LEADER GUIDE THE STORY. Pursuit & Hope In The Dark. REAL LIFE chapter MINISTRIES

Transcription

1 LEADER GUIDE THE STORY Pursuit & Hope In The Dark REAL LIFE chapter MINISTRIES

2 THE STORY - TABLE OF CONTENTS NOTE TO LEADERS: This curriculum has a Leader Prep Guide page before each week to help you prepare for group each week and to follow-up after group time. There is also leader tips located in the side bar. PURSUIT: CHAPTER [JAN 1-7] CHAPTER 14: A KINGDOM TORN IN TWO Bible Passages Covered: 1 Kings THE STORY - BIG IDEA: God calls us to live in a way that accurately reflects his character to the world around us. He wants to be revealed to the world through our lower stories. Choosing to live or not to live his upper story way impacts how we relate to each other, and how the world sees God. [JAN 8-14] CHAPTER 15: PROPHETS - GOD S MESSENGERS Bible Passages covered: 1 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings 2,4,6; Hosea 4-5; 8-9;14; Amos 1; 3-5; 9 THE STORY - BIG IDEA: God never breaks his promises. His heart and upper story are all about restoring people to relationship and living the way He intended people to live. He pursues his people and sends warning signs to protect us and call us back to relationship with Him when we are in danger. This is how He used prophets in Israel and Judah s lower story. [JAN 15-21] CHAPTER 16: FALL OF ISRAEL - BEGINNING OF THE END Bible passages covered: 2 Kings 17-19; Isaiah 3, 6, 13-14, 49, 53 THE STORY - BIG IDEA: Even in the tangled mess of idols, God wants more for His people. He calls them back to a love relationship. He promises a Messiah in his upper story and holds his people accountable for the choices they make in the lower story. [JAN 22-28] CHAPTER 17: FALL OF JUDAH - THE KINGDOM S FALL Bible passages Covered: 2 Kings 21;23-25; 2 Chronicles 33;36; Jeremiah 1-2;4-5;13; 21; Lamentations 1-3;5 Ezekiel 1-2;6-7; THE STORY - BIG IDEA: God s repeated theme in His upper story is a heart of pursuing and preparing people to represent Him and dwell with Him. In the events of the lower story His discipline toward resistance and rebellion is always followed with grace. He cannot let His people continue to walk in disobedience without consequences.

3 HOPE IN THE DARK: CHAPTER [JAN 29-FEB 4] CHAPTER 18: DANIEL IN EXILE Bible passages Covered: Daniel 1-3;6 Jeremiah THE STORY - BIG IDEA: God cares for those who honor Him. God s upper story is always happening even in the midst of lower story circumstances and cultures that seem contrary to God. He calls His people to reflect Him where ever they are. [FEB 5-11] CHAPTER 19: EZRA - THE RETURN HOME Bible passages covered: Ezra 1-6; Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1;8 THE STORY - BIG IDEA: When we get off track God reminds us of His way and the upper story. He shows us how to walk with His priorities in the details of our lower story. [FEB 12-18] CHAPTER 20: ESTHER - THE QUEEN OF BEAUTY AND COURAGE Bible passages covered: Esther 1-9 THE STORY - BIG IDEA: Even when He seems absent God is at work all the time bringing about His upper plan of people living in community with Him and each other. He invites us in our lower story to join Him even when it seems risky. [FEB 19-25] CHAPTER 21: NEHEMIAH - REBUILDING THE WALLS Bible passages covered: Ezra 7; Nehemiah 1-2; 4;6-8 Malachi 1-4 THE STORY - BIG IDEA: God rebuilds the lives of His people in the midst of their lower story as they refocus and re-center on Him and His upper story. 3

4 THE PURPOSE OF HOME GROUPS THE PURPOSE OF HOME GROUPS: We exist to reach the world for Jesus, one person at a time. We feel that is best done in small, relational environments, where biblical disciples can be made. Home groups are the primary vehicle by which we carry out the vision and mission of Real Life Ministries. VISION: Reaching the world for Jesus, one person at a time. MISSION: Creating biblical disciples in relational environments. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. - John 15:4 And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:37-39 And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:18-20 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. - Acts 2: The above Scripture is taken from English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

5 YOUR ROLE AS THE LEADER For clarification or assistance in understanding these responsibilities connect with your coach or community pastor. The Roles of the Home Group Leader: INSIDE THE GROUP Abide Spend time in God s Word, prayer and fellowship during home group. Encourage others to spend time in God s word, prayer and fellowship. Be aware of where the group members are in their daily walk. Reach the Lost Invite the lost to home group. Encourage the group to invite their lost family, friends, co workers etc. Connect the Unconnected Connect new people to your group through personal invitation and phone calls. Encourage others to spend time in God s word, prayer and fellowship. Chase the Strays Recognize who is missing from group. Encourage others in group to recognize who is missing from group. Intentionally Shepherd To Spiritual Maturity Create a safe environment for the group to thrive. Ask good questions for the purpose of understanding where each group member is. Be transparent. Identify, Equip, Release Disciple Making Leaders Identify where each group member is at in their spiritual maturity. (Spiritually Dead, Infant, Child, Young Adult, Parent) Identify an apprentice. Equip your apprentice by sharing different components of group. Release your apprentice when the group is ready to branch. Equip additional group members with leading different components of group. Function as a Team Talk with your coach weekly. Talk with your apprentice weekly. The Roles of the Home Group Leader: OUTSIDE THE GROUP Abide Pursue your relationship with God throughout the week. Encourage others to spend time in God s word, prayer and fellowship. Reach the Lost Look for opportunities to invite the lost to group. Encourage the group throughout the week to be aware of people they could invite. Connect the Unconnected Call new people throughout the week to connect to group. Encourage the group to connect people throughout the week to group and church. Chase the Strays Call the missing from group each week to check on them. Look for opportunities to connect with those missing throughout the week. Encourage group members to connect with those missing throughout the week. Intentionally Shepherd To Spiritual Maturity Intentionally create opportunities to spend time with group members at coffee, home, etc. Identify, Equip, Release Disciple Making Leaders Meet with Coach to discuss group and training. Meet with Apprentice regularly to raise up and release. Create or Equip someone in group to create service opportunities. Function as a Team Create opportunities to serve outside the group for the group to grow as a team/ family. 5

