Acts Week Twenty Eight

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SENT: Week 28 – The Gospel and Idolatry 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.]

At Ephesus, Paul led some disciples of John the Baptist to faith in Jesus Christ. Paul later worked many miracles at Ephesus, but he encountered others who pursued a false way of working “miracles,” including some would-be Jewish exorcists and people who had a background of faith in magical spells. Tell the story – this week’s passage is Acts 19:11-41 [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 uses miracles to open the door for people to hear the gospel; God calls us to repent from our idols; God is glorified by our repentance; God calls us to release others to be disciple makers; God exposes the frauds and even uses the ungodly for His purposes; God gives us the freedom to accept or reject His grace; God uses us as His instruments to accomplish His will; God does an extraordinary work in the lives of His disciples; etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [I can use the name of Jesus without any real faith being expressed; I can be humiliated when I am lured away by the devil’s schemes; I do things to bring glory to myself instead of to my Lord; I need to repent from sin; I sometimes worship creation over the Creator; I can follow the crowd not even knowing where they are going; I need to seek the Lord continually for His direction for my life; I can be arrogant when expressing my opinions, 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. If someone you are discipling stumbles in their walk with Christ, what would you say to disciple them through their shame and humiliation? 2. Share briefly about an experience where you saw God move in a miraculous way. Assign next week’s passage – Acts 20:17-38 Close in Prayer

[Ask someone to tell the story next week.]

SENT: Week 28 – 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] After our Easter Sunday services, it is likely that you will have a new guest attend your Grow Group for the first time. Be ready to cover the ground rules that week to help create a safe environment where all the people in your group can share openly. As the leader of a Grow Group, you have the awesome opportunity to host your group, their guests, and your guests every week! We all know that first impressions are lasting. Consider your training and look for ways to create a relational environment for your Grow Group. Think through the small details, like the atmosphere of your meeting place: the look, the smell, and the sounds that people will experience as they come in the door for the first time. Do your part to create an atmosphere that will help people feel welcomed and comfortable.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] As you work to create a relational environment, remember that you can only do your part. Ask the Lord to help you avoid feeling discouragement when someone doesn’t respond the way you hoped. Instead, seek the Lord and ask Him if you did your part. If you did, rest in the truth that God will do His part, and pray that they will choose to do their part. If the Lord shows you an area where you can improve, share that revelation with your Grow Group Coach or Co-Facilitator and start working on growing in that area together.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] Commit to praying differently this week. Make a change in your usual routine and see how God works. You could try writing your prayers, praying out loud, walking and praying, or fasting and praying. Continue to pray for God’s direction for Redemption Church. If you are married, make time this week to pray FOR your spouse and to pray WITH your spouse.