
ICEBREAKER
Begin your small group time by catching up, introducing new people or getting to know one another better. Go around the room and briefly share your answers to some of these questions…
Family (Where did you grow up? Who’s in your family?)
Occupation (What do you do for work?)
Recreation (What do you enjoy doing for fun?)
Ministry (Where do you contribute back in Jesus’ name?)
NOTES
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11 NIV
KEY QUESTION
When did Jesus become Lord of your life?
ACTION STEP
Make a commitment to Jesus Christ. Choose to follow Romans 10:9…
If you declare with your mouth, “JESUS IS LORD,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV
Notice how one of the men next to Jesus on the cross followed the ABC’s of the gospel… (Luke 23:39-43)
Admit I need a savior
[The criminal said], “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.”
Believe Jesus is who he says he is
“But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Choose To trust and follow Him
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
PRAYER & SUPPORT
Take a moment to look over the Small Group Guidelines, and then ask how you can pray for or support one another this week and then close in prayer.
GROUP GUIDELINES
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.
WE AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING VALUES
Clear Purpose To grow healthy, spiritual lives by building a healthy small group community.
Group Attendance To give priority to the group meeting (call if I am absent or late)
Safe Environment To 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.
Conflict Resolution To avoid gossip and to immediately resolve any concerns by following the principles of Matt. 18:15-17 which begins with going directly to the person with whom you have an issue.
Spiritual Health To give group members permission to speak into my life and help me live a healthy, balanced spiritual life that is pleasing to God.
Limit our Freedom To limit our freedom by not serving or consuming alcohol during Rock Brook Small Group meetings or events to avoid causing a weaker believer to stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Romans 14:19-21
Welcome Newcomers To invite our friends who might benefit from this study and warmly welcome newcomers.
Building Relationships To get to know the other members of the group and pray for them regularly.
Shared Responsibility To develop leadership by sharing responsibilities of the group’s study, next steps, projects and ministry needs.
Other
WE HAVE ALSO DISCUSSED AND AGREE ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
Child Care
Starting & Ending Time