Syllabus and Assignments

PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP FOR CHURCH GROWTH: This course is a follow-up to courses, Personal Evangelism, Proclamation, and Open Air Preaching. It centers on the history, purpose, aims, methods, leaders, content benefits, types, and evaluation of small discipleship groups. Various examples of personal discipleship materials are examined, including New Life for All, Stowe Alliance Home Bible Studies, Evangelism Explosion, Navigators, Neighborhood Bible Studies, and the International Center of Evangelism. The course is a preparation for the evangelism of non-converts, the establishment of new converts, the equipping of saints, and the expansion of leadership within the church.

1. Introduction	Syllabus and Assignments	1) Pair up with another to form a team.
2. History	Small Groups in the Bible	Prepare an evangelistic Bible study
3.	Jesus’ Small Group 1	Submit a written outline to the professeur
4.	Jesus’ Small Group 2	Invite a few non-Christians to the study.
5.	Jesus’ Small Group 3	Lead the study with a partner observing.
6.	Jesus’ Small Group 4	Report on the results of the Bible study.
7.	Small Groups in Europe
8.	Small Groups in the World Today	2) Pair up with another to form a team.
9. Components	The ultimate purpose	Prepare an establishment Bible study.
10.	Participants	Submit a written outline to the professeur
11.	Small Group Aims	Invite a few converts to the Bible study.
12.	Small Group Activities	Lead the study with a partner observing.
13.	Principles of Methodology	Report on the results of the Bible study.
14.	Small Group Procedures
15.	Leadership Tensions in Small Groups	3) Pair up with another to form a team.
16.	Leadership Control of Small Groups	Prepare an equipping Bible study.
17.	Leadership Style: Task vs. Person	Submit a written outline to the professor.
18. Bible Study	Benefits of Small Groups	Invite mature Christians to the study.
19.	Types of Small Groups	Lead the study with a partner observing.
20.	Approach to the Bible Study	Report on the results of the Bible study.
21.	Content of the Bible Study
22.	Structure of the Bible Study
23. Evaluation	Planning the Small Group
24.	Evaluating the Results
25. Examples	Inductive / Evangelizing	A New Birth Nystrom
26.	Inductive / Equipping	Comforted to comfort - Plueddemann
27.	Topical / Evangelizing	Salvation Outlines - Stow Alliance
28.	Topical / Evangelizing	The New Birth - Stowe Alliance
29.	Topical / Establishing	Jesus Christ - Stowe Alliance
30.	Topical / Establishing	52 Bible Subjects - Braun & Garside
31.	Topical / Establishing	The Word - Dale C. Garside
32.	Topical / Establishing	Prayer - Dale C. Garside
33.	Topical / Establishing	Worship - Dale C. Garside
34.	Topical / Establishing	Fellowship - Dale C. Garside
35.	Topical / Establishing	Witnessing - Dale C. Garside
36.	Topical / Equipping	Clerical Layman - Dale C. Garside
37.	Expository / Equipping	Offering - Dale C. Garside
38.	Book Study / Equipping	Biblical Strategist - Dale C. Garside
39. Project	Report of your Small Group Study	Due the day of this class

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Dale C. Garside compiled and arranged the notes to teach Church leaders to form more cell groups. Some of the Bible studies used here were based on his personal studies in the Word.

Jim and Carol Plueddemann provided the basic content of the course; the notes were largely taken from their book, Pilgrims in Progress: Growing through Groups.

Dr. Robert Coleman was a source of inspiration, notably his lectures on The Master Plan of Evangelism and The Master Plan of Discipleship; the study I developed on the Clergy‑Laity was inspired by this book.

The Home Bible Studies Seminar developed by Stowe Alliance Church was another source of inspiration; the Topical/Evangelizing Bible studies can be found in the church’s seminar notes.

Small Groups in the Bible

I. Old Testament small groups

A. God held his people accountable.

1. God was taking the people out of Egypt, but He also wanted to take Egypt out of the people.

2. A week of comfortable travel took 40 years.

B. Moses could not do the work of leading the people by himself. Exodus 18

1. Jethro suggested Moses divide the people into groups of tens, fifties, hundreds, thousands.

2. The divisions helped Moses and the other leaders to take better care of the people.

C. The home was the center of religious instruction.

1. The people of Israel are called the family of God.

2. The Passover Feast was held in the household.

D. A combination of small and large group teaching seems to meet the needs of the Israelites.

· The people also gathered in large assemblies to hear the Word of God. Nehemiah 8

II. New Testament small groups

A. Jesus' small group

1. Jesus spent a night in prayer before choosing the 12. Luke 6:12-16

2. Within the group of 12, Jesus ministered more intimately to three.

3. The leader allowed the others to minister to him.

4. Jesus made optimal use of the small group as an effective educational setting to help his disciples grow.

B. The Early Church's small groups

1. The disciples put into practice what they had learned in the small group with Jesus.

2. After Peter's Pentecost sermon, the church grew explosively from 120 people (Acts 1:15) to 3000 (Acts 2:41).

3. Acts 2:42-46 describes a two-prong pattern of believers gathering in large group meetings and small home groups.

4. The small home groups complemented the large group meetings held in the temple courts.

5. The two formats were not competing.

6. Home gatherings are continually in the New Testament.

7. A wind filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:2

8. They broke bread in their homes. Acts 2:46

9. They never stopped teaching from house to house. Acts 5:42

10. Peter brings the message to the Gentiles for the first time in the home of Cornelius. Acts 10:22-24

11. The house where many people had gathered and were praying. Acts 12:12

12. I (Paul) have taught you from house to house. Acts 20:20

13. Paul stayed in his house and welcomed all who came to him. Acts 28:30

14. The Church meets at the house of Priscilla and Aquila. Rom. 16:5, 1 Cor. 16:19

15. The Church meets at the house of Nympha. Col. 4:15

16. The Church meets at the house of Apphia. Philemon

Jesus’ Small Group 1^[1]

I. INCARNATION: Jesus became a servant. Such a person will never lack opportunity to make disciples. (Jn. 1:1, 14)

A. Jesus reverses the order of worldly values: Born in a stable.

B. The Pharisees were afraid of the multitudes, but the multitudes did not know why He had come.

C. First they welcomed Him, then they shouted to kill Him.

D. This is a commentary on human nature: Protect our own interests.

E. Even the spiritual leaders were blind.

F. But Jesus was not with all the people all of the time. And He would not remain here physically forever.

G. This is why He made disciples.

H. God can take self-seekers, change their character, and make them disciples; we can become selfless servants.

I. Usually, we begin on the social, physical, and emotional levels, but we must not stop there.

II. SELECTION: Jesus looked for disciples. A few such people are within the midst of us all. Concentrate on a few. (Lu. 6:13)

A. It is easy to be driven by a sense of need, rather than a sense of direction.

B. Jesus looks first for disciples, but He did not neglect the many for the few.

C. We too must concentrate on learners without neglecting the masses.

D. We want a Messiah who will satisfy material desires, just as they.

E. Jesus did not focus on the outward qualifications; he focused on their teachability and availability.

F. Two followers of John the Baptist followed Him.

G. Jesus began His evangelism by saying: "Come, follow me."

H. Nathaniel is skeptical; Philip does not force it; Philip just led Nathaniel to Jesus.

I. In the end, about 500 believed in Him.

J. Within the 500, were the 70; and within the 70, the 12; within the 12, the 3.

K. The smaller the group, the greater the learning opportunity.

L. Jesus did not begin with the intelligentsia, not until Paul.

M. Jerusalem had 20,000 temple leaders, a large church staff, but no temple leader is know to have converted until Acts 6.

