A few years ago, upon being told that Community Ministries was going to “shake things up” that year, one leader joked “What are we go-ing to do, change the coaches back to L’s?” His point was well taken. Sometimes changing the name of something is like putting a coat of paint on it. The appearance may be altered, but it is fundamentally the same. But a look at the role of Coach in Fellowship Community Min-istries might reveal that there has been more of a shift than a casual observer might imagine.

The title of “L” came from the Roman numeral for fifty and identified the span of care of the person in that role. A Community Group Leader was known as an “X” for ten, and an L presumably had five X’s under his watchful care. As Community Ministries at Fellowship have matured the role of the L has changed and matured as well. Span of care is still an important concept in Community, but today the leader of leaders must be a disciple maker and shepherd as much as a care giver; hence, the name change from L to Coach.

To understand the job description of a coach, it is helpful to turn from the world of ministry to the place where the word is more familiar: athletics. The coach of an athlete is the person responsible for train-ing and directing that athlete in the hopes of maximizing their perfor-mance and increasing their chance for victory. As a matter of fact, the word coach crossed over to athletics from its older use to describe a vehicle (i.e. “a motor coach”) because of the implication of carrying or transporting someone to where they want to go.

So what does this talk of sports coaching have to do with a ministry of coaching? Let’s look at some of the parallels by taking a look at one of the greatest and most famous coaches of all time: Vince Lombardi. He’s prob-ably one of the most quoted and revered coaches in the history of sports.

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This brief excerpt adapted from the essay “Vince Lombardi: A Case Study in the Art of Leadership” by Jake Emen, illustrates how coaching a community group leader to be the best servant-leader for the cause of Christ he can be has striking similarities to coaching football players.

The Packers had a very simple playbook; they stuck to the simple Packers Sweep and a core of several other power plays. In do-ing so Lombardi was able to enable and empower others on his team to act. The blocking calls were left to the linemen them-selves: there were fewer plays, but more options. He let the play-ers think for themselves and make their own decisions; he did not need a complex scheme or strategy. The simplest solution is usually the best, and Lombardi fully understood this. By giving his players the freedom to make their own decisions, he not only enabled them to act but again also encouraged their hearts and made them believe in themselves. Lombardi once said, “[It is] called coaching, but it is teaching . . . (you must) show them the reasons why... until they are convinced.” Lombardi never merely barked out instructions and orders, he justified his ways and proved them to be worthwhile. Lombardi encouraged and enabled his team to act while still setting a positive example and modeling the way. The most important thing he ever did as a coach was make his players believe in this concept too. As soon as they were willing to buy into his philosophy and try their hardest, success would be the inevitable result.

Community Ministries, like Lombardi’s Packers, have a simple playbook. Our “power plays” are ...

AND ...

By keeping it simple we, like Coach Lombardi, are free to empower those on our team (our Community Group leaders) to act. “Fewer plays but more options” is an apt description of his coaching philosophy as

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well as our philosophy of ministry. So how can our coaches take our simple playbook and produce successful leaders?

Well, for starters, by releasing them! A Fellowship leader once said “Being released to ministry means being given freedom but not be-ing abandoned.” Just as the Packer linemen were free to call their own blocking schemes Fellowship leaders are free to run their groups how-ever the Holy Spirit directs them. In both cases, though, the coach is there to correct, instruct and encourage. So what are some practical ways that our coaches can do this?

One is MODELING. As leaders observe how you handle various situations that will arise they file that away in their minds and recall it when similar situations present themselves in their own lives and minis-try. Paul confidently said to the Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, and Thessalonians “Imitate me! Follow me as I follow Jesus!” (1 Cor 11:1; Gal 4:12; Phil 3:17; 2 Thes 3:17) By modeling what it means to follow Christ in every part of life you coach those who come after you.

Another is TEACHING. Lombardi said “[it’s] called coaching but it’s really teaching.” Paul instructed Timothy “. . .what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim 2:2)

Of course, to model your faith and to teach them what you know you must BE WITH THEM. Jesus modeled this with his disciples. His was a ministry of presence in their lives. What does this look like in our era of full datebooks and electronic calendars? A few ideas:

• Be intentional on Sunday morning about “bumping into them” in the lobby

• Schedule a regular meeting time for breakfast or lunch a couple of times a month

• Invite them to visit your community group

• Take them with you as you do ministry (i.e. gospel appointment, hospital visit, bereavement visit, etc.)

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• Take a prayer walk with them

• Get your families together for a meal at your house

Obviously there are many other things you could do, so get creative! Make your time together count as you MODEL and TEACH what the Lord has taught you over the years.

Any job is easier with the right tools. Ask any carpenter, roofer, or plumber! Same goes for coaching. While a football coach may need game film, a megaphone and a whistle, a community ministries coach needs some tools too.

This Ministry of Coaching book is a treasure trove of small group and discipleship materials. Divided into Reach, Reproduce, Release, the materials in the notebook are designed for you to select a lesson and work through it with your man. As you identify areas of knowledge, character, skill or vision where your man needs to be strengthened, con-sult the Coaching book for an appropriate lesson.

There are other great tools available including Mentoring 101 and other workbook style materials. For more information about the avail-able discipleship tools talk to your Community Pastor.

The bottom line is that coaching is all about relationships. The more time you invest in prayer and in life on life time with the men God brings into your sphere of influence, the greater the results for the Kingdom will be. You have often heard it said, “If it were easy, everyone would do it.” There is nothing easy about a ministry of coaching, but there is also nothing as rewarding. When you see Jesus work in and through your man you will realize what an impact your ministry of equipping and en-couraging is having.

Second Timothy 2:1-7 is subtitled “Doing your best for God” in the Message paraphrase. Let’s close with it.

“So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going

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gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the market-place. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It’s the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.”

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: REACH

How to Have an Effective Year in Leadership ....................................... 11

Why Small Groups? ....................................................................................... 15

R-3 Vision ..................................................................................................... 17

Sharing your Story ......................................................................................... 19

Sharing Christ .................................................................................................. 25

Sharing Christ with the Bridge Illustration ........................................... 27

Reaching Out Through Small Groups ..................................................... 31

Intentionality in the Workplace ................................................................ 35

How to Be a World Christian ...................................................................... 41

Recommended Books on Missions ......................................................... 45

PART 2: REPRODUCE

Evaluating r3 in Your Community Group .............................................. 51

The Esence of Community .......................................................................... 55

Identifying Spiritual Leaders ...................................................................... 61

Catching & Releasing Leaders ................................................................... 65

Questions to Ask When a Small Group is Sick...................................... 67

How to Lead Great Discussions ................................................................ 71

The Master Plan of Evangelism (Discussion Guide) ........................... 75

The Four Touches of a Community Group Leader ............................. 79

Shepherding Your Community Group.................................................... 81

PART 3: RELEASE

The Prayer Life of a Leader .......................................................................... 85

A Prayer Guide ................................................................................................ 89

Tips for Small Group Prayer ........................................................................ 91

God’s Word in the Life of a Leader ........................................................... 93

Living Your Purpose in a Busy World ....................................................... 95

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COMMUNITY MINISTRY OF

FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

part oneREACH

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how to have an effective year in leadership It is a new year in community. Take some time now to review these principles with your Coach. Use the questions for discussion to help you identify two or three principles you need to especially be mindful of as you enter the new ministry year.

PRINCIPLE #1 People don’t need more teaching or knowledge; they need more obedience and application.

PRACTICE: Knowledge is useful only when it helps us to obey. Do estab-lish in your group an atmosphere where the emphasis is on personal application. Don’t fall into the rut where accumula-tion of knowledge is the goal. Do strive to make the group relevant to people’s everyday lives.

DISCUSSION: How will you make application of the Bible a priority during your group time?

