Full Workbook

A lost son returning home. A farmer First, we can’t be satisfied with sowing seeds. A traveler helping a surface-level relationships: we person in need. Jesus told stories must know people more deeply that, at first glance, seemed and love them more deeply, pretty straightforward and simple: investing time and energy into ordinary people performing truly purposeful connections. And familiar tasks. But below the secondly, in order to see genuine surface of each story are truths life transformation, we’ve got to of incredible importance. These dive deep into the foundational, stories are called parables: tales spiritual principles of these that use familiar examples to lead parables, applying them to our people’s minds toward spiritual everyday interactions. Only by concepts. They are earthly stories combining this spiritual depth with with heavenly meanings. relational depth can we make a lasting impact on the world. After his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus left us with One of the reasons Jesus taught in a seemingly simple task: Go and parables was mystery. (No, not the make disciples. But in order to do Scooby-Doo variety.) In Scripture, that, we have to go deeper, paying mystery refers to “heavenly close attention to two areas of life. truths concealed from human

2 understanding until they are made As we seek to influence our relational known through divine revelation.”1 world, let’s approach these stories From Daniel’s interpretation of the with fresh eyes, exploring below the king’s dream (Daniel 2:28-30) to surface to discover the profound Paul’s calling to make known “Christ wisdom that Jesus imparts. Only then in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians will we encounter His truth, experience 1:27), God reveals essential spiritual His grace, and embrace His mission. truths to “anyone who has ears to hear” (Luke 8:8). Neil Downey Pastor of Community Life The mystery that Jesus’ parables Fall 2020 reveal is the kingdom of God: His rule and reign in the hearts and lives of people. And that’s what He has called us to declare: Jesus is Lord and His love conquers all injustice, oppression, and evil.

3 This workbook is intended to help you encounter spiritual truth, engage with your oikos, and experience meaningful community. It contains group discussions, a daily devotional plan, and a place to keep sermon notes. This workbook is designed to be used by anyone but is intended to be used in the context of your LifeGroup. A LifeGroup is the best place for you to be cared for and challenged to deepen your faith in Jesus. Be sure to take time before your first meeting to familiarize yourself with this format so you can get a sense of the journey on which you are about to embark.

OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION

It can be easy for small groups to struggle with this very basic question: What do we do when we meet? That is why we've tried to provide more than enough content and questions for you. Inside this workbook you will find teaching, discussion questions, and even some verses to explore on your own during the week. 4 A typical group session for Below the Surface will include the following:

SERMON NOTES Be sure to take this workbook to our weekly services to jot down notes from that week’s sermon. Your sermon notes will help add to the discussion in your weekly group experience. If you miss the weekend message, Central’s sermon archive is available online at centralsf.org/sermons and message podcasts are available on iTunes (centralsf.org/itunes) and Spotify (centralsf.org/spotify).

CONNECT Our lives weren’t created to be lived in isolation. It’s essential that we connect with others as we follow God together. Relationships are built when we are around trustworthy people with whom we can be real and honest about life. It might be a while before you get to that level, but we encourage you to take the risk and share some of your story with the group. Ideally, everyone will share no more than a few minutes each.

LAUNCH Read this section aloud to help set up the discussion portion of your time together. This short segment will help introduce the main concept you will be discussing that particular week.

VIDEO & DISCUSSION In this section, you’ll read aloud relevant passages of Scripture, watch the video, and use the questions provided to discuss the topic. In this study, you’ll have an opportunity to go beyond Bible study and into biblical living, moving from observation and interpretation (the Explore section) to life application (the Apply section). Our hope is that you’ll be challenged to a deeper faith that makes a tangible difference in your life and, as a result, the lives of people in your relational world.

5 WEEKLY CHALLENGE

At Central, we want to help you share the love of Jesus with your relational world. With that in mind, we’re giving you a new challenge each week, brought to you by our Outreach Pastor, Nathan Pruett. Based on the components of our Oikos Prayer Card, each weekly challenge will ask you to live out what you’re learning by taking an intentional action step, helping you effectively engage with the people God has placed in the front row of your life.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION If we want to see our lives actually changed by what we are learning, we need to chew on it throughout our week. We have developed a reflective question to help you do that. You might consider copying it on a sticky- note or keeping it as a daily reminder on your smartphone, so you can ponder that question, pray about it, and put it into action.

PRAYER & PRAISE Life can be tough. Every week it’s important to spend around 10-15 minutes hearing about the things that are weighing on your hearts. Be sure to use the space provided to jot down your group’s prayer requests and praises so you can be praying throughout the week.

"WE WANT TO HELP YOU SHARE THE LOVE OF JESUS WITH YOUR RELATIONAL WORLD."

THE DAILY During the week, these daily scriptures and questions will help you continue to solidify the truth of the study into your life. This provides you with a chance to begin building a personal devotional time by slowing down and reflecting on a small portion of scripture each day. Use the space provided to answer the devotional questions or write out prayers. We encourage you to take this opportunity to gain even more insight and confidence into how God can work in you and through you for His glory. 6 7 SERMON NOTES

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8 ______MOTIVATION THE PARABLE OF THE TWO DEBTORS

CONNECT Leader: If your group is new, make introductions (you may even want name tags for the first meeting). Allow each person to share:

1. What they do with most of their time (work, play, etc.) 2. How long they’ve been attending Central 3. What they are hoping to get from this LifeGroup experience

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer inviting God to be with you as you meet. LAUNCH

Read the following excerpt from The Gospel-Centered Life:

The starting point of the Christian life (conversion) comes when I first become aware of the gap between God’s holiness and my sinfulness. When I am converted, I trust and hope in Jesus, who has done what I could never do: He has bridged the gap between my sinfulness and God’s holiness. He has taken God’s holy wrath toward my sin upon himself.

At the point of conversion, however, I have a very limited view of God’s holiness and of my sin. The more I grow in my Christian life, the more I grow in my awareness of God’s holiness and of my flesh and sinfulness. As I read the Bible, experience the Holy Spirit’s conviction, and live in community with other people, the extent of God’s greatness and the extent of my sin become increasingly clear and vivid. It is not that God is becoming more holy or that I am becoming more sinful. But my awareness of both is growing. I am increasingly seeing God as He actually is (Isa. 55:8–9) and myself as I actually am (Jer. 17:9–10). 9 As my understanding of my sin and of God’s holiness grows, something else also grows: my appreciation and love for Jesus. His mediation, His sacrifice, His righteousness, and His gracious work on my behalf become increasingly sweet and powerful to me. The cross looms larger and more central in my life as I rejoice in the Savior who died upon it.1

Keep this concept in mind. We’ll come back to it soon.