N. Some Church leaders do not seem to understand Christ's mission.

O. Get specific and practical: Look for learners, pray for workers. Look for FAT candidates (faithful, able, teachable).

P. Lay a foundation on the time and talents of a few.

Jesus’ Small Group 2

III. ASSOCIATION: Jesus stayed with His pupils. Disciples are made, not born. Build people by being with them. (Mt. 28:20)

A. Jesus was seldom in ministry alone.

B. We are developing the leadership potential in our midst.

C. We dare not neglect this principle of education: Association

D. Don't lose any time; get together, around the table, on visits ...

E. Dr. Coleman meets with a small group of men each week.

F. Mrs. Coleman meets with a small group of women each week.

G. There are those who want and need to learn from you: small groups

H. Small groups should not take the place of large groups.

I. Follow-up efforts lack personal attention needed by new converts.

J. In America, over 50% of Church goers eventually become inactive.

K. Most churches lack a valid follow-up program.

IV. CONSECRATION: Jesus expected obedience; to obey is to learn. (Mt. 11:29)

A. Jesus expected obedience and loyalty: "Follow me."

B. The disciples saw in Him His spirit of obedience to the Father.

C. It is the only way to keep on learning.

D. Increased knowledge comes from obedience.

E. One cannot be a leader without first being a follower.

F. The development of character and purpose comes from obedience.

G. We must also stress obedience at any cost.

H. We must adjust our schedules to Him and His plan, not the reverse.

I. We must cease to be complacent about the commands of Christ.

V. IMPARTATION: Jesus gave them His Spirit. Our part is to let the Spirit have His way. (Jn. 20:22)

A. Jesus' life was a life of giving.

B. He literally gave His life away for the world's redemption.

C. His self-giving convinced the multitudes of the message's reality.

D. He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and equip His disciples.

E. We must then have His life through the Spirit.

F. Only then will we be properly motivated Only then will we possess the power to make Him known.

G. Only then will we demonstrate the self-sacrificing spirit needed.

Jesus’ Small Group 3

VI. DEMONSTRATION: Jesus showed how to minister; learners need to model the lesson. (Jn. 13:15)

A. Jesus showed how to minister.

B. The disciples observed in Him the life they were to live and teach

C. "Teach us how to pray." -- Pray as I pray

D. The disciples were impressed with His command of the Old Testament

E. They watched as He won others to Himself.

F. Classes were always in session, and situation after situation became a lesson.

G. It is hard to teach anyone who does not see the need to learn; we must help them, much like with children.

H. We must be with those whom we want to lead.

I. We must pray with them, help them study Scriptures, and take them evangelizing.

J. Jesus' social concern surfaced in his constant evangelism

K. Jesus gives us an evangelistic model in his treatment of Zaccheus

L. Jesus was alert to interest.

M. Jesus wants us: "Come down, I want to go home with you."

N. Jesus loves us: "The Son of man has come to save that which was lost."

O. Jesus taught:. His disciples saw it.

P. Pastors, take your disciples with you on visits; show others your faults and weaknesses.

Q. Many learn more from failure than success.

VII.DELEGATION: Jesus gave them something to do. It's practical training all the way. (Mt. 4:19)

A. The first year, the disciples did little more than observe.

B. Jesus gave them progressively more to do.

C. He never lost sight that He was training them for the ministry.

D. He instructed them thoroughly before they went out.

E. Jesus taught them to concentrate on the more promising individuals likely to carry on the work.

F. He sent them two by two on their mission. We must involve learners in ministry.

G. Give them specific work assignments leading to direct involvement.

H. Train while you are ministering; exercise new gifts.

Jesus’ Small Group 4

VIII.SUPERVISION: Jesus made disciples accountable. (Mk. 8:17)

A. Jesus made disciples accountable; we must keep check on our disciples.

B. Jesus did not consider them as finished products.

C. Jesus gathered them together to hear ministry reports.

D. Jesus used the obstacles and difficulties to teach them.

E. Jesus rejoiced in the effective ministry of His disciples.

F. Showing them what to do was not enough.

G. Rejoice because your name is written in the book of life; that is what matters.

H. Do not rejoice based on your earthly circumstances, your situation

I. Beware the sin of self-pity when things are difficult; it does not matter if others do not appreciate your labor.

J. Prayer was uppermost in Jesus' mind

1. That the disciples be kept from the evil one.

2. That the disciples be sanctified.

3. That the disciples might give their life to their vision.

IX. REPRODUCTION: Jesus expects fruitfulness; Transmit the vision of reproduction. (Jn. 15:16)

A. Jesus wanted His life reproduced in them and through them, into the lives of others.

B. The smallness of the group made little difference.

C. Reproduction of the disciples was the Lord's desire.

D. But multiplication was the ultimate end.

E. Not the number of converts, but "Are those won winning others?"

F. Is our fruit bearing fruit?

G. Are we making converts or building leaders?

H. We must make disciples; Jesus is coming back again.

I. This is the time to work; rest in the next world.

J. Every believer is to be in full-time Christian service.

K. Too long we have defined it this way for the clergyman.

L. In institutionalizing it, we have limited it.

M. There are certainly special calls and special gifts.

N. But all must bear responsibility.

O. Every new believer needs parental care (two people?)

P. Once or twice a week

Q. Meet together regularly for at least six months.

R. Rethink training in the church.

S. Stimulate involvement.

Small groups in Europe

I. The Roman Empire

A. Christianity had been an illegal religion, largely home based. 1st-3rd centuries

B. Christianity became legal when Constantine instituted Christianity. 4th Century

C. The Church focus changed from house gatherings to buildings.. Middle Ages

1. The building-centered structure has dominated institutional church life ever since.

2. The priesthood of believers was neglected; believers stopped meetings in homes.

D. Monasticism was a small group effort, but no room for the family. Middle Ages

E. Christian instruction in homes continued, but it had no link with church life.

II. The Reformation

A. A reinstitution of the small group has accompanied almost every revival.

B. Luther's Bible translation made it available for personal and small group study.

1. Luther himself expressed a vision of the devout meeting in home "to pray, to read, to baptize, to receive the sacrament, and to do other Christian works."

2. The small group movement failed because, as Luther said, "I have not yet the people or persons for it, nor do I see many who want it."^[2]

C. The house church was associated with a radical wing of the Anabaptists.

1. They had no church buildings, persecuted by Lutherans, Calvinists, Catholics

2. When persecution let up, they preferred to meet in homes.

III. The Post Reformation

A. The Church of the Brethren continued the tradition of meeting in homes.

B. The Pietists, Spener & Francke, held house meetings for prayer & Bible study.

1. Spener wrote about "the little church within the church."

2. He saw it as a means of renewal for a rigid and dogmatic church establishment.

3. Each week Spener brought parishioners together to talk about the sermon.

4. Women were included and encouraged to give insights.

C. The Moravian founder, Count Zinzendorf, was tutored by Francke in his home.

1. Count Zinzendorf profoundly influenced John Wesley & William Carey.

2. With five others, he formed the Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed.

3. This group of students prayed for world evangelism.

4. As the movement spread, the converts were gathered into house groups.

D. Wesley's revival: he organized converts into groups of ten, each with leaders.

1. Neighborhood classes held in homes were key to Wesley's methodology.

2. The majority of leaders in Wesley's meetings were women.

E. The "haystack prayer meeting" began with a student - Samuel J. Mills, Jr. 1806

1. They met regularly to pray for the spiritual welfare of their fellow students.

2. It focused on missions and led to the first student missionary society in America.

F. The holiness movement kept the Wesleyan home meetings.

1. Phoebe Palmer had "Tuesday meetings for the promotion of holiness" 1839 to 1875.

2. Modern denominations had their origin in house meetings: Methodists, Holiness movement, Baptists, Disciples....

Small Groups in the World Today

I. Modern

A. Great Britain had a "home church movement" at the end of World War II.

B. In South America, "base communities" began in the Roman Catholic Church.

1. These are lay oriented.

2. They address the needs of the poor.

3. There are over 80,000 such groups in Brazil alone.

C. A good manifestation of the home church has been in China.

1. The Church is stronger now than it was before the communist take-over in 1949.

2. There are thousands of home churches with millions of Chinese in attendance.

3. They survived and grew during the Cultural Revolution.

4. The parallel with the 1st-century Church and Roman persecution is significant.

5. Today, China's government seeks to regain control of the Church by creating "Three-self Movement Churches."

D. The Full Gospel Central Church of Seoul, Korea has become the largest church in the world.

1. There are over 500,000 members.

2. The growth has come largely through home cell groups.

3. There were over 50,000 cell groups in 1987.

4. About two thirds of the leaders are women.

E. Lyman Coleman outlines the movement in the American Church.

1. The Age of the Covenant groups 1950's

a) The birth of the movement

b) Bible Study

2. The Age of the Mission / Action groups 1960's

a) The idealism of the movement

b) Social concern

3. The Age of the Growth groups 1970's

a) The popularity of the movement

b) Self-fulfillment and support

4. The Age of Integration groups 1980's

a) The church growth of the movement

b) Balance between Bible study, missions, and support

II. Future

A. In Megatrends, John Naisbitt suggests that one of the major forces emerging in contemporary society is the widespread preference for decentralization.

