Adults

Posts Tagged community

Sep
21
F Leader , Susan Hill

Focusing on God's Word

By Susan Hill

We believe Bible study is critical for spiritual development and helping people move toward a Christ-centered life. The “F” function of the Transformational Life Strategy focuses on the study of God’s Word.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even
to divide soul and spirit, joints, and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

 So what does the “F” leader do?
The “F” leader will focus on preparing biblically sound lessons and encouraging group members to spend time daily in the Word. Also, the “F” leader will lead the other three leaders of the Transformational Life Team to insure the various functions of the LIFE Group are accomplished.
Leading a LIFE Group is both a tremendous privilege and responsibility. The goal is to help group members understand how God’s Word is relevant to them and to help them explore practical ways they can be obedient and apply the truths of Scripture to their lives.
As LIFE group members become active members of biblical community, the hope is they will devote themselves to scripture and be conformed to the image of Christ in increasing measure.

 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training
in righteousness, so that the servant of God
may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 As a LIFE Group leader, you will have the incredible privilege of making spiritual deposits into your people’s lives on a regular basis. Your group members will likely seek you out to ask questions and talk about what is going on in their lives. As you focus on God’s Word, you will have the opportunity to point them to Jesus Christ and to teach them scriptural truth that they can apply to everyday life.

Sep
14
I Leader , Susan Hill

What Does It Mean To Involve Ourselves in Community?

By Susan Hill

It’s no secret that people join a LIFE Group because they long to be connected in biblical community. God wired all of us with a need to connect with others. The “I” function of the Transformational LIFE Strategy exists to assimilate new group members into LIFE Group community and creates new opportunities for group members to build relationships.
Visiting new LIFE Groups can be an overwhelming experience for some people. We want to be sure we create a welcoming environment for guests and help them get introduced and make new friends in biblical community.
The longer a group meets, the more challenging this becomes. The shift is never intentional but as group members develop a history together, it becomes more challenging to see your group as a first-time guest would. So the longer a group has been together, the more intentional your group will need to be about maintaining a hospitable environment in your LIFE Group.
 

      1 Thessalonians 2:8 says, “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”

On a practical level, the “I” function of your LIFE Group will address the needs of first-time guests. This will mean greeting guests and introducing them in class. Be sure to wear nametags to make it easier to learn names. You will want to follow up immediately with your guests by phone or email and thank them for coming to your LIFE Group and be sure to invite them back.
Also, the “I” leader will plan social events for your group where you can get out and enjoy life together. Many times, it’s during social outings that relationships are built.
 

      Paul wrote in Romans 12:13 to “Share with the saints in their needs; and to pursue hospitality.”

People join LIFE Groups to grow in their relationship with Christ and to build relationships with others. Let’s do everything we can to create an environment where that happens every week.