WATCH WEEK 1 VIDEO centralsf.org/surface EXPLORE READ LUKE 7:36-50

This woman’s actions got people’s attention. Why were her deeds so controversial? What was Jesus’ response to her?

The woman’s reputation preceded her, yet she seemed not to care about what people thought of her. What was the motivation behind her actions? What single word would you use to best describe her (e.g. boldness, devotion, etc.)?

This happened at a Pharisee’s house. Why was that significant? In what ways did Simon the Pharisee provide a stark contrast to the woman?

Re-read verses 41-42. Unlike most other parables, this one is pretty simple and straightforward. What is the main point?

Refer back to “The Cross Chart.” Where would you place the woman on this chart? What about Simon? Explain. 10 APPLY

1. Who do you most identify with in this story? Why?

2. Ok, let’s get personal: Where would you place yourself on the Cross Chart? Is your answer different than it would have been a year ago?

3. Some of us have been Christians for so long that we take God’s grace and mercy for granted, maybe even like we deserve His love. How can we actively grow in our awareness of God’s holiness and our own brokenness?

4. Darrell Bock says, “The greater our sense that God has dealt with us in mercy, the greater love we will have for Him in return.”2 How could a great love for Jesus cause our lives to look different? What is your alabaster vessel that you pour out for Him?

5. The focus of this series is on sharing the love of Jesus with our relational world. What makes this story relevant to that overall theme?

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Every week we are going to focus on a different step from the prayer card for engaging well with our oikos. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, oikos is a Greek word that essentially means “the people in your relational world.” Let’s look at Step 1 together.

Look around and see who God has uniquely placed in your life. Ask God to grow your oikos to include people who are different than you. Write those names down on your oikos prayer list.

Obviously, a big part of Step 1 is filling out the oikos prayer list on the back of the card. But before you can write anything down you need to take a serious look at your life. Who keeps showing up? There might be some people that you wouldn’t expect or initially consider. Take those repeated “chance” encounters seriously. Also, if everyone in your relational world looks and thinks just like you, you might want to ask God to mix things up a bit. After all, variety is the spice of life.

Remember that you’re allowing God to lead you toward His plan for your oikos and that you’re not putting your motivations and intentions first 11 Each person you add to your oikos prayer list is sacred to God and by writing down their names, you’re acknowledging the work of intentional prayer and care that God has called you to in their lives.

By the time you gather back together next week I want your oikos prayer card to be filled with your relational world. If you find yourself having trouble filling out your card, phone a trusted friend or loved one to help you out.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION

“We are all in the position of the woman at Jesus’ feet. We must never forget that truth, so we can show others the way to His feet.”3

“You only have to have two loves in your life—for God, and for the person in front of you at any particular time.”4

As you reflect on God's goodness, who are the people He has placed in your life you’d like to point to Jesus?

IMPORTANT LEADER INSTRUCTIONS

Before moving on to prayer requests, take a moment and read through the LifeGroup Commitment below. Go around the circle and have each person read a portion. Then take a minute to have everyone actually sign the document in their own manuals.

LIFEGROUP COMMITMENT (Read Aloud)

LifeGroups at Central Church are designed to be safe places where you are cared for and challenged to become more and more like Jesus. Go around the room, each person reading one expectation. Agreeing to these expectations will help everyone get the most out of this group experience.

I commit to participate all six weeks and engage in this community by living out the following:

12 MAKE LIFEGROUP A PRIORITY: I’ll prioritize the scheduled group meeting and communicate in advance if I’m going to miss the meeting. I know that inconsistent attendance is one of the major factors that will keep this group from flourishing.

TAKE OWNERSHIP: The group will be as good as I make it. I’ll share roles within the group and help challenge everyone to grow.

BE ENGAGED BUT SELF-AWARE: I’ll stretch myself to be as open and honest as I can with my perspectives and experiences. I understand some of us are talkers and some are more quiet, so I’ll be aware of not dominating the discussion or always leaving the weight of discussion to others.

FACE CONFLICT: Community can often be very messy, and conflicts may arise. I’ll offer grace to others and won’t leave the group over disagreements, realizing God might use conflict to develop my faith in some way I don’t currently understand.

HONOR OTHERS: I’ll accept everyone without judgment. I will model James 1:19 in that I will be quick to listen and slow to speak. I’ll listen well and refrain from giving quick answers, simple fixes, or engaging in side conversations.

VALUE CONFIDENTIALITY: I will work to make this a safe space for others to take risks in sharing their story and burdens. I will see their honesty as a gift and honor it by safeguarding it. What I hear and say in the group stays in the group. Period.

MULTIPLICATION: Recognizing the command to “go and make disciples,” I will participate in identifying a potential leader or two in our group OR be actively inviting others to join this group. As the Lord raises up such a leader, may we grow this group in such a way that a new group becomes established.

______SIGN & DATE 13 An important element of community is listening to the things that are weighing each other down. Use this space to write down prayer requests and answers to prayer. And be sure to pray for them throughout the week.

14 THE DAILY SIX DAYS. FIVE MINUTES. FOR CHANGE.

DAY ONE - 1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17

What was Paul’s view of himself? What was his view of God? What were the results?

Take a few minutes to really examine yourself. Think about what God has done in your life, about the grace and mercy he has shown you. Then, like Paul, write a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

DAY TWO - ROMANS 2:4

Why does God’s kindness lead to repentance? (Why not his judgment? His power? His wrath?)

When was the last time you experienced God’s kindness? How did you respond?

How can God use you today to demonstrate his kindness to somebody who really needs it?

15 DAY THREE - JOHN 14:15-21

What is the relationship between love and obedience?

Carve out a few minutes to take an obedience inventory. In what areas of your life are you ignoring God’s call/command/will? When you identify anything, confess it to God and ask Him to motivate you with His love to obey Him fully.

DAY FOUR - I JOHN 3:16-18, 4:7-12, 19

These 10 verses mention love 18 times. If you’re into marking up your Bible, underline each appearance of the word love/loved/loves.

Jesus is the perfect model of sacrificial love. How does his love motivate you to love?

What would it look like for you to lay down your life for someone? How can you love “in deed and truth?”

16 DAY FIVE - 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-20

What does Christ’s love compel us to do?

What are the implications of being a “new creation?” What difference should this make in how and why we live our lives?

How are verses 14 and 20 tied together? Why would Christ’s love motivate us to be his ambassador?

DAY SIX - JOHN 4:1-30, 39-42

Why was this woman’s encounter with Jesus so powerful?

Why do you suppose she went and told people about it?

As you reflect on this story, how does it make you feel about sharing the love of Jesus with our relational world? Inspired? Confused? Convicted? Motivated?