B. Small groups will endure since they have strong roots in our church history.

C. We need a biblically based philosophy to encourage their healthy development

III. Questions

A. In what ways do you think home groups contributed to the vitality of the early church? What other factors might have contributed to its strength?

B. What factors in our society today contribute to individualism? To community?

C. Do you see small groups in ministry as a passing fad or an ongoing need?

The Ultimate Purpose

I. Two different group personality styles.

A. The people-oriented personality Mt. 22:37-38

1. Little structure

2. Laissez-faire leadership style

3. Interpersonal transparency

4. Openness in sharing

5. Building up the group

B. The task-oriented personality Mt. 28:19-20

1. Formal structure

2. Directive leadership

3. Advice from experts

4. Pre-determined purpose

5. A specific agenda with no surprises

II. Questions to ask

A. Ultimate purpose What is the ultimate purpose of life?

B. Nature of persons What is the nature of the people in the small group?

C. Group aims Are the group's aims submitted to the ultimate purpose in life and the nature of the person's involved?

D. Group methods Which methods will likely accomplish the aims of the group?

E. Practical implications What are the practical implications of our understanding about group methods and aims?

III. Secondary goals

A. Quality

1. Self-actualization

2. An atmosphere of caring and openness

B. Quantity

1. Growth of the group

2. Recruiting more disciples

3. Wanting more numerical growth

IV. The ultimate purpose

A. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength. Dt. 6:5

B. Whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31

C. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. Phil. 3:8

D. Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. 1 Chr. 16:29

E. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Ps.150:6

V. Questions

A. Think about your group experiences. Did the groups have a purpose? What?

B. What groups do you know that were not guided by the ultimate purpose -- growing in Christ and glorifying God. What did they see as their purpose?

C. If you are in a small group now, how is it contributing to your ultimate purpose for living? If it isn't, how could you help to clarify its purpose?

Small Group Participants

I. Their nature

A. Basically good: Created in the image of God

1. New Age teaching assumes that people are gods.

2. Recent trends in psychology emphasize man's goodness.

3. People need to let their inner self grow.

4. The result will be goodness, love, and harmony.

B. Intrinsically evil: Fallen from grace

1. There is no assumption that people have internal moral standards and potential for growth.

2. People are animals with no dignity.

3. People should not be given liberty.

II. Their reactions

A. Created in the image of God

1. The assumption is that goodness will manifest itself if given the right conditions.

2. Leaders hesitate to give guidance and direction.

3. The power of sin is ignored.

4. Content is downplayed for the sake of interaction and personal relevance.

5. The groups flounder without the content of the Word.

B. Fallen from grace

1. The assumption is that the average believer cannot understand or apply Scripture

2. Leaders feel a need to control the group tightly with rewards and punishments.

3. Inner development of the person is replaced by the training of outward behavior.

4. Small groups in church need to be supervised with a controlled curriculum.

5. A lecture by an "expert" is considered more appropriate than group insights.

6. The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers has little significance.

7. Some authority figure needs to decide on rules of behavior for Church people.

8. Small groups are used to hold people accountable for obeying the rules.

III. Their needs

A. The truth

1. We are fallen and selfish.

2. We have the potential to be like Christ. Eph. 4:13

3. Redemption God makes bad people good.

4. God promotes human development as He designed it.

B. The Bible

1. The Bible is the only authoritative teaching on people.

2. God's truth in His Word never contradicts His truth in His world.

IV. Questions

A. What implications do the Creation and Fall have for understanding our nature?

B. What might these implications mean for small group practice?

C. As you observe groups of different ages, what are their differing abilities in perspective taking?

D. If growth takes place through social interaction and through exploring tensions, how can small groups be effective promoters of growth?

Small Group Aims

I. Foundations

A. Making disciples is not the goal.

1. Disciples need to develop the task, which is making disciples!

2. Sometimes disciples get so involved in "the task" that they forget the ultimate goal.

3. We need to use the task to develop disciples, not disciples to accomplish the task.

4. Sometimes "management experts" make efficiency the ultimate purpose.

5. Such important tasks as evangelism, church growth, discipleship, or social action can be detrimental if divorced from the ultimate purpose.

6. Our task must contribute to the primary goal of helping disciples to love their King more fully.

7. Disciples need loving, caring relationships in order to survive the perils of the spiritual road.

B. Relationships are not the goal.

1. Loving other pilgrims is an important way to show love for the King.

2. Disciple fellowship must be active and goal oriented.

3. Disciples need to care deeply about those who don't follow the King.

C. Study of the Word is not the goal. .

1. Disciples need to study the Word of God.

2. Pilgrims study the map in order to reach the destination; in like fashion, disciples study the Word of God in order to reach heaven.

3. Small groups need to study the Bible, with the aim of helping disciples make progress toward the goal.

II. Group aims

A. The most important aim is to help disciples fulfill their ultimate purpose.

1. Neither the individual nor the group is the ultimate aim.

2. The ultimate purpose is to become like Christ, to glorify God.

B. Another aim is yielding personal autonomy to the control of the group.

1. Individualists do not want to do this.

2. For Jesus' followers, community is not an option.

3. Individual disciples must put kingdom goals ahead of the self-seeking aspirations of the personal goals.

III. Individual aims

A. Before pilgrims can mature, they must be born.

B. As disciples grow in holiness, they begin to overcome the effects of the Fall.

C. One of the best descriptions of Christ-likeness is found in Galatians 5:22-26.

D. Disciples become more and more like Christ as they crucify the sinful nature.

E. Disciples must be equipped to defend themselves against the Evil One.

F. Disciples are working behind enemy lines seeking to reclaim land for the coming King.

G. They try to convince other disciples to join them.

Small Group Activities

I. Love each other.

A. Without love, disciples cannot survive the journey.

B. Small groups are ideal settings for practicing and demonstrating love.

C. Jesus said all the commandments could be summarized in two. Mt. 22:37,39

D. Disciples in groups don't have uniforms, pins, distinguishing hairstyles, special handshakes.

E. Their distinguishing characteristic is love: This is not just "fellowship;" this is Jesus' love.

F. This is love that motivates members to sacrifice, to take up their cross, to reach out to the lost, to look out for each other.

