Experience Grace: Leader S Guide

Experience Grace: Leader’s Guide

Purpose: This discussion-based, study is designed to help a new group (or one that desires a reboot) to identify and discuss the core principles of discipleship. Groups often jump into a topic or curriculum without taking the time to discuss these central values and how they plan to pursue them together. This study is also designed to allow the group time to get to know each other’s spiritual journeys through sharing life stories (explained below). This powerful practice can help a group go far in relational connection. Finally, this study can help you determine the next steps for your group as you together identify areas in need of growth in your group. The appendix has a list of recommended resources and curricula.

Biblical Basis: Experience Grace primarily uses the book of Ephesians to describe the principles of discipleship. Each week, the participants are encouraged to read the whole book (takes just 18 minutes!). For those new to the Bible, this practice sets a foundation of reading and reflecting on scripture in context.

Lessons: It is highly recommended that you read through the entire study to familiarize yourself with the content. Decide if you want to make paper copies available for your group or ask each member to download one from the Grace Bible Church website.

Every lesson includes:  Summary of the principle (can be read aloud).  Starter question to get the group talking.  Scripture discussion points – passages of Ephesians to read and discuss.  Reflect/Discuss questions –more than you can use! Choose the ones that best fit you and your group. Note: you can suggest that group members read the next lesson and answer the reflect/discuss questions as “homework” for the next week.  Action Steps – application suggestions.

Week 1: Introduction The first week of any group is all about hospitality and creating an environment that is warm and welcoming! Food, drinks and plenty of mingle time go a long way toward this. Do your best to make sure every person feels welcome and heard – it is a great goal to get everyone to say something this first week. Leaders go first and set the example and tone. The group will follow your lead of introducing yourself (basic name, family, occupation) combined with an easy get-to-know-you question.

Get To Know You Questions • What do you do for fun? • What are you looking forward to this fall, spring or summer? • What is your ideal vacation? • Discussion – lead your group through the content of the introduction either by reading it together or previewing it for the group. Discuss the purposes of the study mentioned above with your group. Talk about reading Ephesians each week. Week 1 Action Steps 3x5 Life Story – hand out a 3x5 card to every member. Explain that in the coming weeks, the group will be sharing a little more about themselves through 5-minute life stories. Yes, 5 minutes! Ask each of them to write down 3-5 major turning points in their lives focusing on the times or circumstances they learned about or experienced God the most. Each week, ask a few people to share. Have someone other than you be the timekeeper and set a timer on their phone. Most people appreciate this and usually wrap up quickly when the timer goes off.

Weeks 2 -4:  Allow time for a few 3x5 Life Stories each week  Ask about last week’s action steps  Read through and discuss next lesson together  Pray together

Note: Lesson 2 clearly states the gospel and the importance of participating in community with believers. Pray for opportunities to clarify the gospel for those who may be seekers in your group.

Thank you for stepping out to lead the dear people that God brings to your group! God is sufficient to provide you with His strength, wisdom and love you need. Keep close to Him.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:8-10