For your small group community to be healthy, you all need to take time to talk about expectations and goals for the coming year. As we start a brand-new year of meeting together regularly, we want to make sure that we establish clear expectations for group members. This is a time for you to review the small groups covenant, establish roles within your group, set meeting times and locations, and talk about your group's future. As we journey into 2023, let's consider the life and spiritual health of your group.
BREAK THE ICE
What do you like most about being in this small group? How have you grown closer to God through being in this community?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. Take some time to review the small groups covenant. Does anyone have any problems keeping this covenant or need clarity regarding it?
2. Read Hebrews 10:23-25. How does this passage encourage us to spur one another on as a small group? How are we doing with spurring one another along?
Hebrews 10:23-25
"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
3. What goals do we want to set as a group to help one another to grow spiritually?
4. Read Acts 2:42-47. How are we doing as a group when it comes to living out these principles? What can we do better?
Acts 2:42-47
"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."
"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."
Application
1. What is one service project that we can do or go on together as a small group?
2. Leaders and apprentice leaders, how can group members help with the details of the group in this coming year? (This would be a great time to talk about the location, time, snacks, childcare details, or any issues that you might have encountered as a group.)
3. Who is one person who might benefit from being in your small group? (It may be helpful each week to have one open chair to remind your group that you always have space for one more person who needs to grow in their relationship with God.)
MOVING FORWARD
We would like you to talk as a group about the future of your community. We hope that we can be a church that disciples believers and that only happens as we multiply as a small group ministry. The challenge in this coming year is this: if your group has been together for over three years, it is time to raise up a couple of leaders within your small group to start some new groups. We know this is never an easy conversation, but it is important to think through what your group can do to pass on your love for community to others. Leaders, if you need help with this challenge, please ask your small group mentor to help you as you process positive ways to multiply your group. The aim and goal of this are to cultivate more relationships grounded in God's Word and encourage people to become more like Jesus.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
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