS FIRST MEETING..................................................................................................................................... 24 FIRST MEETING TEACHING TIPS........................................................................................................ 25 CHRISTLIKENESS WEEK 1................................................................................................................... 26 CHRISTLIKENESS WEEK 1 TEACHING TIPS..................................................................................... 27 CHRISTLIKENESS WEEK 2.................................................................................................................. 28 CHRISTLIKENESS WEEK 2 TEACHING TIPS..................................................................................... 29 IMPACTING OTHERS WEEK 1............................................................................................................ 30 IMPACTING OTHERS WEEK 1 TEACHING TIPS............................................................................... 31 IMPACTING OTHERS WEEK 2............................................................................................................ 32 IMPACTING OTHERS WEEK 2 TEACHING TIPS............................................................................... 33 PRAYER WEEK 1................................................................................................................................... 34 PRAYER WEEK 1 TEACHING TIPS...................................................................................................... 35 PRAYER WEEK 2.................................................................................................................................... 36 PRAYER WEEK 2 TEACHING TIPS...................................................................................................... 37 HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1............................................................................................................................ 38 HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 1 TEACHING TIPS............................................................................................... 39 - 40 HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 2............................................................................................................................ 41 HOLY SPIRIT WEEK 2 TEACHING TIPS............................................................................................... 42 THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD WEEK 1................................................................................................. 43 THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD WEEK 1 TEACHING TIPS................................................................... 44 THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD WEEK 2................................................................................................ 45 THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD WEEK 2 TEACHING TIPS................................................................... 46 - 47 HUMILITY WEEK 1................................................................................................................................ 48 HUMILITY WEEK 1 TEACHING TIPS................................................................................................... 49 HUMILITY WEEK 2................................................................................................................................ 50 HUMILITY WEEK 2 TEACHING TIPS................................................................................................... 51 DISCIPLESHIP WRAP UP....................................................................................................................... 52 DISCIPLESHIP WRAP UP TEACHING TIPS......................................................................................... 53 NOTES................................................................................................................................................................. 54 - 56

VISION PURPOSE OF DISCIPLESHIP Wesley Discipleship exists to provide a mentoring relationship to assist students in taking their next steps with God. 5 ELEMENTS OF DISCIPLESHIP REAL TALK

TRUTH & ACCOUNTA BILITY

THE FOU NDATIONS

NEXT STEPS

PRAYER

THE 5

E L EM EN T S O F

DI S C I P L E S H I P

OUTCOMES OF WESLEY DISCIPLESHIP Engage in COMMUNITY Establish a Healthy IDENTITY Foster Personal Growth and TRANSFORMATION Encourage HOLY LIVING Lead People (One Another) into a Deeper KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

VISION VISION FOR DISCIPLESHIP AT WESLEY 1. We’ve promised students that if they will give themselves to _______________________ and ______________________________ God will change their lives this year. 2. Wesley’s most important measurables are ______________________________________, ___________________, and __________________________. 3. We have __________________________ the discipleship process this year. 4. Discipleship may feel more like ________________ this year because you’ll be asked to more intentionally guide the direction and flow of the meeting. • R____________________ • T____________ & A____________________ • F____________________ • N____________________ • P____________________ 5. Five outcomes (WINS) from our discipleship ministry that we will pray and work to help happen in the lives of our students are: • E__________________________________________________________ • E__________________________________________________________ • F__________________________________________________________ • E__________________________________________________________ • D__________________________________________________________

SCHEDULE 2014-2015 DISCIPLESHIP SCHEDULE FALL SEMESTER August 18–22 August 20 August 25-29 August 27 September 1 September 3 September 10 September 17 September 24 October 29 November 24–28 December 1-5

Schedule Discipleship Meetings Student Discipleship Training (6:30PM at Tate 142 - Real Talk) First Week of Discipleship Student Discipleship Training (6:30PM at Tate 473 - Foundations - Christlikeness) Labor Day Holiday – No Discipleship* Student Discipleship Training (6:30PM at Tate 142 - Truth & Accountability) Student Discipleship Training (6:30PM at Tate 473 - Next Steps) Student Discipleship Training (6:30PM at Tate 473 - Prayer) Foundation Meeting - Impacting Others (6:30PM or 9:30PM at Tate 473) Foundation Meeting - Prayer (6:30PM or 9:30PM at Tate 473) Thanksgiving Holidays - No Discipleship Last Week of Discipleship for the Semester

SPRING SEMESTER January 5–9 January 7 January 19 January 29 February 25 March 9–13 March 25 April 20–24 April 29

First Week of Discipleship Foundation Meeting - Holy Spirit (6:30PM or 9:30PM at Tate 473) MLK holiday - No Discipleship* Foundation Meeting - God’s Word (6:30PM or 9:30PM at Tate 473) Foundation Meeting - Humility (6:30PM or 9:30PM at Tate 473) Spring Break - No Discipleship* Foundation Meeting - Discipleship Wrap Up (6:30PM or 9:30PM at Tate 473)vv Last Week of Discipleship Last Wesley at Wesley

*MAKE UP DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRED

SCHEDULE FOUNDATION SCHEDULE Week of AUG 25 & SEP 1: Week of SEP 8 & 15: Week of SEP 22 & 29: Week of OCT 6 & 13: Week of OCT 20 & 27: Week of NOV 3 & 10: Week of NOV 17 & DEC 1: Week of JAN 5 & 12: Week of JAN 19 & 26: Week of FEB 2 & 9: Week of FEB 16 & 23: Week of MAR 2 & 16: Week of MAR 23 & 30: Week of APR 6 & 13:

Discipleship-First Meeting Christlikeness 1 Christlikeness 2 Impacting Others 1 Impacting Others 2 Prayer 1 Prayer 2 Holy Spirit 1 Holy Spirit 2 God’s Word 1 God’s Word 2 Humility 1 Humility 2 Discipleship-Wrap Up

LEAD COVENANT WESLEY FOUNDATION LEAD COVENANT Being a part of leadership in the Body of Christ is an honor and a privilege. Throughout scripture God has asked His leaders to follow certain conditions that will make them most effective in the opportunity He gives them. At Wesley, we are committed to living with moral and ethical values that are consistent with the Bible and standards appropriate for the community we live in. We expect the students who lead at Wesley to live according to those values in response to God’s call for His people to live righteously. By accepting a leadership role at Wesley, I submit myself to the following covenant: • I will seek to know and serve the Lord as my first love. • I will be diligent in fulfilling all of the responsibilities entrusted to me. These include: 1. Regularly attend Wesley Wednesday night services 2. Regularly attend LEAD Prayer before services 3. Being faithful to attend weekly discipleship meetings 4. Being actively involved in the ministry area to which I am given through prayer, time, & dedication 5. Attending Day One on Friday, August 15, 2014 • I will live a life of celibacy outside the marriage covenant, & I will live above reproach & avoid even the appearance of immodesty in all my relationships. This includes purity in dating relationships & forbids ‘shacking’ – sleeping over with the opposite sex. • I will live a life of sobriety. If under 21, I will adhere to the law & not drink at all. Realizing that my example could cause others to stumble, I will refrain from even modest drinking in public settings – bars, parties, etc. in Athens, & I will carefully consider the costs when choosing to partake of alcohol outside of Athens. • I will zealously guard what I watch, read, & listen to so as to not grieve the Holy Spirit who makes me His temple. • With regard to all of the above, I will submit myself to those in authority over me (interns & directors) & make myself accountable to them, as unto the Lord.

LEAD COVENANT WHAT DO I DO WHEN THERE IS A COVENANT ISSUE? Scenario 1 Your student tells you they broke the covenant and has acknowledged what they did was wrong. Step 1: Start by talking with them about it. Ask them questions about what happened and what they think about it. One of the primary things we are concerned with is if the student seems repentant. Are they going to continue in this lifestyle or are they truly sorry and want to uphold the covenant in the future? Step 2: Thank them for being honest. Assure them of God’s forgiveness and our continued desire to invest in them. Step 3: Impress upon them the importance of taking steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Help them to identify what those next steps are. Step 4: Inform them that you are going to let either Lindsay or Aaron know. Not because they are going to meet with them, just so they can be aware for accountability purposes. Scenario 2 Your student tells you they have broken the covenant and they don’t appear to be repentant. Step 1: Start by talking with them about it. Ask them questions about what happened and what they think about it. Step 2: Be clear as to the importance of the covenant, why we have it, and how it is intended to protect our integrity as a ministry and as leaders. Step 3: If they are repentant, then follow scenario one. If not, then inform Lindsay or Aaron. Step 4: Inform either Lindsay or Aaron and they will set up a meeting with them. Scenario 3 Someone tells you that a student you disciple has broken the covenant. Step 1: If you feel like your relationship with the student is strong enough to address it, then go ahead and ask them about it. If you feel uncertain as to how the student would respond or uncertain of the information you’ve been given, then go talk to Lindsay or Aaron first about the situation involving the other student. Step 2: Follow the guidelines for Scenario 1 or 2 based on the student’s response. Scenario 4 Someone you disciple tells you that another student has broken the covenant. Step 1: Thank them for telling you this. Remind them not to talk with anyone else about it. Let them know that you will share the information with Lindsay and Aaron and they will pursue this, as needed. Step 2: Tell Lindsay or Aaron and they will talk through the situation with you and determine the best way to handle it.