17 LESSON NOTES

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18 19 SERMON NOTES

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______20 PRAYER THE PARABLE OF THE FRIEND AT MIDNIGHT

CONNECT Share with the group about last week’s challenge. Did you do it? Was it easier or harder than you thought it would be? LAUNCH

Read the following excerpt from With God Daily:

It was very evident to his disciples that Jesus related to God very differently than other rabbis. Therefore, they asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In response to this request, Jesus told them two parables. One about a neighbor asking for bread in the middle of the night, and the other about a son asking his father for a fish.

We often misread these stories as containing some hidden formula about prayer; a tactic for approaching God in order to receive one’s request. Some have even understood these stories to mean we must nag God with our prayers in order to motivate him to act on our behalf.

Before jumping into the actual meaning of these parables, we must first recognize Jesus’ focus. The stories aren’t primarily about how to pray, but rather about the person to whom we pray. In other words, these parables are designed to shift our understanding of God, not instruct us about the proper process for praying. Unlike other rabbis and Pharisees at the time who saw prayers almost like magical incantation—formulaic words designed to control and compel a reluctant God to act, Jesus saw prayer as the intimate connection between a dependent child and a loving parent.

As a result, rather than offering a mechanical process for prayer, Jesus wanted to shift his disciples’ vision of God. He knows that how we see our heavenly Father will determine how we commune with him. Our vision of God defines our practice of prayer. Abraham Joshua Heschel said it this way: “The issue of prayer is not prayer; the issue of prayer is God.”1 21 WATCH WEEK 2 VIDEO centralsf.org/surface EXPLORE READ LUKE 11:5-10

Consider the context of this parable (it follows the Lord’s Prayer, found in verses 1-4). Why do you suppose Jesus followed up the model prayer with this story?

What was the host’s dilemma? Why was not having food for a late- night guest such a big deal? Why was going to his neighbor’s house so bold? (Hint: Consider the Shame/Honor culture that this story occurs in.)

A close friendship existed between the two men in this story. Why was their relationship important? Why was the request granted?

The key word in this passage is anaideian, which is found in verse 8 and is apparently difficult to translate into English (it combines the qualities of boldness and shamelessness).

Take a minute and look up verse 8 in several different Bible translations: www.bit.ly/anaideian

How do these different versions affect the meaning of the passage? Some people (incorrectly) use the word “persistence” when talking about the friend at midnight. What are the implications of using this word?

What does this parable teach us about the character of God?

Jesus tells us to, “Ask...seek…knock.” What does each word imply about prayer? APPLY

1. How would you summarize this parable in one sentence? Try to do it now, but make it personal. Here’s an example: If my friend would help me out even when it’s inconvenient, then my heavenly Father will generously answer my prayers.

2. How would you describe your prayer life? How have you grown in the area of prayer over the years? 22 3. Go back and read Luke 11:2. How is God honored and the kingdom ushered in when we share the love of Jesus with our relational world?

4. God is good and faithful to give us not only what we need, but also what is best for us. How does this view of prayer affect praying for your oikos?

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Pray daily for your oikos to know God more and for ways you can invest in their lives.

Nothing else will matter if you skip this step. Prayer is the lynchpin to effectively engaging your relational world for Christ.

Prayer is both a form of evangelism and a tool to support it. Many have come to know Christ through a dream, a vision, or a revelation without direct human communication of the gospel. This is the divine work of God in response to the cry of His people for the lost. Prayer also prepares the “soil” of a person’s heart for the words of scripture or for your testimony. Don’t skip the step of prayer!

Make a plan right now about how you will pray for your relational world this next week and hold each other accountable to do so.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION

It’s been said, “Before you talk to people about God, talk to God about people.”2

As you reflect on this week’s passage, particularly when it comes to sharing the love of Jesus with your relational world, ask yourself, “What does my practice of prayer say about how I see God?” 23 24 THE DAILY SIX DAYS. FIVE MINUTES. FOR CHANGE.

DAY ONE - LUKE 18:9-14

Many people think that God will answer their prayers because they somehow deserve it. What does this story emphasize?

Humility is the key to a rich prayer life. What does it take to humble yourself?

DAY TWO - MATTHEW 21:19-22

This passage is sometimes taken out of context. How could it be misinterpreted? What do you think Jesus is really saying about the role of faith?

Is there anything in your life that seems like an impossible situation? Anyone in your relational world who seems too distant for God to reach? How can you approach God in faith and expect Him to do the impossible? Take a minute right now to talk to Him about it.

25 DAY THREE - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

What kind of attitude/character does this passage reflect?

This seems really hard to do. How is it possible to “rejoice always, pray constantly, and give thanks in everything?” (Why would Paul exhort us to do this if it’s impossible?)

DAY FOUR - JAMES 5:13-16

Why should we “confess our sins to one another and pray for one another?” (Isn’t confessing directly to God good enough?)

What does it mean to be “righteous?” Why is a righteous person’s prayer so powerful?

26 DAY FIVE - 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4

Paul says, “First of all…” What does he prioritize for Timothy? Why?

According to verse 4, what does God want? How could knowing this change how you pray for people?

DAY SIX - MATTHEW 9:35-38

What active things was Jesus doing in His ministry? What was His motivation?

Do you see people the way Jesus sees them? Which people in your relational world are weary and worn out, harassed and helpless?

Take some time to pray like Jesus commanded in verses 37-38.

27 LESSON NOTES

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28 29 SERMON NOTES

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______30 PERSPECTIVE THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON CONNECT Go around the room and have each person share two things: 1) Their place in their family’s birth order, and 2) Their default mode when it comes to rules (Rule Follower or Rule Breaker). LAUNCH

You’re probably familiar with the story: A rebellious son leaves home, squanders his money, and returns, hoping to be accepted as a servant. His father greets him with joy and throws a party. Meanwhile, the other son (who faithfully stayed home) is jealous of the treatment his younger brother receives. Seems pretty straightforward. But read the following excerpt from The Prodigal God to go below the surface:

Jesus uses the younger and elder brothers to portray the two basic ways people try to find happiness and fulfillment: the way of moral conformity and the way of self-discovery... The person in the way of moral conformity (the elder brother) says: “I’m not going to do what I want, but what tradition and the community wants me to do.” The person choosing the way of self-discovery (the younger brother) says: “I’m the only one who can decide what is right or wrong for me. I’m going to live as I want to live and find my true self and happiness that way.” ...The message of Jesus' parable is that both of these approaches are wrong.

Each one (of the brothers) rebelled—but one did so by being very bad and the other by being extremely good. Both were alienated from the father’s heart; both were lost sons... Elder brothers obey God to get things. They don’t obey God to get God himself—in order to resemble him, love him, and delight in him. So religious and moral people can be avoiding Jesus as Savior and Lord as much as younger brothers who say they don’t believe in God and define right and wrong for themselves. 31 If, like the elder brother, you believe that God ought to bless you and help you because you have worked so hard to obey him and be a good person, then Jesus may be your helper, your example, even your inspiration, but he is not your Savior. You are serving as your own Savior.1

How does this expanded view of sin and “lostness” sit with you?

