“I AM” STATEMENTS I AM Jesus Copyright © 2018 by Shepherd Church

Requests for information should be addressed to: Shepherd Church Attention: Life Groups 19700 Rinaldi St. 2 Porter Ranch, CA 91326

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, and 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Any website, book or other recommendations made by this book are offered as a resource to you. We are in no way endorsing any of the resources nor do we vouch for their content for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means- electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other without the prior permission of Shepherd Church. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Introduction to I AM Jesus 4 Using This Workbook 6 Outline for Each Session 6

SESSION ONE – The Bread of Life 9 SESSION TWO – The Light of the World 19 SESSION THREE – The Door 27 SESSION FOUR – The Good Shepherd 36 SESSION FIVE – The Way and the Truth and the Life 44 SESSION SIX – The True Vine 53 SESSION SEVEN – The Resurrection 62

Life Group Toolbox

My Life Group Roster 72 Life Group Agreement 73 Life Group Calendar 74 Life Group Community Impact Project Worksheet 75 Frequently Asked Questions 76 Encounters and School Of Discipleship 78 Becoming a Leader 79 Blessing List 80

Life Group Leaders

Leading for the First Time 81 Life Group Leadership 101 (Top Ten Ideas) 83

I A M 4 JESUS

INTRODUCTION Dear Life Group Members,

WHY SHOULD I BE IN THIS GROUP?

Life Groups are designed to help you experience the life God has for you by helping you CONNECT with other believers, helping you GROW to be more I A M like Christ, and make an IMPACT with the gospel. Every time a group meets, they spend time connecting through building relationships, growing through a discussion-led Bible study, and making an impact by supporting each other through prayer and service. As a result, 5 group members experience growth, belonging, and care. A Life Group is your chance to pursue healthy relationships and spiritual growth. You can’t JESUS grow spiritually without connecting relationally.

HOW WILL THIS SERIES HELP ME?

In this seven week Life Group series called “I AM Jesus,” we will explore the “I AM” statements found in the Gospel of John. We will observe and discuss the power, richness, and depth of each statement. We will also consider how we, as followers of Jesus, can practically apply these statements to our lives today.

Through “I AM Jesus”, our prayer is that you would be abundantly blessed by understanding and experiencing more of God’s love and power that comes with these astonishing statements. As we dive deep into studying and discussing the “I AM” statements, we find that it is no coincidence that Jesus is who He claimed to be; He is God in the flesh … the Great “I AM!”

WHAT IS MY ROLE IN THIS GROUP?

As you attend a weekend service and participate in this Life Group series, you will be equipped to live the life that God desires for you. Of course, the bottom line is, it comes down to you. Only you can share in your group, pray about the things God is teaching you, and take action to allow Jesus to work in you and through you. Enjoy the encouragement and challenges that God desires as His grace abounds in your Life Group.

The Life Groups Team USING THIS WORKBOOK

(Five Points to Help You Have a Great Life Group Experience!)

1 Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1) Ses- sions (2) Life Group Toolbox (3) Life Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendix as some of them will be used in the weekly sessions. 6

2 If you are leading or co-leading a Life Group, the section for Life Group Leaders will give you some hard-learned experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

3 Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. 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 next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Life Group Leaders section.

4 Enjoy your Life Group experience!

5 Read the “Outline for Each Session” below so that you understand how the sessions will flow.

OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION

Every Life Group session is structured to reflect the values of Life Groups, which are: Connect, Grow and Impact. Therefore, the sessions are designed to help each group member participate and gain deeper insight into each topic by connecting with others, growing to be more like Christ, and impacting the community with the gospel. A typical Life Group session will include the following:

The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God 7 and His family (a few people who really know you and share their lives with you). This section of each session is designed to allow group members to get to know each other. You can do this by using the icebreaker questions provided, or by asking light, easy-to-answer questions of your own that invite involvement from everyone.

As your group begins, use the Life Group Agreement, Life Group Calendar, and Life Group Community Project Worksheet to help your group see how everyone has a part in making a Life Group come to life. As the group develops intimacy, use the Prayer and Praise Report to keep the group connected.

Serving as a companion to the “I AM Jesus” Study Guide is the “I AM Jesus” video teaching. This DVD is designed to combine teaching segments from pastors and teachers along with leadership insights and personal stories of life change. Using the teaching video will add value to this seven- week series.

Here is where you will process the video teaching you heard and saw as a group. The focus won’t be on accumulating information, but on how we should live in light of the Word of God. We want to I A M help you apply the insights from Scripture practically, creatively, and from your heart as well as your head. At the end of the day, allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in Christ 8 is our greatest aim. JESUS

Impact is about putting what you learned into action. It is about walking the talk. This section is to help apply the insights and principles learned in the lesson. It is by this application that the lesson will have an impact in you as well as through you. We ask that all groups do some sort of community project together, SESSION ONE some time during each series. Most groups have found that they have made significant contributions to society THE BREAD OF LIFE through this, and have made a lasting impact on people’s lives for Jesus. This is also a good place to JOHN 6:35 have different group members close in prayer, even when the instructions don’t specify. We encourage you to provide time, if the schedule allows, for people to reflect on the Prayer and Praise Report at the end of each session or take a little time to meet with a Spiritual Growth Partner.

I A M JESUS 9

SESSION ONE THE BREAD OF LIFE

JOHN 6:35 Each session will begin with a few questions to help you connect with and get to know one another. Since this is your first time together (at least for this new series), take a few minutes to make 10 sure everyone knows each other’s names.

• As you begin, turn to the “Life Group Roster” on page 72. Take time to pass around your study guides and have everyone write down their contact information.

• Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together.On page 73, there is a “Life Group Agreement” with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. Take a few minutes to go over the agreement together.

• One of the markers of a healthy and happy group is when everyone takes ownership of the group. A great way to help everyone be involved is to share in weekly responsibilities, whether it’s taking turns praying for the group, providing snacks or drinks. You can turn to page 74 where you will find the“Life Group Calendar” and blank group tasks.