THE 5 ELEMENTS REAL TALK ‘Real talk’ means what it says: conversation that is centered in and revolves around ______________. In discipleship, real talk is _________________. The point of this is not to give you laws of what you can and cannot talk about; it is about understanding that your _______________ in discipleship is to arrive at a place of real talk and to be able to visit it _________________. Real talk occurs when trust is _________________; conversely, real talk will be avoided when trust is threatened or depleted. ASKING QUESTIONS One of your primary jobs as a discipler is to be an investigator. Asking good questions is one way to create real talk in your discipleship relationships. At the heart, asking questions ____________________________ in the person who is being asked the questions. Asking questions is an excellent way to allow the person you are discipling to _________________. Never underestimate the _______________________ of questions. Jesus asked questions all the time. He wanted to ____________________ people to learn and grow instead of impress people by how smart He could be. We should follow that example since we will only be with those we are discipling for a short while. Remember, though, that discipleship is __________________________ in nature. You are allowed and encouraged to share in order to foster the relationship.

THE 5 ELEMENTS REAL TALK (CONTINUED) HERE IS WHAT NOT TO DO: • Consistently ask ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions • This is considered a ‘closed’ question. • Ask questions that you don’t care about: you will show your disinterest in your lack of listening that follows • Consistently ask questions you know the answer to • If you find yourself doing this, you probably are not engaged or are not prepared • Ask leading questions: they might feel trapped or if they have a different answer, then they might be unwilling to share • Ask ‘why’ questions: its best to ask what questions - what issues came up as you made that decision instead of why did you make that decision • Fail to listen to the answer of the question you just asked • You never know when someone is going to tell you something important. GOOD TYPE OF QUESTIONS • Questions that get information. These are questions that are looking for FACTUAL answers. • Questions that uncover thoughts. These are questions that are looking for OPINIONS. • Questions that get the listener thinking. These are questions based on your understanding of the situation. • Questions that get the listener to a place of understanding. They key is to get them to discover it instead of you just telling them. ***For more, see “Powerful Asking Questions” in 5 Elements Google Docs Folder under “Real Talk.”

THE 5 ELEMENTS TRUTH & ACCOUNTABILITY Truth & Accountability is __________________________. • • • •

Truth into life issues Encouragement Hold them accountable Take care of your students

The essence of Truth and Accountability is _______________________. A Shepherd is a person who ______________________________________________. SHEPHERDS OF GOD’S FLOCK • Attributes of a Shepherd: • Concerned and caring • Compassionate • Humble • Honors • An example PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF USING TRUTH AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN DISCIPLESHIP • Biblical Wisdom and Godly Counsel • Ask for the Holy Spirit to direct your conversations and your words • Use Godly wisdom, not fleshly thoughts • Pray before your discipleship meetings • Stay in tuned with the Spirit • Know the Word and refer back to it • Encourage and speak into their life situations • Teach them to feed themselves and connect with God • Disciple unto Christ REVEALING LIES AND REPLACING WITH TRUTH • Identify lies that your student is believing • Speak God’s truth that contradicts that lie • Encourage the student to reject the lie when it comes up & redirect their thoughts to what God’s truth is • Use Scripture to contradict the lie and establish truth in their minds

THE 5 ELEMENTS TRUTH & ACCOUNTABILITY (CONTINUED) ACCOUNTABILITY Accountability __________________________________________________________. Holding students accountable: • With grace and love but speak Truth • To the Scripture • To what they personally want to grow in each semester • Anything they specifically struggle with Question to ask ________________________________________________________?

THE 5 ELEMENTS THE FOUNDATIONS THE BASICS What is a Foundation? A Foundation is a teaching and discussion lesson based on a topic that is foundational to the Christian faith. The Foundation topics are things we believe our students should know in order to live as a ___________________________. What is the purpose? To learn and apply truths that are ____________ to the Christian faith through Scriptural teaching points and small group discussion. Because of the importance of the topics, we want to be sure to expose our students to them during their college years. Part of making disciples of Jesus is teaching them truths rooted in what the Bible says about them. What is their make-up? ______________________- 5-10 words; “subheading” for the week’s discussion about the month’s Foundation ______________________- 1 sentence (10-15 words) helps the Discipler and interns/students know what the group should get from the Foundation ______________________- 2-4 verses that best communicate the basic truths of the foundation and cultivate discussion ideas ______________________- 2-5 simple, concise ideas stemming from the focus ______________________- 2-5 questions that promote conversation within the group where students/staff other than the discipler get to share with one another ______________________- 1-2 sentences the students/staff are left with that answer the questions, “So what? Why does that matter to me? How does it impact my life?” ***See sample Foundation for flow. A PRACTICAL “HOW TO?” GUIDE FOR TEACHING FOUNDATIONS How do I prepare? __________________________. Your discipler will teach you the Foundations. Paying attention to how they do it, things they highlight and add to the discussion, etc. will help you have a model for how it should be done. __________________________. Go through the Foundation by yourself. Read all the parts (Focus, Goal, Scripture References, Teaching Points, Discussion Questions, Takeaway) and make sure you understand them. __________________________ if you need to. It is better to make sure you understand the content than do it wrong with those you disciple. __________________________. Write down things to help you clearly communicate what we are trying to teach. Add your own examples to make it personal and apply it specifically to those you disciple. Preparing to teach the Foundation is not just about knowing the concept, but knowing how you want to lead the discussion. __________________________. Go through the Foundation again before your Group DT. This will allow it to be fresh in your mind.

THE 5 ELEMENTS THE FOUNDATIONS (CONTINUED) When should they be done? _____________________________. One of the keys to the Foundations is the group discussion component. This a) keeps them from being a one-sided lecture where you teach the entire thing to your DT and b) allows us to learn from multiple perspectives and opinions. Teaching the Foundations in Group DT will also provide ________________________ so there can be a generally similar experience had by all. (The goal, here, is to make sure everyone is taught the Foundations in an intentional, effective way.) Be sure to follow up when you meet with your DT individually. Take the opportunity to make sure everyone understands and is applying it to their life. What should it look like? A mixture of _______________ and ________________. There are truths that we want them to walk away knowing. We want to make sure they are said so we have included them as “Teaching Points.” This will a) make it clear what we believe and b) allow the discussion to flow from these truths. The discussion portion is extremely important, however. When people are asked questions it encourages them to think about things for themselves. Discussion also takes pressure off the teacher to talk the whole time (which nobody really wants anyways) and gives the group the opportunity to learn from a variety of perspectives as everyone shares their own thoughts and experiences. The balance between these two is making sure the truths we want communicated are taught and there is an opportunity to discuss that builds off them and provides opportunity for personal application. How long should they take? __________________________. It should typically take at least 25 minutes for you to read Scripture verses together, talk through teaching points, and have thoughtful discussion. It is perfectly ok if there is a week or two that only last 15-20 min. However, there may be a more effective way to lead them if they are consistently taking less than 25. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to talk to your Discipler or Lindsay and Aaron-we are here to help you! Likewise, if the Foundations occasionally take longer than 30 min, that is ok, too. Here’s a few important things to think through: • Is everyone staying engaged or is it a discussion between you and one or two people who are really passionate about the subject(s)? You want to avoid losing people and it becoming a waste of time for them. The purpose of the Foundations is for there to be a group teaching/discussion about the topic. If one or two individuals seem extremely interested in a subject, make a note of that and bring it up in your next individual DT to continue the discussion. • Is the Foundations taking up all your time in Group DT? The Foundation is just one of the 5 Elements. If you are spending 45 min to an hour on them, that does not leave sufficient time for Real Talk, Truth and Accountability, Next Steps and Prayer. These should all be part of the Group DT experience, so be sure to make them a priority. Takeaway The Foundations are not time-fillers. They teach truths that are essential to the Christian Faith and by teaching them, we are enabling our students to encounter God and become Disciples of Jesus Christ. So, doing the Foundations well is a WIN for Wesley.

THE 5 ELEMENTS NEXT STEPS When we are saved we are not a _________________________. The truth is that God wants to, throughout our entire lives, mold us and shape us into the image of His Son. A question we need to be considering as disciplers is this… “__________________________________ __________________________?” Exodus 23:29-30 “29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and possess the land.” • This verse shows that when God led His people into the promise land, He didn’t give it to them _____________. Instead, he gave it to them _____________. When they were able to control that land, shoulder that responsibility, then God would give them more. Much of what God wants to do in your life will be ___________________________. Sometimes in a discipleship God will do BIG/MAJOR things. But usually, as you conduct discipleships, little by little things will come to light: things about God, yourself, your current situation, etc. These “things” could be any number of “things” “Things” could be... • A new revelation about God’s character. • A lie you were believing about yourself. • A new direction that God is leading you in your life. • An issue that you need to address in your life. • A unhealthy behavior pattern that needs to change. One of your major roles as a discipler, will be to help your disciplee ________________ these “things” in their lives. To partner with God, and to identify what He is doing in their life. • This is something that should take place naturally during “real talk.” The big question is, what do we do ______________________? In order to live a life faithful to God, these “things” need to _______________. That is what “next steps” is all about.