WATCH WEEK 3 VIDEO centralsf.org/surface EXPLORE READ LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32

Context is everything. Who was the audience for this parable? Why is this significant?

Why did the younger brother return home? What were his expectations?

Why was the older brother so upset? What did he want?

How does the father interact with each son? What does this reveal about the heart of God?

What do the two brothers have in common? What are the main differences?

In your own words, sum up Jesus' message to each group of people: younger brothers (tax collectors and sinners) and older brothers (Pharisees).

Why do you suppose Jesus ended the story without a clear outcome? What was he trying to convey? APPLY

1. Who do you most identify with in this story? In other words, are you a younger brother or an older brother? How has this impacted your view of God and other people?

2. It’s natural to view ethical, “good” religious people as better off than rough-around-the-edges, irreligious people. But everybody— even morally upstanding people—needs the Father’s embrace. Why is it sometimes hard to believe this?

3. When you think about the people in your oikos, how many of them are younger brothers? How many are older brothers? How could/should you communicate the gospel differently to each type of person? 32 WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This is the step where you ask God how He wants you to begin to put your faith into action. If you want to be really challenged, read James 2:14-26 before you begin this step. For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, I’ll give you a little taste: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Look at each name in the “Oikos Prayer List” section of your Oikos Prayer Card. How might God be calling you to serve those people? Where might God be calling you to invite them? What might God be calling you to share with them?

Bringing these questions before God allows Him to show you His perspective on the matter. For example, you may think you should serve someone, but God may put on your heart that they need to be invited instead.

Discuss some ideas with your LifeGroup and commit to praying for each other this week as you continue to faithfully work through the “Simple steps for loving your oikos.”

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION

Time to stir the pot. Read one more excerpt from The Prodigal God and reflect on the following questions: Is this true of our church? If so, what can we do about it?

Jesus' teaching consistently attracted the irreligious while offending the Bible-believing, religious people of his day. However, in the main, our churches today do not have this effect. The kind of outsiders Jesus attracted are not attracted to contemporary churches, even our most avant-garde ones. We tend to draw conservative, buttoned-down, moralistic people. The licentious and liberated or the broken and marginal avoid church. That can only mean one thing. If the preaching of our ministers and the practice of our parishioners do not have the same effect on people that Jesus had, then we must 2 not be declaring the same message that Jesus did. 33 34 THE DAILY SIX DAYS. FIVE MINUTES. FOR CHANGE.

DAY ONE - GALATIANS 5:19-26

This passage starts with a weighty list of bad stuff. Some of these sins are more socially acceptable or easier to disguise than others. Which of these do you see in the lives of people in your oikos? What about in your own life?

Take a few minutes to confess anything (from this list or beyond) that you’re struggling with. Ask God to grow and ripen the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

DAY TWO - MATTHEW 21:28-32

Here’s another parable about two sons. How does this reflect similar principles as our main parable this week?

What in this brief story rings true with you? Take a minute to reflect: Is your obedience to God in word or in deed?

35 DAY THREE - LUKE 18:9-14

Why was the tax collector justified and not the Pharisee?

In what areas of your life do you trust in your own abilities, character, or goodness? What would it really look like to humble yourself?

DAY FOUR - ROMANS 3:9-20

What is righteousness? Why is “no one righteous?”

Paul paints a pretty bleak picture of human nature. What is his point? Which line stands out to you?

(This is the bad news. Read tomorrow’s passage for the good news!)

36 DAY FIVE - ROMANS 3:21-28

This passage contains some important concepts: righteousness, faith, justification, grace, redemption. If any of these are unfamiliar to you, be sure to look them up in a Bible dictionary (online) or talk to a friend about them.

Why is boasting about our good works a waste of time?

If we are made right with God solely on the basis of his grace through faith, what is the role of obedience? In other words, why should we obey God?

DAY SIX - PHILIPPIANS 3:4b-10

Paul was a top-notch Pharisee, with an impressive religious resumé. Why did Paul consider all his good deeds “filth”?

Why is knowing Christ so great? How has knowing Jesus changed your life?

37 LESSON NOTES

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38 39 SERMON NOTES

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______40 PRIORITIES THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL CONNECT Share highs and lows of the week. (Keep it brief so everyone has a chance to talk.) LAUNCH Read this excerpt from The Hole in Our Gospel:

What has God given you? Moses had a stick, David had a slingshot, and Paul had a pen. Mother Teresa possessed a love for the poor; Billy Graham, a gift for preaching; and Joni Eareckson Tada, a disability. What did they have in common? A willingness to let God use whatever they had, even when it didn’t seem very useful. If you will assess what you have to offer in terms of your time, your treasure, and your talents, you will have a better understanding of how you might uniquely serve...

Most of us greatly underestimate the potential value of our time, treasure, and talents in terms of what they can add to the beautiful mosaic of what God is doing in our world. Many of us sit on the sidelines because we don’t appreciate what we have to offer. Others know what they have to offer, but they don’t know how. To speak to this, let me quote my pastor, Earl Palmer: “God can’t steer a parked car.” If we sit in the parking lot with our engines turned off, just waiting for a voice from the sky, we’ll never get anywhere in our quest to solve the world’s problems. We need to at least “start our engines.” We may not be clear on just how God wants to use us. But that’s no excuse for doing nothing. Just jump in, and start doing.1

As we read and discuss this week’s parable, keep these questions in mind (but don’t answer them out loud yet):

What has God given you? How are you using these gifts for His kingdom? 41 WATCH WEEK 4 VIDEO centralsf.org/surface EXPLORE READ LUKE 12:13-21

Jesus tells this parable in response to someone from the crowd making a request. Why is this significant? What was the man trying to get Jesus to do?

The man in the parable appeared to be a successful farmer who was planning for the future. What did he do wrong? Why did God call him a “fool?”

Skim through verses 16-19 and count the number of appearances of “my” and “I.” What does this indicate about the man’s priorities?

Verse 20 has been called a “note of tragedy.” Why? How could this man have done things differently? How could he have been rich toward God?

READ LUKE 12:22-34

Greed often flows from anxiety. Why would this be the case?

How should our view of God as a loving provider impact our priorities? APPLY

1. How do you define “greed?” How do you know if/when you are being greedy?

2. How often do you think about what you have (your possessions, your family, your very life) as being on loan from God?

RE-READ VERSES 31-34

3. In what ways do you give to the poor?

4. What is the kingdom? Practically speaking, what does it mean to “seek His kingdom”?

5. When making decisions about how to invest your time, treasure, and talent, what factors do you consider? In other words, what are your priorities?

