A Simple First Step to Help Small Groups Be More Generous

Every group should exist for a purpose beyond meeting together. At Calvary, we talk about groups being "missional" because we want them to have a mission they are accomplishing together. I think this is a healthy endeavor for any group.

If your group is looking for an easy first step into having a missional mindset, I'd recommend KIVA. This is nothing more than a financial investment (no time, no effort), which is often the easiest way for people to begin their "generosity journey".

I'm a big fan of Kiva, and have invested with them on several occasions. Using Kiva, myself and a many other people have banded together to loan people the money they need to launch their own businesses (like buying a cow and selling its milk). The'll pay us back eventually and with my Kiva account, I'll use the money I get back to help make another loan to someone else.

Learn more about Kiva here.

It's certainly sobering to think that for less money than it costs for my family to eat a great dinner someone can participate in a project that can radically alter the course of another family's life. Generations of these people's family might be better off because I participated.

Your group could probably give more. If they were willing to pinch a little, they might even make the entire loan themselves. But for now, begin by taking baby steps toward a MORE GENEROUS life.

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Discussion Questions for Easter

Have several people ask the question, “What’s the most important thing you’ve ever done?” Ask other people, “What do you hope to accomplish in the next several years of your life?” Tell your class that today you’ll be talking about “life mission” or the one most important thing you do that drives everything else. Tell them that Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the defining moment in history, so it should be the defining moment in our lives. Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. How does the resurrection impact some of the crucial beliefs of Christianity? How would Christianity be different if there was no resurrection? How would you be different without the resurrection? Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. What are some specific ways that the resurrection gives us hope? If you had been a friend of Jesus when he was on earth, how would the resurrection have impacted your life? How do you think his followers then were effected by the resurrection? Read 1 Corinthian...

FIGHT CLUB! (iron sharpening iron)

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SOAPY Bible Study

In the past, I've written about and talked about the SOAP method of Bible study. This is a simple Bible study method which can be utilized by an individual or a small group. All you need is a passage of Scripture and 15-30 minutes (a journal is helpful). Many churches use this method of Bible study for their groups. Some have modified the SOAP method by adding a Y. Read more about it below: This Bible study is an intentional focused effort of growing in the understanding of the scriptures. This form of study will assist in the transformation of our inner lives as we mature in understanding and in faith. Set aside 15 minutes every day for the study. You might want to take more time after you have gotten started. Don’t overload yourself in the beginning. Keep a “soapy” journal because there will be the need to write everyday. As you develop your routine, share what you are learning with your Discipleship Group, Sunday school class, Circle, other groups in which y...

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