THE 5 ELEMENTS NEXT STEPS (CONTINUED) James 1:22-25 “22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” • We are never called to be people only filled with knowledge about who God is and what He says about us. We are called to be people who put our _________________________. We are called to be people who live our life in light of what we now know about God and ourselves. A “next step” in discipleship means identifying what is the appropriate action in response to your current situation. A “next step” could look like... • Making amends with someone you wronged • Thinking through how to change your habits and patterns to avoid a sin • Setting up a meeting with a counselor • Develop a bible reading plan • Meet with a career counselor about vocation choice and creating a wise path to get there. One of your main goals in a discipleship meeting is to turn the “things” God is doing in someones life into an actionable “next step.” “Next steps” that are developed should be _______________ _________, not _____________________. These “next steps” will also provide a platform to begin discussion in your next discipleship meeting. Conclusion -Growth & life change truly occurs when we align our actions to God’s prompting. That is why in discipleship we attempt to discern what He is doing in someone’s life, and then align our actions accordingly. Ultimate question to ask: ____________________________________________________ ***For more, see “‘Next Steps’ Questions” in 5 Elements Google Docs Folder under “Next Steps”. 17

THE 5 ELEMENTS PRAYER Prayer is simple; it is talking and listening to God. Two main forms of Prayer: 1. Personal Prayer Life- Develop Intimacy with Jesus 2. Intercession- Prayer on behalf of others Prayer ministry- Actively ministering through prayer. How will you know when you need to pray about something with the person you disciple? • As you discuss life and the Lord, (real talk) listen for things that have been a hindrance in the transformation process. • Discernment -50% is listening to the Holy Spirit, 50% is the knowledge of the Bible. What are some of the hindrances that present themselves in discipleship that you are listening for? • Flesh • Foothold • Stronghold WAYS IN WHICH THE FLESH CAN PRESENT ITSELF THAT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH IN DT: Rom 7:5,Gal 5:17, Eph 4:22, Proverbs 19:3 • • • • • • •

Rejection – Proverbs 14:10, Jeremiah 15:10 Unforgiveness – Matthew 18:34,35 Bitterness – Hebrews 12:15 Jealousy and Selfish Ambition – James 3:14-16 Sexual sins – I Cor 6:15-20 Extended Grief – Proverbs: 13:12, 17:22 Mindsets/Imaginations – I Cor. 10:5, Proverbs 23:7 • Image of God • True Self/False Self • Fear – Proverbs 29:25 • Unconfessed Sin – Psalm 32:3-5 • Mother/Father Issues – Eph 6:1-3 WHAT POWER DOES THE ENEMY HAVE? BELIEVING HIS LIES: • John 10:10 – steal, kill, destroy • John 8:44 – father of lies • Break the power of agreement through a prayer of repentance

THE 5 ELEMENTS PRAYER (CONTINUED) PRACTICAL POINTS: • Prayer changes things! Pray with an attitude of confidence Philippians 1:6 • Jesus is always present! • Listen, love, and pray • Can pray at any point • Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a director • Pray Scripture - Ephesians 1:18-19, Ephesians 3:14-21 • Resources for prayers of confession, repentance, forgiveness, etc.

THE 5 ELEMENTS THE 5 ELEMENTS: HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER DO THEY FLOW? _________________. You typically will open the DT, after a few (3-5) minutes of icebreaking and catching up, with _________ where the student can talk about real thoughts and feelings about real situations and circumstances that really affect their life. The Discipler’s primary role is to facilitate the discussion through questions, but can also contribute things pertaining to their own life when it enhances the student’s understanding and sharing. ___________________ is the chance for the Discipler to fill in some of the blanks, emphasize key realizations and provide Biblical wisdom/advice on the topics covered in “Real Talk.” This is a time to build on the previous conversations, but is not meant to replace it. The distinctiveness of these two times allows for a conversation that empowers the student rather than create a dependency on a “wisdom ATM.” After the student has had time to talk through what’s going on in their life and the Discipler has responded in a way that enhances that conversation, it is time to answer the question: “What do I do now?” by identifying ________________. Much of the Discipler’s side of the conversation will involve questions, interjecting their opinions only when the student does not have a solution. Furthermore, this should be done in an inviting way, rather than coming across demanding or controlling. (Ex: If I were in your position I might... because... .) After having open, honest conversation (“Real Talk”), the Discipler responding with Biblical wisdom and/or Godly advice (“Truth & Accountability”) and identifying and committing to a plan for what to do moving forward (“Next Steps”), ending with a time of ________ is a great way to conclude a DT. Note: During Group DTs, you will also incorporate _______________________. These should generally be taught at the beginning of the meeting, leaving time to incorporate the other four Elements in much of the same way as Individual DT.

REAL TALK

LEADS TO

TRUTH & ACCOUNTA BIL ITY

LEADS TO

N EXT ST EPS

LEADS TO

PR AY E R

THE 5 ELEMENTS THE 5 ELEMENTS: HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER (CONTINUED) DO THEY HAVE TO FLOW ONE BY ONE? _____. This is a skeleton you as a discipler-based on _____________________, _________________________ and ___________________________________-must put flesh on and give life to. The step by step flow might work, but most often a conversation will require a mixture involving flowing in and out of different elements. The important thing is that the 5 Elements are all _______________ _______________ in a manner that facilitates an effective meeting. Within the ________________ there is ________________. WILL THEY ALWAYS FLOW IN THAT ORDER? _______________________. Ex: Sometimes a meeting may open with “Truth and Accountability.” If in a previous meeting the staff member/student opened up about something they need to be held accountable to and identified “Next Steps” to work through the issue, the Discipler may want to start by asking, “How have the last two weeks been in that area of your life?” Ex: If someone comes into a meeting struggling with anxiety to the point of having a panic attack, trying to ask questions or share truth with them will probably be fruitless. The best thing to do might be to stop, pray, and once God’s presence has brought peace to the person you can begin to have a productive conversation. WILL EVERY MEETING CONSIST OF ALL 4-5? _____. There will be times when you have no choice but to throw the framework out the window. You will eventually find yourself in a meeting where you find out the person is more important that the model. Ex: When someone comes to you crying because their parents just told them they are getting a divorce or someone they are close to died suddenly, the importance of the structure submits to their needs in the moment. They might be crying so hard the only answer to a question will be the tears from their eyes that tell you they are really hurting. They pain might be so deep that any truth you could communicate might only make things worse. The only “Next Step” they are probably worried about in that moment is composing themselves long enough to get home and cry in a place safe to them. And as far as “Prayer” goes, they might be so shocked and upset that God would let this happen that they aren’t ready for that. These are the meetings that remind us Discipleship is a ____________. We have the opportunity to spend a year with a student as they engage in the life-long pursuit of Jesus that involves many seasons and events. “Real Talk,” “Truth & Accountability,” “Next Steps,” and “Prayer” can wait until next week; right now your student needs you to be with them and let God minister through your nearness to them as they hurt.

DT CARD

WESLEY DISCIPLESHIP EXISTS TO PROVIDE A MENTORING RELATIONSHIP TO ASSIST STUDENTS IN TAKING THEIR NEXT STEPS WITH GOD.

REAL TALK TRUTH & ACCOUNTABILITY THE FOUNDATIONS NEXT STEPS PRAYER NEXT STEPS

W H AT ST E P S D O I WA NT TO TAKE W I TH GOD THI S SEMESTER? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

DT SUMMARY FORM

DT NA ME

DATE OF M EE TIN G

W H AT EL EMENTS O CCU R R E D DURI NG DI SC I PLESHI P ( CH ECK AL L THAT A PPLY ): R EAL TALK T R U T H & ACCO U N TA B ILITY T HE FO U N DATIO N S N EX T ST E PS P R AY ER W H AT D O ES GO D SE E M TO B E D OI NG I N T HEI R LI F E?

W H AT CA N I DO TO HE LP THIS H APPEN?

THE FOUNDATIONS DISCIPLESHIP - FIRST MEETING FOCUS What to expect through Discipleship at Wesley this year. GOAL To get to know each other, explain the purpose of discipleship this year and to identify ways to grow and take our next steps with God. TEACHING Teaching Point #1 Use this time to get to know your student. Start by sharing your story and what God is teaching you currently. Ask them to share their story and what God is teaching them. *See Addendum for questions to ask to get to know each other. Teaching Point #2 Share the purpose of Discipleship at Wesley: Wesley Discipleship exists to provide a mentoring relationship to assist students in taking their next step with God. Teaching Point #3 Explain to them what they can expect each week in discipleship 5 Elements of a Wesley discipleship: • Real Talk – Authentic talking, sharing • Truth & Accountability – Shepherding, encouraging, speaking truth • The Foundations - Learning a key element to becoming a disciple of Jesus • Next Steps – Discerning what God wants us to do in response to topics discussed • Prayer- Asking God to help us as we live our lives for him DISCUSSION 1. Have you ever been discipled before? If so, what did that look like? What did you get out of it? 2. What do you expect discipleship to e like this year? 3. How do you want to grow in your personal walk with Christ? 4. How can I best help you take these steps? 5. Is there anything you want me to hold you accountable for each week? TAKEAWAY At Wesley we believe that through discipleship students will have the opportunity to engage in Community, establish a healthy Identity, experience Personal Growth and Transformation, be encouraged in Holy Living, and led into a Deeper Knowledge of God. FILL OUT THE DISCIPLESHIP CARD IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL DT. THERE SHOULD BE A COPY FOR THE STUDENT AND ONE FOR THE DISCIPLER. WHAT 5-6 THINGS DO YOU WANT GOD TO DO IN YOUR LIFE THIS SEMESTER?