42 WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Prepare your heart and mind to share the love of Jesus with your oikos. How do you feel when you think about sharing the Good News about Jesus with someone? Have you ever written out your testimony? Have you memorized any methods or verses that aid a person in sharing the Good News?

Read 2 Timothy 4:5. What does that verse say about evangelism?

Evangelism is work. It will take effort, time, and intentionality both before, during, and after the actual evangelistic conversation. In other words, it needs to be a priority.

If you are going to be serious about sharing the love of Jesus with your relational world, you need to spend time talking with God and reading about/practicing evangelism. (For more resources or training email [email protected] or go to centralsf.org/oikosevangelism)

Split up in pairs and share a three minute version of your testimony with your partner. If you’ve never done this before, Google "3 minute testimony" (pay attention to the articles on Cru.org) or ask your partner for some pointers.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION

“Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

Now that you’ve had some time, look back on our opening questions: “What has God given you? How are you using these gifts for His kingdom?”

Take some time before bed tonight to write down your answers. 43 44 THE DAILY SIX DAYS. FIVE MINUTES. FOR CHANGE.

DAY ONE - MATTHEW 25:14-30

What was the difference between the first two servants and the third one? How did the last servant’s view of the master impact his stewardship?

How does fear affect how you use what you’ve been given? What else keeps you from investing your talents?

DAY TWO - LUKE 16:13-15

What does it look like to be enslaved to money?

“God knows your hearts.” Does that phrase make you feel more secure or more nervous? Why?

45 DAY THREE - LUKE 18:18-30

What was the rich young ruler really asking? What did his response to Jesus’ command to give away his possessions indicate about his priorities? How would you have reacted?

Why is it so hard for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom?

Re-read Jesus’ statement in verses 29-30. How does that sit with you?

DAY FOUR - LUKE 14:25-33

What does it mean to bear your own cross?

What has following Jesus cost you?

46 DAY FIVE - ROMANS 12:1-8

What is a living sacrifice? (Isn’t that an oxymoron?)

How do you determine God’s will?

What is the role of humility in using your gifts to serve others?

DAY SIX - ROMANS 14:10-12, 2 CORINTHIANS 5:10

“The judgment seat of God” (aka the Bema) has nothing to do with salvation and everything to do with rewards; being acknowledged for using the gifts God gave you for the kingdom.

How does the thought of someday giving an account to God for how you lived on Earth motivate you?

Imagine Jesus looking you in the eyes and saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Take a few minutes to talk to Him now. Ask Him to reveal anything that’s keeping you from being fully committed to living for Him.

47 LESSON NOTES

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48 49 SERMON NOTES

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______50 RESPONSIBILITY THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER CONNECT

What is your favorite season and why is it Fall? LAUNCH Read this excerpt from Making Disciples-One Conversation at a Time:

Many Christians live their lives as though Jesus finished His work in the first century. They seem to think that being a Christian is simply accepting the finished work of Christ, going to church every Sunday to express their worship, and waiting for His second coming. No, no, no. Jesus is working today, just as He did 2,000 years ago, to accomplish His cosmic mission...

The central task of the universe today is extending the kingdom of God into every corner of human life, one follower at a time, one conversation at a time. That's what Jesus is concentrating on, and that's what we should be spending the best part of our time and energy doing. You may have assumed that the most important thing you could be doing with your life is selling carpet, raising kids, governing, discovering a cure for cancer, or pastoring the second- largest church in a small town. Those are all worthwhile endeavors, but each one of those tasks is only significant when it is a subtask of the grand objective: building the kingdom of God.

We are tempted (and encouraged) to believe that the kingdom of God spreads throughout the earth by presenting the gospel, through some pat formula, to strangers. That doesn't happen very often. The gospel spread throughout the world of the first centuries by conversations between close friends and relatives, business associates and neighbors—people with whom the passionate Christians already had personal contact. So today the Church grows and expands, and people come to maturity in Christ nearly always through the influence of people they already know and trust, like you.1 51 WATCH WEEK 5 VIDEO centralsf.org/surface EXPLORE READ LUKE 8:4-15

Who/what is represented by... The seed? The sower? The soils?

Let’s look at each type of soil:

In your own words, what type of soil is described in verse 12? How is the devil able to steal the seeds?

Rephrase verse 13. What type of soil is this? Notice that these people have joy over God’s Word. What don’t they have? Why aren’t feelings enough? What could have prevented their falling away?

From verse 14, rephrase what soil #3 is. What chokes their spiritual life? What is the outcome?

OK, now the last soil: Why is it fruitful? What is the role of endurance in bearing fruit? What does this fruit look like?

APPLY 1. What things have the potential to turn people away from God? (If it’s helpful, think in categories like temptations, trials, and distractions.) How have you seen this happen in your life?

2. How have you “held fast” to God’s Word and patiently endured? What kept you from turning away?

3. This parable obviously differentiates between four types of “hearers” of the Word. As believers, what is our role in spreading God’s Word? How do we know the difference between soils? (Is that even the point?)

4. How have you been doing at sharing the message of the kingdom with people in your relational world? What kind of soil has it fallen on? Feel free to share a quick story of frustration or success.

5. Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ/Cru) often said, “Success in witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.”2 How does this shape how you think about your role/responsibility in evangelism?

52 WEEKLY CHALLENGE Put love into action by serving your oikos, inviting them to church, or sharing the truth of the gospel with them.

This is it! The moment you’ve been waiting for. You’ve put in the work and you’re finally ready to have a spiritual conversation, make an invitation to church, or serve your oikos (or all three)! Remember that this, growing the kingdom of God, is a responsibility we have as Christians.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

According to this passage, who is blessed? The one who perseveres! Your coworker might not appreciate that really nice thing you did for them. You might get shut down the first time you try to share from your heart with your friend. You might get a “no” when you ask your dad to church. Persevere! There are countless stories about how it took ten no’s to get one yes. Perseverance, combined with continual prayer and care, works.

Take some time to pray for each other as you get ready to invite your oikos to encounter Jesus through conversation, church, or serving them. If you know how and who you will be sharing with or inviting to church, share that name (or those names) with the group so that they can lift you and them up in prayer this week.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION

Farmers must prepare the ground, plant the seeds, and then wait for the crop. This parable is not about responding to God’s Word at any given moment, but describes hearing and receiving it over a period of time. It’s important to remember that God’s Word takes time to bear fruit.

Do you consider yourself “good soil?" What kind of fruit have you seen in your life over the years? 53 54 THE DAILY SIX DAYS. FIVE MINUTES. FOR CHANGE.

DAY ONE - 1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-10

What is the difference between planting and watering? Which is more important?

