Acts Week Eighteen

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SENT: Week 18 – The Conversion of Saul Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share background for the story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story.] Throughout the early chapters of Acts, Luke depicts the spread of the early church. As the gospel spread to new people and communities, persecution arose. The chief of all persecutors of the church was a man named Saul, who was present at the death of Stephen (7:58; 8:1). Soon, however, God had plans to use Saul for the further expansion of the church. Tell the story – this week’s passage is Acts 9:1-19 [Have someone tell the story.] Rebuild the story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember.] Read the story out loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted.] Discuss these questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this passage? [God is always on time; God can transform the most hardened heart; no one is beyond the grace of God; God uses anyone who will submit to His leadership; Jesus is Lord of all; God will often ask us to do things that might not make sense to us; faith is required in following Jesus; God uses us as instruments for His glory; God uses us to encourage others; God uses us to answer the prayers of others; God’s ways are higher than my ways; etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [A religious man is a dangerous man; hate can consume our thoughts and distort our actions; there are times when I question what the Lord has asked of me, there are times when I don’t immediately submit to the Lordship of Christ; sin blinds me to the truth of God; I must constantly submit my will to God’s will; etc.]

3. What is God saying to you specifically through this passage as it pertains to your life, marriage, family, and work? 4. What is God leading you to do? Other Q uestions specific to this passage:

1. When did you last question something that the Lord told you to do? 2. Which person in your life would you consider the “least likely to come to faith in Jesus Christ?” Is God leading you to do something specific for that person? Assign next week’s passage – Acts 9:19-30 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

Sent: Week 18 – Leadership Coaching The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Grow Group Leader. Each week, we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your Grow Group and grow as a disciple yourself.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] Involve everyone in the Grow Group discussion. You may need to ask a direct question of a more quiet group member to get a response from them. Respect the boundaries of more introverted group members. Invite and encourage them to participate in the discussion, but try not to make them feel as though you have singled them out.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] Write a note to each person in your Grow Group this week. Some things you may want to include in the note: o Thankfulness for the way they add to your group dynamic o Encouragement about how you have seen them grow or serve recently o Prayer for a need they have expressed

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] Last week we talked about obedience. When we obey God, we don’t always see immediate results or get the reward we might have subconsciously or consciously expected from being obedient. It is important to be encouraged that our obedience comes with heavenly rewards and those rewards are far greater than any earthly reward. This week, ask God to help you be obedient out of love and not expectation.