Group Foundations

PRE-MEETING PREPARATION

• Make sure you have access to the weekly video and can play that for the group. 
• Look over this guide in detail, so that you know what to expect and how to lead your group through the material. 

MAIN IDEA: A Community Group’s Path Together

• Community groups begin with a focus on spiritual practices.
• Surrendering control and committing to God’s process together is what enables us to be sensitive to his individual guidance.
• Groups tend to experience changing seasons of connectedness and growth.

AGENDA

Connection Time - 20 minutes

Group Application - 40 minutes

WATCH the video together.

REVIEW the main ideas listed above as a group. Ask for general thoughts and responses. Allow space for natural discussion around the topic.

ASK: From your perspective, what are some of the benefits of engaging in spiritual practices together as a group?

ASK: Do you tend to connect with God more through structured practices and consistent routines, or through free-flowing practices and open-ended time?

For new groups: 

• ASK: The video mentioned ten spiritual practices: fasting, community, Bible study, worship, serving, Sabbath, evangelism, prayer, solitude, and generosity. Which of these do you feel most familiar with? Which are least familiar?

For groups that have already been meeting together for some time:

• ASK: How has this group helped you to become more responsive to the Holy Spirit?

Sermon Review - 20 minutes

Prioritize the Foundations content, but if you have time, you can also use this week’s sermon discussion guide (found on the Groups webpage).

Pray - 10 minutes

PRE-MEETING PREPARATION

• Make sure you have access to the weekly video and can play that for the group. 
• Look over this guide in detail, so that you know what to expect and how to lead your group through the material. 

MAIN IDEA: Sharing Responsibility

• Community groups begin with a focus on spiritual practices.
• Surrendering control and committing to God’s process together is what enables us to be sensitive to his individual guidance.
• Groups tend to experience changing seasons of connectedness and growth.

AGENDA

Connection Time - 20 minutes

Group Application - 40 minutes

WATCH the video together.

REVIEW the main ideas listed above as a group. Ask for general thoughts and responses. Allow space for natural discussion around the topic.

For new groups: 

• ASK: Do you tend to connect with God more through structured practices and consistent routines, or through free-flowing practices and open-ended time?
• ASK: The video mentioned ten spiritual practices: fasting, community, Bible study, worship, serving, Sabbath, evangelism, prayer, solitude, and generosity. Which of these do you feel most familiar with? Which are least familiar?

For groups that have already been meeting together for some time:

• ASK: Which spiritual practices have made the biggest difference in your journey with Jesus so far?
• ASK: How has this group helped you to become more responsive to the Holy Spirit?

Sermon Review - 20 minutes

Prioritize the Foundations content, but if you have time, you can also use this week’s sermon discussion guide (found on the Groups webpage).

Pray - 10 minutes

PRE-MEETING PREPARATION

• Make sure you have access to the weekly video and can play that for the group. 
• Look over this guide in detail, so that you know what to expect and how to lead your group through the material. 

MAIN IDEA: Growing Together

• Your group will become stronger and deeper as you remain committed to one another over time.
• Long-term community develops meaningful relationships for life’s important moments.
• As you grow together, what God does in your community will bless those outside of your community.

AGENDA

Connection Time - 20 minutes

Group Application - 40 minutes

WATCH the video together.

REVIEW the main ideas listed above as a group. Ask for general thoughts and responses. Allow space for natural discussion around the topic.

For new groups: 

• ASK: When you think about what this group could become over time: what excites you? What worries you?
• ASK: What do you think will make it difficult to remain committed to one another, and what will make that easier?

For groups that have already been meeting together for some time:

• ASK: Understanding that our expectations are not always what they should be, how has this group missed, met, or surpassed your expectations for what a community group should be?
• ASK: What opportunities do you see for this group to continue to deepen and expand together (not topically, but relationally and spiritually)?

Sermon Review - 20 minutes

Prioritize the Foundations content, but if you have time, you can also use this week’s sermon discussion guide (found on the Groups webpage).

Pray - 10 minutes

PRE-MEETING PREPARATION

• This week is all about building community and relationships. If your group missed a week, you can also use this week to make up for previous content.
• If you are still meeting in your regular location and don't know how to fill the entire time, feel free to follow the suggested agenda below.

AGENDA

Connection Time - 20 Minutes

Sermon Review - 20 Minutes

‍(Guides are updated weekly on the Groups page.)

‍Group Time - 40 Minutes

‍REVIEW Foundations.

• What have been some of the most impactful ideas we have talked about?
• How has your understanding of Christian community changed?
• What are you most excited about in this group moving forward?

Pray - 10 Minutes