In whom (from your oikos) are you planting seeds? Who are you watering?

How does this description of growth take the pressure off of you to see results? Take a minute to thank God that it’s not up to you to make people grow.

DAY TWO - 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-5

When is it inconvenient to keep proclaiming the message?

What is “the work of an evangelist?" Does this apply to all believers or just to certain ones?

Pray that God would enable you to keep a clear head, endure hardships, and fulfill your ministry.

55 DAY THREE - ROMANS 10:8b-17

What is the role of the mouth and the heart in salvation?

Using verses 13-15, trace the route between “sending” and “saving.” What are the crucial steps in between? What is our role in seeing people come to faith?

DAY FOUR - ACTS 17:16-34

This is one of the best evangelistic messages of all time. What were the results (see verses 32-34)? How is this similar to the parable of the sower?

Pray that God would use you to see people in your relational world wanting to hear more and believe the Good News.

56 DAY FIVE - 1 PETER 3:14-16

What does it mean to set apart Christ as Lord in your heart? Why is that so foundational?

Are you ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you? Why or why not?

Plenty of Christians are ready to defend the gospel but not many do so with gentleness and respect. According to verse 16, why is this posture of humility important?

DAY SIX - COLOSSIANS 4:5-6

How can you walk in wisdom toward outsiders?

What does it mean for our speech to be “seasoned with salt?”

In general, how would you describe your conversational speech?

Pray that God would give you wisdom to know how to answer each person in your relational world.

57 LESSON NOTES

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58 59 SERMON NOTES

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______60 NEIGHBORING THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN CONNECT

What’s your favorite Halloween candy? LAUNCH Read this excerpt from What Is So Good About the Good Samaritan?:

In the last sermon he preached before he was assassinated, Martin Luther King, Jr. talked about the Good Samaritan. That was the parable he used for his sermon on that night in Memphis. He said we needed to develop a kind of “dangerous unselfishness.” He said when you walk down the Jericho Road, the first question that you might ask is, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” But he said when the Good Samaritan came by, he reversed the question: “If I do not help this man, what will happen to him?”

That’s the question of compassion. That’s the question before you and me. That’s “the plumb line,” as Amos called it, the measuring stick by which God measures us as we try to live out our faith. Do we respond simply thinking about our own security and safety or do we think about the well-being of the other? Do we see the other as a fellow human being?

King was trying to explain why he had come to Memphis to help a group of garbage workers. People had told him it was dangerous. “You can be killed,” they said. And he was. But he said, “If I don’t stop to help the garbage workers, what will happen to them, and ultimately, what will happen to me?”1

How does this concept of “dangerous unselfishness”—thinking first and foremost of the well-being of others—sit with you? What emotions does it stir up? 61 WATCH WEEK 6 VIDEO centralsf.org/surface EXPLORE READ LUKE 10:25-37

Jesus answers the lawyer's question of obtaining eternal life with a question, and the question of “Who is my neighbor” with a parable. Why does Jesus not explicitly answering these questions benefit the lawyer (and you) more than if black-and-white answers were given?

Why did the Samaritan help the wounded man? What did this reveal about his character? How do these characteristics exemplify Christ?

Do a Google image search of “The road from Jerusalem to Jericho.” How does this vast, rough terrain, with many places for robbers to hide, change your perspective of the setting for the parable? How does it change the helplessness and need of the injured man?

Like most of his parables, Jesus uses this story to contrast the motivations and actions of “righteous” people with those who were traditionally viewed as “unrighteous.” How should our identity in Christ change our perspective on righteousness? How should it shape our actions?

What is a modern example of this story? (Who would play the roles of the priest and the Levite? Who would be the Samaritan?) APPLY

1. With whom do you most identify in this parable. Why?

2. Have you ever felt attacked, stripped, or beaten down spiritually, emotionally, physically, or relationally? Who helped you out of it?

3. Who do you view as an outcast in society or your family? In other words, who would you have a hard time helping or feeling compassion for? Explain.

4. Practically, what does it look like for you to go, help, give, and care for others?

5. Think of someone who exemplifies the characteristics of being a loving neighbor. Share a little bit about them and how they have affected you. 62 WEEKLY CHALLENGE Did any of you experience disappointment or failure last week? Did you invite a friend to church or try to start a spiritual conversation and get shut down?

That’s ok if you did. I mean sure, we’d all love for every invitation to be a yes or every conversation with our pre-Christian friends to lead to salvation, but often that’s not what happens. As we talked about last week, rejection is often a part of a faithful life lived for Jesus.

Have faith that last week's rejection has made you stronger. Have faith that last week’s rejection has led you one step closer to seeing your pre- Christian friends and neighbors eventually say yes. Perseverance is the product of your faith. (See James 1:2-4.)

Your challenge this week is to not give up. Your challenge is to persevere. Engaging your oikos is not a one-time thing. It is something that you are called to be intentional about for the rest of your time here on earth. As you enter different seasons of life you’ll find that your relational world shifts. When that happens, don’t despair. Keep pursuing your neighbors with love and mercy. Go back to Step 1 and look forward with great anticipation to all the good works that God has prepared in advance for you to do.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION

Looking below the surface of this parable, we see that it’s not about who our neighbor is, but how we can be a neighbor. Because everyone is our neighbor. The focus is not on who qualifies as someone deserving of my help, but how I am to treat others as a result of my identity. We are called to be neighbors by being merciful and loving to those around us. Everyone. No exceptions.

What does being a neighbor look like for you right now? Does this need to change due to social, political, or racial boundaries you may have? How can the Holy Spirit empower you to show love and mercy to everyone around you? 63 CONCLUSION

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44

The above verse is one of the shortest and most powerful parables in the entire Bible.

I recently heard a statement that was equally short and profound: “We are much more changed by who we love than by what we believe.”1

Real change—both in our character and our effectiveness in reaching our relational world with the gospel—isn’t about acquiring more knowledge. It’s about falling deeply in love with Jesus. Only by spending time with Him, getting to know Him more intimately, allowing Him access to every area of our lives, experiencing the joy of our salvation, and seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, will we become the people He wants us to be. If we’re going to share the love of Jesus with our relational world, His love must be the primary element below the surface of our lives.

“WE ARE MUCH MORE CHANGED BY WHO WE LOVE THAN BY WHAT WE BELIEVE.”

As we wrap up this six-week series, it’s my prayer that something about you has changed. It might not be noticeable right away, but I truly hope that God is in the process of renovating your heart. That he’s changing your sense of purpose, your perspective, your priorities, and—most importantly—your pleasures. What do I mean by that? Keep reading.