THE FOUNDATIONS DISCIPLESHIP - FIRST MEETING - TEACHING TIPS GET TO KNOW YOU QUESTIONS FOR DISCIPLESHIP FIRST MEETING • • • • • • • • • • • • •

What’s your major, year in school, and how did you choose UGA? What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod/iPhone? Are you an introvert (get energy from being alone) or an extrovert (get energy from being with people)? What’s your favorite place to eat in Athens? Are you involved with anything else outside of Wesley (ie. on campus, church, etc)? Ask about their family situation. Do you have siblings? What’s your relationship like with your family? When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you like to spend it? How did you get involved at Wesley? What has been your experience with discipleship in the past? In what environments do you have the best conversations? When we have DT would you prefer to be doing something (like walking) or just sit and talk (coffee shop, at Wesley, etc)? What’s something you would like to learn this year?

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #1

This would primarily be used in a first individual meeting. This is just to give you a starting point since you may not know the person you are discipling. You may also want to use part of this in your Group DT to get conversation started and have each person share just a little bit. Remember that not everyone will want to begin by sharing their story in a big group until they feel more comfortable. Likewise, there isn’t enough time for everyone to share their whole story. Be sure to give people enough time to hit the highlights, while facilitating the time so everyone gets a chance to share.

• Teaching Point #2

Wesley exists to enable students to encounter God and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Our primary avenue for personal growth and plugging into Wesley is through joining LEAD or Grow where we are able to invest in each student. Share your own personal experience about your discipleship times at Wesley.

• Teaching Point #3

The purpose of the 5 Elements of a Wesley discipleship is to help us as disciplers better facilitate each meeting and give students an idea of what to expect each week. It creates consistency in discipleship meetings and we believe will help students receive more out of discipleship as we are more intentional each time.

DISCUSSION

The discussion questions can be used in both group and individual first meetings. Gauge your group and if you believe they are at a place where they can be open and honest with each other use the discussion questions in your first Group DT. If you don’t think they are ready to talk about how they want to grow or be held accountable in a group setting, reserve those questions for your individual meeting.

THE FOUNDATIONS CHRISTLIKENESS - WEEK 1 FOCUS God wants me to grow into Christlikeness. GOAL To understand that God saves us to restore us and make us more like Jesus in our heart and character. TEACHING 1. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Teaching Point #1: God doesn’t simply seek to save us from hell. Just as importantly, He works to save us from our sin, unhealthy thought patterns and emotions, and all of the ways the enemy has corrupted who we are. Teaching Point #2: When Paul speaks of ‘sanctification’ (1Th5:23) he’s talking about being made pure, holy, and loving; being freed from sin; becoming in heart and character more like Jesus. 2. Read 2 Corinthians 7:1 Teaching Point #3: We have a role in our being made holy. We have to do our part to keep ourselves from sin, to discipline our thoughts, and to ask God for the grace to live in purity. 3. Read Matthew 5:3 Teaching Point #4: To be poor in spirit is to realize the sin in your heart and life. The poor in spirit are blessed because they are led to cry out to God for forgiveness and help in overcoming it. DISCUSSION 1. What does the word ‘Christlikeness’ mean to you? 2. In what ways is God asking us to be ‘Christlike’? 3. In 1Th5:24, Paul says God will sanctify us. In 2 Co7:1, he says that we are to purify ourselves. Describe the role you have and the role God has in overcoming your sin. 4. How is God most wanting to mature and grow you now into His likeness? What are some ways that you can practically grow in this area? TAKEAWAY Being a follower of Jesus means that I will spend my life seeking to grow more and more into His likeness.

THE FOUNDATIONS CHRISTLIKENESS - WEEK 1 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

God want us to be pure and holy, but He is the One who does the work of sanctification in us. He wants us to pursue being like Christ with all that we are - our minds, our wills, our emotions, and our body.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Paul is calling the people of the church at Corinth to rid themselves of anything and everything that is impure. It’s their responsibility to do that. He brings to their attention that purity honors God.

Matthew 5:3

God hears the cry of the one who is humble and in need of Him. He blesses them for turning to Him for help.

DISCUSSION 1. What does the word ‘Christlikeness’ mean to you?

Possible Answer: To have purity of heart, character, integrity, and outward actions that are like those Jesus had. To walk in truth and live a life that is pleasing to God. Christlikeness is about the heart, it comes as we ask God to change us on the inside, not as we simply try to make ourselves obey.

2. In what ways is God asking us to be ‘Christlike’?

Possible Answer: with our thoughts, motives, words, character, and actions.

3. In 1Th 5:24, Paul says God will sanctify us. In 2 Co7:1, he says that we are to purify ourselves. Describe the role you have and the role God has in overcoming your sin.

Possible Answer: We have to do our part by making good decisions to keep ourselves from sin, taking our thoughts captive, and living by his truth and ways. But it is God’s grace and working that sanctifies us and truly transforms who we are.

4. How is God most wanting to mature and grow you now into His likeness? What are some ways that you can practically grow in this area? Teaching Tool: Have students identify and share ways that they want to grow and mature into Christlikeness this year. Follow up their answer by having them think about what they can do practically to grow in those areas.

THE FOUNDATIONS CHRISTLIKENESS - WEEK 2 FOCUS A lifelong pursuit of Christlikeness. GOAL To understand how we grow into maturity and Christlikeness. TEACHING 1. Read Matthew 5:6 Teaching Point #1: No one stumbles into Christlikeness. Our existing habits and weaknesses will always keep us in sin and immaturity unless we consciously and deliberately pursue becoming more like Jesus. Teaching Point #2: God is faithful. He will make those who really hunger and thirst for righteousness more Christlike. However, • God will often take His time. • Victories will often be accompanied by setbacks. • Many will battle against their greatest weaknesses for many years. 2. Read John 8:32 Teaching Point #3: Spiritual growth always begins by learning the truth and embracing everything Jesus and the apostle’s believed. Teaching Point #4: We have to know what is true, who Jesus really is, and who we were created to be, before we can pursue Christlikeness. 3. Read James 5:16 and Romans 12:2 Teaching Point #5: We have an active role in pursuing Christlikeness: • Learning to take our thoughts captive, believing the truth, and thinking about things that are good and right. • Being in transparent relationship with other Christians who can encourage, teach, hold us accountable, and pray for us. • Never giving up, no matter how many times we stumble or how long it takes. DISCUSSION 1. What lies and unhealthy thoughts have you believed? 2. What is the truth that corresponds to each one of those lies? 3. When lies come, and the enemy makes them ‘feel’ so real, what are some practical things you can do to stand on the truth? 4. Other than refusing to believe lies, what are some other ways we can grow into Christlikeness? TAKEAWAY Go for it! If you will never give up on God, He will never give up on you, no matter what. God will make you more like Jesus. 28

THE FOUNDATIONS CHRISTLIKENESS - WEEK 2 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE Matthew 5:6

Jesus tells us that those who hunger and thirst for things to be made right within them, and in the world, will ultimately be satisfied. It’s those who hunger for righteousness, who make Christlikeness a priority, who receive it.

John 8:32

Jesus explains to his disciples, that the way to freedom is knowing truth. He encourages us to embrace His teachings, so we will know what is right and true.

Romans 12:2

Our minds are bombarded each day with things that do not correspond to who God is and who He says we are. Transformation comes as we take our thoughts captive and replace them with what is right, pure, and true.

James 5:16

In confessing sins and bringing them into the light, sin loses much of it’s power and God gives strength and encouragement to grow.

DISCUSSION 1. What lies and unhealthy thoughts have you believed? What is the truth that corresponds to each one of those lies?

Teaching Tool: Give your students time to reflect on these two questions. Have them write down lies or unhealthy thoughts that they currently struggle with. Then, have them write down the truth that corresponds with each lie. Encourage each person to share with the group. At the end of your time together make sure to pray for one another regarding the lies that each one is currently believing.

3. When lies come, and the enemy makes them ‘feel’ so real, what are some practical things you can do to stand on the truth?

Possible Answer: Use truth to refute the lie, share with someone the lie that you are believing and have them pray for you, meditate on a scripture that reveals the truth, redirect your thoughts and think about something else.

4. Other than refusing to believe lies, what are some other ways can we grow in Christlikeness?

Possible Answer: Resisting temptation, turning away from sin, serving your roommates, choosing not to gossip or slander, speaking encouragement instead of sarcasm, forgiving someone.