PRINCIPLE #2 In a growing church and a fragmented society, people are seeking genuine, authentic relationships. They want real friends, not mere acquaintances.

PRACTICE: Do breakdown your group where meaningful interactions can take place. Leave off-weeks for other times of fellowship. Men could meet for breakfast or lunch. Schedule other social activi-ties together. Schedule some dinners together. Set up prayer teams at rotation schedules where various members will meet with each other throughout the semester.

DISCUSSION: What are some things you can do to make sure meaningful interactions take place?

PRINCIPLE #3 Real change in peoples’ lives happens through the context of a rela-tionship. In order to grow to maturity in Christ, people don’t need more lectures.

PRACTICE: Do have as your goal the establishing of a small group where relationships are central. Don’t establish a group where people only hear additional lectures. Do make your small group an not a lecturer.

DISCUSSION: How will you keep the group time from becoming another lecture?

PRINCIPLE #4 In a Community Group, both husband and wife are leaders.

PRACTICE: Do have women be responsible for nurturing the other women in the group. Don’t have the women sit back while the husband does all the leading. Remember, in the context of a one to one relationship, men must build into men and women into women. Don’t meet privately with someone of the opposite sex no matter how eager or available they may be.

DISCUSSION: How can you involve your spouse in leading the community group?

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PRINCIPLE #5 A leader of people must be approachable.

PRACTICE: Do be open, honest, vulnerable and transparent. Don’t be afraid to show weakness, admit a failure or ask for advice. A leader isn’t expected to be perfect. Don’t put up a facade of never having problems or struggles.

DISCUSSION: How can you set the tone for authenticity in the group? Can one be too transparent?

PRINCIPLE #6 Leaders should strive to be a change agent in the lives of their people recognizing that change can be uncomfortable.

PRACTICE: Do challenge and confront people in love when needed. Don’t destroy people with harsh words or unrealistic expectations. Do expect some problems, tension, and chaos in your group. Don’t expect to sail through a small group experience without any friction.

DISCUSSION: What is your understanding of how to go about handling conflict? Share some principles.

PRINCIPLE #7 A Community Group is not a counseling group.

PRACTICE: Do encourage people to seek professional help if their problems are too much for the leader or group to handle.

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Don’t let one set of problems entirely dominate your group. Do consult yourCoach for guidance if you think it might be necessary to ask people to leave a group because they are sabotaging the process. Don’t hang on out of obligation and thus jeopardize the entire small group.

DISCUSSION: Share an example of a situation like this. Is there potential for this with someone in your group this year?

PRINCIPLE #8 Pray.

PRACTICE: Do bathe every decision related to the group in prayer. Do seek the one true source of wisdom and guidance. Don’t rely completely on manmade methods and formulas.

DISCUSSION: How will you as the leader prioritize your prayer life for the people in your group?

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why small groups?> Jesus modeled small group ministry. > Small groups are a “green house” for developing spiritual leaders. > Meeting in the home is modeled by the early church (Book of Acts). Acts 2:42-47 > Small groups are ideal for accomplishing the Great Commandment (love God - love people). > Small groups are an incubator for spiritual growth and maturity. > Small groups are a vehicle for people to discover and develop their spiritual gifts. > Small groups provide a network of care within the body of Christ. > Small groups are the best place to live out the “one-anothers” found in the Bible. > Small groups are a very effective evangelistic tool. > Small groups help us live a Biblical worldview. CURRENT CULTURE BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

• Individualism • Interconnected • “I have rights” • “I have responsibilities” • Independence • Interdependence • Personal Freedom • Freedom in Christ

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r3 vision a vision for leadership |

At Fellowship, our mission is to produce and release spiritual leaders who know and express the authentic Christ to Northwest Arkansas and the woWrld. One of the primary ways we accomplish that mission is through small groups. In Community we have a vision for leadership we call r3.

reach | people for Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) |

Reach means evangelism. Reaching means bringing people, wherever we encounter them, to a saving encounter with Christ.

Key question: Who’s on my heart for heaven?

reproduce | Christ by investing my life in others (2 Tim 2:2; Phil 4:9)

Reproduce means discipleship. It means training and equipping believers to do the work of the ministry by investing my life in them.

Key question: Who is my Timothy? Who am I pouring my life into?

release | to Spirit empowered ministry (Col 1:28-29)

Release means transferring the disciple to a a higher authority so they can labor in their area of giftedness and passion.

Key question: How am I using my gifts to advance the Kingdom?

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sharing your story

Your most powerful tool for sharing Christ!

What is “your story?” Your story is the retelling of when and how you trusted Jesus Christ. It is your most powerful tool for sharing Christ with people who do not know him. No one can deny your personal experience. With a little preparation you can be ready to share your story; ready to share Christ!

Why do we share our story? How is a story different from a formal presentation?

What are some situations where you might be able to share your story?

How does having a 3-5 minute story of what Christ has meant to us help us to fulfill 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”

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The ABC’s of sharing your story (from Seven Principles of an Evangelistic Life by Douglas Cecil)

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as select the words to speak.

• Bathe the preparation and then the sharing of your story in prayer.

• Choose a theme for your story such as appearances, being a people pleaser, religion vs. relationship.

• Be yourself, but be creative.

Be brief.

• Share enough about your past to be real, but do not go into a lot of detail.

• Identify the root of the problem (sin) rather than the fruit of the problem.

• Transition quickly into talking about how you came to know Christ.

Center on CHRIST.

• The person you wish to elevate is Jesus Christ, not yourself.

• Be brief and real about your current walk with Christ.

• Include how Christ is meeting you needs now and your hope for the future.

Developing your story.

• Your story should follow a basic outline. Paul shares his story in Acts 26, giving us a good outline we can follow with our own story.

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> Acts 26:4-11 –Paul’s life before he trusted Christ

> Acts 26:12-18 –How Paul realized he needed Christ

> Acts 26:19 –How Paul trusted Christ

> Acts 26:20-23 –How Paul’s life changed after trusting Christ

Some Do’s and Don’ts of sharing your story. Some things you should try to do as you prepare your story:

• Ask the Lord to guide you as you prepare

• Follow the Acts 26 outline:

> My life before I trusted Christ

> How I realized I needed Christ

> How I trusted Christ

> How my life changed after I trusted Christ

• Emphasize your life since trusting Christ if you accepted Christ as a child

• Begin with a thought provoking or attention getting statement

• Include enough detail to keep it interesting

• Weave the gospel into your story

• Practice your story with a mature believer and get feedback, then practice is until it becomes natural.

• Smile! Remember you are sharing “good news!”

Some things you should avoid as you prepare your story:

• Don’t use Christian jargon such as “saved”, “convicted”, or “born again” as these might confuse and alienate non- Christians.

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• Don’t emphasize how bad you used to be.

• Don’t use superlatives like “glorious”, “best ever”, “wonderful.”

• Don’t mention denominations or other groups. Even if you have good feelings about a specific ministry or church, your listener might not share your opinion.

• Don’t give the impression that Christian life is a “bed of roses” or that you no longer have struggles.

Your story can be effective in any casual situation:

• over a meal, on the golf course, at the lake, at a ball game

• anywhere you are having a conversation

• with a non-believer can be great place to share your story

Write out your story below.

How my life was before I trusted Christ . . .

How I realized my need for Christ . . .

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How I trusted Christ . . .

How my life has changed since trusting Christ . . .

People are interested in your story.

People can identify with your story.

No matter what your past has been, your story is valuable!

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sharing ChristA Natural Expression of Our Relationship with Jesus Christ

What does God say about sharing Christ with the lost?

What is the good news Jesus refers to in Mark 16:15?

What does Jesus’ mission, outlined in Luke 19:10, tell us about His priorities?

What are 3 observations you can make about the gospel from Romans 1:16?