G. Love is central to the goals and activities of the group; Without it, all efforts are vain. 1 Cor. 13:1

II. Study the Bible.

A. Without Bible study, disciples lose their way.

B. Our first discipline for knowing God is Bible study; Paul praised the Bereans for this. Acts 17:11

C. We meet together as equal around the Word; The Bible should guide every group meeting;

D. It does not need to dominate every group; It does need to be a part of every group.

III. Talk to God in prayer.

A. Without prayer, disciples lose out on the supernatural assistance they need.

B. Our wishes cannot produce results; our prayers can.

C. A wish is a pebble thrown by a child; a prayer is a rocket launched. Eph. 3:20-21

D. Small groups are workshops for prayer, labs where they experiment and learn a life of prayer.

E. Praise is a part of every small group: we meditate on the qualities of God.

F. We do not focus on our needs in prayer, but disciples need to make requests known. Phil. 4:6

G. Disciples cannot fight alone; they must ask for help.

H. Disciples realize that God asks them to do difficult things when they start to obey.

I. Thanksgiving is commanded: There are blessings and victories through answers to prayer.

IV. Point others to Christ.

A. Without evangelism, disciples become self-centered and thwart the King's plan.

B. The normal tendency is to become inward-looking, to be concerned about each other.

C. The normal tendency is to ignore the command God has given.

D. Every group should be concerned about lost pilgrims; not every one needs to be evangelizing.

E. Evangelism grows out of a genuine love for lost people.

F. Some need to pray, others give money, others give time, for evangelism and missions.

G. Service and outreach will contribute to the spread of God's kingdom on the earth.

H. It will strengthen each member's personal walk with God, giving new vitality and balance to the group.

I. The outward focus will enhance the unity of the group; It will not detract from it.

J. Carry on the "ministry of reconciliation." 2 Cor. 5:18

V. Questions

A. How is group prayer and group Bible study different from individual prayer and study?

B. Have you experienced any tensions between personal goals and group goals? If so, how did you resolve the tension?

C. Think about the health of your small group. Does it include the four aims that characterize a healthy group? If not, what can you do to encourage a healthy balance?

Principles of Methodology

I. Good methods tie practice to theory.

II. Good methods accomplish the aims of the small group.

A. We often disagree more about methods than about content.

B. The danger is to let the method dictate the aim rather than the aim dictating the method.

III. Good methods are built on a biblical understanding of the nature of persons.

A. Disciples need methods that are personally relevant and meet real needs.

IV. Good methods contribute to the ultimate purpose of life: the Spirit works on three rails.

A. The Word: the Holy Spirit works through the Word: Knowing the Word is not applying it.

B. Personal experience: the Holy Spirit ties experience to the Bible through good methods.

1. Connecting individual experience and insights from other people is not automatic.

2. It is possible for a person to be in a small group without listening to others in the group.

C. Insights from other disciples: the Holy Spirit gives gifts to all who belong to Christ.

1. Social interaction must be built intentionally into the small group method.

2. Many meet together for social purposes, forsaking Bible study for relationships.

V. Good methods tie life to truth - The Bible claims to be God-breathed and useful. 2 Ti. 3:16

A. Begin by combine Bible study with the needs and experiences of life.

1. Christianity - all of it is useful; pragmatism says the Bible is true only if it is useful.

2. The task is to discover the link between what God says and the needs in our lives.

3. This is how Jesus began His teaching, with questions and moved to answers.

a) He didn't immediately tell Nicodemus how to be born again.

b) He didn't immediately tell the woman at the well that He was the Messiah.

c) He didn't tell the parable of the Good Samaritan until an expert in the law asked questions about how to inherit eternal life and tried to avoid the command to love his neighbor.

d) When Jesus initiated a discussion, he often began with a comment that perplexed his disciples and then followed up with a series of questions rather than answers.

e) Jesus most often began with a life problem and then taught information.

B. People develop most rapidly when they struggle with significant problems.

1. God uses the problems and trials of life as a stimulus for spiritual growth. James 1:2-4

2. Tensions arise when our lives get out of step with the standards of God's Word.

C. Study the Bible - Wise disciples are serious students of the Word; it contains no mistakes.

1. The truth of God's Word is not measured by how many find the way or get lost.

2. Disciples do not create truth; they discover it; they study to know and apply the truth.

3. The Good News is contrasted with the bad news of our lives.

4. Disciples study the Book to understand experiences and to gain insights for life ahead.

5. Disciples do not create their own guidebook; they discover truth that comes from God.

6. Merely sharing what the Word means to you can lead to misinterpretation and danger.

7. Observing what the Bible is saying and asking what the passage meant to the original author and hearers is interpretation; understanding the biblical content is not enough.

VI. Apply the truth - Knowing, believing does not always result in application. Ja. 2:14-26

A. Each member must ask application questions. Bible knowledge is wasted if it is practiced.

1. What difference should the Bible make in my life?

2. What would happen if I put this principle into practice?

3. What should I do about what I have learned in this passage?

B. The correct application of Scripture will do two things.

1. It will change the heart: internal change must take place first; Christ gives us character.

2. It will change behavior: the external change must come; Christ gives us obedience.

C. Application of Bible truth is a supernatural process; sinners cannot apply it on their own.

Small Group Procedures

"Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion. There he is in the cage, and here come all the soldiers of the army to fight for him. Well, I should suggest to them that they should kindly stand back, open the door, and let the lion out. I believe that would be the best way of defending him. And the best apology for the gospel is to let the gospel out." ~ Charles Spurgeon

I. Procedures

1. Pray that the Lord send those who should come.

2. Focus on what God can do through you, not on what you can do.

3. Let the Holy Spirit use you to get the Gospel out.

4. Begin with two Christian disciples, if possible.

5. Host a social event where you invite friends to your home to hear about a proposal for Bible study.

6. Resist the temptation to pre-judge who might or might not be interested in the Bible study.

7. Invite everyone near your home.

8. At work, invite all your colleagues.

9. At school, invite all your classmates.

10. Invite three times more people than you expect.

11. Invite new people each week.

12. Pay attention to visitors in the church.

13. Do not limit outreach to fellow Christians.

14. Choose a time, place, format, and subject, as the group decides.

15. Do not allow social activities to crowd out Bible study.

16. Continue to meet regularly.

17. Begin the study by explaining your reasons, your need, for being interested in the small group.

18. Stick to the subject.

19. Avoid tangents.

20. Let the Bible be the authority.

21. Do not preach.

22. Serve light refreshments at the end of each study, if possible.

23. Work in small groups of four to twenty.

24. Divide the group when it is too big for total participation.

25. Ask the sponsoring church or participants for supporting funds, if necessary.

26. Do not require an offering.

27. Focus on regular attendees and those committed to the ministry.

II. Questions

1. Think again about a small group you are involved in. What methods are used in your group? Do they change often? If so, is there a purpose for the change other than change itself?

2. Do the methods in your group's practice contribute to application of Bible truth? Give examples of ways that Bible truth has brought about changed living in yourself or others.

3. What ideas can you suggest for beginning your group Bible study with life needs? For applying Scripture to life?

4. As you observe various small groups, what are the ways they tie life and truth together? Use your observations to strengthen your own group's practice of truth.

Leadership Tensions in Small Groups

I. Tensions

A. The leadership style must be adopted.

1. Authoritarian?

2. Laissez-faire?

B. The leadership function must be determined.

1. Accomplishing a task?

2. Building relationships?

C. The group focus must be clarified.

1. Freedom of the individual?

2. Well being of the group?

II. Solutions

A. Common solutions avoid the question of which leadership style is best.

B. Give people choices.

C. Balance and blend the leadership styles.

D. Watch for imbalance.

1. Authoritarian leadership does little to strengthen disciples.

a) Authoritarian leaders trust themselves too much and trust others too little.

b) Disciples develop an unhealthy dependency on the leader; they tend to be distrusted by the leader.

c) Disciples often prefer authoritarian leaders because it frees them from taking responsibility.

d) Disciples will not develop their full potential socially or spiritually.

e) Authoritarian groups either stifle growth or incite rebellion.

2. Laissez-faire leadership does little to strengthen disciples.

a) Laissez-faire leaders trust themselves too little and trust others too much.

b) Their focus is on the freedom of individuals and relationship building.

c) They fail to give direction and help; they damage by not taking initiative to help lost people.

d) Servant leaders must serve people, but they are not responsible to people.

e) Pluralism is in vogue; inner truth is highlighted; it is not popular to believe in absolute truth.

