Lifegroup Leader Training Vision: Know God, Find Friends, Discover Purpose, Make A Difference Why Lifegroups Exist? We believe life change happens in the context of . We believe our church must grow and at the same time. Lifegroups Provide: A place to : Connecting with . Priority one is ensuring that people have a personal relationship with Jesus – salvation is God’s work of grace and forgiveness that comes through faith and by repentance. Ephesians 2:4–9 (NIV) 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Connecting with . Christ-followers need to belong to a church where they are encouraged and strengthened in their faith-walk. 1 Corinthians 12:12–14, 26-27 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. How to connect with people: Invite others to visit the group (joining will happen later). Explain what will happen, how long the meeting will go (respect time), who will be there, and that the person can “check it out.” Plan social time to warm people up – 15-20 minutes with lite snack and visiting. Name tag help. Allow for open discussion – don’t interrogate. No one should speak over 5-7 minutes at a single time. Don’t get too personal – avoid topics which the friendship cannot support. Allow people to draw conclusions without being pushy. Cast vision to others in the group to invite someone. Don’t invite people from other churches. Ask a leader or pastor for a referral to invite. Communicate twice to group members about group meeting. First notice two weeks out and then the week of the group meeting. Plan occasional activities – game or movie; go out for dinner; cook over, etc. A place for : Spiritual growth, often called discipleship, refers to a lifelong process of growing, obedience, and fruitfulness which brings glory to God. and Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. Colossians 2:6–7, 10 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. How to nurture growth: – pray for each other and have prayer time in group meetings. Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. How to pray for your group: Pray for any requests group members share. Ask for the presence of the Holy Spirit in your group. Pray that God will open people’s hearts to hear His truth. Pray for authentic community to develop. Pray for wisdom and strength to lead your group well. Psalm 19:7–10 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb Always refer to the Bible as the final authority in matters. Share which highlight God’s solutions in human situations. Be – being real with people encourages them and give them hope. Ephesians 4:15–16 (NIV) 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Continue to meet – consistency instills growth. Model . Allow people to share and work through them by extending a spirit. Galatians 6:1–2 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Respect . Encourage group members to take . Be water baptized Complete the Growth Track Join the Dream Team Daily spiritual disciplines **3. A place to : ** 1 Corinthians 12:25–26 (NIV) 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. James 5:19–20 19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. Ways to care… Prayer support Speak to at church Follow-up (phone call, text message) Encouragement Hospital visit Listening How to quickly kill a group: Stop meeting. Poor communication. Going too long. Criticism. Out of alignment with the Lead Pastor and values of the church. Sin. No boundaries (borrowing money, promoting personal business, using unapproved material/speakers, etc.) Minimizing spiritual growth. No care extended.