Acts Week Twenty Seven

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SENT: Week 27 – Paul at Corinth Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share background for the story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story.]

Paul’s sermon at Mars Hill appealed to the Greek philosophers by interacting with their thoughts in respectful ways. Its main subject was the sin of idolatry that cleared the way for a full statement of the gospel. Some mocked Paul as he preached. Others wanted to hear more about it later. Some believed and joined him. Tell the story – this week’s passage is Acts 18:1-11 [Have someone tell the story.] Rebuild the story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember.] Read the story out loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted.] Discuss these questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this passage? [God is always with us; God’s desire is that we continually share the gospel; God encourages us in our weakest moments (v 9); God’s Word is living and active, bringing conviction as well as encouragement; no one is beyond the grace of God; God gives us the freedom to follow or reject Him; God gives us boldness and courage to share our faith with others; God calls us to believe and be baptized; God places people in our path to encourage us in our walk; etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [I am afraid to share and live out my faith; I need encouragement from others in my walk with Christ; I can reject the truth of God’s Word on a regular basis; when I walk with God, He speaks to me; when I share my life and the good news with others, I want to see the results “right away;” I need to be reminded that others are watching how I live my life for the Lord; I need to be transparent and allow others to see my victories and struggles; etc.]

3. What is God saying to you specifically through this passage as it pertains to your life, marriage, family, and work? 4. What is God leading you to do? Other Q uestions specific to this passage:

1. God connected Paul with Aquila and Priscilla through their occupation as tentmakers. Which co-workers has God placed in your life to encourage you as a disciple of Jesus? 2. What can you intentionally do to help build a relationship with a lost friend? Assign next week’s passage – Acts 19:11-41 Close in Prayer

[Ask someone to tell the story next week.]

SENT: Week 27 – Leadership Coaching The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Grow Group Leader. Each week, we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your Grow Group and grow as a disciple yourself.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] Clarify some responses to your questions. If a person’s answer or comment is longwinded or unclear, repeat it back (summarize it) for clarity. This proves you are listening and it keeps the attention of the rest of the group. Keep the group focused and on purpose. Don’t go down a rabbit trail and leave the topic and scripture passage unless something “big” comes up (e.g., a personal or family crisis). You need to be sensitive to the Spirit, but that’s not an excuse to let the group wander. Require and maintain confidentiality. This allows people to open up because they feel their environment is safe. However, don’t keep potentially dangerous information to yourself (e.g., abuse, suicide, etc.). Groups must be a safe place for people to work out their faith.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] Pray for each group member and their family, marriage, and relationships this week. If someone in your Grow Group is having a particularly difficult time with a relationship, write them a note and include scripture that will help guide them to the truth of God’s Word.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] Whose strength are you relying on? As disciple makers, we all have a tendency to rely on our own strength when making disciples. When this is happening, there is a problem with our view of discipleship. Biblical disciples are not made through our power, but by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of people (Philippians 4:13). Take a moment to reflect on your efforts to lead and disciple your Grow Group. In what ways have you been relying on your own strength? What things are within your control? What things are outside your control? Spend a moment in prayer for your Grow Group. Ask the Lord for His Spirit to move through you and each member of your group. Commit to the Lord to do your part and to trust Him to move in power. Ask the Lord to give you peace and rest for the things that are outside your control.