III. Calling

A. All Christians are called to be leaders; all Christians have spiritual gifts. Ephesians 4:7-13

B. Each person who influences another is a leader.

C. God calls all his people a holy and royal priesthood.

D. All leaders are called to be followers; all followers are called to be leaders.

E. Certain people have the gift of leadership. Rom. 12:8

F. No one can say he or she has no responsibility for a certain thing because it is not his gift.

G. All Christians are called to take the lead in using their gifts for the common good.

H. Designated leaders may have special organizational responsibilities.

I. The person may be influential without being the designated leader.

J. Christians don't have to be ordained leadership to approach God and serve others.

K. Disciples don't blindly follow a leader.

L. Each disciple has the responsibility to warn, encourage, and strengthen other disciples.

M. No disciple can be excused for wandering; each one is accountable for his or her actions.

N. Disciples are ultimately not accountable to other disciples or leaders, but to God.

O. No disciple should be controlled by another; no one in the group should sit and watch.

P. Each member must be on the alert for ways to help others.

1. Leaders must also see their task as allowing each person to be a leader.

2. Christian leaders are not bosses. Luke 22:26

3. The only true leaders are servant leaders.

Leadership Control of Small Groups

I. God intended leaders to travel with disciples in groups to overcome Satan.

A. Certain people are in charge of certain functions

B. The leader calls those of his flock by name.

C. The Good Shepherd never drives His sheep with a whip; they follow. Mt. 20:28

D. The carrot stick of bribery is not appropriate for a leader.

E. Leadership among the people is not to be modeled after the world's pattern.

F. The lust to be in charge is from the Evil One.

G. The disciple leader must be highly motivated. 1 Tim. 3:1

1. There must be an overpowering love for God

2. There must be a strong desire to serve.

3. There must be a strong desire to help disciples grow.

II. There is an urgent need for servant leaders.

A. Jesus was a compelling leader because of His example.

1. He taught prayer by praying regularly Himself.

2. He taught leadership by washing the disciples' feet.

3. Modeling is a powerful way to be an influential leader.

B. The home of the leader was to be a model of leadership.

1. Elders were to demonstrate the ideal home.

2. Not write about it nor preach about it.

3. Elders were to model hospitality in their homes.

III. God has equipped leaders with distinctive qualities.

A. The leader is teachable and teaching.

1. Leaders lead others by helping them know and apply God's truth.

2. All N.T. leaders were to have an ability to teach. 1 Tim.3:2

B. Leaders hold firmly to good doctrine. Titus 1:9

C. Leaders influence followers indirectly, not directly.

D. Leaders cannot force people to obey the Word.

E. Leaders are to help people understand the Word.

F. Leaders are interpreters of the Word, not gurus, claiming to be the source of the truth.

G. Leaders have a passionate sense of vision; disciples want a sense of direction and destination.

H. Leaders are concerned with the inner character development of pilgrims.

1. The important things in life and eternity are not measurable. 2 Cor. 4:17

I. Leaders have a strategic vision for eternal goals.

1. They know how to respond to unfolding opportunities in light of that vision.

2. Good management is not necessarily good leadership.

J. Leaders are concerned to stir up a clearer sense of vision in other disciples.

1. They study God's word.

2. Their focus is not on short-term activity.

3. Their focus is on long-term development of people for the glory of God.

Leadership Style: Task versus Person

I. The tension

A. The real task for disciple leaders is to love the Lord and love others.

B. Authoritarian leaders may accomplish tasks by using people as means.

· This hinders the task of developing people.

C. Laissez-faire leaders may sacrifice the task of going to the needy world.

D. Neither leadership style is correct.

1. We don't use people to accomplish task or focus on people, ignoring the task.

2. The task is a means, not an end, of developing people.

E. Leaders use important tasks as tools to develop people.

F. Disciples are strengthened when they become involved in ministry.

II. Guidelines

A. Begin and end on time.

B. Start the study with a brief prayer, asking for God's guidance. If another prays, ask him or her beforehand.

C. Encourage each person to participate, but don't force it.

1. Get the talkers listening.

2. Get the listeners talking.

D. Don't say more than the Bible says.

1. Don't overspiritualize.

2. Don't overapply.

E. Ask! Ask great questions.

1. If someone asks you a question, expecting you to answer as the "expert," turn it into a question for the group to answer.

F. Don't tell! Don't tell very much at all.

1. If you don't know, propose to study it later.

2. If someone comes up with a heretical idea, ask where it is found in Scripture. It will probably die a natural death.

G. Learn to say, "Back to the subject." to avoid lengthy tangents,

H. Be sensitive to people's needs.

I. Trust the Holy Spirit's prompting.

1. The most treasured times can grow out of a "tangent."

J. Remember that Bible study is not just for experts.

1. Ordinary group members often minister better to each other than does an expert.

2. "The expert sees the whole subject, by now, in such a different light that he cannot conceive what is really troubling the student; he sees a dozen other difficulties which ought to be troubling him but aren't. The fellow student can help more than the master because he knows less." C.S. Lewis

III. Questions

A. What kind of leadership styles have you observed in groups you have been a part of? How did these help or hinder the growth of group members?

B. What is your role in your small group? How does your role benefit the group?

C. Do you agree that all Christians are leaders? In what ways are you taking initiative to help others in your group?

D. What are the implications that the doctrine of "the priesthood of all believers" might have for your group?

Benefits of Small Groups

I. Growth

A. God created us to thrive in community; small groups help each other to "fan the flames."

B. Being in a small group is hardly optional; people belong to small groups of all kinds.

C. It makes sense to have a small group that studies the Bible.

D. It makes a lot of sense to make a commitment to a group whose goal is growing in Christ.

E. Our spiritual gifts often lie dormant and are not used in large groups.

II. Belonging

A. We find ourselves drawn to groups where we can establish relationships.

B. A small group is where you are missed if you don't come.

C. Where in the average church do people have an opportunity to discuss their real concerns?

D. Our modern society is dehumanizing and contributing to a sense of alienation.

E. Healthy small groups can meet a growing hunger for belonging.

III. Encouragement

A. Encouragement in the church is often impersonal and polite.

"Many now happily experienced that Christian fellowship which they had not so much an idea before. They began to 'bear one another's burdens' and naturally to 'care for each other.' As they had daily a more intimate acquaintance with each other, so they had a more endeared affection for each other." John Wesley

B. The small group is like a family unit, caring for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

IV. Life application

A. The application of Scripture is specific and individual in the small group.

B. In the sanctuary, there is a general application and little feedback.

C. Many own a Bible, but few read it; small groups help disciples take the Bible off the shelf.

D. The Bible and other disciples interact to give the small group meaning.

V. Personal interaction

A. The size of the sanctuary is reduced to the living room; the whole family gets involved.

B. The focus becomes person-to-person; people look at each other face to face.

C. Small groups provide settings where sustained, personal interaction can take place.

D. There is more and freer contact than in the large group; trust develops.

E. Small groups meet the needs of individuals; large groups leave little room for discussion.

F. Large groups cannot give answers to questions; small groups "scratch where it itches."

VI. Outreach

A. The home is more accessible and "neutral" (interdenominational) than the church building.

B. Small groups meet in familiar, non-threatening places: classroom, restaurant, office, park ...

C. Small groups provide comfortable settings for talking about Christ.

D. People who would never go to a church building might accept an invitation to your home.

E. There is continuing exposure to Christianity; it represents responsible evangelism.

F. Christians help each other to witness; non-Christians will bring into focus issues at stake.

VII. Questions

A. Has there been a time when you tried to go it alone without the help of other believers? Describe a time when the help of other Christians has been a means of grace to you.

B. Identify some of the markers in your life when you have experienced significant spiritual growth. Did other believers have a part in that growth?