1)

2)

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According to 1 Peter 3:15, what attitudes should we take on when we share the gospel? How do we prepare ourselves to give an answer?

Who’s on your heart for heaven?

1)

2)

3)

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sharing christ with the bridge illustrationTIPS FOR SHARING THE BRIDGE ILLUSTRATION Successful evangelism is simply sharing the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. Techniques do not bring people to Christ, the Holy Spirit does. Pray that God would open their heart to His good news.

Use a kickoff question before you begin sharing the illustration:

• If you were to die today and you were standing before God and He asked you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” what would you say?

• If a friend at work asked you how to become a Christian, what would you tell him?

• On a scale of 0% to 100%, how sure are you about going to Heaven?

Use their first name throughout the presentation.

Smile, relax, and remember that what you are sharing is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. It’s good news! How to Share Christ’s Love Conversationally & Visually By Randy D. Raysbrook

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Many people feel that to be effective in evangelism they must memorize a complex illustration and a multitude of verses. But the Gospel is most powerful when shared with love, clarity, and simplicity. One-Verse Evangelism is a simple, interactive way to share Christ’s love conversationally and visually. It is based on asking questions and sharing. It’s easy to learn because it uses just one verse. One-Verse Evangelism is also sensitive to peoples’ busy schedules because it can be shared in just 10 or 15 minutes. Here’s a brief look at how it works. Let’s say God’s leading you to share the Gospel with your neighbor, Jeff. Write out Romans 6:23 on a piece of paper or a napkin: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NIV). Then put your Bible away. Ask Jeff if he would like to see a simple picture based on this verse that will explain God’s relationship with people.

Circle this word and ask, “How would you feel if your boss refused to pay you the wages that were due to you?” Deep down, we all know that it is only right that we get what we deserve. Similarly, we earn wages from God for how we have lived our lives. Draw a circle around “sin,” asking your friend what he thinks when he hears this word. You might explain that sin is more an attitude than an action. It can be either actively fighting God or merely excluding Him from our lives. You can ask, “Has God ever seemed far away?” If he says “Yes,” add that that’s one of the things sin does-it makes God seem far away. Now draw two opposing cliffs with a gap in between. Circle this word and ask what thoughts come to mind. Explain that death in the Bible always means some kind of separation. While circling this word, mention that it is important be-cause it means that a sharp contrast in thought is coming. What we have just looked at is bad news; what follows is good news.

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Draw a circle around this word. Ask, “If wages are what a person earns, then what is a gift?” Remind your friend that someone must purchase every gift. Circle this and explain that the gift you are talking about is free. It is from God Himself. It’s so special that no one else can give it. Ask, “How do you feel when someone gives you a special gift?” Circle these two words next, and then ask, “How would you define these words?” Contrast one side of the cliff, death, with the other side, eternal life. Ask, “What is the opposite of separation from God?”

Draw these words so they create a bridge be-tween the two cliffs. Help your friend to consider that every gift has a giver, and only Jesus Christ can give the gift of eternal life. Write this word over the bridge you just drew. Explain that friends trust each other, and tell your friend that Jesus wants a trusting friendship with him. All he has to do is admit that he is responsible for the “sin” of either fighting or excluding God from his life. That is what trust means-trusting that Jesus wants to forgive us for rejecting Him from our lives. At this point, you can ask him if he wants to start a relationship with God that will last forev-er. If he says “Yes,” invite him to pray a short prayer in his own words, asking Jesus to forgive him.

Close by reminding him that this simple illustration shows what God is like: Someone who really cares about people, especial-ly him. Invite him to read all about it in the Bible, perhaps begin-ning in the gospel of John.

Adapted with permission from One-Verse Evangelism, copyright 2000 Randy D. Raysbrook as it appears at www.navigators.org

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reaching out through small groupsREFLECTION If small groups are to be anything more than a “Holy Huddle”, we must reach out to those we know who are without Christ. Each of us has a network of friends and acquaintances who need to know of Christ’s love. Small Groups provide a neighborhood-based entry point for those who are seeking spiritual answers, but would never darken the door of a church. This material below is taken from LifeStyle Evangelism by Joseph Aldrich.

Review the ideas below with your Coach.

1. Create an atmosphere where the non-Christian feels at home.

2. Seek to avoid the use of religious clichés and terms (saved, justified, baptism, etc.) that do not make sense to non- Christian

3. Discussion of various churches, denominations, and politics should be avoided.

4. Resist the temptation to “straighten out” doctrinal views of the non-Christian which are not central to the issue of salvation. (Ex.: Premillennial versus Postmillennial views of end times teachings is not as important, but trusting in works to earn entrance into heaven needs to be addressed.)

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5. During the study, refrain from bringing up all kinds of parallel passages. As a general rule the study should confine itself to one passage.

6. The Christian participant should avoid giving advice or sharing pious platitudes and spiritual band aids. Instead, focus on personal experiences of the truth.

7. Avoid the temptation to press the premature decision. Give the Holy Spirit time to work in the life of the non-Christian; He brings men and women to Christ, not us. Authenticity is attractive.

8. Christians in the group must avoid the “Holy Huddle” syndrome. Some of your best friends may be there, but your mission is to reach out in love to the non-Christian. He must be made to feel special. He is!

9. Create an atmosphere in which the nonbeliever feels free to participate. Encourage his participation by complementing him for his observations. It may be a simple truth he discovers... one we’ve known since church camp days. But if it’s brand new to him, get excited!

10. A final ingredient of effectiveness for evangelism in these small groups is exposure, exposure, exposure. Dinner engagements, recreational outings, and other group activities will allow the non-Christian to hear the music of the gospel. He needs to know that Christians can laugh, play, and have fun.

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APPLICATION

1. Review these tips and discuss with your Coach specific ways you can apply this lesson for your next meeting.

2. Practice the “empty chair”, meaning to literally putting an empty chair in your meeting and them asking and praying about who should be there.

3. Take time now to identify someone you need to invite to fill the empty chair. Pray for them by name and ask God to give them courage to come to the group.

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intentionality in the workplace DISCUSSION

What do these verses tell us about God’s perspective of work? How to work? Why we work?

• Proverbs 10:4

• Proverbs 12:11

• Proverbs 18:9

• Proverbs 21:25-26

• Proverbs 28:19

• Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

• Ephesians 4:28

• Ephesians 6:5-9

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• Colossians 3:22-4:1

• II Thessalonians 3:7-13

REFLECTION

The following is taken from “A More Intentional Kingdom Agenda” by Stephen R. Graves.

Please read and highlight the statements that stand out to you. Discuss with your Coach two actions you will initiate based on this exercise.

I am frequently asked by men and women of faith in the work-place a revealing question. The setting and location may vary, but the question is constant: “How can I approach my job with more kingdom intentionality?” What follows are some of the distilled thoughts touching that question.

1. Settle the concepts of workplace calling once and for all.

• This means God cares about my job, work and career.

• This means God calls people to a work station and work setting and it can change a number of times across my life.

• This means God brings purpose, energy and guidance to my daily work.

• This means delivering excellence on the job is a norm not an exception.

• This means not buying into the ‘this’ for the ‘that’ lie. (I am doing all ‘this’ work so I can impact ‘that’ ministry over there. Or, I am doing all of ‘this’ now so I can have a significant ministry impact out there one day.)

• This means activating the Holy Spirit in my daily work.

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2. Resolve your theology of influence and your approach toward ‘culture’.

• This could be Christ against Culture captured in the word ‘withdraw’, Christ of Culture captured in the word ‘ acquiesce’, Christ above Culture captured in the word ‘mandate’ or Christ transformer of Culture captured in the word ‘influence’.

• This means activating a lifestyle belief in Christ the transformer of Culture captured in the word ‘influence’.

