MY STORY
Who is/was the closest friend you have ever had? Describe that relationship.

How many days could you last in solitary confinement? How would you do it?

QUICK REVIEW
One of the points from Sunday’s message was “If you want to grow spiritually, you must be INTENTIONAL about building relationships.” What does it look like to intentionally build a relationship?

DIGGING DEEPER
READ Colossians 4:7-18
Paul mentions 8 different men who are with or around him while he is in prison. What does this passage tell you about Paul? What does it tell you about the importance of significant relationships?

READ Acts 18:24-28
What methods did Apollos use to encourage and teach other Christians? What means has God given US for communicating encouragement to one another?

READ Acts 16:35-40
How, even in the middle of difficult times and struggles, can you be an encouragement to those around you?

TAKING IT HOME
“We believe personal growth requires developing relationships that stretch us. When I choose to invest in others and allow them to invest in me, it produces authenticity and support. Then I not only encourage them, I am encouraged myself to seek out and take next steps.”

Be actively involved in a BPF Small Group
a. Contact Ronnie Whitehead for more information: smallgroups@brazospointe.com

Use your existing Small Group relationships to foster deeper, more accountable relationships
a. Create moments during your meetings, from time to time, where women share with women and men share with men.
b. Have gender specific activities outside of the regular Small Group meetings to strengthen relationships and build trust within those sub groups. (i.e. trips, breakfast, outings, etc.)

Invest in the personal spiritual growth of others
a. Volunteer to lead or host a BPF Adult Small Group
b. Develop a mentoring relationship with someone you can spur on in his or her spiritual growth. (ex: in an existing relationship, as a True to Life Ministries mentor, etc.)

Allow others to invest in your spiritual growth
a. Have a standing meeting time with 1-2 others who will ask you the hard questions about your thoughts, actions, and relationships and allow you to do the same.
b. Ask those who know you well for feedback about an area of spiritual growth in which you could improve.