Acts Week Twenty Five

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SENT: Week 25 – How the Gospel Changes Lives 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.]

After teaching in Antioch, Paul wanted to meet believers in the cities they had previously visited. Barnabas was willing but wanted to take John Mark. Paul insisted they should not take him because he left them on their first trip. Unable to reconcile, Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul took Silas to Syria and Cilicia. Tell the story – this week’s passage is Acts 16:1-19 [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 will guide our steps to where He wants us to go; God alone brings change and transformation to a person’s life; God desires for us to live by faith as we follow Him; God prepares people’s hearts in advance to hear the good news that we’ll share with them; God uses people to reveal His will and draw people to Himself; God calls us to obedience; God’s plans are better than my plans; God causes the numerical growth of the kingdom, etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [I get so busy doing the work of God that I don’t take the time to really listen to God’s voice and direction; I can do good things that prevent me from doing the best things; I want to see God’s long-term plan and the results, before I step out in faith; I have to discipline myself to be still and patient; I can always make things about me; I can selfishly use people for my personal gain or benefit; I can be greedy and not give God my resources; 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. Timothy was blessed to have a family of faithful believers in God (II Timothy 1:5). Which family members in your life had the most profound spiritual impact on you? 2. How has your relationship with Jesus impacted your view and value of money? Assign next week’s passage – Acts 17:16-34 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

Sent: Week 25 – 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] Remind your Grow Group of the guidelines. As we discuss topics that prompt people to reveal issues close to their heart, confidentiality is vitally important. Remind your Grow Group that even if a topic seems commonplace to them, it may be deeply personal for the person who shared it. What is shared in Grow Group should not be repeated elsewhere. Consider people in your group who do not normally share during discussion time. Communicate value to them by asking them to share this week. After someone has shared from his or her heart during discussion time, simply state, “Thank you for sharing.”

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] A big step for many growing disciples is taking the step into service. On March 6th, we will host LoveHelps. There are many opportunities for service during this event. We encourage you to take this chance to serve alongside members of your Grow Group. Some of your Grow Group may have never served before.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] In Matthew 5, Jesus says “Blessed are the poor in spirit. How can we cultivate this grace of humility? How is it possible to succeed in this difficult world while seeking to be poor in spirit? In Warren Wiersbe’s book Heirs of the King: Living the Beatitudes, he suggests these 4 steps: o Accept God’s estimate of yourself. (Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10, John 3:7, Romans 12:3) What does God say about you as a child of God in the Bible? Find what He says, accept it and act upon it! o Yield yourself to God daily and draw your strength from Him. (John 15:5, Matthew 4:4, Philippians 2:5-7) o Focus on Christ and His blessings. (Hebrews 12:2, 1 Chronicles 17:16) o Look for opportunities to serve others. (Philippians 2:3, Galatians 5:13, Philippians 2:17)