THE FOUNDATIONS IMPACTING OTHERS - WEEK 1 FOCUS God wants to use your life as His Witness. GOAL To discover how our lives can impact others. TEACHING 1. Read Acts 1:8 Teaching Point #1: The Holy Spirit lives in us and empowers us to live holy lives so that others will see a difference in us. The Holy Spirit causes us to reflect the character of Jesus. This will often make others want to know God for themselves. 2. Read John 4:39-42 Teaching Point #2: “Being God’s witness” means being able to share with others who God is and the good things He has done in your life. Knowing your own personal testimony of how God loved and saved you enables you to tell others about Jesus. 3. Read James 2:14-19 Teaching Point #3: “Being God’s witness” means being able to share with others your trust in God’s care over your life and the hope you have in Him even when things are hard. DISCUSSION 1. When is a time when your view of someone else’s life positively influenced the way you viewed God? How would you describe their witness? 2. Has anyone ever negatively influenced you? How did it impact you? Why? Did it make you want to be closer to God or discourage you from being in a relationship with Him? 3. Think about how others might view God by the way you live. Does your life make God seem desirable? 4. How can you live so that the witness of your life has a positive impact on people? TAKEAWAY The way we live can cause people to want to know God for themselves or drive them away from Him. We want to live so as to cause people to want to know the Lord for themselves.

THE FOUNDATIONS IMPACTING OTHERS - WEEK 1 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE Acts 1:8

Jesus’ disciples are the ones He said would be His witnesses and tell others about Him and the Gospel. Corporately, His followers are to witness to the whole world.

John 4:39-42

Others believed in Jesus because of what the woman told them. It was her sharing what she saw and heard that enabled them to believe.

James 2:14-19

The way we live is extremely important. More important than telling people what we believe, is how they see our faith and love for God causes us to live.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #1

Why would others be attracted to God because of us if we are no different than the rest of the world? When we have more peace in the midst of trials, joy, patience, wisdom for life, etc. it will draw people to Jesus.

• Teaching Point #2

Encourage them to think through how they would tell their story. Could you explain to someone else who Jesus is and the difference He has made in your life?

DISCUSSION 1. When is a time when your view of someone else’s life positively influenced the way you viewed God? How would you describe their witness? Teaching tool: Be prepared to share about someone in your life to break the ice, if needed.

2. Has anyone ever negatively influenced you? How did it impact you? Why? Did it make you want to be closer to Him or discourage you from being in a relationship with Him? Teaching tool: Don’t let this turn into an overly critical time. Help keep comments constructive & instructive.

4. How can you live as to have a positive impact on people by the way they view your life?

Teaching tool: Have each person share a few things relating to actions, specific people, situations, etc.; get really specific and practical. At the end you can say something like, “Let’s hold each other accountable to living this way in front of these people with the hope that they will grow in their relationship with God because of how they see us live.”

THE FOUNDATIONS IMPACTING OTHERS - WEEK 2 FOCUS God calls us to Invest and Invite. GOAL To discuss a practical way each of us can share our relationship with Jesus with others. TEACHING Read John 1:40-42a and John 4:39-42 Teaching Point #1: The Gospel (which means ‘good news’) comes to us on its way to someone else. God never intended for the message about His great love and the salvation He offers us in Christ to stop with us. Teaching Point #2: The most important people we can go tell are those we already know. When we find the best meal in town, we tell our friends about it. The same should be true when we discover God’s love and salvation. Teaching Point #3: Evangelism is more than walking up to someone we don’t know and sharing the Gospel. Many of us will never be wired to do that. At Wesley we emphasize “Invest and Invite” because it simply involves building friendships with people we already know and inviting them to be part of a ministry or worship service where they can hear the Gospel. Teaching Point #4: The role of those who lead the Wesley/Freshley services is to offer worship and messages through which God can encounter and speak to people. Our role is to encourage the people we know to visit these services where God can change their lives. Teaching Point #5: The pressure is not on us. It is not our job to “prove” God is real or make someone else believe in Him. That’s God’s job. Ours is to invite others to visit and encounter Him for themselves. DISCUSSION 1. What does it mean to “share your faith?” 2. How would you be most comfortable sharing your faith? What would make you uncomfortable? 3. Will inviting someone to Wesley be a ‘one and done’ or should we expect it to often be a process of many invitations over many months/years? 4. Who are some people you already know who have no campus ministry that you can begin inviting to Wesley? TAKEAWAY We can share the gospel with others by inviting them to a place where they can encounter God. 32

THE FOUNDATIONS IMPACTING OTHERS - WEEK 2 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE John 1:40-42a

One of the main ways we can impact others is to help them know the Lord for themselves.

John 4:39-42

After the woman had encountered Jesus she went to tell others and they went to see and hear Him for themselves. Her invitation made the difference. She did not go to another town or travel across the world. She went to those she already knew.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #3

Invest and invite functions as evangelism in a way that all of us are capable of.

DISCUSSION 1. What does it mean to “share your faith?”

Possible Answer: Sharing with someone what you believe about God and what He’s done in your life or bringing them to a service where a speaker does that instead of you. Teaching Tool: You can also ask for examples of ways they have experienced others sharing with them or they have attempted to share with others in the past.

2. How would you be most comfortable sharing your faith? What would make you uncomfortable?

Teaching Tool: While there are times God will want to stretch us and cause us to do things we’re uncomfortable with, the norm is for God to use us in ways we’re naturally gifted. For those of us whose stomachs are tied in knots at the thought of witnessing to a stranger, ‘Invest and Invite’ is a more natural way of sharing the gospel. It’s one that all of us can participate in.

3. Will inviting someone to Wesley be a ‘one and done’ or should we expect it to often be a process of many invitations over many months/years? Teaching Tool: Many people require repeated invitations over the course of many months or even years. Don’t let one or two refusals discourage you. Think also about the 8 circles. There are many thousands to be reached. Don’t let the ones who’ve not accepted your invitation keep you from inviting others. “God is patient with (us), not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

4. Who are some people you already know, who have no campus ministry, that you can begin inviting to Wesley? Teaching Tool: Write these names down. Form an action plan. Turn this discussion into a plan to engage with God’s mission for the campus.

THE FOUNDATIONS PRAYER: WEEK 1 FOCUS God works in response to our asking. GOAL To understand that God is good and that He wants to work in our lives in response to our prayers. TEACHING 1. Read Matthew 7:7-8 Teaching Point #1: God is a good Father and He wants to give us good gifts in response to our asking. 2. Read Ezekiel 22:30 Teaching Point #2: Intercession is asking God for something we need Him to do; it implies praying persistently, over time, until God works His answer. Teaching Point #3: Intercession is a response to getting to know God’s heart and praying back to Him what He already wants to do. 3. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14 Teaching Point #4: Prayer is a primary way to move God to work in our lives in accordance with His perfect wisdom and love. DISCUSSION 1. Why does God invite us to ask Him for things in prayer? 2. Have you ever prayed persistently for something over a long period of time? 3. Was it hard? Were you ever discouraged or disappointed? What kept you praying? 4. Why do you think God’s answers are sometimes slow in coming (from our perspective)? 5. Is there something in your life you really want (and think God wants for you) that you’ve given up on? What is God calling you to begin to ask Him for again, for as long as it takes? TAKEAWAY Throughout the Scriptures we are taught to ask God for help and for what we need. In His way and time, He promises to work in response to our prayers. God has given us an open invitation to pray and ask.

THE FOUNDATIONS PRAYER - WEEK 1 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE Matthew 7:7-8

Here Jesus invites us to pray and ask God for what we need. Ask, seek and knock are all in an ongoing present tense, meaning that Jesus is calling us to ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking.

Ezekiel 22:30

Israel has again turned to sinful ways, God is looking for someone who will cry out, as an intercessor for Israel, and petition Him to save their land. Intercession is described here as standing in the gap, between heaven and earth. God often waits to move until someone cries out.

2 Chronicles 7:14

‘If’ is a key word. God does not demand that we make intercession, but He invites us to pray and seek Him for change on the earth. He wants us to ask and petition Him to move in our lives and in the lives of others.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #3

In seeking God, we listen and ask Him what His heart is for some person or situation. When we hear and know what His heart is, then we pray that back to Him. In this way we join Him by asking for what He already wants to do.

DISCUSSION 1. Why does God invite us to ask Him for things in prayer?

Possible Answer: God is a relational Father and He wants to give good gifts to His children. Prayer draws us into relationship with Him and gives Him occasion to lavish His love on us.

2. Have you ever prayed persistently for something over a long period of time? Talk about that: Was it hard? Were you ever discouraged or disappointed? What kept you praying?

Teaching Tool: Often times the topic of intercession can bring up disappointment from our past. Be sensitive here to those who have prayed persistently and have ended up disappointed. Be ready to speak encouragement and hope into each situation.

3. Why do you think God’s answers are sometimes slow in coming (from our perspective)?

Possible Answer: Sometimes answers take only days or weeks. Other times months, years or even decades. Delays do not mean God is not going to answer. God’s ways are higher than ours. His perspective is different than ours. God sees the whole picture of our lives. It might be good here to talk about something in your life where God has been slow to answer. Explain how you persevered (or are persevering) in prayer and continue(d) to believe God to answer.

4. Is there something in your life you really want (and think God wants for you) that you’ve given up on? What is God calling you to begin to ask Him for again, for as long as it takes? Teaching Tool: Have each student share, then close by praying intently for one another about these things.

