"Unstuck Faith"

January 15, 2012

Opening 

Feel free to spend the bulk of your first gathering meeting one another.  To begin, play a “get to know you” game.   Nothing too hard to start.  Maybe talk about some New Years resolutions.  

After introductions go over the “Connection Group Commitment.”  Address any questions and go over childcare needs if applicable.  This is a very vital part of the group experience.  Give folks a week to think about their commitment.  

Other things to consider:

• Co-Leaders.  Maybe there is a person/couple in the group who want to become group leaders themselves.  Help them practice and get the skills they need to develop.
• Maybe your group is already pretty big (over 12 adults).  If so, perhaps you need to consider dividing into two smaller groups.  That could open the doors for even more people to join a group, and more leaders to grow!
• Perhaps your group is a little slim (less than 10).  Prayerfully think about who you could invite to join your gathering.
• It’s also a good pan to send around a snack sign-up.  Maybe turn it into a friendly competition:  best banana bread recipe?

Discussion

Take a look again at the Spiritual Continuum.  Encourage one or two in the group, who are comfortable, to share where they are at, or where they have been “stuck.”

Some interesting results from the REVEAL survey:

• Of church attenders, 10% are Exploring Christ, 38% are Growing in Christ, 27% are Close to Christ, and 25% are Christ-Centered.
• 92% of all respondents having been stuck at some point in their faith
• 26% report currently being stuck or dissatisfied
• Being stuck can happen at any stage, but over 50% are in the “Growing in Christ” group
• The longer one remains stuck, the more like one will become “Dissatisfied” with their faith and church
• The #1 reason given for being stuck... “Too Busy.”

One thing emerged in the REVEAL study that really came as no surprise: personal engagement with the bible is the one practice that was influential in every stage of growth and served as a catalyst to getting people “unstuck” and moving forward in their faith.

Read 2 Timothy 3:10-17

• In your own words now, explain what is the purpose of bible study, and what impact does it have on your life?
• Discuss and apply v. 17 “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”  In your own words, what is salvation, and what does it mean to put your faith in Jesus?
• Discuss the four applications of scripture: teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness.
• Have you every had an experience where, because of your knowledge of the bible, you were “equipped” to do a good work, in your own life, or in someone else’s life?

Knowing that personal bible reading and reflection the most consistent factor in a growing and satisfying faith, we want to encourage and equip you to make this a part of your life!  Share what you need, or how you will engage in the bible...

Close with a time of prayer.  

Praying together is as important as studying the bible together in our groups.  Both are ways that we affirm our faith is not just personal, but profoundly communal. Your leader will prayer, but you will be invited to participate if you are comfortable.