ALL OF US WEEK 5 - LEADERSHIP COACHING [The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Small Group Leader. Each week we will include concepts, challenges and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your group and grow as a yourself.]

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] • Asking good questions is essential for an effective small group. When it is time to ask questions during group time, start with the ones we have provided for you. As time allows, and as you begin to discern what is going on in the group, ask deeper questions relative to the discussion. • Ask open-ended questions. Don’t ask questions that can be answered with “yes” and “no.” You want to engage people in conversation. Start your questions with “What,” “How,” “Who,” “When,” and “Why.” These starters will allow people to be more open in their responses.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] • Just as a shepherd knows whether or not his flock is thriving, you should have a good feel for how your group is doing. However, it is a good idea to check in with your group occasionally and ask how they feel things are going. • A group check-in can be helpful two or three times each year. In Making Your Small Group Work, Dr. Henry Cloud, John Townsend and Bill Donahue suggest taking a few minutes to discuss these questions with your group: • How do we respond when truth is spoken? • Does everyone feel safe to talk about their feelings? • How well are we listening to each other? • Are we free to say what we’re thinking (even when it’s a differing opinion)?

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] • How are you doing with the challenge of inserting your name in the phrases about the characteristics of love found in ? It can be quite convicting! Insert your name in this week’s sentence about love. “It (love) does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.” • Can you say that you hate injustice and celebrate truth? Do you fight for justice those who cannot advocate for themselves? Do you want the best outcome, even for your enemies? Do you rejoice in the virtue of others? • Be intentional this week to celebrate with someone around you who is embracing truth, has made a good choice, or is pressing into their relationship with God.

ALL OF US WEEK 5 – RESTORES PETER

Open in Prayer

Welcome/Introductions

Remind group of Small Group guidelines

Ask a hook question [Ask a thought provoking question to get the group focused] If you could share one meal today with anyone you’ve ever known, who would you choose?

Share background for the story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story in the Bible] Jesus has risen! The disciples saw Him be crucified on the cross, and now He has appeared to them in His resurrected body by first appearing to . After the encounter, Mary found the other disciples and told them what she saw. Jesus appeared to them while they were meeting behind locked doors afraid of suffering the same fate as Jesus by the religious leaders. Jesus appears to them in the room and ministers to them in a way only He can, by giving them the Holy Spirit and peace. Lastly, Jesus appears to Thomas who had refused to believe Jesus was alive unless he saw the Lord with his own eyes. Jesus appeared to the disciples again with Thomas present this time. Thomas touched the Lord’s wounds, and immediately believed Jesus had risen and worshipped Him.

Tell the story - this week’s passage is

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. This was the second miraculous catch of fish. How was this time different than the first? What had changed? 2. When Peter realized it was the Lord, what was his reaction? What is different this time than when he walked on water? 3. How did Jesus’ command, “Follow Me,” now have a whole new meaning to Peter and the other disciples? 4. How is this restoration of relationship between Jesus and Peter reminiscent of a time in your own life?

Ask someone to retell the story [Ask for a volunteer from the group]

Assign next week’s passage – Acts 2:14-41

Close in Prayer