Acts Week Fourteen

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SENT: Week 14 – Generosity Is A Fearless Sacrifice 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.] The opening words of John’s gospel are some of the most profound words of Scripture. What makes these words so captivating is their rich description of the Word, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. Whereas Matthew, Mark, and Luke begin their gospels with the birth/baptism of Jesus, John begins with His eternal nature. And it was this God, who has always existed, that came in the form of a servant and took up residence among His creation. Tell the story – this week’s passage is John 1:14-18 [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? [Jesus clothed Himself in human flesh in order to save us from our sins, grace came by Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins, God is generous to us, God is merciful towards us, Jesus is truth, for God so loved the world that He sent His Son, God gives us the opportunity to receive His free gift of eternal life, God the Father is fully revealed to us through Jesus Christ, God calls us to bear witness to others of His grace and truth, etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? (God gives me grace by the gallon yet I dispense His grace to others by the ounce, I must continually submit to His leadership for my life, I can’t be good enough to deserve His love, God calls us to a life of sacrificial living and giving, I am an “idol factory” manufacturing people or things to worship, I am easily distracted from prioritizing my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, 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. What fears do you have to overcome in order to be generous? 2. Is there someone that you are struggling to show His grace? Assign next week’s passage – John 1:19-28 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

Sent: Week 14 – 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] Be transparent about what God is doing in your life. It’s difficult to love someone as God calls us to do without really knowing them in a deep and meaningful way. Share from your heart and let down your walls so that others can really know you. Share not only your struggles and fears, but also the positives – dreams, hopes, answered prayers, etc. The group will only go as deep as you, the leader, are willing to go. Ask open-ended questions, not “yes” or “no” questions, to promote healthy Grow Group discussion. For example, “Did you share your faith this week?” can be answered “yes” or “no,” but “What is your greatest fear about sharing your faith?” will begin a conversation.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] Make plans as a Grow Group to spend time together to celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas season. You may want to invite everyone’s families to a birthday party for Jesus, go on an outing to a Christmas tree farm or holiday light display, or attend a Christmas concert or play together. The Grow Group leader or apprentice does not always have to be the person who executes all the plans for the group. Part of shepherding your group includes delegating some of those responsibilities to others so that they can grow and mature by serving and taking part in caring for the other members of the group.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] Think about a time you have shared your faith with someone. What do you tell others about how truly knowing Jesus has changed your life? Practice sharing your personal testimony with family and friends. Always be prepared to share the hope you have found in Jesus Christ.