• These “I AM” statements of Jesus, found in the book of John, recall the Lord God’s self-identification in Exodus 3:14. We will observe and discuss the power, richness, and depth of each statement, and consider how we, as followers of Jesus, can apply these statements to our lives. Our prayer is that you would be abundantly blessed by understanding and experiencing more of God’s love and power that comes with these astonishing statements. As we dive deep into studying and discussing these “I AM” statements, we find that it is no coincidence that Jesus is who He claimed to be; He is God in the flesh… the Great “I AM”! To start our series, and help break the ice for your group members, go around and answer one of the following questions: • If you had to choose one meal to eat every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

• Explain why you prefer either wheat or white bread. 11

This study is designed to be used with an accompanying video teaching. Please play DVD Session One. Use the space below for notes, questions, or comments you want to bring up in the discussion.

______

______In the following section, you will explore Bible passages and take part in discussions to help expand your knowledge on the topic of this session. If time is a concern, please choose just a few of the questions to answer and discuss in your group. 12 In the video, Kyle Welch discussed being sustained by God. Go around your group and share what stood out to you from the video.

Read John 6:25-27

1 According to Jesus, why were the people looking for Him? What happened earlier in John 6:1-15 that would cause the people to chase after Jesus?

2 From what perspective are the people looking, and what perspective does Jesus point them toward? Read Exodus 12:12-21

3 How does this passage connect us to the importance of bread to the Jewish people? How does bread actually connect their minds and hearts to God?

Read Exodus 16:1-16 13 4 Based on this passage, describe how God sustained the nation of Israel, and quieted their grumbling.

People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They Read John 6:28-34 are nourished by God’s Word throughout the day because 5 Discuss Jesus’ response to the they know that forty minutes people’s inquiry. Explain the similarities on Sunday is not enough to in attitude and desires between the sustain them throughout people coming to Jesus, and the Israelites the week, especially when toward Moses and God. they encounter so many distractions and alter- native messages.

–Francis Chan

6 Why do you think the bread and Passover connection is significant in the John 6 passage?

7 How do you relate to the people in these verses and their desire to “do the works God requires,” rather than accept the love and grace through Jesus, that God is offering? Read John 6:35-40

8 Briefly describe Jesus’ response in your own words. What is your understanding of what He is saying?

9 Explain the significance of the statement, “I am the bread of life.” How do you think these verses in John 6 are a pivotal statement for 14 Jesus and His audience?

Read John 6:41-59

10 How do you think Jesus is connecting himself to the manna that came down from heaven for the Israelites to eat in Exodus 16? Compare and contrast the manna and Jesus as “the bread of life.”

For the bread of God is the 11 Into what kind of life is Jesus inviting us? bread that comes Why do you think the Jews grumbled so down from heaven vehemently against the message Jesus was and gives life to the teaching? Why do you think His message is world. so difficult to accept for even some of us today? –John 6:33 12 Share how you have experienced both physical (manna) and spiritual (Jesus) provision for you from God. How can you share your experience with others so that they would share in God’s provision for their lives?

Deeper Study

Read Exodus 3:13-15 and John 6:41-42 15 13 Why do you think the “I AM” statements were such a huge deal to the people listening to Jesus’ teachings?

14 How does understanding the depths of what Jesus is talking about, especially John 6:40 and 50-51, help to absorb the impact of this teaching and make it more palatable? How is God’s love for us and desire to be with us really evident in these verses?

Read Luke 22:19-20

15 How is this passage a fulfillment of John 6:53-55? What symbolism and tradition do we now have that reminds us of Jesus as “the bread of life?” How does this symbolism express the cost of discipleship and remind us how much God loves us?

Read John 1:1-4 and Colossians 1:15-19

16 Share how these passages give you further insight into Jesus’ divine power. One of the core principles in Life Groups is to have an impact on the community around us. In the following section, we have given you some ideas of how you can have an impact in the community both as a group and individually. Please go through and discuss how you can impact the community around you with the gospel. 16

• We have been talking about Jesus as the bread of life and even touched on the Lord’s Supper during this lesson. Even though it is early in the series, we thought this would be an excellent opportunity for each of the Life Groups to take communion together. The Bible teaches us that every time we come together, we are to remember what our Lord Jesus did for us as He sacrificed Himself so that we could have a relationship with Him.

The form of bread and juice that you choose to remember Him does not matter. You may choose Hawaiian King’s bread or tortillas. You may serve juice in Dixie cups or in fine stemware. What God wants in these moments is your heart and mind fully directed and devoted to Him. Jesus knows You may consider reading 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, this. He or one of the Gospel accounts about the night the knows what it is disciples received the Last Supper with Jesus, to be human. And such as Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, or so, to our deepest Luke 22:7-23. Then, take some time to pray and most profound together as a group before you partake in the needs, Jesus says, “I elements. AM.” And if you listen to Him, and if you believe in This can be a very special time with your Him, I promise you, your life group. Remember the submission will never be the same. that Jesus had to the Father’s will. Remember the pain He endured –Kyle Welch and the blood that was spilled. Remember the love that God has for each and every one of us. He was willing to die rather than live without us. Enjoy each other during this time and enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit as you remember His love for you. • On your own this week, we ask you to break bread with someone. Breaking bread is a term used when referring to having a meal. This week, we want to encourage you to share a meal with someone in your Life Group, office, class, or neighborhood for a chance to build a stronger relationship with them.

Food has always been a connector for families and friends. It gives people a good chance to stop their busyness and relax over a fine cooked meal and have a good conversation with someone who is close to you, or that you haven’t had the chance to get to know yet. 17 Choose your favorite restaurant, or maybe one that you haven’t tried yet, but have always wanted to. Pray for God to be present in your conversation, and enjoy your time with Him and your friend!

Please take some time to end your group in prayer. You may use the Prayer and Praise Report on the following page as you pray and close your session for this week. PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

This is a place where you can write each other’s prayer requests, and make a note when God answers prayer. Pray for each other’s requests out loud together as a group. If you’re new to group prayer, it’s okay to pray silently. I A M Prayer Requests: 18 ______JESUS ______

______

______SESSION TWO Praise Reports:

______THE LIGHT OF THE ______

______WORLD

______JOHN 8:12 ______

I A M JESUS 19

SESSION TWO THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

JOHN 8:12 During each session, we will begin with a few questions to help you connect with and get to know one another. Please take a few minutes and answer at least one of the following questions:

20 • Share a “fear of the dark” story from your childhood.