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11

64 If you’ve been paying attention during this series, you’ve probably noticed a significant quote from a different theologian or pastor in each session. In my opinion, I’ve saved the best for last. Please take some time to slowly and reflectively read these thoughts from Paul Tripp:

I must admit I am embarrassed by what gives me pleasure. It doesn't take much to make me smile. I get real pleasure from a good steak, nice chocolate, a comfortable bed. I want the joy of cold soda and hot tea. I want the bathroom to be empty when I need it. I want the streets I drive on to be free of other drivers. I want people to respect my opinions and validate my plans. I want my wife to be satisfied with me as I am. I want my bills all paid and plenty of money to do the pleasurable things that make me happy.

But God isn't like me. His pleasures aren't a sad catalog of low- grade idolatries. His desires aren't shaped by ravenous self-focus. He doesn't live in a perpetual state of self-absorbed discontent. His pleasures are never regrettable, ugly, or unholy. When God smiles, His reason is holy and His purpose is pure. He finds great pleasure in His glory and great joy when the repentant turn from the pursuit of their own glory and turn toward His. He has great pleasure in the success of His plan and finds satisfaction in seeing His children turn from their pleasure to live for His.

Someday, by His grace, the things that give me pleasure will be the things that please God. Until then my hope is in the fact that He finds delight in rescuing those who have been led astray by their pleasures because once more today I'm going to need that rescue. And I'll need it every day until my deepest pleasures are nowhere to be found in the creation and only to be found in the Creator.2

As you grow in your love for Jesus, may it become your deep pleasure to abide with Him and share His love with the people He has placed in your life. May you experience true joy of experiencing the treasure that is the kingdom of God. And may you be deeply satisfied with living out your life’s purpose to know the King and build His kingdom.

65 66 THE DAILY SIX DAYS. FIVE MINUTES. FOR CHANGE.

DAY ONE - 1 PETER 4:8-10

What gifts has God given you to serve your neighbors well?

When is a time you felt covered or protected by the love of God or others?

DAY TWO - 1 JOHN 4:19-21

These are some convicting and straight-to-the point words, but that does not make them any less true. Honestly, when is it hard for you to love others?

How can you rely on God’s strength to better show love?

67 DAY THREE - 1 JOHN 4:7-10

When was the first time you understood the beauty and greatness of God’s love for you? What was it like?

Underline, circle, or memorize “God is love.” What does this mean? How can this truth change your perspective on loving your neighbors?

DAY FOUR - GALATIANS 5:13-14

What does it look like for you to use your freedom in Christ to serve your neighbor?

As believers, we are hidden with Christ, raised with Christ, and set free from sin by Christ. These are 100% true, but we all still sin. What lies about the instant gratification of sin do you believe that lead you to indulge in sinning?

68 DAY FIVE - ROMANS 3:21-24

What do these verses teach you about who your neighbor is?

God has made you righteous. How can this righteousness change you into a person who lives in freedom and love?

DAY SIX - MATTHEW 5:43-48

Who is one person you need to be praying for rather than hating (gossiping about, complaining about, ignoring)?

Verses 46 and 47 call us to love those who are not like us. Think about the people in your relational world. Do they all look like you and believe the same things as you? If so, maybe it’s time to expand your oikos.

69 LESSON NOTES

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______70 71 A. THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY Before His ascension to heaven, Jesus gave the Great Commission:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20

Since these were His parting words, it would seem that making disciples is of great importance to Jesus. So, for over 2000 years, the church has been trying to figure out how to do this effectively.

According to a recent study, one of the key predictors of spiritual maturity is participation in a small group. Real transformational discipleship involves moving from sitting in rows (during a weekend service) where you are simply in proximity to one another, to sitting in circles, being in community with one another. That’s why one of our main areas of ministry focus is meaningful community. As you are with others, you can give and receive encouragement, wisdom, and accountability to let God work in you and through you.

Meaningful Worship MeaningfulMeaningfulMEANINGFUL Worship Worship MeaningfulMeaningfulMeaningfulMeaningfulMEANINGFUL Community Community Community MEANINGFULMeaningfulMeaningfulMeaningful Service Service Service MeaningfulMeaningfulMEANINGFULMeaningfulMeaningful MissionMission MissionMission WORSHIP COMMUNITY SERVICE MISSION

B. WHAT IS A LIFEGROUP? A LifeGroup is a Christ-centered group of 8-15 people committed to gathering together regularly in an environment of grace and truth to become more like Jesus.

A brief explanation • Christ-centered: The gospel is at the heart of who we are and what we do, knowing that we’re more broken than we care to admit but more loved by God than we can imagine. 72 • 8-15 people: Healthy things grow. A group should always be looking to grow in depth, intimacy, maturity, and number. Once it reaches more than 15 people, the group typically seeks to multiply into two groups of 8 in order to have the capacity to involve more people.

• Gather regularly: Relationships take quality and quantity time. Meeting weekly (or at least three times per month) helps foster a sense of community.

• Grace & truth: Truth gives us the understanding we need to live the Christian life. Grace provides the acceptance and encouragement we need to keep on going. Truth lets people know where you stand. Grace lets people know that you love them.

• More like Jesus: Sanctification is a process where we are becoming who God intended—displaying spiritual fruit, doing what Jesus did, and sharing his love with your relational world.

C. LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME Hosting a group is not nearly as difficult as you may be fearing it is. No one is expecting you to be a spiritual giant. This workbook is designed so that you can come alongside one another as co-learners. Hosting a group is as simple as opening your home, reading Scripture and questions aloud, playing a video, and having a conversation from the heart. Trust us, after your first meeting, you’ll find that your group will fall into a familiar rhythm and this whole process will become less daunting.

Be sure to use the workbook as a guide, not a straitjacket. If the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the one in the lesson, ask it! Your group has the freedom to ask the questions that the Spirit is prompting. Sometimes those can lead to the most useful discussions of all.

If you approach each meeting with prayer and a little preparation, you will find this guidebook easy to use. Know that you are not alone on this journey; as a church we want to support you and your group along the way. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you have regarding your group. You can email Central’s Pastor of Community Life, Neil Downey, at [email protected] or just call the church office at (605) 336-3378. 73 Here are a few tips for you as you get ready for your first meeting:

Lead with hospitality: Creating a warm and welcoming environment is the first step of hosting a group. Who doesn’t like the idea that someone is expecting them? Keep in mind that for many people, the thought of going to someone’s house to have a “spiritual conversation” can be intimidating. It can trigger all kinds of insecurities. Be mindful of this in all your interactions with your group. From email communication to the way you greet them at the door, a warm and welcoming environment will go a long way toward easing their fears.

Learn names quickly: It’s ok to use name tags! For new groups, it’s especially hard to remember the flood of new names that come rushing at you and you are embarrassed to ask once you get to week three! So, for this six-week journey, have name tags available to deepen connection within the group.

