Creative Community

Have each person in the group share their top three priorities for the coming week? Do they have a plan for accomplishing these priorities? Should all Christians have the same top priorities in life? Why or why not? What are some things that should be priorities in the life of a Christian? Read Luke 23:1-5. What was the top priority of the people who brought Jesus to Pilate? Why do you think this was so important to them? How do you deal with people who have a great hatred for God and/or Christians? Do you talk to them about your faith? Why or why not? Read Luke 23:6-12. What was Herod's top priority in his interaction with Jesus (hint: look at verse 8)? What do you think Herod was hoping to see? Why do you think God doesn't do miracles all the time? Read Luke 11:29-32. What does this teach about signs and miracles? Read Luke 23:39. What was the top priority of this criminal? When have you found yourself wishing God would do something for you (either provide somethin...

This list was created by a fellow named Bob Mayfield . He was attempting to point out some true ideas about Sunday School classes AND small groups. At Calvary, we call all our groups LIFEgroups regardless of when they meet. One of the reasons is because we want even our Sunday morning groups to function like small groups. Read these ideas and see what kind of thinking they spark in you! 1. A belief that lives are more easily transformed within a framework of "small groups". Whether it is in a classroom or a living room, the opportunity to meet with a small group of people that studies the Bible together, prays with each other, and ministers to each person in the group is a powerful foundation for spiritual transformation. 2. "Open groups" are essential to evangelism and sharing the Gospel. Groups that are easily accessible by new people are very effective in helping unchurched or unevangelized people engage the Gospel message both through Bible study an...

If you could only eat one kind of fruit for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Why? What do you think it means to live a "fruitful life"? As a group, read John 15:1-2. What do you think Jesus means when he talks about "fruit"? Have different people read the following passages about fruit and then use the questions below to discuss them: Matthew 3:7-10 Mark 4:13-20 Galatians 5:16-23 Hebrews 12:7-11 Questions: What is the primary instruction in this passage? Is there a warning in this passage? What synonyms could you use to replace the word "fruit" in this passage? Have everyone in the group give an example of what "good fruit" would be in their lives? Discuss what "bad fruit" might look like. What steps should people take in order to see good fruit developed in their lives? What kind of activities might be harmful to developing good fruit? What is one fruit you'd like to develop in your own life? What one o...

Here is a great article that raises some interesting and important questions about the purpose of small groups. Does a small group exist to hold a Bible study? Does a small group exist to connect people to the bigger church? Does a small group exist to enact the mission of Jesus? Here is Alan Danielson's opinion Many people think the primary purpose of small groups is to help people get connected so they won't leave the church. After all, it's by being connected to the church that people become disciples, right? Wrong! I could not disagree with that philosophy more. Small groups are much more than just a tool to keep people from leaving church. Being connected to a church can provide strong Christian relationships (which are necessary), but that's not enough. Still others think that small groups exist to be Bible Studies. Many denominations put a premium on Bible study and Bible teaching, and these have historically produced believers who are very biblically literate...

How do you know when someone really loves you? How do you most often show your love to others? Read John 13:34-35. What do you think it means to love others as Jesus loved you? How is Jesus' love for you different than someone else's love for you? How is it different than your own love for yourself? Before giving this command, Jesus had already demonstrated his love for his disciples by washing their feet. What do you think Jesus was thinking about as He washed Judas' feet? What would you have been thinking about as you washed Judas' feet? What kind of attitude is required for someone to serve other people? Since we wear shoes and socks, we don't really wash each other's feet anymore. What are some other simple ways you could serve other people? Is there something you could do to serve someone else in this group? In John 15:13, Jesus says the greatest love is laying down your life for your friends. Less than a day after speaking these w...

Love should be the defining characteristic of every small group (John 13:34-35). As you think about what it means to love one another, and how your group can work on loving one another; here are two lists that flesh out a bit how Jesus expects us to love. The New Testament "One Another" Commands. A List of Specific Actions that Grow Brotherly Love: John 13:34 -- Love one another. Romans 12:10 -- Be devoted to one another. Romans 12:10 -- Honor one another. Romans 12:16 -- Live in harmony with one another. Romans 14:13 -- Stop judging one another. Romans 15:7 -- Accept one another. Romans 15:14 -- Instruct one another. Romans 16:16 -- Greet one another. 1 Corinthians 1:10 -- Agree with one another. Galatians 5:13 -- Serve one another. Ephesians 4:2 -- Bear with one another. Ephesians 4:32 -- Forgive one another. Ephesians 5:21 -- Submit to one another. Colossians 3:16 -- Admonish one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 -- Encourage one another. J...

Briefly summarize the story of Lazarus for your group Have one person read verses 4-6. Why did Jesus not go immediately to heal Lazarus? Make sure the group understands that it was not because he didn’t love Lazarus. Verse five is clear about that. The true answer is because he sought to bring glory to God. Have the group to try to explain how Jesus’ delay would bring glory to God. Jesus had already healed many people, by raising a man who had been dead for days, he would be able to demonstrate his power in a new way. This would be instrumental in bringing many people to belief. Have a student read verse 35. Why do you think Jesus wept? Did he cry for himself? for Lazarus? for Mary and Martha? Have a student read verse 40. How did Martha get to see the glory of God? What event that would soon follow do you think Lazarus’ resurrection was a foreshadowing of? How does Lazarus’ resurrection give us hope? How should Lazarus’ resurrection change our view of suffering? ...

Here is a list from Mac Lake about encouragement. These are seven benefits you can see if you take the time to specifically encourage the people in your small group. It helps them see the work God is doing in or through their life. It motivates them to continual improvement. It enhances their confidence and courage. It expands their vision. When they know the progress they’ve made has been recognized and appreciated it causes them to dream bigger. It validates their giftedness. Most people struggle with clarity in the area of their giftedness. A specific word of encouragement can help bring needed confirmation. It creates relational bonds between the leader and follower. It teaches them to encourage others.