• Explain why you store flashlights with extra batteries and candles with matches in different rooms, or why you just hope there is never a black out.

This study is designed to be used with an accompanying video teaching. Please play DVD Session Two. Use the space below for notes, questions, or comments you want to bring up in the discussion.

______

______21 ______

In the following section, you will explore Bible passages and take part in discussions to help expand your knowledge on the topic of this session. If time is a concern, please choose just a few of the questions to answer and discuss in your group.

Today we are going to talk about the light of Jesus. Take a minute and discuss what you learned from Kyle Welch in the video.

1 How is light useful? What are we able to do in light that we are not able to do in the dark?

2 What are some things that are intentionally done in the dark? Why do you think that these things want to remain in darkness? 22 Read Isaiah 60:1-3, John 1:4-9, John 8:12, and 1 John 1:5-7

3 What stands out to you in these passages? Describe what Jesus being the light of the world, means to you. What kind of fear do those in the darkness have, when revealed by Jesus and His light?

Read Matthew 11:28-29

4 According to this passage, how is Jesus going to respond to people who come to him? How do you think this passage impacts both the mature and newer believer?

5 Why do you think understanding Jesus’ love and grace is so vital to experiencing life in His light without fear?

6 How can Jesus’ light in our lives be transformative in different situations? Read John 8:1-11

7 What did the “angry mob” want to do with this woman? How did Jesus respond to her?

8 The woman’s darkness in this story was revealed by Jesus’ light. 23 What do you think were some of her fears as she faced His light? How did Jesus completely remove all of her fears with His response to her?

9 How do you relate to this woman? Why do we keep certain areas of our lives so hidden? What are some things that you fear?

All the darkness of the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.

–Francis of Assisi

10 How does Jesus’ response to this woman match up with His statement in Matthew 11:30 about His burdens and yoke on our lives? 11 How has Jesus shined light in your life to help remove the darkness? How does this story help you to understand the love and grace where Jesus wants us to live?

Deeper Study

24 Read Matthew 5:14-16 and Philippians 2:14-15

12 Describe these passages in your own words.

13 How can we be the light of the world? Make a list of good deeds that could be done by someone who is living in the light of Jesus.

14 How does your understanding living in Jesus’ light, love, and grace, help you to be a light for the world?

15 How does treating others with love and grace, the way that Jesus treated the adulterous woman and countless others He encountered, help to shine God’s light in the world? One of the core principles in Life Groups is to have an impact on the community around us. In the following section, we have given you some ideas of how you can have an impact in the community both as a group and individually. Please go through and discuss how you can impact the community around you with the gospel. 25

• At the beginning of the year, Pastor Dudley introduced the theme “Certainty of Eternity” for 2018. With the theme, he introduced the 30 Cities initiative. A lot of people received bracelets with a name of one of the 30 mega cities with over 10 million people. Discuss with your group about possibly adopting one of the 30 cities for this year. Adopting a city as a group would include praying for the people of that city. It may also possibly include getting your group involved with the various activities that our Global Outreach ministry has set up with the various cities.

You may also pray with your Life Group for the cities that are on your various bracelets, that Jesus’ light would shine brightly in that city. Pray for our Global Partners who are serving the people in these cities. You can pray that the love and light of Jesus will shine in the cities where they’ve been called to minister.

• On your own, research about one of the 30 mega cities that has 10 million or more people. To begin, you may consider going to 30cities.com. If you received a bracelet at the beginning of the year with the name of the city, start your research with that city. Spend the next week praying for this city that God would fully transform each and every person in that city, and they would see His light and love.

Please take some time to end your group in prayer. You may use the Prayer and Praise Report on the following page as you pray and close your session for this week.

PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

Prayer Requests: 26 ______

______JESUS

______

______SESSION THREE Praise Reports:

______THE DOOR ______

______

______JOHN 10:7

______

I A M JESUS 27

SESSION THREE THE DOOR

JOHN 10:7 During each session, we will begin with a few questions to help you connect with and get to know one another. Please take a few minutes and answer at least 28 one of the following questions:

• Explain why you like the door to your office/ room open or closed when you are inside.

• Share a story from your past when a pet ran out of your front door or gate in your yard.

This study is designed to be used with an accompanying video teaching. Please play DVD Session Three. Use the space below for notes, questions, or comments you want to bring up in the discussion.

______

______29

Go around the group and allow everyone to share what they found interesting from the video lesson this week.

1 What do you think is the purpose of a sheep pen and its door? Read John 10:1-10

2 How does Jesus describe Himself in this passage? What is His purpose and how does it benefit the sheep?

Read Ephesians 6:10-12 and 1 Peter 5:8 30 3 What is the goal of the enemy/thief/devil? How do we even begin to combat this problem?

4 According to the above passages, what happens to a sheep who is not in the protection of the door? What does the sheep need to do in order to receive the benefit of the door? We were created by God to be free people, to serve as the caretakers and masters over His creation. To be impris- oned, to be enslaved— that is not our natural Read 2 Samuel 22:3-4, Psalm 138:7, and 2 state. That is not how God Thessalonians 3:3 created us to be.

–Kyle Welch 5 According to these passages, what is one of the purposes of God? 6 How have you received God’s protection in the past? Describe the hope, peace, and comfort you felt from this protection. How does this give you encouragement for the future?

Read Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 28:20b, and Romans 8:31 31 7 How do these passages bring you encouragement and hope against the enemy’s attack?

8 How might we, as Jesus’ sheep, learn to be more attentive to His voice, and less easily deceived by those who seek to harm us?

9 Describe how you understand God’s protection for you. What is something that you can do to better trust in God’s protection? Deeper Study

Read John 10:3-5 and John 16:13

10 How do these passages connect with one another?

32 11 We are to live a life that is full of God; a Spirit-filled life as it is described in John 10:10. What do you think a Spirit-filled life looks like? How do we live a Spirit-filled life?

12 How does a person who is living a Spirit-filled life truly trust in the protection that Jesus offers?

13 What are some ways in which you can practice hearing from the Shepherd throughout your day? How does the Holy Spirit speak to you?

