Since its beginning, our small group ministry has prayed for our local communitythat lives would be changed through Jesus Christ.
However, in our seven years of existence, we never tangibly connected with the community. After a night of prayer devoted to discerning how to reach out, we decided to host a breakfast for local teachers on a teacher workday. We provided the group leaders with a list ...
Develop small groups that will support each other and go together into serving the world.
by John A. Studebaker
Ever watch old episodes of "The Lone Ranger"? What an idyllic figure of American heroism. He was tough, independent, and never let anyone know his true identity.
It is probably not a shock to hear that God does not want us to be "Lone Ranger Christians." No one person can exemplify the complete life of Jesus to the surrounding world. We need a circle of believers around us who go forth into the world ...
Sharing your faith in Christ might not be as difficult as you think.
by Life Together
Does the very thought of sharing your faith with an unbeliever make you sweat? If so, as a leader you understand exactly what the rest of your group feels regarding evangelism. There's nothing more important for a leader than empathy.
Because you know how they feel, a principle you need to pass on to your group is how simple and natural it can be to offer Christ's love to people.
An innovative small-groups ministry for a neglected group of people
by John J. Van der Graaf
Late one July afternoon, as another recently divorced woman left my office wiping tears from her eyes, it struck me that people like her really had no place of their ownparticularly in church. They didn't fit in single's groups comprised mainly of young adults never married. They didn't feel fully accepted in the church's family activities. In the one place people come to seek support and solace, ...
This seven-session course will remind us of how to live the basic Christian life.
When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he knew they needed to be instructed in the basics. Today, we also need to be taught the basics of the Christian life. This seven-session course from 1 Corinthians will remind us why we go to church, how to use our bodies to honor God, how to find unity in diversity, how to love, serve, and worship together, and how to face death.
Discover the ways in which you can have an eternal impact on others and the world.
To have an eternal impact we need to understand what's important to God. As we catch his heart, we can be driven by God's mission: to live not in search of self-fulfillment but in a continual, dynamic, personal relationship with God and to help others do the same. This five-part course on the Book of Acts will help us see our need for an eternal mission, which includes joy in Christ, connecting with ...
Discuss important issues facing Christians in the workplace.
The following 4-week course will help you and your group think about important issues facing Christians in the workplace. Being a Christian in the secular world can be a struggle, especially at work. How do you immerse yourself in the culture, but not be negatively affected by it?
Week One
Silicon Valley's Surprising TestimonyHigh-tech Christian executives are bringing biblical values back into the ...
Build the confidence to share your faith and hope at work.
These compelling, in-depth Bible studies help you and your group see the urgency for sharing your hope in Jesus Christ in the workplace. The studies also offer tools for building the confidence to share that hope at work.
Session 1
Witnessing at Work A non-the-job strategy for winning souls
Session 2
Talking About Our Faith Unleashing words that fuel the soul
Interpretations of God found in film are significant. What is true and what is not?
Over the years, Hollywood has portrayed God in a variety of different ways. Some movies paint God in a positive light, while others portray him as distant or uncaring. In this 13-session study plan, discover what we can learn about God and faith through the lens of various films. Also, learn how to distinguish the truth from the lies.
Session One
The Ten CommandmentsA biblical epic depicting Moses and ...
Break out of the world's mold by learning to be genuine with God and one another.
Feeling boxed in by life? These four Bible studies challenge you and your group to break out of the world's mold by learning to be genuine with God and one another. These studies encourage you to be available and accountable to each other so you can impact the world around you. Note: This course was developed with Community Christian Church and New Thing Network.