C. Does your small group provide benefits described here? If not, what can you do?

D. What pitfalls have you experienced in small groups? What safeguards can help you to avoid these in the future?

Types of Small Groups

I. Family - most basic small group Ps. 78, Ps. 145, Dt. 6

II. Affinity - special interest groups

A. Age - youth group

B. Gender - scouts, men's prayer breakfast, women's missionary prayer fellowship

C. Geography - Indian church in New York City

D. Work - Christian Businessmen's Association

III. Support - help and encouragement for special needs

A. Unemployed

B. Divorced

C. Bereaved

D. Career change

E. Diseased

F. Alcoholic or Drug addicts

IV. Ministry - "inward and outward journey"

A. Door-to-door witnessing - Evangelism Explosion

B. Open Air preaching - Sowers

C. Hospitality

D. Shelter for the homeless

E. Food for the hungry

F. Sponsorship of a refugee family

G. Prison visitation

V. Church committees - task groups

A. The choir

B. Evangelism

C. The deacons

D. The elders

E. Women's missionary prayer fellowship

F. Sunday School

1. Electives

2. Age groups

a) Elderly

b) Married

c) Singles

d) Youth

e) Children

VI. Cell groups

A. Bible study

B. Prayer

VII.House Church - intentional Christian community

A. Independent

B. Self-contained

Approach to the Bible Study

I. Deductive: A premise is proven from various parts of Scripture.

A. Premise: "God is holy."

B. Proven: Ex.15:11; 1 Sam.6:20; Ps.99:9; Is.6:3; Eze.39:7; Hab.1:13; Rev.4:8; Rev.16:4.

C. This is called a topical or thematic study: numerous references treated briefly.

II. Inductive

A. Principles emerge from one text; no outside commentaries are used;

B. The goal is to discover what the text says about itself.

C. It encourages interpretation of a text within its context.

D. There are four basic sections.

1. Focus What is my life situation?

2. Observation What does the text say?

a) Who? Authors, readers, characters?

(1) Who wrote it?

(2) Whom is it about?

(3) To whom is it written?

b) What? Context and Meaning?

(1) What is the passage about?

(2) What type of literature is it?

(3) What is the meaning of individual words?

c) When? Setting?

(1) When was the passage written?

(2) When does the scene take place?

d) Where? Setting?

(1) Where was the passage written?

(2) Where does the scene take place?

e) Why? Purpose?

(1) Why was it written?

(2) Why did this situation come about?

f) How? Form?

(1) How was it written?

(2) How did this situation come about?

3. Interpretation What does it mean?

a) What did the passage mean to the original readers?

b) What is the main point or teaching of the passage?

c) How does it compare with other Bible passages?

d) What is the general principle?

e) What does this tell us about ...?

f) What is meant by ...?

4. Application What does it mean to you?

a) What is an equivalent situation today to that of the original readers?

b) Does the passage have specific teaching about God, man, world, church ...?

c) Is there an example, a warning, a promise?

d) How should your life be changed by what the passage says?

e) In what ways do you need what has been said? Action What are you going to do about it? Is there any action to be taken?

f) Does the passage lead to prayer or praise?

g) What area of your life will be different this week?

h) What’s the difference between the biblical standard & what you are doing?

Content of the Bible Study

I. Aims of the study

A. Look to heaven

"A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next." ~ C.S. Lewis

B. Make disciples

1. Evangelizing non-believers Mk. 16:15

2. Establishing converts Col. 2:6-7

3. Equipping saints Eph. 4:11-12

4. Expanding the leadership Mk 3:14, 2 Tim. 2:2

II. Types of Bible study

A. Evangelistic

1. Born again,

2. The prodigal son

B. Doctrinal

1. Sanctification

2. Christ's second coming

C. Ethical

1. Abortion

2. Divorce

D. Book

1. Genesis

2. Thessalonians

E. Theological

1. God the Father

2. Trinity

F. Word study

1. "Evangelism"

2. "Perfection"

G. Biographical

1. Abraham

2. Moses

H. Life situation

1. Death

2. Wounded hearts

3. Treatment of the text

I. Explanatory

1. How to present the Gospel

2. How to be born again

J. Illustrative

1. Moses' rod

2. Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac

K. Argumentative

1. The Holy Spirit is not a force.

2. Jesus is not just a man.

L. Persuasive

1. You must be born again.

2. You have lost your first love.

Structure of the Bible Study

I. Topical - Choose a theme and develop it with related Bible verses.

A. Justification

B. Assurance

II. Textual - An outline from 1-3 verses, commentary, illustrations & application.

A. John 3:16

1. Compassion - God so loved the world

2. Sacrifice - He gave His only Son

3. Condition - Whosoever believes in Him

4. Promise - He will not perish, but have eternal life.

B. Matthew 28:19-20

1. Commandment - Make disciples

2. Location - Of all nations

3. Procedure - Going, Baptizing, Teaching

4. Promise - I am will you always

III. Topical-textual - Develop a theme, based on an outline found in one or two verses, using supporting verses found elsewhere in Scripture.

A. Mt. 4:19 - The call

1. To follow Jesus

2. To become fishers of men

B. John 1:12 - The invitation

1. Reception

2. Condition

3. Adoption

IV. Expository - Outline and expose a text within its context, deriving the meaning from the passage only, with commentary and illustrations to shed light on meaning.

A. Leviticus 25 - Redemption

B. Deuteronomy 26 - Offering (example given in Proclamation course)

V. Multiple - Prepare multiple lessons, based on the same passage, examining its meaning from different perspectives.

A. The prodigal son

1. The younger son

2. The eldest son

3. The loving father

B. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem

1. Jesus

2. The disciples

3. The crowd

4. The Romans

VI. Delivery

A. Manuscript

B. Memorized

C. Notes - Discussion

D. Impromptu - Conversation

Planning the Small Group

I. The context of the group Give the group its infrastructure

A. What do you intend to do?

B. Did you expect to spend a significant amount of time in prayer or outreach?

C. Do people in the group have previous experience in Bible studies? How have they grown?

D. Does the leader have previous experience in Bible studies?

E. Do group members have special needs? What are they now?

F. Is there enough time for informal visiting and refreshments?

II. Group activities Match activities to the context.

A. What kinds of small group activities are you planning?

B. Will you spend most of your time studying the Bible?

C. What part of the Bible will you study?

D. Will you use a study guide? Do you need one?

E. What activities will you include?

1. Singing?

2. Prayer?

3. Refreshments?

4. Social outings?

5. Outreach?

6. Evangelistic strategy?

7. Other ministries?

III. Group outcomes Match outcomes to context & activities.

A. What kinds of results do you want to see in the lives of group members?

B. Are members seeking help with specific problems in their lives?

C. Do they want to have a better understanding of the basic themes of Scripture?

D. Do they want to learn to trust the Lord more fully?

E. What are the purposes of the group?

F. How do the purposes match up with the context and the activities?

Evaluating the Results

I. Group context Did the group anticipate the context?

A. What were the expectations of the people in the group? In what way have they changed?

B. Did they expect to spend a significant amount of time in prayer or outreach? Will anything change in this area?

C. Did people in the group have previous experience in Bible studies? How have they grown?

D. Did the leader have previous experience in Bible studies? How has he or she grown?

E. Did group members have special needs? What were they? What are they now?

F. Was there enough time for informal visiting and refreshments? Will anything change in this area?

II. Group activities Did the activities match the context?

A. What kinds of small group activities did you plan? Did you do all of them? Will anything change?

B. Did you spend most of your time studying the Bible? Will you continue at the same pace?

C. What part of the Bible did you study? What part will you study now?

D. Did you use a study guide? Do you need one now?

E. What other activities did you include? Will you continue the same as originally planned?

1. Singing?

2. Prayer?

3. Refreshments?

4. Social outings?

5. Outreach?

6. Evangelistic strategy?

7. Other ministries?

III. Group outcomes Did context & activities match up with the outcomes?

A. What kinds of results did you want to see in the lives of group members? Did you see these results?

B. Were they seeking help with specific problems in their lives? Did they find the answers?

C. Did they want to have a better understanding of the basic themes of Scripture? Do they have it now?

D. Did they want to learn to trust the Lord more fully? Do they trust Him more fully now?

E. What were the purposes of the group? Are they still the same?

F. How did the purposes match up with the context and the activities? What will change?

Inductive/Evangelizing: A New Birth - Nystrom

I. Focus

A. Many people do not really know what the phrase, "born again" really means? The mass-media, politicians, singers, and nominal Christians may think they know what it means, but they do not really understand it in its historical context. It is not a new term. Jesus Himself used it centuries ago in a private conversation with a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus.