14 What does obedience look like for you? One of the core principles in Life Groups is to have an impact on the community around us. In the following section, we have given you some ideas of how you can have an impact in the community both as a group and individually. Please go through and discuss how you can impact the community around you with the gospel. • As a group, think of some people you can invite to your Life Group 33 that would benefit from a community of believers. As followers of Jesus in a Life Group, you’ve already walked through “the door” into a new place of safety and security. But there are many who haven’t had that opportunity. Brainstorm and pray about who you and your group could invite to your Life Group so that they too can begin to experience God’s goodness and love.

You may also use this time to fill out the circles with names of people who could experience support and love in the manner God intended us to experience it. You’ve experienced this love and support; now pray for someone to experience that same support and love. • Confession is not something we are used to practicing in Christian culture. In fact, many of us who come from Catholic backgrounds may have some misunderstandings from our upbringing, and carry it into what we believe today. So, for those of you who wonder what confession is, simply put, it’s verbalizing your sin to God. In its literal sense from the original Greek, it means to admit, to acknowledge, to reveal, to disclose your sin. In other words, you don’t just ignore it, you confess it.

This week, we have learned that we can trust Jesus as “the door,” who allows us to enter into His presence, and experience His protection and 34 love. We may even feel unworthy of entering into His presence because of our own brokenness. This is where confession can help us better understand His love and grace toward us.

Confession is NOT telling God something He doesn’t already know. God is omnipotent and He already knows everything. In fact, He also knows what you don’t want to confess. He knows everything you have ever thought, said, and done. God knows … and He loves you! We don’t have to pretend to move forward from this lesson as if everything is okay. This time, we can actually be okay and made complete by confessing our sin to God.

On your own, set some time apart this coming week for a one-on-one with Jesus. Be honest with yourself and be honest with God. Experience just how liberating it is to confess your heart to God and allow His love, mercy, and grace to envelope you.

Here are some Bible verses that may help you with your process.

Psalm 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sin does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

1 John 1:19 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Please take some time to end your group in prayer. You may use the Prayer and Praise Report on the following page as you pray and close your session for this week. PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

Prayer Requests: ______35

______

Praise Reports:

______

I A M 36 JESUS

SESSION FOUR THE GOOD SHEPHERD

JOHN 10:11

During each session, we will begin with a few questions to help you connect with and get to know one another. Please take a few minutes and answer at least one of the I A M following questions:

• Share about a teacher or youth 37 leader who really made a difference JESUS in your life.

• Share about the worst boss you ever had.

This study is designed to be used with an accompanying video teaching. Please play DVD Session Four. Use the space below for notes, questions, or comments you want to bring up in the discussion.

______

______38 ______

______

Go around and share what stood out to you from the video lesson this week.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know Read John 10:11-21 them, and they follow me. 1 Make a list of the qualities of “the Good Shepherd” and another list of the “hired –John 10:27 hand.” 2 How is the concept of “the Good Shepherd,” the foundation of Jesus being the door for the sheep (John 10:1-10)?

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my Read Ezekiel 34:2-6 and Matthew 9:36 soul. He guides me along the right paths 39 for His name’s sake. 3 According to these passages, what would happen to sheep who did not have a good –Psalm 23 shepherd? Or worse yet, had a bad shepherd?

4 Describe some of the difficulties you faced during a time when you experienced life with no shepherd or under a bad shepherd.

5 How might your Life Group help in the healing process of these experiences? Share about another good shepherd in your life.

Read Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:10-11, and Ezekiel 34:11-16

6 According to these passages, what does the Lord say He is going to do for His flock as “the Good Shepherd?” 7 In John 10, Jesus basically describes Himself as the Shepherd in fulfillment of the Psalms, Isaiah, and Ezekiel passages. What do you think that meant for the Jews at that time? What do you think it means for the world? What does it mean for you?

8 Describe some changes in your life since Jesus became your 40 Good Shepherd.

Read Romans 8:35-39 and 1 Peter 2:25

9 According to these passages, what can separate us from God’s love? How would you describe the strength of God’s love for you?

10 What are some things from your past that you think are just too much for God to handle or to love? What steps do you think you need to take to better trust and depend on Jesus, as “the Good Shepherd,” and allow Him to shepherd you in ways only He can? Deeper Study

Read John 21:15-19

11 What does Jesus appoint Peter to do? What do you think Jesus meant when He asked Peter the questions?

41 12 If you were Peter, how would you live out these instructions that Jesus gave you?

Basically, there are Share about someone in your life 13 two paths you can walk: that you could shepherd and care faith or fear. It’s impossible for. What difference do you think you to simultaneously trust God could make in that person’s life? How and not trust God. have you felt when someone has come alongside you and cared for you? –Charles F. Stanley

14 How does living out John 21:15- 19 show God’s love to the world? One of the core principles in Life Groups is to have an impact on the community around us. In the following section, we have given you some ideas of how you can have an impact in the community both as a group and individually. Please go through and discuss how you can impact the community around you with the gospel. 42 • We all have friends, family, and co-workers who need to understand that God knows them and He knows what they’re going through. One way to help others come to a knowing relationship with Him is to pray with your Life Group, that they would find a loving relationship with Jesus. We would like for you and your Life Group to visit the Blessing List on page 80. Spend some time in your Life Group sharing names of men and women to encounter Jesus. Pray for them to submit their lives to the love of Jesus. After all, the greatest blessing anyone can receive is to be in relationship with the living God. • On your own this week, take a step further with the concepts of this Life Group lesson and ask yourself a few questions. How is Jesus your Good Shepherd? How are Jesus’ words the truth you need for your life? How are you allowing Jesus to guide you in paths of righteousness and beside still waters? How are you allowing Him to shepherd you into holiness and transforming you to be more like Him?

Take time this week to pray, and write out some of the things that keep you from being fully shepherded by God. These may actually be good things in your life, but write them down anyway. Talk with a godly person in your life that you trust to be honest with you about these things. Take time to pray over the next week or two about your schedule, busyness, and other “stuff” that may keep you from experiencing God’s comfort and protection.