THE FOUNDATIONS PRAYER - WEEK 2 FOCUS Growing closer to God through prayer. GOAL To explore different ways of growing in our knowledge of God and relationship with Him through prayer. TEACHING 1. Read Matthew 6:5,6 and Mark 1:35 Teaching Point #1: Prayer is simply talking with God. Teaching Point #2: Jesus modeled for us a life of prayer. He taught us to take time to be alone, shut out the world, turn our thoughts to God, and seek Him. Teaching Point #3: Andrew Murray says that “Prayer is the pulse of life,” meaning prayer is our lifeline to God. Prayer is the way we express our constant need for God’s forgiveness, provision, protection, and help. These are the things that keep us always seeking Him. And it’s in our seeking Him that God pours His life into us. 2. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Colossians 4:2 Teaching Point #4: Prayer is talking with God about whatever is on our hearts. This includes praising Him, confessing sin, expressing gratitude, and asking Him for things we need/want Him to do. Teaching Point #5: Pathways to prayer include things like meditating (thinking) on Scripture, reflecting on the character of God, being still in His presence, and listening to His voice as He speaks through simple phrases, thoughts, images and brings different scriptures to mind. DISCUSSION 1. How do you think Jesus’ prayer life impacted His daily life and how can it impact ours? 2. What would it look like for you to have a lifestyle of prayer? 3. What’s been the biggest hindrance keeping you from prayer? 4. What’s the next step (something realistic) for you to take to build your prayer life and deepen your relationship with the Lord? TAKEAWAY Intimacy is having a deep personal relationship with God. It’s built on a life of personal prayer that keeps us closely connected with Him. 36

THE FOUNDATIONS PRAYER - WEEK 2 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE Matthew 6:5,6

In this Scripture, Jesus says “when you pray.” The disciples understood that prayer was an expected and important part of their spiritual lives. Jesus teaches here to get alone with God, tune out the world around us and seek God personally. He promises that God will hear and respond to our prayers.

Mark 1:35

Many times throughout the Gospels, Jesus goes away to be alone with God in prayer. A few other references are Matthew 26:36, Luke 5:16, and Luke 6:12. You may want to have each student read one of these Scriptures aloud, along with Mark 1:35. Together these help us see how important and frequent Jesus’ prayer life was.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We can pray and call on God for help at any moment throughout the day. Some simple examples are we can ask Him for strength when we are facing temptation; we can ask for help remembering what we’ve studied right before we take a test; we can pray in our minds for grace, while we are having a tough conversation with a roommate. Prayer is ongoing and something that we can do anywhere and anytime.

Colossians 4:2

Prayer takes on many forms. We are to devote ourselves to prayer, but there isn’t one set way to pray.

DISCUSSION 1. How do you think Jesus’ prayer life impacted His daily life and how can it impact ours?

Possible Answer: Prayer gave Jesus time to be alone with the Father to be encouraged, be strengthened, and hear from God. When we fix our eyes on God, we have His perspective on our lives and can walk more in truth each day.

2. What would it look like for you to have a lifestyle of prayer?

Teaching Tool: Have students talk about ways their prayer life might look. Encourage them that what prayer looks like in their life may be different from what it looks like in yours. Share with them what your prayer life is like right now.

3. What’s been the biggest hindrance keeping you from prayer?

Teaching Tool: Give each student time to share what hindrances keep them from praying. Explain again that prayer doesn’t have to look a certain way. Time management often plays a role in not spending time in prayer. Encourage them to carve out a specific time that works best for them. Another hindrance could be not knowing where or how to start in prayer. You can suggest that they journal what’s on their minds as a prayer, make a list of different people or things they want to pray for, or simply be still for 5-10 minutes and listen for God to speak to them.

4. What’s the next step (something realistic) for you to take to build your prayer life and deepen your relationship with the Lord?

Teaching Tool: Share an example of some practical steps that you have taken or are taken in growing and deepening your prayer life.

THE FOUNDATIONS HOLY SPIRIT - WEEK 1 FOCUS Who is the Holy Spirit? GOAL To understand the Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives. TEACHING 1. Read Genesis 1:2 Teaching Point #1: The Holy Spirit is God, just as Jesus and the Father are God. He is the third person of the Trinity. He was present and active when God created. 2. Read Acts 2:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 6:16 Teaching Point #2: Jesus and the Father are in the realm we call heaven. The Holy Spirit is the person of God who fills our lives. He is God’s Presence on earth and within every Christian. 3. Read Romans 8:16 Teaching Point #3: The Spirit is given so that you will know that you are God’s child and that He is always with you. DISCUSSION How have you viewed the Holy Spirit in the past? 2. What does it mean to you for the Holy Spirit to be present in your life? 3. What practical difference should the Holy Spirit’s presence in me make in my life? 4. What does it say about God’s heart for me, if He would literally live in me through His Holy Spirit? TAKEAWAY As a Christian, the same God who created all that is lives in you through the Holy Spirit. His presence within us is God’s proof that He is with us and we are His son or daughter in Christ.

THE FOUNDATIONS HOLY SPIRIT - WEEK 1 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE Genesis 1:2

It was through the Holy Spirit that God gave shape to the universe. The Holy Spirit is part of everything God has done from the beginning. He is not part of creation, for like Jesus He is God. From the beginning, He has been active in our realm and has inhabited the universe.

Acts 2:1-4

Beginning with Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has been given to every Christian. Regardless of age, gender, etc., the Holy Spirit is available to everyone who believes in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 6:16

God indwells you the way He once indwelt the temple in Jerusalem. It is not a metaphor; the actual presence of God lives in you.

Romans 8:16

The Spirit’s presence in you is God’s witness that you are His son or daughter.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #1

Trinity is simply a word that describes the tri-person that makes up God. Comes from the Latin words ‘trinitas’ which means “triad” and ‘trinus’ meaning “threefold.” God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit all at the same time, even though they are separate parts of the one being. (For a visual, look up “Shield of the Trinity.”) • Note: If this concept escapes our ability to comprehend, that is because He is God-altogether different than us-so there will be things about Him we are unable to understand.

• Teaching Point #2

We know the Father and Son through our experience of the Holy Spirit. It is not that we do not have relationship with them, but that we have relationship with them through the Holy Spirit.

• Teaching Point #3

The Spirit is given so that you will know that you are God’s child and that He is always with you.

THE FOUNDATIONS HOLY SPIRIT - WEEK 1 - TEACHING TIPS (CONTINUED) DISCUSSION 1. How have you viewed the Holy Spirit in the past?

Teaching Tool: Allow freedom for a wide range of answers. Some people might say, “I’m confused by the idea,” “It seems a little creepy for God to ‘dwell’ in me,” or “People who talk about the Holy Spirit act weird.”

2. What does it mean to you for the Holy Spirit to be present in your life?

Teaching Tool: Can discuss the difference between omnipresence and manifest presence. Omnipresence is God’s constant presence everywhere; manifest presence is when God’s nearness materializes so that we experience something unique and powerful.

3. What practical difference should the Holy Spirit’s presence in me make in my life?

Teaching Tool: How we act, think, feel, etc. The second lesson deals specifically with the Spirit’s work in our lives so you don’t have to spend too much time on this question. You can mention that Week 2 covers this idea more; we just wanted to begin to think and talk about the implications of the Spirit dwelling in us.

4. What does it say about God’s heart for me, if He would literally live in me through His Holy Spirit?

Teaching Tool: He doesn’t think I’m a screw up that He wants nothing to do with. In fact, He wants to be closer to me than any human being can possibly be.

THE FOUNDATIONS HOLY SPIRIT - WEEK 2 FOCUS The Holy Spirit’s Work in Us GOAL To understand how we can know and experience the Holy Spirit through His work within us. TEACHING 1. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19 Teaching Point #1: We can experience the Presence of the Holy Spirit in many different ways: peace, joy, comfort, conviction, boldness/confidence, power over sin, etc. 2. Read John 14:25-27 and John 16:7, 12-15 Teaching Point #2: One of the primary ways we will experience the Holy Spirit is in our emotions as He calms, encourages, and gives joy and confidence in the midst of life’s challenges. • Jn14:26 in Greek is written ‘another Parakletos.’ This word can be translated many ways, including counselor, comforter, helper, intercessor, advocate, strengthener, etc. These are all ways the Holy Spirit relates and works within us. Teaching Point #3: Another primary way we will experience the Holy Spirit is in our thoughts as He speaks to us to reveal truth and guide us in life. DISCUSSION 1. Many Christians are hardly aware that the Holy Spirit lives in them. What helps you experience the Spirit’s presence, encouragement, strength and voice in your life? 2. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your life? Does He help you in difficult situations/ seasons? If so, how? 3. How do you most often hear the Holy Spirit speak to you? 4. Since hearing the Holy Spirit is not an exact science, how can you test what you think the Spirit is saying to you? TAKEAWAY The Holy Spirit has been given to accomplish in us everything that Jesus died on the cross to do for us.

THE FOUNDATIONS HOLY SPIRIT - WEEK 2 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 6:19

The Holy Spirit is inside of all believers. Therefore, His Presence is in their lives.

John 14:25-27

When Jesus left, the Holy Spirit was sent to continue the work Jesus had started with His disciples.