• This means you recognize the work place as the landscape where salt and light can have their greatest impact.

• This means you will engage in biblical learning around culture and influence. That could be achieved by studying the Scriptures, reading books, listening to sermons, inter viewing experts or any other learning style that fits you.

3. Convert your existing work setting into a frontline, kingdom activity, base camp.

• This means closing the hypocrisy gap between being and doing. • This means seeing the delivery of your skill set everyday as the highest worship of your week.

• This means sanctifying the areas of money, time, relationships, attitudes,emotions, conversations, ambitions, reactions, decision making, etc.

• This means clarifying your particular style of covert/overt evangelism and messaging.

• This means activating specific prayer for your work and the people in your work everyday.

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• This means evaluating whether you are ‘unequally yoked’ with partners, work associates and other relationships.

• This means discovering your unique ministry signature.

• This means embracing a ‘double bottom line’ mindset regarding your work.

4. Identify your best 2-3 assets to ‘leverage’ up into the kingdom. (Think Parable of the Talents)

• Is it Money?

• Is it Time?

• Is it Strategic Thinking, Strategic Planning and/or Strategy Execution?

• Is it Relationships and Networking?

• Is it Encouragement?

• Is it Accountability?

• Is it Vision and Imagination?

• Is it Gray-Haired Experience?

5. Regularly evaluate the ROI of your kingdom investments.

6. Embrace an Acts 1 model to focus and scale your intentionality.

• Jerusalem: Your church/ Your neighbors/Your coworkers

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• Judea: Your larger community/Your region/You industry

• Samaria: Your state, region or country/Cross culture

• Ends of the Earth: International environment/Cross culture

7. Invest in people first and ideas/causes second.

• Who has God put in front of you or for whom do you have a burden?

• Who has a unique voice/vision?

• Who has proven character and life skills?

• Who has early stage traction?

• Who has the possibility of multigenerational impact?

8. Root down in a healthy effective local church.

• Don’t be a church hopper.

• Don’t be a self-serving consumer only focused on your needs.

• Don’t set safely in the stands. Put on a jersey and get engaged.

• Don’t expect your church to fully understand and operationalize work/faith integration. You might need to help lead this effort.

Note some application points:

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how to be a world christian REFLECTION

God’s purposes are global. His heart is passionate that people from every tongue, tribe, and nation will be in heaven with Him forever. From beginning to end of the Bible, He uses words like “nations,” “peoples,” “tribes,” “tongues,” or “all the earth” to reflect His universal plan. The blessings of salvation, forgiveness, His presence, worship, truth, fellowship, indwelling of the Holy Spirit, etc., are a means of reaching the nations.

Missions exists to help the nations become worshippers of God! Fellowship is here because someone left Jerusalem with the Good News. Your community group in your living room is a result of those leaving the Upper Room in Acts 1. As a leader, are you a world Christian? Are you participating in God’s global purpose to help bring about a living, vibrant, and multiplying church within every people group on the planet? Below are some ideas to help you play a significant part even if you never leave Northwest Arkansas! A final thought…missions begins at home. No airplane ride ever made a missionary! Can a person who has a heart for the people of India not get involved with the Indian students at the U of A? Will we go on mission trips to Mexico but never reach out to the Mexicans in our cities and schools here? The world is at our doorstep. What will Fellowship do right here? The Fellowship Missions Office is ready to serve you with these ideas, videos, and other questions you might have. Call 659.8884 or 444.8818.

Discuss the following ideas with your Coach and determine a few takeaways.

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THINK GLOBALLY ... ACT LOCALLY! 1. Use Operation World (a prayer resource for every day of the year, every country of the world) in team meetings, L team meetings, community groups, E-Teams and even personal devotions.

2. Gateway City Video: a neat collection of short informational segments on key cities in the 10/40 window, arranged in three city segments followed by a short prayer. Average time per three city segment: 34 minutes. Start off your community group with a short video, followed by your prayers for strategic areas around the world.

3. Fellowship Missions Directory: a new pictorial guide to Fellowship missionaries. Use as a prayer guide. Great way to start off a team meeting.

4. Take a visiting missionary couple out to lunch and ask about their work. Invite them to your E-team, community group, or leadership meetings to share about their work and how to pray for them.

5. Plan to go on a short-term trip to Mexico, Japan, India, China, or the Philippines.

6. Consider becoming a Friendship Partner with an International Student from the U of A. The U of A is usually looking for host families…this does not mean they live with you. You just need to make contact once a month. Approximately 85% of International Students never set foot in an American home.

7. Use a world map. Lay it before you or your group and ask them to pick a country to pray for. Ask if anyone has been outside of the United States of America. Pray for a missionary they may know.

8. Read a missions book. Check out the list on pages 45-47.

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9. Get on the mailing list of a Fellowship missionary. Learn about their work, pray, perhaps give monthly financial support.

10. Take the course “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” offered in the Northwest Arkansas region each winter semester. This fifteen-week intensive course covers the biblical basis for missions, the historical lessons learned, the cultural training needed, and the best strategy to reach the unreached parts of the world. This course can be taken for college and graduate credit.

APPLICATION

1. What can you do to build world vision into your group over the next month?

2. Which of these ideas do you personally need to act on?

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recommended books on missionsLET THE NATIONS BE GLAD!The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper, Baker Books. This book will give you a great biblical understanding of the real purpose of missions to glorify God. Written in a fast-paced, exciting style with a good challenge to missions involvement.

OPERATION WORLDby Patrick Johnstone, Zondervan Publishing House. This is a classic for missions, an invaluable resource. It lists all countries of the world (about 200) in alphabetical order and gives information about and prayer requests for each. Read and pray through this book and your life will never be the same.

THE GREAT OMISSIONby Robertson McQuilkin, Baker Book House. A relatively short book (100 pages), The Great Omission is easy to read and an excellent introduction to the urgent need for missions in our day. This book is a great starting place for those interested in learning about the biblical priority of missions.

SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTYby Elizabeth Elliott, Haper & Row, Publishers. Of all the missionary biographies I have read (and I’ve read quite a few) this is the best one. Well written, shows a passion for Godby Elizabeth Elliott, Haper & Row, Publishers. Well written, shows a passion for God and for taking the gospel to those who have never heard. You can learn a lot about God, life, missions, and your own life through this biography of Jim Elliott. Also, THROUGH GATES OF SPLENDOR, Elizabeth Elliott, the account of the martyrdom of Jim Elliott and four other missionaries by the Auca Indians.

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UNVEILED AT LASTby Bob Sjogren, YWAM Publishing. This book will show you God’s unchanging purpose to redeem some from every tribe, tongue, and people. Filled with exciting sto-ries, this book also gives a great biblical understanding of missions from God’s perspective.

TOUCH THE WORLD THROUGH PRAYERby Wesley L. Duewel, Francis Asbury Press. This book has short chapters which will teach you about the power of intercessory prayer and encourage you to really pray! You can touch the world through prayer without every leaving your home.

SERVING AS SENDERSby Neal Pirolo, Emmanus Road International. A great book showing how a church or mission committee can care for missionaries as they prepared to go, while they are on the field, and when they return home. Full of clear, practical, helpful ideas and information.

I DARED TO CALL HIM FATHERby Bilquis Sheikh, Baker Book House. The true and riveting story of a Muslim woman in Pakistan, married to a high government official, to whom Jesus appears in a dream. She became a Christian she says, “When I dared to call the awe-some God my Father!”

THE WORLD AT YOUR DOORSTEPby Lawson Lau, InterVarsity Press. It is so important for us to realize that even as God is sending us out into all the world He is also sovereignly bringing people from all over the world to us! This is a helpful and encouraging guide to befriend-ing and reaching out to Internationals as a way to reach all nations.