Ultimately, this time spent with God can help you put Him at the center of your life. Letting go of the things that hinder the power of the Holy Spirit and His influence on your life may be tough at first. But as you let Him in to more areas of your life, you will experience life in a new and exciting way that you may not have dreamed possible!

Please take some time to end your group in prayer. You may use the Prayer and Praise Report on the following page as you pray and close your session for this week. PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

Prayer Requests: ______43

______

Praise Reports:

______

I A M 44 JESUS

SESSION FIVE THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE

JOHN 14:6

During each session, we will begin with a few questions to help you connect with and get to know one another. I A M Please take a few minutes and answer at least one of the following questions:

45 JESUS • Share about a time when you got lost.

• Share about a time that you got caught in a pretty big lie.

This study is designed to be used with an accompanying video teaching. Please play DVD Session Five. Use the space below for notes, questions, or comments you want to bring up in the discussion.

______

46 ______

Go around and share one thing that stood out to you from Kyle Welch’s video lesson.

Read John 13:18-14:1

1 According to this passage, what three things have the disciples troubled? What impact do you think these issues would have on the disciples? 2 Share how you relate to the disciples in this passage as you have experienced confusion and worry in your faith at times.

3 What are Jesus’ instructions to the disciples in their troubled hearts? 47

Read John 14:1-4

4 Who is it that Jesus is actually saying His disciples can trust? How does this change your perspective of God’s purpose for you?

Read John 14:6-7

5 Define each term Jesus uses for Himself in John 14:6, and explain in what sense He died not for men, the word accurately describes Him. but for each man. If each man had been the only man Way made, He would have done no less. Truth –C.S. Lewis

Life God is greatly 6 What are the astounding claims made grieved at the by Jesus in this passage? Why do you lack of trust among think many people take issue or feel His children. Yet He uncomfortable with these claims? delights when we come to Him in simple, childlike confidence.

–Madame Guyon

48 7 Why is it important, and yet difficult to understand, that God the Father and Jesus are one?

8 With a basic understanding of this concept, how is it easier to trust in what Jesus is saying? What does “trusting in God” look like in your life?

9 What might the next step be to build on your trust in God? How can your Life Group pray for you and your next steps? Deeper Study

Read John 14:15-31

10 According to these verses, how does Jesus continue to guide His followers today?

49 11 Where does the Holy Spirit dwell? How does that make you feel? What changes in your heart and mind knowing that the Holy Spirit lives within you?

Read John 14:26

12 How does the Holy Spirit guide followers of Jesus? How have you experienced this phenomenon?

13 How does the Holy Spirit help you to obey what Jesus instructed? One of the core principles in Life Groups is to have an impact on the community around us. In the following section, we have given you some ideas of how you can have an impact in the community both as a group and individually. Please go through and discuss how you can impact the community around you with 50 the gospel. • We want to encourage any Life Group who is willing to connect with one of our Global Partners. These Global Partners are an extension of Shepherd Church. Our hope is that you would be aware of, and be an active participant in what God is doing around the world through Shepherd Church.

The best way you can bless our Global Partners is with your time and prayers. We encourage you to sign-up to receive their newsletters, follow them via social media, and email, or hand-write letters to encourage them on their journey. These regular communications from home mean the world to them. Through this, Global Partners are reminded that they are loved, known, and supported in what God is doing through them.

Additionally, Shepherd Church is one of their many financial supporters, which include other churches and individuals. We ask that you pray about your individual participation. Know that your encouragement, friendship, and prayers will truly mean the world to them, and any financial support would be icing on the cake!

Please visit lifegroups.org/GlobalPartners where you will find a list of all the Global Partners that Shepherd Church is supporting and affiliated with. Plus, you will find contact and website information to follow the activities and ministry of our Global Partners. Be a part of what God is doing through Shepherd Church all over the globe by encouraging our Global Partners! • Take some time on your own this week to pray about what sharing more about God with others could be like for you. We encourage you to write down some of the experiences you have had with God, and how they effected your life. You may start with a simple paragraph with a few sentences about each experience you have had; maybe these are experiences from Life Group, the Encounter, Christ Powered Recovery, or a particular worship service where you felt a strong connection to God. Don’t worry about writing too much detail at first. As you write, ask God to reveal some things that you may not have thought about before.

Remember, this is your story, but there is no need to embellish to make it 51 sound “better”. Some people do not view their story as worthy to share because it is not exciting enough and too PG-rated. But everyone’s story has some difficulty and victory that makes it unique and amazing. You do not need to be someone else’s story. You have your own story and that is what you can share. You lived it, and you know how difficult things were. Once you have a few experiences written down, think and pray about how these experiences have changed you and made you more like Jesus.

After you have written your experiences and put them into a story of sorts, practice sharing your story with a friend and other members in your Life Group. It will not take long to get comfortable with it because you lived the story you are sharing. Pray for an opportunity to share this with someone that you have formed a relationship with at work, or school, or even a member of your family who does not know Christ. Allow God to work in and through you as you prepare and share. Enjoy your time with God as you go through this process with Him.

Please take some time to end your group in prayer. You may use the Prayer and Praise Report on the following page as you pray and close your session for this week.

PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

Prayer Requests: 52 ______

______JESUS

______

Praise Reports:

______

I A M JESUS 53

SESSION SIX THE TRUE VINE

JOHN 15:1 During each session, we will begin with a few questions to help you connect with and get to know one another. Please take a few minutes and answer at least one of the following questions: 54 • Explain how you have a green or a brown thumb.

• What is your favorite juice and why?

This study is designed to be used with an accompanying video teaching. Please play DVD Session Six. Use the space below for notes, questions, or comments you want to bring up in the discussion.

______

______55

Today we are going to talk about being connected with God. Take a couple of minutes to discuss what everyone thought about the video lesson with Kyle Welch.

Read John 15:1-7

1 What are the four components of the metaphor that Jesus uses in these verses? Write a definition of what those four components mean. How do each of the components work with and affect one another? 2 How does this metaphor help us to better understand fruit bearing in the kingdom of God?