John 16:7, 12-15

The Holy Spirit is the person of God we experience today.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #1

The Holy Spirit ministers to us based on what we need in life to live as a follower of Jesus. Jesus said “All that belongs to the Father is mine” and “[the Holy Spirit] will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” From this we can assume God makes everything He has available to us through our relationship with the Holy Spirit. He does not intend for us to think of the Holy Spirit as a “Sam’s-one stop shop,” but in our relationship with Him we have access to a multitude of things to experience. (Ex. emotional, mental and physical healing, the ability to forgive others, freedom from sin, knowledge of God, wisdom for situations, guidance for our future, etc.) • Different situations will require different things. God is always the one to go to because through the Holy Spirit He provides us with everything we need to live well. That is why Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). This includes the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22.

DISCUSSION 1. Many Christians are hardly aware that the Holy Spirit lives in them. What helps you experience the Spirit’s presence, encouragement, strength and voice in your life?

Possible Answer: Reading the Bible, praying, listening to worship music while I drive in the car, gathering together with others at a Wesley service, etc. Another important thing to note is it is usually a product of our intentionality. The Spirit is always present in our lives, but we become aware when we pay attention to what He is doing.

3. How do you most often hear the Holy Spirit speak to you?

Teaching Tool: Avoid making people who say they don’t hear from God feel ostracized. We want to affirm He does speak without marginalizing them. You can say something like, “Everyone ‘hasn’t heard God speak’ until they do the first time. We can pray at the end that you do (insert smiley faced emjoi).”

4. Since hearing the Holy Spirit is not an exact science, how can you test what you think the Spirit is saying to you?

Teaching Tool: Important answers to discuss are 1) Does what I hear conform with the Bible, wise counsel, things I’ve heard Him say in the past, etc.? and 2) Discussing things we’ve heard with those who have spiritual authority in our lives - a pastor, parents, discipler, more mature Christian.

THE FOUNDATIONS THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD - WEEK 1 FOCUS The Bible is God’s Word. GOAL To talk about the Bible’s authority for those who live as followers of Jesus. TEACHING 1. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Teaching Point #1: ‘God breathed’ means that God inspired and wrote the different books of the Bible through the various people who penned them. So, though they came through human authors, God was the Author behind it all. 2. Read Matthew 5:17-19 Teaching Point #2: Jesus treated the Old Testament Scriptures as inspired of God. As followers of Jesus, we want to give the Scriptures the same authority He did. 3. Read Hebrews 4:12 Teaching Point #3: Because God has never changed, His Word, i.e., the revelation of who He is and what He has promised, has never changed. Moreover, the spiritual needs of people have never changed. Thus, Scripture is as relevant today as it was the day it was written. Teaching Point #4 To say that Scripture is ‘alive’ is to say that God still speaks through it into the deepest parts of our lives. 4. Read Matthew 3:1-11 Teaching Point #5: Jesus used the Scriptures to direct His life and knowledge of God. They greatly determined the things He did and the way He lived. DISCUSSION 1. How should it affect us that Jesus viewed the Scriptures as having authority in His life? 2. How much importance do you give the Bible and its teachings in your life? 3. How do you resolve the conflict when the Bible and our culture teach different things? TAKEAWAY The Bible is not just “your Grandmother’s book”- something for another generation dealing with different issues than we face today. It is as relevant for us today as the day it was written. It has authority in our lives because it was inspired by God and Jesus gave it authority in His life.

THE FOUNDATIONS THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD - WEEK 1 - TEACHINGS TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Evangelical Christians don’t always agree on how the Bible was inspired. Did God purposely choose every word or just give the writers the main thoughts and let them put those thoughts in their own words? But, all agree it is inspired and should be received as His Word.

Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus’ coming and His work here on earth did not change any of the truths found in the OT. Everything God revealed about Himself in the OT is still valid today.

Hebrews 4:12

The truths we find in Scripture are still relevant for our lives today. For those who are willing, God uses Scripture to teach, empower, convict and encourage.

Matthew 3:1-11

Though the book of Deuteronomy was over 1000 years old, Jesus was able to use the truths He learned from it to resist the devil’s temptations. Jesus saw the OT writings as authoritative over the opinions of others.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #1

If you were deep in the woods with a guide you wouldn’t listen to them only when it was convenient or their idea sounded good. You would trust them every step of the way as if your life depended on each piece of advice.

• Teaching Points #2 and #5

It speaks volumes for the authority of Scripture that the Son, God Himself, submits His life to the leading of God’s Word.

DISCUSSION 1. How should it affect us that Jesus viewed the Scriptures as having authority in His life?

Teaching Tool: As a follower of Jesus I want to understand everything the way He does. If Scripture was His authority, then it should be my authority.

2. How much importance do you give the Bible and its teachings in your life?

Teaching Tool: We’re concerned here not simply with saying the right thing, but actually allowing God to guide, convict and change us through what He reveals in the Scriptures.

3. How do you resolve the conflict when the Bible and our culture teach different things?

Teaching Tool: It’s precisely because culture can so easily lead us astray, that we need to follow what the Bible clearly says. However, we always want to discern what God is really saying through the Scriptures. For example, did God give us Genesis 1 as a literal account of how He created in six 24 hour days? Or is Genesis 1 a story God told to help us understand that He created all that is out of nothing? Talk about the difference between a parable that needs to be interpreted and a literal command ‘You shall not steal’ that is to be taken at face value.

THE FOUNDATIONS THE BIBLE IS GODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WORD - WEEK 2 FOCUS Knowing God through His Word. GOAL To discuss the purpose and importance of reading the Bible as a means of knowing God. TEACHING 1. Read Matthew 5:18 (review from part 1) Teaching Point #1: Jesus regarded the Scriptures as being inspired by God. Everything promised in the Bible will be accomplished. 2. Read Mark 12:24 Teaching Point #2: Not knowing the Scriptures can lead us to many errors in what we believe about God, ourselves, and His will for our lives. 3. Read Luke 24:45 Teaching Point #3: Knowing God through the Scriptures is so important that Jesus opened the minds of His disciples so they could understand what the Old Testament said about Him. 4. Read John 5:39-40 Teaching Point #4: Knowing what the Bible says is not the same thing as coming to Jesus to be saved. Knowing about God and knowing God personally are different. A primary goal of reading the Bible is to build a growing personal relationship with God. DISCUSSION 1. How often do you typically read the Bible? 2. Why do you read the Bible? What do you hope to get out of it? 3. What is the best way to read the Bible in order to discover God there? What does your time reading the Bible look like? Do you read it as a book, meditate on a short passage, or take notes and journal thoughts? 4. How can God speak to us through His Word? TAKEAWAY Just because we read the Bible does not mean we know God. However, reading His Word is essential to knowing who God is.

THE FOUNDATIONS THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD - WEEK 2 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE Mark 12:24

Not knowing God’s Word limits our ability to understand things about Him. We can easily find ourselves “in error” because we are unaware of Biblical truth.

Luke 24:45

The Holy Spirit helps open our minds so that as we read the Bible we can understand who God really is and what He is saying to us.

John 5:39-40

The Pharisees would have known the Scripture better than anyone else in Jewish culture. But they looked at the Scriptures as an end in themselves and not as a pathway to knowing God personally.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #2

Reading the Bible should not be considered an option. It’s like eating; you can choose not to do it, but that doesn’t change the fact that you need to eat to be healthy. We need to know the Bible if we are to rightly understand who God is.

• Teaching Point #3

Even though Jesus had been with the disciples, He knew it was important for them to understand the scriptures. Each new time we read a passage, God can show us something new about Himself or give us a new insight about ourselves or something we’re dealing with.

• Teaching Point #4

The Pharisees were experts in the Old Testament. They memorized much of it. But, they never really understood who God is or His heart for people. Thus, when Jesus came they could not recognize Him for who He was. The key is always remember that our goal isn’t to be able to learn biblical facts. Our goal is to know God, especially as He is revealed in and through Jesus.

THE FOUNDATIONS THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD - WEEK 2 - TEACHING TIPS (CONTINUED) DISCUSSION 3. What is the best way to read the Bible in order to discover God there? What does your time reading the Bible look like? Do you read it as a book, meditate on a short passage, or take notes and journal thoughts? Teaching Tool: Discuss different approaches to reading the Bible and how they work for different individuals. • Reading a few verses and thinking deeply (meditating) on what God is saying through them. • Reading a new chapter or passage each day, covering a book over several days or weeks. • Reading the Psalms of David seeing how he related to God during the highs and lows of his life. • Reading the historical books of the OT to learn the history of God’s covenant people. • Repeatedly reading a NT letter or OT minor prophet to really discover its themes. • Reading verses from different parts of the Bible relating to a specific topic. • Using a commentary or study bible to gain additional insight as you read.

4. How can God speak to us through His Word?

Teaching Tools: As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit can encourage, guide, convict, give us faith, inspire us to surrender, or simply help us to realize how Awesome God is. (Ex: While reading the story of Creation we may be reminded of how God is bigger than the things going on around us and if He can create everything that exists He can turn our situations into something good.)