DEATH OF A GURUby Rabi R. Maharaj, Harvest House Publishers. Autobiography of a man born to a high caste Hindu family des-tined to become a Guru but instead become a follower of Jesus. It will help you understand the tenants of Hinduism and make you really glad you are a Christian!

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FROM JERUSALEM TO IRIAN JAYAby Ruth Tucker, Historyof Missions.

ETERNITY IN THEIR HEARTSby Don Richardson. Case studies of how God puts cultural keys in every culture to help them understand the Gospel. Also PEACE CHILD by Don Richard, the account of how The Peace Child brought peace to the Sawi people of New Guinea.

RUN WITH THE VISIONby Bill and Amy Starnes and Bob Sjogren. This book gives an overview of what the Bible says about what God is doing around the world. Helps the reader begin to find their “niche” in God’s global agenda...I haven’t seen anything this “user friendly” for people who are wanting something clear and helpful.

BRUCHKOby Bruce Olsen. Hair raising adventures among South American Indians.

A CHANCE TO DIEby Elizabeth Elliott. The life of Amy Carmicheal an Irish missionary who spent 53 years in South India without a furlough.

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COMMUNITY MINISTRY OF

FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

part twoREPRODUCE

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evaluating r3 in your community group1. How are you as the leader currently practicing the three r’s (reaching, reproducing, releasing)?

2. What is one way you can develop personally in each area?

Reaching (others for Christ)

Reproducing (Christ and yourself in others)

Releasing (people to minister in their giftedness)

3. How would you evaluate (1-10) your community group in these areas?

REACHING • _____ Evangelism

• _____ Identifying new leaders

REPRODUCING

• _____ Discipleship

• _____ Spiritual Growth

• _____ Leadership Development

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RELEASING

• _____ People ministering in their gifts

• _____ People launching ministries

• _____ Disciples laboring in their areas of passion

REACHING

• Are the group members growing in their heart for the lost?

• Who needs to be invited to sit in the “empty chair”?

• Are there new unchurched people in your neighborhood?

• Does each person have five lost friends they are praying for?

• How can you use your common hobbies to love the lost?

REPRODUCING

• Using the questions below, which outcome needs the most attention right now?

• What can you do over the next month to address it in your community group?

• Do they seem to be growing in intimacy with the Lord?

• How is their time in God’s Word?

• How is their prayer life?

• Do they have accountability in their life (E-Team)?

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• Is the group applying Scripture every week?

• Is there a crisis that needs to be addressed?

• Do you need to have a night of sharing? Of fun? Of prayer?

• Who do you need to write a note of encouragement to?

RELEASING

• Who in the group is showing leadership potential?

• When can you begin sharing the facilitation responsibility?

• Is your group ready to multiply?

• Who is your Timothy? Who are you discipling?

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the essence of communityEvaluating The 3 Ingredients of a Healthy Community Group

COMMUNITY / Similarity or identity. Sharing, participation, and fellowship.

Community is a popular concept in our culture right now. A quick Google search will reveal two billion hits (yes, that’s billion with a “b”) for the word “community.” To give that some perspective, a search of the word “football” brings up only four hundred eighty million hits. Clearly there is a lot of interest in community! But what does com-munity mean? At Fellowship we believe strongly in the concept of biblical community. When you take the three key ingredients of truth, accountability, and relationships, and combine them with love for God and love for people, something supernatural can take place.

ESSENCE / The intrinsic or indispensable properties that serve to characterize or identify something

The essence of Community can be captured in three key words:

BELONG | GROW | SERVE

When you find a place to belong, grow and serve, you have found authentic community.

Examining these essentials is helpful in understanding what community at Fellowship is all about.

A place to BELONG / To be a part of something.

Everyone has the desire to belong. In our youth we begin to ask our-selves “Where do I fit in? Where are people like me?” Over the course of our lives we continue to search for people to whom we can relate,

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places in which we can feel comfortable. We all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. True Community offers just that place: a place to know and to be known in a real and authentic way.One exciting change to Community Groups this year is the new sched-ule. The move from traditional semesters to a trimester approach will create more opportunities for people to belong. The new schedule will give groups the chance to meet throughout the year, while still taking month-long breaks in December, April, and August. The number of months we are meeting will remain the same, but the breaks between sessions will be shorter and more evenly spaced. Additionally, this new schedule will give groups the chance to meet three times a month rather than the traditional two times monthly. With the addition of the third gathering, groups will be free to be as creative as they want to be with their time. Perhaps a group will do curriculum on the first and third meeting of the month, reserving the second meeting for sharing their stories. Or maybe that second meeting is set aside to bring the kids and have a family time. Maybe that second monthly meeting the men gather for breakfast and keep the kids at night so the women can have a “girl’s night out.” The possibilities are limited only by your group’s creativity and imagination. This new calendar with the three on/one off concept applied to months and to weeks will give groups more opportunity than ever to make community a place to belong.

A place to GROW / To develop and reach maturity.

Healthy things grow. When we plant a tree we expect to see it grow and mature eventually providing fruit, shade, or natural beauty. We expect children to grow into adults. The right conditions must exist for something to thrive and grow. Community is the place where we feed our souls with the Word of God and are nourished by love and accep-tance from others.

An opportunity to help people grow in the context of community is the Sunday Morning Connect. The Connect will have discussion ques-tions related to the same passage of scripture being taught on Sunday mornings. Community Group members are able to get a Connect Sheet four days before the Sunday morning service, either via email or by downloading it from the website. They will also be handed out at the services. Over the next few days after receiving the Connect Sheet,

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group members will have the chance to study the upcoming text and review the questions, making notes about what the Holy Spirit is teaching them as they engage the text. When the group gathers for their meeting, the Connect Sheets provide the discussion guide as they share how they processed the questions while engaging the scripture. While hearing the Sunday morning teaching will be a valuable addi-tion to preparing for the group meeting, it will not be a requirement. Anyone who takes the time to read the passage and think about the questions on the Connect Sheet will be ready to engage in the discus-sion with their group.

The Connect is so named because the groups that use them will be connecting their celebration experience (Sunday morning) with their cell experience (Community Group.) The Connect will also help them connect with the scripture by guiding their study time, help them connect with Christ as they prayerfully engage His Written Word, and help to connect them with each other as they walk through scripture together in their group time.

A place to SERVE / To be a servant to.

Jesus said He came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). When we find a place to belong and a place to grow, we naturally will want the opportunity to serve. Service can be as simple as helping your neighbor carry in their groceries or as involved as an ongoing relation-ship from which you expect nothing in return. In Community there are many opportunities to harness the power of a group to serve in ways that an individual could not. A meal for the hungry, home repairs for the elderly, yard and house work for the ill, the list goes on and on. Each time we do an act of service in the name of Jesus He gets all the glory, and glorifying Him is what we were all made for (Isaiah 43:7). Community is the place where we are able to serve one another, our neighbors, and perhaps even people we will never meet, all in the name of Jesus Christ.

The puzzle pieces coming together, each carrying its own identity in order to form the whole. The tree putting down its roots in order to utter joyous leaves. The hands extended, reaching to offer help to someone in need. These are the pictures that define the essence of community, of a life lived in Christ and with others.

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A place to belong. A place to grow. A place to serve. A place for you.

DISCUSSION

Which of the three ingredients does your group seem to exhibit more than the other two?

How can you increase the amount of growth in the group?

How can you develop a service mentality?

How can you build authentic belonging within the group?

How can you as the leader bring more balance to your group?

APPLICATION

Review the application ideas with your Coach and choose one idea you can implement this next month.

1. Take an interest in your members’ lives. Are their kids in sports? (Drop by a game.) Do they live close? (Walk over to say “Hi”.) Do they have a need? (Fill it.)