3 What are some things that hinder us from connecting to the vine? 56

Read Galatians 5:16-21

4 What are some activities of people not connected to the vine? Share how you have experienced this unconnected life. How does your unconnected life compare to your now connected life?

Read Matthew 7:16-20 and Galatians 5:22-23

5 According to these passages, what are some of the aspects of a life that is connected to God?

A man’s greatest misery is to be without God – that is, to have no inward connection to the One 6 How are these descriptions of a life who is life and existence connected to God, so much different than a itself. life that is disconnected from God?

–Augustine Read James 2:14-26

7 According to this passage, if a believer is truly connected to the vine, what sort of “fruit” manifests in their life?

57 8 Describe how any deed done in love is greater than simply doing a nice thing or an obligatory service.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:13 and 1 John 4:7-21

9 According to these passages, why would a person connected to God, have love evident in their life?

10 What are some steps you can take to be more connected to God? How would being more connected to other believers help you in this process? Deeper Study

Read Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37-40

11 What is the greatest commandment that God has given us?

Read John 15:9-17

12 Why do you think God would ask us to show love to each other? How does the evidence of God’s love in our lives make us more obedient to Him?

Read 1 John 4:16

13 What characteristic of God is the catalyst for His greatest commandment to us?

Read John 13:34-35

14 According to this passage, how are we to share Jesus? What is one way that you can show the love of God this week with someone that you know? One of the core principles in Life Groups is to have an impact on the community around us. In the following section, we have given you some ideas of how you can have an impact in the community both as a group and individually. Please go through and discuss how you can 59 impact the community around you with the gospel.

• Partner with us to make an IMPACT for Christ! 30cities.com

As part of the 30 Cities Initiative, Shepherd Church is partnering with Children’s Hunger fund to fight hunger in three major metropolitan cities this year: Los Angeles, Lima, and Manila.

Children’s Hunger Fund is providing Food Paks, designed to feed a family of four for about a week. Each Food Pak contains about 48 meals, at a cost of $0.25 per meal. The goal is to fill one storage container with 2,000 Food Paks for each city. For only $12 per box you can bless a family in need!

We want to encourage your group to be involved with making our world a better place to live. To directly IMPACT the city of Los Angeles:

Online Purchases – available now at 30cities.com Packing Food Boxes – April 7 and 8 Different projects are scheduled for the cities of Lima and Manila in the coming months. Look for future announcements in services and during the next Life Group series. We would love to have you be a partner with us in making a global IMPACT for Christ!

For complete details on how to partner with us in this or future projects, please visit 30cities.com

It is our desire to see the members of our Life Groups serve in 60 • their communities. Serving in your community is a way for you and your Life Group to be a light in your neighborhood. It is often noted, “Preach always, and if necessary, use words.” The point is that we are walking witnesses of our relationship with Jesus as we become His hands and feet to the world.

On our website, lifegroups.org/impact, there are the names, contact information, and descriptions of organizations you can partner with. These outreach suggestions have a large range of ideas for serving in different areas of the city. Feel free to be creative. If you come up with an idea not listed, please contact us so we can share ideas and help you bring your Community Impact Project to life.

On page 75 you will find theCommunity Impact Project Worksheet. This worksheet will help you organize your project and ensure it gets done. Have fun as you go out to be a blessing to others!

Please take some time to end your group in prayer. You may use the Prayer and Praise Report on the following page as you pray and close your session for this week. PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

Prayer Requests: ______61

______

Praise Reports:

______

______An infinite God ______can give all of himself to each ______of his children. He does not distribute ______himself that each may have part, but to each ______one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no ______others. ______–A.W. Tozer

I A M 62 JESUS

SESSION SEVEN THE RESURRECTION

JOHN 11:25

During each session, we will begin with a few questions I A M to help you connect with and get to know one another. Please take a few minutes and answer at least one of the following questions: JESUS 63 • What about heaven are you looking forward to the most?

• What amazes you most about the resurrection of Jesus?

SESSION SEVEN This study is designed to be used with an accompanying video teaching. Please play DVD Session Seven. Use the space below for notes, questions, or comments you want to THE RESURRECTION bring up in the discussion. ______

______

JOHN 11:25 ______

______

64 ______

______

Start this session by sharing one thing that caught your attention from the video teaching.

The resurrection completes the inauguration of Kyle Welch went through a long list of people God’s kingdom… 1 in the Bible. What was the commonality between it is the decisive all the people on that list, and really, all people event demonstrating everywhere, no matter who they are or where that God’s kingdom they came from? really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven.

–N.T. Wright Read John 11:11-37

2 What is the emotion of the people in this scenario? Why do you think we mourn when someone dies? Why is death such a sad and scary thing to most people?

Read John 11:33-35

3 Why do you think Jesus responded to the people by weeping? What is different about Jesus’ emotion versus the emotion of the people?

Read Mark 5:35-43, Luke 7:11-17, and John 11:38-44

4 What do these stories have in common? What do these miracles tell us about the power of Jesus?

Read John 11:23-26

5 What is Jesus saying to His listeners in this passage? Describe His statement in your own words. Share how the power of Jesus brings comfort and hope to you. 66 Read Romans 3:23-26, 6:1-10, and 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

6 According to these verses, what consequences came with sin? How are these consequences conquered?

7 What changes in a person’s life when they die with Christ? When a person dies with Christ, what part of him/her is actually dead? What hope does dying with Christ bring to your life?

Read Romans 6:11-14

8 What does the resurrected life with Christ look like? What does it mean to be an instrument of righteousness? How does this apply to your everyday life? 9 What is the connection between Jesus’ statement in John 11:25-26 and Paul’s statements in Romans 6? How does this impact your perspective on life and death?

10 How are you experiencing the death and the resurrection with Jesus? What step in your life can you take with confidence that you have been raised to live a new Christ-centered life?

Deeper Study

Read John 6:35, 8:12, 10:10, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, and 15:6

11 Besides being part of the “I AM” statements, what is a common word or theme found throughout these statements?

12 Why do you think that bringing life is such an important part of Jesus’ ministry? 13 What hope does life in Jesus bring to you? How would you describe this hope to someone who does not understand life with Jesus?