B. What feelings does the phrase "born again" bring to your mind?

II. Observation

A. Read John 3:1-3.

1. What steps had Nicodemus already taken that would prepare him to receive what Jesus said?

2. What reasons did Nicodemus have to be surprised at Christ's response to him?

B. Read John 3:3-15.

1. What phrases here show that being born again is important?

2. What patterns from nature did Jesus use to help Nicodemus understand?

3. What spiritual truths do these natural happenings illustrate?

C. Look up Numbers 21:6-9.

1. How might this incident in Jewish history help Nicodemus understand Christ and his message?

2. If you were Nicodemus, what further questions would you want to ask Jesus at this point?

D. Read John 3:16-21. Look carefully at John 3:16.

1. Many theologians call this verse "the Christian message in a nutshell."

2. What can you know about Christianity from this verse? Think about the meaning of each word or phrase.

3. Does a person start out right or wrong with God? Why?

4. In what two ways can a person respond to Jesus?

5. What is the result of each of these two responses?

6. What reasons did Jesus give for a person not choosing to believe in Him?

7. Verse 19 suggest that one reason people choose not to believe in Jesus is that "Men loved darkness." What is comfortable about physical darkness?

8. Why might similar attractions cause people to enjoy spiritual darkness?

III. Interpretation

A. People sometimes criticize Christianity as a "one-way Gospel."

B. What phrases from the passage suggest that there is only one way to God?

C. If what Jesus says in John 3 is "the truth," how must a person come into a right relationship with God?

D. Do you think that "born again" is still a good term for someone who has lived in spiritual darkness and now experiences a right relationship with God? Why?

E. Why might this new relationship with God seem like new birth to someone who has lived in spiritual darkness?

IV. Application

A. What does the new birth mean to you?

B. How have you benefited from the new birth?

C. What will you change in your life because of the meaning of the new birth?

Inductive/Equipping: Comforted to Comfort - Plueddemann

I. Focus

A. One of the most difficult kinds of letters to write is a "sympathy note." Have you noticed that the most comforting notes are often written by those who have had firsthand experience with sorrow themselves? In this letter, Paul writes to suffering people from the perspective of one who has also suffered. Paul sees a direct correlation between his suffering and the comfort he offers.

B. Describe a time when you were comforted by someone or a time when you were a means of comfort to another person.

II. Observation and interpretation 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

A. What authority does Paul claim as he writes this letter?

B. In what ways are "grace and peace" (verse 2) a summary of the Good News and of ultimate comfort?

C. How does Paul's description of God (verse 3) help you to understand His nature?

D. What principles about suffering and comfort can you learn from verses 4-7?

E. What practical examples of these principles have you experienced?

F. How does Paul's description of his suffering make you feel (verses 8-11)?

G. What had Paul learned about himself through his suffering? About God?

H. What confidence does Paul affirm (verse 10)?

I. What help does Paul need from the Corinthians?

J. What will be the result of this help?

III. Application

A. Can you think of a time when God helped you not only to endure suffering but also to experience benefits from it?

B. Where are you right now in terms of comfort -- are you experiencing comfort, giving comfort, or in need of comfort?

C. What does this passage suggest for your needs?

D. Pray together, asking God to help you set your hope on him (verse 10) and to make your life a comfort to someone who is suffering.

E. Identify individuals within your group or outside of it who need your prayers for comfort or deliverance (verses 10-11).

Topical/Evangelizing: salvation outlines - Stowe Alliance

I. Steps to heaven

A. Recognize your sin. Romans 3:23

B. Repent. Acts 3:19

C. Confess sin. 1 John 1:9

D. Forsake. Isaiah 55:7

E. Confess Christ. Romans 10:9

F. Receive Christ. John 1:12

II. The Roman Road

A. Recognize your guilt. Romans 3:19

B. Have faith in Christ. Romans 3:22

C. Acknowledge you are a sinner. Romans 3:23

D. Believe that God justifies us by Christ. Romans 3:24

E. Believe that His blood covers your sins. Romans 3:25

F. Believe that Christ justifies you by faith. Romans 3:26

G. Confess and believe in His resurrection. Romans 10:9

III. The Transformed Life

A. Your sin Romans 3:23

B. You death or your life Romans 6:23

C. His life and His blood Romans 5:8-9

D. Your confession and your belief Romans 10:9

E. Your salvation Romans 10:13

IV. Jesus

A. The Door John 10:9

B. The Life John 10:10

C. The Shepherd who gives His life John 10:11,15

D. The Christ who gives eternal life John 10:24-28

E. The Resurrection for the one who believes John 11:25-26

F. The Way, the Truth, the Life John 14:6

V. Life in Christ

A. Die to self. 2 Cor. 5:14

B. Be in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:15

C. Become a new creature. 2 Cor. 5:17

D. Be reconciled with Christ. 2 Cor. 5:18

E. Be an ambassador for Christ. 2 Cor. 5:20

F. Reflect the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5:21

G. Accept this favorable day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6:2

VI. Your plan?

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

Topical/Evangelizing: The New Birth - Stowe Alliance

I. What is the new birth?

A. John 3:6 A spiritual birth

B. Romans 6:4-5 A burial and a resurrection

C. 2 Corinthians 5:17 A transformation

II. Why is the new birth necessary?

A. John 3:16 Because God so loved the world

B. Romans 3:10 Because no one is righteous

C. Romans 8:7-8 Because we cannot please God

D. Hebrews 9:27 Because there is a judgment after death

III. Who is the new birth for?

A. Matthew 18:3 Those who are come like children

B. John 1:12 Those who receive Him

C. John 3:16 For whoever believes

IV. When can the new birth occur?

A. 2 Corinthians 6:2 Now

V. Where can the new birth occur?

A. Hebrews 13:5 Everywhere

VI. How is the new birth accomplished?

A. John 3:5 By water and by Spirit

B. John 3:6-8 As a rushing wind

C. Titus 3:5 According to His mercy

D. John 5:1 By believing that Jesus is the Son of God

VII.How do we know we are born again?

A. Romans 8:16 God's spirit bears witness to ours

B. Peter 1:23 By the Word of God

C. John 1:7 By walking in the light

D. John 5:18 By keeping ourselves from sin

Topical/Evangelizing: Jesus Christ - Stowe Alliance

I. Who is Jesus Christ?

A. John 1:1,14 He is God in the flesh.

B. John 10:30 He is one with the Father.

C. John 20:28 He is Lord and God.

D. Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God.

II. Who can accept Jesus Christ?

A. John 3:16 Whoever believes in Him

B. Romans 10:9 Whoever confesses Him and believes in Him

III. Why does man need Jesus Christ?

A. John 14:1-6 He is preparing a place for us in heaven.

B. Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no other.

C. Romans 5:12 All men have sinned.

D. Ephesians 2:1 Man is under Satan's control.

E. Hebrews 9:27 Man must die, then face judgment.

F. John 1:7 Jesus' blood cleanses us from all sins.

IV. When can one meet Jesus Christ?

A. 2 Corinthians 6:2 Now is the favorable time.

V. Where can one meet Jesus Christ?

A. Revelation 3:20 Anywhere, at the door of your heart

VI. How does man come to Jesus Christ?

A. Luke 5:32 Repent of your sins.

B. Luke 19:10 Recognize that you are lost.

C. Romans 3:10 Confess that you are not righteous.

D. Romans 5:8 Come to Him as you are.

VII.How do you know you have met Him?