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2. Ladies’ night out. Many groups initiate a ladies’ night out once a month (or more). Deep levels of communication develop quickly out of these activities.

3. Men’s group E-Team. An E-Team is an encouragement team. Meet a guy in your group for breakfast once a week. You’re busy they are busy but everyone has to eat!

4. Notes and letters. If a phone call is hard for you, a note is less intimidating just say you are glad they are in your group.

5. Family activities. Work hard to find common interests. Camping, fishing, movies, cards, board games, or socializing. Use these activities to nurture and care for your flock!

6. Service projects. Someone in your group will know of or be someone in need. Nothing makes a group appreciate each other like helping someone together.

7. Fellowship Bible Church’s groups normally meet 3 out of every 4 weeks. Use that off week for group date, family social, or an extended prayer time.

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identifying spiritual leadersREFLECTION

A foundational principle of Fellowship Bible Church is expressed in our church mission statement, “... to produce and release spiri-tual leaders… “. Jesus modeled leadership development with the twelve disciples and Paul encouraged his disciple, Timothy, to do the same (2 Timothy 2:2). Ephesians 4:11-12 makes it clear that leaders have a duty to train and empower God’s people to serve the body (do ministry). In The 7 Deadly Sins of Small Group Minis-try Donahue & Robinson note, “The decision to put people into the pipeline is commendable, but you will have far greater success if they are the right people.”

DISCUSSION

1. What do these verses tell us about how to identify spiritual leaders?

• I Samuel 16:6-7

• Mark 10:43-45

• Luke 6:12-16

• II Timothy 2:2

• I Peter 5:1-5

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2. What is the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts in leadership? Share some examples.

3. Who takes the group seriously – preps material, consistent attendance, engages in discussion, etc.?

4. Who speaks up and challenges your leadership? These may be frustrated leaders.

5. Think through these spiritual, emotional, and social qualifications. Don’t expect perfection.

Spiritual

• Do they see God working in their lives? • Are they selffeeders? • Do they spend time alone with God regularly? • Are they eager to learn? • Use the F.A.I.T.H. acronym to guide you along as you identify new leaders (Faithful, Available, Initiative, Teachable, and Heart for God/People). Who has these qualities?

Emotional

• Are they secure enough to be honest and transparent? • Are they emotionally stable? • How do they respond to confrontation?

Social

• Do they participate without dominating? • Are they able to listen? • Do they reflect a love for people? Do they care?

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APPLICATION

1. Seek counsel, fast, and pray about potential leaders in your group. Have you done this?

2. Let others lead the group or perform other ministry tasks. Have them perform other leadership functions, e.g. calling people during the week, arranging meetings, visiting sick members, or calling potential new group members. Who can you empower to do some of these ideas over the next few weeks?

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catching & releasing leadersREFLECTION

The principle is a very simple one, catch and release. (Matthew 28:18-20)

A simple, catchy phrase, but the meaning is very profound. If every leader in our church would begin a discipleship and mentor relationship with someone around them, what would Northwest Arkansas & the World look like? As a “fisher of men”, Jesus Christ is the best example of leadership we can point to. He intensely taught several thousand, He invested quality small group time with 12 men over a period of three years, and He intensively discipled three men. His model changed the world.

DISCUSSION

1. As you look at these verses, how does God desire us to catch and release leaders?

• Matthew 9:35-10:1

• Matthew 22:34-40

• Matthew 28:16-20

• John 15:18

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• Ephesians 4:11-16

• II Timothy 2:12

2. Who had the greatest impact on your spiritual development? What qualities made you want to learn from and follow them?

3. If you had six months with a new believer, what doctrine, skills, life, character qualities would you pass on to them?

4. Who is in your small group or sphere of influence that you could begin helping grow?

5. Discuss this statement. “Building then releasing people doesn’t come natural to us? it runs against the current of a leader’s natural tendency.”

APPLICATION

1. Reproduce this lesson with someone in your community group.

2. Consider giving three meals/week to ministry: prayer walk, evangelism, discipling.

3. Read and discuss Ch. 1-2 of The Lost Art of Disciplemaking.

4. Read and discuss Born to Reproduce.

5. Listen to and discuss Tommy Nelson’s II Timothy 2:1-2 podcast.

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questions to ask when a small group is sickIs it time for a shift in leadership?

• Has the leader grown tired of leading? • Was the leader ever effective as a small group leader, and should consider another ministry area? • Is more training needed for the current leader? • Does the leader need to recruit a co-leader, to share the load and to prepare for future leadership of additional groups? • Is it time for someone else in the group to “step up to the plate” and lead?

Is the study material meeting a need?

• Is the study focus too basic for the spiritual life of the group members? • Is it too challenging? • It is time to get back to just the Bible? • Or to try a topical approach instead of verse by verse?

Is it time to invite?

• If numbers are small, is it time to challenge each person in the group to bring one new friend? • Is it time to ask the church’s small group director to send new people to the group? • Is there a need for the “fresh air” brought by new group members?

Is there a polarizing personality in the mix?

• Is there a person who dominates the discussion who is driving away group members?

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• Is there someone who needs emotional or spiritual support beyond what the leader or other members can provide? • Has a good enough relationship been built with this person that it’s time to “do lunch” and discuss their situation?

Does the group need “a new outfit”?

• Does the group need to change meeting locations perhaps the same meeting in the same living room for too long has allowed the group to get “sleepy”? • How about meeting in a different home? Multiple homes? A restaurant? Someone’s office after hours?

Do we need to get out and serve?

• Does the group need to be stretched by getting out of that living room and serving somewhere in the Name of Christ? • Does an elderly church member need leaves raked? • Does the local rescue mission need a group to conduct a chapel service?

Is it time for a new approach?

• Is there a need to spend more evenings in prayer and less in study? • Or more events just to have fun together? • Or less fun events together and more serious Bible study? • Is it a good time to introduce some exercises to help group members become more intimate with one another?

Has enough time passed?

• If the group is new and got off to a slow start, is there a need to persevere for a while and see what God’s will and timing are? • Is the idea of quitting being considered too soon?

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Is it time to break up this party?

• Are there too many people to really call this a “small group”? • Is it time to send a few members off to begin another group, so others can enjoy this rich small group experience? • Is it time to become a “supergroup” and break up into smaller groups within our meeting?

Is it time to die?

• Is it time to acknowledge that every small group that has ever existed eventually comes to an end? • Is it time to rejoice together for all God has done with this group, have a final celebration together, and the individual members of the group move on to their next small group experience?

Taken from Small Group Dynamics ezine article: “Question to Ask when a Small Group is Sick” by Rick Lowry, December, 2005.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Which question do you and your community group need to address?

When is the appropriate time to bring the issue up?

Who else in the group can give you a second opinion concerning the issue?

Please take time now to ask God for wisdom, timing and tact as you address the issue.

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how to lead great discussionsCommunity Groups are a ministry not a meeting. One of the key components of a healthy Community Group is the discussion of biblical truth. A leader that can facilitate a good discussion has a great chance to create a community where people can belong, grow and serve.

fa·cil·i·ta·tor \ noun : one that facilitates ; especially : one that helps to bring about an outcome

(as learning, productivity, or communication) by providing indirect or unobtrusive assistance,

guidance, or supervision.

dis·cus·sion \ noun: consideration of a question in open and usually informal debate

So, a Community Group leader might be described as someone who can help direct or guide a group as they consider a question. The focus of a Community Group Leader is to help those in the group discover biblical truths, apply them, and to walk closer with Jesus to the glory of God.

GOOD DISCUSSIONS = GOOD QUESTIONS

DEVELOPING GOOD QUESTIONS

• Do your study. • Decide what the BIG idea is and determine an objective. • Develop your questions.

If your study provides questions (such as the Connect) consider rewriting or molding the questions to fit your group more personally.