14 Describe the reasoning in your belief that Jesus Christ is the Great I AM. 68

One of the core principles in Life Groups is to have an impact on the community around us. In the following section, we have given you some ideas of how you can have an impact in the community both as a group and individually. Please go through and discuss how you can impact the community around you with the gospel.

• For Life Groups who are going on a break after the series, this is your last official meeting until the next series. An important aspect of your Life Group is celebrating together. We want to encourage you to plan a fun night of BBQ/potluck, movies and games with your group in celebration of all that God is doing. Don’t worry about an agenda or study for this time. Relax and simply enjoy each other and fellowship with one another. • Take time this week on your own to go back and study each of the seven “I AM” statements. Choose one or two to start your study. Decide to engage in and examine what each statement means in its historical and literary context. Each statement has power and meaning.

We encourage you to use Bible study tools such as commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and study Bibles. Or you may consider online resources such as carm.org or gotquestions.org to further your study and understanding. 69

The more you dig in to each statement, the more you can learn how to reflect on that statement, and apply its meaning to your life. Take this information and reflect on what each statement means to you. Discover how Jesus being that “I AM” statement can bring you comfort, and encourage you to take a new step in your spiritual journey.

Please take some time to end your group in prayer. You may use the Prayer and Praise Report on the following page as you pray and close your session for this week.

But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

–Romans 8:10-11 PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

This is a place where you can write each other’s prayer requests, and make a note when God answers prayer. Pray for each other’s requests out loud together as a group.

Prayer Requests: ______

70 ______

______

Praise Reports:

______

______71

LIFE GROUP TOOLBOX Life Group Toolbox LIFE GROUP ROSTER

Name Phone Email 1. 2. 72 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

Life Group Toolbox LIFE GROUP AGREEMENT

It's a good idea for every group to put words to their shared values, expectations and commitments. Such guidelines will help you avoid unspoken agendas and unmet expectations. We recommend you discuss your guidelines in order to lay the foundation for a healthy group experience. Feel free to modify anything that does not work for your group. If the idea of a written agreement is unfamiliar to your group, we encourage you to give it a try.

73 WE AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING VALUES:

Clear Purpose To encourage and challenge each other to live the LIFE God has called us to live (John 10:10, Matthew 28:18-20). Group Attendance To give priority to the group meeting (call if I am absent or late).

Safe Environment To help create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved (no quick answers, snap judgments or simple fixes). Be Confidential To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group. Spiritual Health To give group members permission to help me live a healthy, balanced spiritual life that is pleasing to God. Welcome To invite our friends who might benefit from this Newcomers study and warmly welcome newcomers. Building To get to know the other members of the group Relationships and pray for them regularly.

WE HAVE ALSO DISCUSSED AND AGREE ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

Childcare______

Starting Time______

Ending Time ______Life Group Toolbox LIFE GROUP CALENDAR

74 Life Group Toolbox

LIFE GROUP COMMUNITY IMPACT PROJECT WORKSHEET

Where? When? 75 Task Assignments Name Task

Please go to our website www.lifegroups.org/impact for Outreach Opportunities and conctact information to local organizations you and your group may partner with to serve. Life Group Toolbox FAQS

What do we do on the first night of our group? Like all fun things in life–have a party! A “get to know you” coffee, dinner, or dessert is a great way to launch a new series. You may want to review the Life Group Agreement (page 75) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins. 76 Where do we find new members for our group? This can be troubling, especially for new groups that have only a few people, or for existing groups that lose a few people along the way. We encourage you to pray with your group and then brainstorm a list of people from work, church, your neighborhood, your children’s school, family, the gym, and so forth. Then have each group member invite several of the people on his or her list.

Before every series, the Life Groups Team will conduct Life Group sign-ups, which allow people to sign-up for “Open” Life Groups. However, studies show it is exponentially more effective when Life Group members personally invite others to their group.

No matter how you find members, it’s vital that you stay on the lookout for new people to join your group. All groups tend to go through healthy attrition – the result of moves, releasing new leaders, ministry opportunities, etc. If you and your group stay open, you’ll be amazed at the people God sends your way. The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know!

How long will this group meet? It’s totally up to the group once you come to the end of this seven-week study. Most groups meet weekly for at least their first seven weeks, but every other week can work as well. We strongly recommend that the group continue to meet after the series for the first six months on a weekly basis if at all possible. This allows for continuity, and if people miss a meeting, they aren’t gone for a whole month.

At the end of this series, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Some groups launch Life Group Toolbox relationships for years to come, and others are stepping stones into another group experience. Either way, enjoy the journey.

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, level of spiritual maturity, or any number of things. Relax. Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this 7-week series, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date, and the same goes with a group. Don’t bail 77 out before the seven weeks are up – 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 them 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 leaders on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution and develop their gifts. This Study Guide 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.

How do we handle the child care needs in our group? We suggest that 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 baby sitter (or two) who can be with the kids in a different part of the house. In 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. A second option is to use one home for the kids and a second home (close by or a phone call away) for the adults. A third idea is to rotate the responsibility of providing a lesson or care for the children either in the same home or in another home nearby. This can be an incredible blessing for kids. Finally, the most common idea is to decide that you need to have a night to invest in your spiritual lives individually, or as a couple, and to make your own arrangements for child care. Life Group Toolbox ENCOUNTERS AND SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus has left each one of us with a task…to make disciples! We believe that Life Groups are essential in this task. Life Groups are a place where people can come together to study the Bible and grow to become more like Christ. Life Groups are a great place to make 78 disciples.

Since Life Groups are such a good opportunity and environment to make disciples we want to help equip our leaders to be the best disciple-makers they can be. Therefore, we strongly encourage all of our Life Group leaders and members to go to an Encounter and the subsequent School of Discipleship.

The Encounter is a weekend which will help you connect with God in a way you may have not experienced before, and will help you realize what the cross means to us today. The School of Discipleship immediately follows the Encounter and teaches how to become the disciple that Jesus invites all of us to be. The School of Discipleship has three tracks: Doctrine, Transformation, and Serving. Whether you are a current leader, a prospective leader, or you just want to take the next step in your faith, we believe the Encounter and School of Discipleship will change your life and help you become a more fruitful disciple-maker.