A. Romans 8:14, 16-17 The Spirit of God tells me.

B. 2 Corinthians 5:17 I am a new creature.

C. John 5:10 I have the witness in myself.

Topical/Establishing: 52 Bible Subjects - Braun & Garside

Week	1^st Day		2^nd Day	3^rd Day	4^thDay	5^th Day	6^th Day
Question	What?		Who?	Why?	How?	Where?	When?
1. Word		Dt. 8:3	2 Pe.1:20-21	Ps. 119:11	1 Pe. 1:22	Dt. 6:6	Jos. 1:8
2. Prayer		Mt. 6:9-13	2 Ch. 7:14	Mt. 7:7-11	Mt. 6:7	Mt. 6:6	1 Th. 5:17
3. Worship		Ps. 138	Ps. 27:4	Ps. 95:7	Jn. 4:20-24	Dt. 10:12	Ep.5:18-19
4. Fellowship		1 Pe. 3:8-9	1 Co. 1:9	Jn. 17:21	Ac. 4:32-35	Ac. 2:46	Ac. 2:46
5. Witness		Ac. 4:20	Ac. 1:8	Jn. 15:16	Ep. 4:20-24	Ac. 1:8	1 Pe. 3:15
6. Grace		1 Ti. 1:13-14	1 Pe. 5:5	Rm. 3:24	Ep. 2:8	He. 4:16	Rm. 11:5
7. Sin		Rm. 14:23	Rm. 3:23	Gn. 3:5-6	Is. 53:6	Lu. 6:44	Job. 24:16
8. God		Gn. 1:1-27	1 Jn. 4:7-8	Gn. 1:31	Hab. 1:13	Jn. 4:21	Gn. 1:1
9. Christ		Titus 3:5	Rm. 9:5	1 Jn. 4:14	Jn. 1:1-14	Jn. 14:20	2 Co. 5:17
10. Faith		He. 11:1	Ac. 16:31	Rm. 5:1	Rm. 10:9-10	1 Sa. 16:7	Rm. 3:36
11. Promises		2 Co. 1:20	2 Pe. 1:4	Rm. 4:21	1 Ro. 8:56	Is. 34:16	Titus 1:2
12. Blessings		Jos. 8:34	Pr. 10:6	Mt. 5:3-11	Ps. 2:12	Éz. 34:26	Rm. 12:14
13. Assurance		Jn. 5:24	He. 10:23	Jn. 3:21	Rm. 8:1	1 Jn. 3:19	Lu. 19:9
14. Salvation		Rm. 6:23	Rm. 10:13	Ep. 2:8-9	Jn. 3:5-8	Zeph. 3:17	2 Co. 6:2
15. Justification		Gn. 15:6	Rm. 3:22	Rm. 5:8	Rm. 3:22	Rm. 3:26	Col. 2:14
16. Regeneration		2 Co. 5:17	1 Jn. 5:1	2 Co. 4:11	Titus 3:5	Éze. 36:26	1 Jn. 5:1
17. Adoption		Rm.8:15-17	Ga. 3:26	Ep. 1:4 -7	1 Jn. 3:1-2	Gal. 4:5-6	Jn. 1:12
18. Presence		1 Co. 6:19	Gn. 28:15	Ac. 17:28	Ac. 18:10	Mt. 18:20	Dt. 20:1
19. Protection		Ps. 91:4	2 Ch. 16:9	Jn. 17:11	Ps. 34:7	Gn. 28:15	Ps. 121:4
20. Liberty		Rm. 8:2	Jn. 8:36	Rm. 8:21	Ja. 1:25	2 Cor 3:17	Jn. 8:30-32
21. Holy Spirit		Jn. 14:26	Jn. 15:26	Jn. 15:26	Lu. 11:13	1 Co. 3:16	Ac. 2:38
22. Miracles		Jn. 10:25	Jn. 11:47	He. 2:4	Jn. 3:2	Ac. 2:22	Jn. 9:4
23. Gifts		Ja. 1:17	1 Co. 12:11	Ep. 4:11-12	2 Ti. 1:6	Ep. 4:8	1 Co. 12:31
24. Omnipotence		Job 42:2	Ps. 115:3	2 Ch. 25:8	Mt. 19:26	Rm. 16:25	Is. 43:13
25. Omniscience		Ps. 147:5	Ja. 1:5	Rm. 11:36	He. 4:13	Col. 2:2-3	Rev. 22:13
26. Sovereignty		Ep. 1:19	Ac. 17:24	2 Ch. 20:6	Da. 4:35	Dt. 4:39	Mt. 6:13
27. Birth		Jn. 1:13	1 Pe. 1:23	Jn. 3:3	1 Jn. 5:1	2 Co. 3:3	2 Co. 5:17
28. Death		Pr. 21:16	Jn. 6:53	Ep. 2:1	Ja. 1:15	Rev. 21:8	Gn. 2:17
29. Resurrection		Lu. 20:36	Jn. 11:25	1 Co. 15:14	Jn. 5:25	Ep. 5:14	1 Co. 15:52
30. Return		Mt. 26:64	He. 9:28	Jn. 14:3	Ac. 1:11	1 Th. 4:16	Mt. 24:36
31. Judgment		Rm. 14:10	Rm. 2:16	2 Co. 5:10	Rev. 21:27	Rev. 20:15	Rev.20:11-12
32. Justice		Rm. 2:2	Ps. 145:17	Rev. 15:4	Dt. 32:4	Ps. 97:2	Zeph.. 3:5
33. Trials		Mal. 3:3	Ps. 17:3	Lu. 6:48	1 Co. 3:13	Dt. 8:2	Ja. 5:7
34. Apostasy		He. 3:12	1 Jn. 2:19	Mk. 4:17	2 Ti. 4:10	Ac. 7:39	1 Ti. 4:1
35. Rewards		1 Co. 3:8	He. 11:6	2 Co. 9:6	Col. 3:24	Mt. 5:12	Mt. 16:27
36. Angels		Mt. 13:39	Mt. 13:39	Ps. 103:20	Ps. 91:11	Mt. 18:10	Mt. 25:31
37. Heaven		Ac. 7:49	Mt. 13:43	Jn. 14:2	Ph. 3:20	Ps. 103:11	Lu. 23:43
38. Hell		Mt. 25:46	Rev. 20:15	Mt. 25:41	Mk. 9:43	Mt. 13:42	Rev.20:11-15
39. Church		1 Co. 12:27	1 Co. 12:13	Mt. 16:18	Ep. 2:20	Ph. 2:15	Ac. 2:47
40. Offering		Pr. 3:9	Ac. 11:29	Mal. 3:10	Rm. 12:8	Mal. 3:10	1 Co. 16:12
41. Holiness		Rev. 22:11	1 Pe. 1:15-16	He. 12:14	2 Co. 7:1	Lu. 1:75	Lu. 1:75
42. Ministry		Mk. 13:34	1 Co. 15:58	Is. 50:4	1 Co.16:15-16	2 Ch. 28:15	Mk. 1:18
43. Love		1 Jn. 5:3	Jn. 14:23-24	Jn. 15:12	Mk. 12:30	Ga. 5:22	Dt. 30:16
44. Joy		Ga. 5:22	Jn. 15:11	Is. 61:10	Jn. 16:24	Ps. 16:11	Ph. 4:4
45. Praise		Rev. 5:11-12	Rev. 19:5	1 Pe. 2:9	He. 13:15	Ac. 2:46-47	Ps. 35:28
46. Moderation		1 Co. 7:31	2 Ti. 4:5	Ph. 4:5	Ec. 7:16-17	Rm. 12:17	Rm. 13:13
47. Suffering		Rm. 8:18	He. 12:5	He. 12:10	1 Pe. 4:16