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ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Kick-off Question – Kicks-off the discussion. A question that anyone can answer helps create a sense of belonging. These ques-tions are sometimes called icebreakers.

Observation (or Discovery) questions ask “what do I see?” Interpre-tation questions ask “what does it mean?” These can help people grow as they encounter the text and hopefully encounter Christ.

Application Questions –Asks “how do I apply it to my life?” These are the questions that can lead to life change as your group mem-bers partner with the Holy Spirit and experience transformation.When leading the discussion:

1) Be a Launcher of Discussion: Ask group members simple questions about what they have observed or discovered. Use questions starting with “what or how.”

2) Be a Guider of Discussion: To get other members responses and to keep things moving ask questions that start with “who.” Example: “Who else has something written down about that question, or does anyone else want to comment ...?” Be mindful that the group can easily get off of the material at this time, so be kind to redirect when necessary.

3) Be a Summarizer of the Discussion: It is good to spend a small amount of time summarizing the materials covered. This is a great opportunity to let the group share what they have learned and retained.

4) Be an Assistant in helping others apply what they have learned. This is where “how” questions can help stimulate members to remember what they have learned about biblical truths and how they might apply them to their daily lives. Example: “How can you begin to apply this Biblical truth to your life?”

5) When doing the lessons, write out questions that you may have about the materials. Good questions start with good preparation.

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6) Ask Open-ended questions that cannot be answered with “YES” or “NO.”

7) When you ask a question, look around the group until some one answers it. Be patient. Somebody usually speaks. Do not be afraid of silence.

8) Admit when you don’t know or lack of clarity or knowledge if asked a tough question. Mention to the group/person that you will seek out the information requested, and report back as soon as possible.

9) Remember to lift others up and encourage them regardless of their questions or responses.

10) Be flexible with the group discussion. If discussion over a certain aspect of the study, or something stemming from the materials arises and seems important, let the group talk it out. Do not think you have to cover all the material in each session to have a meaningful complete community group meeting.

A facilitator is not a teacher. A teacher is like a soloist who plays while others listen. A facilitator is like a conductor, who doesn’t make any music himself, but guides the flow of the music being made.

Where do you struggle as a facilitator? Do you tend toward teaching or toward the other extreme of allowing the discussion to go “off the rails”? Share some ideas with each other regarding what has worked in your group to stimulate good discussions.

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the master plan of evangelism (discussion guide)LESSON ONE

Read the Introduction, Preface, and Chapter 1 “Selection” of Cole-man’s The Master Plan of Evangelism and answer the follow ques-tions:

1. According to Coleman, what were some of the main characteristics of the men Jesus chose as His disciples?

2. Fill in the blanks of the principle from Coleman’s book. The more ____________ the size of the group being taught, the greater the opportunity for effective ___________.

3. According to Coleman what was Jesus’ strategy for “saving the world”?

4. Explain and react to this statement of Coleman’s: “One must decide where he wants his ministry to count in the momentary applause of popular recognition or in the reproduction of his life in a few dozen men who will carry on his work after he is gone.”

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LESSON TWO

Read chapters 2 and 3 of Coleman’s Master Plan of Evangelism and answer the following questions:

1. The one thing that Jesus asked his disciples to do was to ______________Him. (Chapter 2).

2. What are some practical ways that we can associate with our disciples?

3. What will it cost us to be “closely associated” with a person or a group of persons that we are trying to shepherd?

4. Explain in your own words “the way of the cross” discussed by Coleman in Chapter 3.

5. Coleman makes the following statement, “One simply could not follow Jesus through the course of His life without turning loose of the world, and those who made a pretense of it, brought only anguish and tragedy to their souls.” Describe some “anguish” that you have experienced in your struggle to hold on to or turn loose of the things of this world.

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LESSON THREE

Read chapters 4 and 5 of Coleman’s Master Plan of Evangelism and answer the following questions:

1. What does Coleman mean in Chapter 4 of his book, by his statement that “Jesus gave His life away”?

Read again the section of chapter 4 entitled “The Compulsion of Evangelism” and describe some ways that you could deny yourself and embrace some things that others despise in order to show your friends and neighbors that you love them and Jesus loves them.

2. Fill in the blanks from chapter 5:

a. People are looking for a ____________________ not an explanation.

b. Knowledge unapplied to living can become a ____________________ to further ____________________.

LESSON FOUR

Read chapter 6 (Delegation) of Coleman’s Master Plan of Evange-lism and answer the following questions:

1. Coleman points out that we possess a revolutionary gospel and it should affect a revolutionary ____________________ in the way people think and act.

2. Describe some practical ways that you can delegate “the work of the ministry” (Eph. 4:12) to your small group members?

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LESSON FIVE

Read chapter 7 (Supervision) of Coleman’s Master Plan of Evange-lism and answer the following questions:

1. Fill in the blank which illustrates a principle from Chapter 7 of Coleman’s book. One always appreciates an __________________ more after he has had the opportunity to ____________________ what he knows.

2. Explain Jesus’ pattern of supervision as described by Coleman.

LESSON SIX

1. Finish reading Coleman’s book, and then in the following space write out your plan for fulfilling the Great Commission.

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the four touches of a community group leaderThe “four touches” are a simple way to connect with people in your community group. They will help you build trust, rapport and rela-tional intimacy with those you are leading. Please review the ideas below with your Coach and note a few takeaways.

1. A Personal Handwritten Note

• Who needs a note of encouragement? • What specific quality could you note concerning their spiritual growth? • Who do you need to say “thank you” to in the group? • What verse can you encourage them with?

2. Incidental – Church Lobby/Ball Field/Community Event

• Ask them about work. • Ask them about leading the group at some point. • Try to meet their children in the lobby.

3. Phone Call

• Ask them how you can be praying for their family, spouse, or children. • Share with them a prayer request you have. Be vulnerable. • Share about a specific opportunity to grow - retreat, conference, training event.

4. Intentional Face to Face

• Have a quiet time with them. • Go on a prayer walk at lunch with them. • Set up an e-team for accountability and relational intimacy.

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• Work through some discipling materials together. • Take them to a ball game.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Who do I need to contact this week?

2. Which of the four touches will I implement this week?

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shepherding your community groupGod has entrusted you with the responsibility and privilege of care for His sheep. Review the principles and ideas below with your Coach and identify some takeaways for the next week.

PRINCIPLES

1. A good shepherd understands the needs of his flock. Is there someone in your group who:

• … is going through a health crisis? • … has just been through the loss of a loved one? • … is recovering from a divorce? • … is experiencing significant financial strain? • … is experiencing marital strife? • … is experiencing excessive stress at work? • … is experiencing conflict with their children?

2. A good shepherd provides appropriate care with appropriate resources.

• It is not your job alone. There may be someone else in the group who can meet a need more effectively than you. • Care is primarily about encouragement and listening. • You can’t fix everything – don’t try. • You may need to involve professional-based care.

3. A good shepherd surrenders to the True Shepherd.

• You must develop your own walk with God. • You must pray for your sheep. • You must understand that it is God who causes growth in the life of His sheep. (I Corinthians 3:7)

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PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR CARE

1. Help arrange baby-sitting for group times.

2. Take a group member to lunch or breakfast.

3. Start a men’s or women’s prayer group or E-Team.

4. Set a goal some community group nights to get to know a certain person.

5. Choose one couple each week to pray for and call them some time during the week.

6. If someone moves, go help and ask to pray for their new home.

7. Send birthday cards and personal notes periodically.

8. Have group prayer for someone who is sick or hurting.

9. Take food to sick members.

10. Follow-up by phone with someone who seemed “down” or who was absent, ignored, silent or attacked.

APPLICATION

1.

2.

3.