Upcoming Encounters Men’s Encounters Women’s Encounters February 16-18, 2018 March 9-11, 2018 June 1-3, 2018 July 13-15, 2018 September 14-16, 2018 October 5-7, 2018

Please check our website for future Encounter dates and more general information on Encounters: www.lifegroups.org Click “Learn About Encounters” Life Group Toolbox BECOMING A LEADER

What does it take to be a leader?

Have a heart for people. Open to having people in your home. Serve some coffee or soft drinks. Tell others about the group! 79 Basically, you need to have a desire to apply the Bible to your life and want to share that with others. The group does not have to meet at your home, and you do not have to have a Bible college degree to lead. You simply must have some basic people skills and a desire to grow in the Lord.

How can I become a leader?

First, you do have to be a member of Shepherd Church. To be a member, you must complete the “Membership Inquiry Class”. These classes are usually about two hours long, and are offered every six weeks. You may call the church office at 818.831.9333 to find out when the next one will be held. You may also visit shepherdchurch.com/member.

Second, you need to sign-up for the New Leader Training. It is a two-hour training and orientation on Life Groups. Here you will learn the philosophy of Life Groups and how to effectively begin leading a group. Completing this course does not obligate you, but does allow you to become a new leader. Life Group Toolbox BLESSING LIST

The Blessing List is an opportunity to intentionally pray for people who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The greatest blessing anyone can receive is to be in relationship with the living God! Throughout the series, pray for God’s Spirit to bless and reveal Jesus’ love to each person listed. 80

Name Name Life Group Leaders LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME

1 Sweaty palms are a healthy sign. The Bible says God is gra- cious to the humble. Remember who is in control; the time to worry is when you’re not worried. Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to speak through.

2 Seek support. Ask your leader, co-leader, or a close friend 81 to pray for you and prepare with you before the session. Walking through the study will help you anticipate potentially difficult questions and discussion topics.

3 Bring your uniqueness to the study. Lean into who you are and how God wants you to uniquely lead the study.

4 Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and take notes for yourself. Go to www.lifegroups.com and download the Leader’s Notes. Consider writing in a journal or fasting for a day to prepare yourself for what God wants to do.

5 Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.

6 Ask for feedback so you can grow. Perhaps in an e-mail or on cards handed out at the study, have everyone write down three things you did well and one thing you could improve on. Don’t get defensive, but show an openness to learn and grow.

7 Prayerfully consider launching a new group. This doesn’t need to happen overnight, but God’s heart is for this to happen over time.

8 Not all Christians are called to be leaders or teachers, but we are all called to be “shepherds” of a few. Life Group Leaders

9 Share with your group what God is doing in your heart. God is searching for those whose hearts are fully His. Share your trials and victories. We promise that people will relate.

10 Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the ba- ton to next week. God is ready for the next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled. Make it fun, and expect God to do the rest. 82 Life Group Leaders LIFE GROUP LEADING 101

Top Ten Ideas For New Leaders

Congratulations! You have responded to the call to help shepherd Jesus’ flock. There are a few other tasks in the family of God that surpass the contribution you will be making. As you prepare to lead, whether it is one session or the entire series, here are a few thoughts 83 to keep in mind. We encourage you to read these and review them with each new discussion leader before he or she leads.

1 Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and He knew you would be asked to lead your group. Remember it is common for all good leaders to feel they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah, and Timothy - they all were reluctant to lead. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for one evening, for several weeks, or for a lifetime, you will be blessed as you serve.

2 Don’t try to do it alone. Pray right now for God to help you build a healthy leadership team. If you can enlist a co-leader to help you lead the group, you will find your experience to be much richer. This is your chance to involve as many people as you can in building a healthy group. All you have to do is call and ask people to help. You’ll be surprised at the response.

3 Just be yourself. If you won’t be you, who will? God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you! Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

4 Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Life Group Leaders

Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion.

5 Pray for your group members by name. Before you begin your session, go around the room in your mind and pray for each member by name. You may want to review the prayer list at least once a week. Ask God to use your time together to uniquely touch the heart of every person. Expect God to lead you to whomever He wants you to encourage or challenge in a special way. If you listen, 84 God will surely lead!

6 When you ask a question, be patient. Someone will eventually respond. Sometimes people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question, and if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else. After someone responds, affirm the response with a simple “thanks” or “good job.” Then ask, “How about somebody else?” or “Would someone who hasn’t shared like to add anything?” Be sensitive to new people or reluctant members who aren’t ready to say, pray or do anything. If you give them a safe setting, they will blossom over time.

7 Provide transitions between questions. When guiding the discussion, always read aloud the transitional paragraphs and the questions. Ask the group if anyone would like to read the paragraph or Bible passage. Don’t call on anyone, but ask for a volunteer, and then be patient until someone begins. Be sure to thank the person who reads aloud.

8 Break-up into small groups each week, or they won’t stay. If your group has more than seven people, we strongly encourage you to have the group occasionally gather in discussion circles of three or four people during the Grow and Impact sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply more quickly what they’re learning and ultimately get more out of it. A small circle also encourages a quiet person to participate, and tends to minimize the affects of a more vocal or dominant member. It can also help people feel more loved in your group. When you gather again at the end of the section, you can have one person summarize the highlights from each circle. Life Group Leaders

Small circles are also helpful during prayer time. People who are unaccustomed to praying aloud will feel more comfortable trying it with just two or three others. Also, prayer requests won’t take as much time, so circles will have more time to actually pray. When you gather back with the whole group, you can have one person from each circle briefly update everyone on the prayer requests. People are more willing to pray in small circles if they know that the whole group will hear all the prayer requests.

9 Rotate facilitators weekly. At the end of each meeting, ask 85 the group who would be a good candidate to lead the following week. Let the group help select your weekly facilitator. You may be perfectly capable of leading each time, but you will help others grow in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead. You can use the Life Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting leaders at once if you prefer.

10 One final challenge (for new or first time leaders): Before your first opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below. Read each one as a devotional exercise to help equip yourself with a shepherd’s heart. Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more than ready for your first meeting.

Matthew 9:36 1 Peter 5:2-4 Psalm 23 Ezekiel 34:11-16 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12