Start with introductions: Especially for week one, hearing stories trumps getting through content. So take time to go around the circle and have everyone introduce himself or herself. Have them share some of the raw data from their life (family, occupation, etc.) but also include one significant thing about their life that would be good for the group to know about them.

Group Commitment: The key to getting off on the right foot with your group is to appropriately discuss and set expectations. After finishing the Week 1 content, you will read through the LifeGroup Commitment on pages 12 and 13 and have an opportunity to lay out clear expectations.

D. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I reach out for help from the Community Life Team? Anytime you want! Sincerely, we want to hear from you! Don’t feel like it has to be something big or really important to contact us. We love to be a sounding board for you. • Neil Downey / Pastor of Community Life / [email protected] • Haley Wiggers / Connections Director / [email protected] • Mike Carr / Prayer Director / [email protected] 74 Is it okay to invite someone to the group who is not a Central attendee?

The short answer is, of course! If the person does not have a home church or doesn’t yet have a relationship with Jesus, a group can be a great on-ramp to the Christian faith while providing a good connection to the local church. Joining a group also provides a way to get to know other church members on a deeper level and develop new relationships with neighbors in your area. If the person has a home church, ideally they would get connected in their own church. However, there are times when it may be appropriate to make an exception.

What should we do if a member misses a meeting (or several)?

Define mutual expectations early on with the LifeGroup Commitment (pages 12-13). If attendance becomes an issue with someone in the group, address it with them in person, not via email. Again, in this type of situation, err on the side of grace. Be in a place emotionally where you are more saddened you didn’t get to see the person at group than you are frustrated they didn’t show up.

How long will this group meet?

Your commitment to this group is through the duration of the six-week BELOW THE SURFACE series. We certainly hope and pray that your group will continue to meet well beyond the length of this campaign, but we are structuring this series so that people who have always been hesitant about getting connected to a group will be able to experience (a trial run at) an authentic Christ-centered community.

At the end of this study, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Some groups may launch relationships for years to come. Others might be stepping-stones into another group experience. Either way, enjoy giving it a try for six weeks and appreciate the journey.

If your group decides to continue meeting, you should decide as a group what the next study should be. There are several good ideas for resources at centralsf.org/lifegroups. If you’re having trouble deciding, contact Neil Downey ([email protected]) for help.

75 How often should we meet? During the BELOW THE SURFACE series, groups meet every week. After the campaign, we recommend that LifeGroups meet three weeks a month and take the fourth week off. This works with busy schedules while also helping to maintain a sense of community. We need an occasional break, but we also need to be intentional with one another.

Some groups choose to meet every other week. One of the challenges of meeting every other week is that if someone misses, it will be a month since you have met with them. Therefore, groups that meet every other week will need to be intentional about looking for additional ways to build a sense of community.

What if this group is not working for us? You’re not alone! This could be the result of a personality conflict, life stage difference, geographical distance, or any number of things. Relax. Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this six-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t typically buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date, and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before the six weeks are up because God might have something to teach you. Also, don’t run from conflict or prejudge people before you have given them a chance. God is still working in their lives too!

Who is the leader? Most groups have an official leader. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate hosts or leaders on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution, and develop their gifts. This workbook and the Holy Spirit can keep things on track even when you rotate leaders. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way. (Yeah, it sounds a little cheesy, but it really is true.)

How do we handle the childcare needs in our group? Very carefully. Seriously, this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest you empower the group to openly brainstorm solutions. You may try one option that works for a while and then adjust over time. Our favorite approach is for adults to meet in the living room or dining room and to share the cost of a babysitter (or two) who can watch kids in a different part of the house. This way, parents don’t have to be away from their children all evening when their children are too young to be left at home. 76 A second option is to use one home for the kids and a second home for the adults. This works extremely well if the homes are within a few blocks of each other. A final option is to make your own arrangements for childcare. No matter what decision the group makes, the best approach is to dialogue openly about solutions.

E. LIFEGROUP CALENDAR Planning can help ensure the greatest participation at every meeting. At the end of each meeting, review this calendar. Be sure to include a regular rotation of host homes/leaders, and don’t forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects.

WEEK OF SESSION

SEPTEMBER 1. Motivation Host Home: 26-27 Refreshments:

OCTOBER 2. Prayer Host Home: 3-4 Refreshments:

OCTOBER 3. Perspective Host Home: 10-11 Refreshments:

4. Priorities OCTOBER Host Home: 17-18 Refreshments:

OCTOBER 5. Responsibility Host Home: 24-25 Refreshments:

OCT. NOV. 6. Neighboring Host Home: 31 - 1 Refreshments:

77 F. LIFEGROUP CONTACT INFORMATION

NAME PHONE

ENDNOTES INTRODUCTION 1. David E. Garland, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2011), p. 344.

WEEK 1 1. Robert H. Thune and Will Walker, The Gospel-Centered Life (New Growth Press, 2016), p. 12-13. 2. Darrell Bock, The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 1996), p. 225 3. Bock, p. 224. 4. Jimmy Carter, A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety (Simon & Schuster, 2015), p. 96. (Carter was quoting Eloy Cruz, a Cuban- American pastor from Brooklyn.) 78 WEEK 2 1. Skye Jethani, “The Issue of Prayer is Not Prayer” (With God Daily, June 3, 2020), https://skyejethani.com/with-god-daily/ 2. Paraphrase of EM Bounds, Power Through Prayer (Trinity Press, 2011), p. 8.

WEEK 3 1. Timothy Keller, The Prodigal God (Penguin, 2008), p. 34-44. 2. Keller, p. 18-19.

WEEK 4 1. Richard Stearns, The Hole in Our Gospel (Thomas Nelson, 2009), p. 259, 273.

WEEK 5 1. D. Michael Henderson. Making Disciples - One Conversation at a Time (Beacon Hill Press, 2006). 2. Bill Bright, How You Can Be A Fruitful Witness (Bright Media Foundation, 2002).

WEEK 6 1. Joseph Harvard. “What Is So Good About the Good Samaritan?” (First Presbyterian Church, Durham, NC, July 11, 2010), Retrieved June 24, 2020. https://firstpres-durham.org/ wp-content/uploads/2010/02/07.11.pdf

CONCLUSION 1. Skye Jethani, host, “Episode 412: This is Your Brain on God with Dr. Jim Wilder” The Holy Post (Phil Vischer, 2020). 2. Paul David Tripp. Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy (Crossway, 2008), p. 119-122

79 ADDITIONAL NOTES (OR DOODLES)

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81 centralchurch 3102 W. Ralph Rogers Rd. Sioux Falls, SD 57108 centralsf.org

3102 W. Ralph Rogers Rd. Sioux Falls, SD 57108 centralsf.org