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COMMUNITY MINISTRY OF

FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

part threeRELEASE

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the prayer life of a leaderREFLECTION

Jesus, the God-Man, faithfully and consistently modeled a life of public and private prayer for his disciples and for us. If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to pray, then we too need to pray. Prayer is our lifeline; without prayer, we have no spiritual life. Our spiritual life is dependent on regular conversation with our Savior. Here are a few examples taken from the Willow Creek Guide to Leading Life Changing Small Groups:

• Luke 5:16 – “Jesus often went away to lonely places to pray.”

• Luke 6:12-13 – Jesus prayed all night before he chose the disciples.

• Mark 1:35 – “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

• Luke 22:41-44 – Jesus prayed before his greatest trial and suffering (the cross).

• Mark 15:34 – Jesus prayed during his time of greatest suffering (the cross).

• John 17:20 –Jesus prayed for you.

• John 17:6-19 – Jesus prayed for his disciples.

• Luke 23:34 – Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those that executed him.

• John 11:41-42 – Jesus prayed publicly.

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• Matthew 6:9-13 – Jesus taught his disciples a model prayer.

DISCUSSION

How would you describe your current prayer life?

Share an example of answered prayer in the last year.

What are some things you are asking God for right now?

What are some barriers that keep us from praying?

How would you teach someone else to pray?

What do we learn about prayer from these verses?

• Matthew 5:5-13

• Matthew 7:7-8

• Philippians 4:6-7

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• I Thessalonians 5:17

• James 5:16

APPLICATION

1. Review the “Tips” sheet & pick one new idea to try in your group next week.

2. Take some time now or schedule a prayer walk to pray through the guide on back.

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a prayer guideA Adoration (Praise) (Psalm 100) 1. Choose one of God’s attributes; list your blessing because of it. 2. Paraphrase or pray back a Psalm.

C Confession (1 John 1:9) 1. Take an inventory of yesterday and admit any sins. Make a list and destroy it.

T Thanksgiving (Luke 17:11-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 1. Spiritual 2. Relational 3. Material

S Supplications (Requests, Intercession) (Phil. 4:6-7; 1 John 5:14-15; John 15:7) 1. Major Concerns 2. Relational 3. Physical/Material 4. Spiritual 5. Character

PRAY FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS• For specific needs of people (by name) in your community group.• That God would increase our heart for the lost.• For our neighborhoods (by name).  That God would use these groups to bring whole neighborhoods to himself!• That God would transform our groups and increase our hunger for His Word.

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PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS• That they would cultivate a deep and passionate relationship with Jesus Christ walking in the Spirit, time in Word, consistent prayer life.• For personal holiness among our leadership.• For unity and against division.• That our leaders would be disciple-makers in their small groups or spheres of influence.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH• That individuals would carve time out of their busyness to pray.• For provision for TGI. Pray through I Tim. 6:6-19 for our church.• For the Elders… that God would grant them wisdom in their leadership.• The staff… that God would guard them from temptation/ worldliness/pride.

PRAY FOR OUR COMMUNITIES• For Student Ministries at the U of A. • For the international community.• For the underprivileged. • For other Churches.

PRAY FOR OUR NATION / WORLD• For Our Government Leaders• For Supreme Court Decisions• For Fellowship’s Missionaries(By Name)• For God to raise up laborers from Fellowship to go to the nations.

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tips for small group prayer1. Limit the time for prayer requests. Often more time is spent making requests than praying. One solution is to skip the requests, and simply begin praying for specific needs by raising each request in prayer for the first time in the group.

2. Use conversational tones in audible prayer. Use everyday language. A group meeting is not the place for religious speeches in prayer. The leader’s modeling of conversational prayer is pivotal. Note the following principles of “conversational prayer”:

• Pray briefly – only a sentence or two each time you pray; don’t monopolize the group’s prayer time. God does not hear us on the basis “of ... many words”, but rather on the basis of faith. Jesus modeled brief prayer throughout His ministry. Each person should pray in one or two sentences, then allow others to pray. Pray so an eight-year- old child could understand. • Pray naturally –use normal language and appropriate emotions; don’t attempt to be super spiritual in language, emotion or posture. • Pray honestly – before God and not men; pray about needs, but don’t gossip in prayer; don’t be sidetracked by what others might be thinking or doing; focus on the Lord, not yourself or others. • Pray specifically – avoid being overly general; yet also avoid being too specific if propriety dictates otherwise.

3. Pray for each member of the group. Each one might ask for a prayer request from the person on his right, and then pray for that request as the prayer goes around the circle.

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4. Be creative. At various times try the different types of prayer: adoration (praise), thanksgiving, confession, commitment, and intercession. Also, choose various topics to focus on, such as family relationships, needs of the local church, community problems, national government, and authorities.

5. Schedule a prayer walk with someone in your group during a breakfast or lunch.

6. Use Operation World as a guide for prayer for Fellowship’s missionaries.

7. Pray Scripture - John 17, Ephesians 3:14-19, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-12, John 6:44, I Thessalonians 1:9, Galatians 5:22- 23, The Psalms

8. Ask the group to pray for one person in the group each day during the coming week. Names could be drawn to determine who prays for whom.

9. The Leader can begin the prayer time by asking the group to begin their prayer with a particular phrase, such as “Lord, today we are thankful for . . .”

10. Break into groups of 2, 3 or 4; or divide the men and women.

11. Ask the group to write a prayer either during the week or during the meeting, and share their prayer with the group.

12. Consider closing by joining hands and praying together.

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gods word in the life of a leaderREFLECTION

The Bible is the centerpiece of discipling content. God uses His Word to transform our heart, our mind and our behavior. All areas of our life are to line up under the authority of the Bible.

DISCUSSION

1. What does God’s Word accomplish in the life of a believer?

• Joshua 1:8-9

• Psalm 1:1-3

• Psalm 19:7-11

• Isaiah 55:10-11

• II Timothy 3:16-17

• Hebrews 4:12

2. How do you feel right now about God’s Word? In a rut? Hungry? Dry? Passionate? Frustrated?

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3. What are some challenges that keep you from feeding on God’s Word?

4. What areas of your life do you sense the greatest need of application of God’s Word? (See diagram on next page.)

5. Where would you go in the Bible if someone asked you about: Missions, Money, Worry, Foul Language, Sex, Marriage, Heaven, Hell, Priorities, Evangelism, Friendships, Work, Etc.?

APPLICATION

1. Resolve to spend regular time with God and His Word.

2. Use the “Word first” when helping others with life’s issues or challenges.

3. Regularly share what you are learning in the Word with those you are leading.

4. Begin memorizing the Topical Memory System with someone.

5. Read and discuss 30 Days to Understanding the Bible with someone.

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living your purpose in a busy worldDISCUSSION

What would you say is your life purpose?

Why do we need a worthwhile purpose?

What are the significant areas and relationships in my life that I must manage?

How do I discern if something is a necessary priority in my life?

What are some tools that have helped me manage my schedule and priorities?

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What do these verses say about purpose?

• I Corinthians 10:31

• Colossians 3:17, 23

• Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

• Matthew 22:36-40

• Matthew 28:18-20

• John 17:3-4

• Luke 19:10

• Matthew 5:16

• Ephesians 2:10

• Philippians 3:7-11

• Ephesians 1:11-12

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REFLECTION

How will my life purpose impact my marriage?

How will my life purpose shape the way I handle my money/possessions?

How will my life purpose influence my daily schedule?

How will my life purpose shape my friendships?

How will my life purpose influence my involvement in a local church?

How will my life purpose shape my perspective of work?

How will my life purpose impact how I raise my children?

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APPLICATION

1. Begin writing a purpose statement – keep it broad, brief and Biblical.

2. Spend a quiet time with the Lord this week and answer the “reflection” questions.

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