Acts Week Seventeen

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SENT: Week 17 – Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch 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 early church is growing as disciples travel from city to city, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This story will look at the disciple-making journey that Phillip took as he followed the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Tell the story – this week’s passage is Acts 8:25-40 [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:

When discipling others, it’s always important to remember that there is My Part, Their Part, and God’s Part. Let’s look at this story in light of those three responsibilities. 1. What was Philip’s Part in this story? [Philip had to be obedient to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit; Philip had to make the effort to “chase the chariot” and get close to the eunuch; Philip had to ask questions; Philip had to show patience in answering the questions of the eunuch; Philip continued preaching the gospel to all the cities; etc.]

2. What was the Eunuch’s Part in this story? [The eunuch was seeking God by visiting Jerusalem; the eunuch purchased a scroll to learn more; the eunuch invited Philip to sit with him; the eunuch listened to Philip and the Holy Spirit; the eunuch placed his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; the eunuch was obedient to follow through with baptism; etc.]

3. What was God’s Part in this story? [God sent Philip directly to meet the eunuch; God was already drawing the eunuch to Himself; God gave Philip the words to say when encountering the eunuch; God supernaturally provided water on a ‘desert road’ so that the eunuch could be baptized; etc.]

4. What is God saying specifically to you (through this passage) as a disciple-maker? 5. What frustrations have you experienced in disciple-making when you try to do more than “Your Part”? Assign next week’s passage – Acts 9:1-19 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

Sent: Week 17 – 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] Review the guidelines with your group this week. Part of establishing a safe environment for discussing weighty matters is being clear about guidelines such as confidentiality. Model for your group and encourage them to use “I” statements when discussing the questions. We may have a tendency to say things like “People fall into sin again and again.” The discussion quickly goes deeper when that statement becomes “I fall into sin again and again.”

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] If someone in your group shares deeply, be sure to follow up with them one-on-one the next day. Thank them for their transparency, encourage them in their walk, and pray with them. Remember to always look back to the Bible and God’s directions when shepherding group members. We are called to make followers of Jesus, so we need to use His standards and His methods. If you face a difficult issue with a Grow Group member, think, “What does the Bible say about this?” You will be held accountable by God for leading others according to His Word!

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.” Last week we continued our discussion on prayer and how vital it is to spend time listening to God. Read the last part of John 10:27 again “…and they follow Me.” Have you heard God this week? What act of obedience has He asked of you? Are you being obedient? If not, what is causing you to not follow Him?