THE FOUNDATIONS HUMILITY: WEEK 1 FOCUS God is everything and apart from Him we are nothing GOAL To gain a deeper understanding of what true humility is, so that we live in awe of God TEACHING 1. Read Genesis 1:1 Teaching Point #1: God created everything that is out of nothing. His Spirit fills the universe. And yet He has always existed in His own realm outside of the universe. 2. Read James 4:14 Teaching Point #2: Conversely, as amazing as we are, we are all living on borrowed time. Our lives here in this world are fleeting. They will soon be over and there’s nothing any of us can do to change that. Teaching Point #3: Humility is a state of being that is guided by these two truths. 1. It’s living in constant Awe of God. 2. It’s knowing that we are nothing apart from God. 3. Read John 15:1-5 Teaching Point #4: Humility (knowing we’re only branches who have no life and can bear no fruit apart from the vine) keeps us grafted into Jesus. When our hearts are in the place they need to be, we’re living in daily dependence on God. 4. Read Luke 14:11 Teaching Point #5: Humility is key. God will work to bring those who are arrogant to the place of humility and He will lift up those who abide in humility into the full blessing He has for them. DISCUSSION 1. How often do you take the time to be in awe of God? How do you do that? 2. Is arrogance or a sense of superiority something you struggle with? How can you try to overcome that? 3. Why do you think God will exalt those who humble themselves? What would it look like for God to exalt you? TAKEAWAY God is drawn to those who in humility turn to Him, exalting them into the blessing He has for them. 48

THE FOUNDATIONS HUMILITY - WEEK 1 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE Genesis 1:1

God created all that is, billions x billions of stars/planets, out of nothing.

John 15:1-5

Jesus is the Vine. He doesn’t need us. He is rooted into the soil and thus has life in Himself. As branches, we can only have life through Jesus. We were created to live in daily dependence on God.

James 4:14

Our lives on earth are like a cold winter’s morning exhale, they are quickly gone.

Luke 14:11

The presence or absence of humility greatly determines how God works in our lives.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #1

There are billions x billions of stars. Infinitely more than we can fathom. God made them all as an expression that He is infinitely more than anything we can understand or imagine. Similarly, God created all of the complexities of life, (DNA, reproducing nucleic acids, etc.) as an expression that He is infinitely more than we can understand or imagine.

• Teaching Point #2

We’re only here a short time. There’s nothing outside ourselves we can control. We were created to daily seek and depend on God.

• Teaching Point #4

Humility is living in constant dependence on God, daily seeking to be in relationship with Him, because apart from Him we have no hope for lasting or abundant life. It enables us to know that we have no basis for arrogance or a sense of superiority over others. It reminds us to value others.

DISCUSSION 1. How often do you take the time to be in awe of God? How do you do that?

Possible Answer: Being in awe of God is an overwhelming sense of wonder, reverence, admiration or holy fear.

2. Is arrogance or a sense of superiority something you struggle with? If not, what areas of humility do you struggle with? How can you try to overcome that?

Teaching Tool: If arrogance or superiority isn’t a struggle, ask what areas they struggle with when it comes to humility. Other struggles may consist of being dependent on self instead of God & wanting to do life their own way without God.

3. Why do you think God will exalt those who humble themselves? What would it look like for God to exalt you? Possible Answer: God wants us to be fully dependent on Him. He is drawn to those who become less so that he can become more in and through them.

THE FOUNDATIONS HUMILITY - WEEK 2 FOCUS Finding your worth in what God thinks about you. GOAL To explore what God thinks about us and realize that this is the only thing that matters. TEACHING 1. Read Psalm 8:3-4 Teaching Point #1: In light of difficulties, disappointments, ways we’ve been overlooked, it can be easy to believe that we are insignificant and don’t really matter. 2. Read Isaiah 53:4-6 Teaching Point #2: God’s ultimate expression of His love and value for us is Christ’s death on the cross to redeem our lives. We are each so significant to Him that He gave His only Son so that we could have life. 3. Read Psalm 139 Teaching Point #3: If deep down we question our worth, there will be a natural tendency to try to prove it in a host of different way (ie. grades, sports, cheerleading, dating, sex, career, friends, being a ministry leader, etc.) 1. Trying to prove our worth will always leave us questioning our worth, no matter how much we accomplish. 2. Humility is the end of trying to prove our worth, we accept that we are nothing apart from God. Teaching Point #4: In humility we accept who God says we are: Someone He deeply loves, worth the blood and suffering of the Lord Jesus. In Christ, we are God’s own son or daughter. Teaching Point #5: We’ll never find joy and rest in God until we quit trying to prove our worth and simply accept who He says we are. DISCUSSION 1. Can you describe a time when your circumstances or disappointments have made you feel insignificant? 2. How have you most tended to prove your worth? 3. Who does God say you are to Him? What will it take for you to live out of that? 4. What difference will it make if you do the same things (get good grades, enjoy friendships, study hard to get a good job) but for the right reasons (because you want to, to honor God, not to prove your worth)? TAKEAWAY When we stop trying to prove ourselves and find our worth in things the world values, we can embrace the true worth we have in the eyes of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 50

THE FOUNDATIONS HUMILITY - WEEK 2 - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE Psalm 8:3-4

The transcendent God, who created the infinite universe, cares deeply about the people He has made, even if we are seemingly insignificant.

Isaiah 53:4-6

God so values you He sacrificed His own Son for your Redemption.

Read Psalm 139

We are God’s workmanship, fearfully and wonderfully made.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #4

This is independent of anything we do, what others think, the appearance of our body, etc. All comparison becomes meaningless. It doesn’t matter how I compare to you. What matters is who I am to God.

DISCUSSION 1. Describe a time when your circumstances or disappointments have made you feel insignificant? Teaching Tool: Share that when we feel insignificant, there can be two responses: either humility and recognition that we are nothing and God is everything or pride. Pride can take on two forms, either arrogance and superiority or false humility, where the lies of the enemy can beat us down and convince us that we are worthless and of no value. Encourage each one to share when those situations have occurred and how they responded to the feeling.

2. How have you most tended to prove your worth?

Possible Answers: grades, sports, cheerleading, dating, sex, career, friends, being a ministry leader

3. Who does God say you are to Him? What will it take for you to live out of that?

Teaching Tool: Have your students recall truths of who we are in Christ as a son and daughter. Loved, chosen, fearfully and wonderfully made, redeemed.

4. What difference will it make if you do the same things (get good grades, enjoy friendships, study hard to get a good job) but for the right reasons? Possible Answers: Because you want to honor God, not to prove your worth

THE FOUNDATIONS DISCIPLESHIP-WRAP UP FOCUS Where we’ve come and where we’re going. GOAL To discuss ways we have grown this year and can continue to grow in the future. TEACHING 1. Read Mark 4:26-28 Teaching Point #1: Chances are, you have grown this year in many ways, even if you are unaware of it. God is always working to deepen our relationship with Him and mature us. Teaching Point #2: Growing is natural when you are in relationship with God. Teaching Point #3: We have a part to play as we spend time alone with Him and in encouraging community, but it is always Him who does the work within us. 2. Read Philippians 3:12-14 Teaching Point #4: God is never finished with us. He wants to continue to deepen our relationship with Him and shape us into the image of Jesus. DISCUSSION 1. What are some ways God has grown you this year? 2. How did that happen? (Overnight or over time? Through your personal times with Him or in community?) 3. What “next steps” do you want to take with God during this next season? 4. What are some practical things you can do this summer to continue to grow in your relationship with Jesus? 5. How can those of us in this group continue to help you grow? TAKEAWAY Regardless of when, where, and what we are doing, God is never finished growing us in our relationship with Him. Having “next steps” in mind that we can intentionally pursue will help us grow.

THE FOUNDATIONS DISCIPLESHIP-WRAP UP - TEACHING TIPS MAIN POINTS OF SCRIPTURE Mark 4:26-28

Growth is not a byproduct of man’s doing. It is produced by God.

Philippians 3:12-14

There is always more for us to experience and God to do within us. As Christians, our “prize” is the fullness that God has for us, never allowing ourselves to be satisfied with letting where we are now be where we stay the rest of our lives.

NOTES FOR TEACHING POINTS • Teaching Point #1

Growth takes place in a lot of ways; avoid becoming one track minded in trying to discern growth in your life. You may have grown in a Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) or in your operation of a Gift of the Spirit (Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12). You could have grown in your prayer life, knowledge of the Word, experience of God’s love, sharing your faith with others, etc. At the beginning of the year you may have wanted nothing to do with God and now, even though you are still trying to figure out if you really believe in Him, you are open to Him revealing Himself to you.

• Teaching Point #2

Just like it is expected for tomato plants to grow and produce fruit, we can expect that when we ask God to mature us and allow Him to work in our lives it is going to happen.

• Teaching Point #4

Maturity is not just about how far you’ve come, but how far you realize you still have to go. It is about recognizing that God still has things He wants to do and will do if you humble yourself and give Him the chance.

DISCUSSION 1. What are some ways God has grown you this year?

Teaching Tool: If they are having trouble thinking of some, encourage them with things you’ve seen. This is an incredible opportunity to recognize the Lord’s work in their lives.

3. What “next steps” do you want to take with God during this next season?

Teaching Tool: This could mean this summer, next year as a student on Grow or LEAD, next year after graduating and a) staying in Athens or b) leaving Athens, etc.

NOTES