6 RELATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: GROUP GUIDELINES Setting some basic group guidelines for how we will honor one another in our group discussions is important. Ground rules give boundaries for people to operate within. They help with the flow and pace of the discussions. They help us value one another. They help people to be more comfortable sharing deep and meaningful things. SAFE GROUP: We will strive to create an environment where everyone can be real, open, and honest with their struggles and victories. CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group. LISTEN: Let s value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond, or what you are going to say next. PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing the chance to finish and the group the opportunity to consider what was just shared before responding. SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides an opportunity for someone to share and for members in the group to process the topic or question being considered. NO CROSS TALK : Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations. NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Give encouragement; speak truth, and point to Jesus. Don t try to solve or fix each other. NO RESCUING: When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people. SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time you share. CONFLICT: We will commit to resolve conflict biblically. When conflict or sin issues between group members arise, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with these issues. The following are a few key Scriptures in this regard (there are many others). If someone sins against you Matthew 18:15-20 Restoring someone in sin Galatians 6:1-5 Forgive a sinner Colossians 3:12-13 Reconciling differences Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 7:1-5 BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are personally effecting the environment through your words, actions, and non-verbal communication. USE I STATEMENTS: It s easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use I statements rather than them, the church, us, we, etc. 6

7 NEW TO THE STORY? IT S A NEW YEAR! If you are just joining us in The Story, Welcome! If you are currently in a group and have fallen behind, no worries. Just jump back in right where your home group is currently at. READ the chapter from The Story: Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. Read The Story with your family. We broke it up into a daily reading plan because we want to help each other continue to abide in and follow Jesus daily. If it is helpful to read daily then use it, if it is not helpful then don t, but do READ the chapter and Abide in/ follow Jesus daily. (An audio version of The Story is available at amazon.com) HEAR the sermon. HEAR the story at home group. We chose the sections of The Story to hear and discuss at home group that reflect what children and youth will have heard in their programs. We have partnered with the Children s and Family ministry to sync up material to help you as families to read, hear, discuss, and live together. We want to help each other grow in following Jesus and being disciple makers of Jesus. DISCUSS with your Family, Home Group & Friends. DISCUSS with your family. DISCUSS with your home group, your friends. Share with people you work and play with. Look at the story, understand what it shows about God and His plan. Look at your own lives. Compare with what you have thought about life to what God says about life. This is an exciting journey of learning God s upper story, seeing our lower story, and letting how we view the world be changed to reflect more how God views the world. LIVE IT. Live The Story by reflecting on what God reveals to you about Himself and your own heart. Reflect on what God is showing you through The Story. Reflect on how that effects relationships in your life. Respond as individuals, families, groups to what God is showing you. Help each other grow and be changed, to live differently, not just know more. Real discipleship happens in relationships. As we are changed by God s Spirit and word we live it out in the midst of relationships and situations. Invite others to join. DEFINITION OF TERMS UPPER STORY: The upper story is how God is at work bringing about His plan. God s heart and purpose is to have a people who dwell with Him eternally and proclaim Him to the world as they are in relationship with each other. This is the core of His upper story. LOWER STORY: The lower story is how God s plan is being worked out in human history including the human stories we read in the Bible AND in our own lives. The Bible tells of how His upper story is worked out in the time and space of human history. This lower story gives us guidance and examples as we live our lower story in this slice of history. KNOWING THE UPPER & LOWER STORY: The grand plan and purposes of God to restore relationship with mankind throughout history, helps us put context to the lower story which is filled with details of particular people. These details and particular people, including us, are important, but they fit into a grand upper story. 7

8 Chapter 14 [LEADER PREP GUIDE ] A Kingdom Torn in Two Jan 1 (5:30pm - PF Campus only) & Jan 4 sermon date LEADER TIPS & NOTES The Story - Big Idea This is a snapshot of how the chapter of The Story and the passages covered play into God upper story and the lower story. Discussion - Big Idea In each chapter of the Story curriculum a particular life issue has been chosen from the discussion story to focus on. All the questions have been designed to help you and your home group wrestle with this topic. The Head questions help focus on where the story shows it. The Heart questions are intended to allow people to wrestle with their own life and beliefs. The Hand questions encourage people to personally respond in their everyday realities to what they have discovered. The Story - BIG IDEA God calls us to live in a way that accurately reflects his character to the world around us. He wants to be revealed to the world through our lower stories. Choosing to live or not to live his upper story way impacts how we relate to each other, and how the world sees God. Discussion - BIG IDEA Motives behind decision making. Rehoboam and Jeroboam each made decisions based on certain motives. Lead the discussion to help people discover what some of the primary motives in their hearts are as they make decisions. BEFORE GROUP: Your role as a leader before group starts Read Chapter 14 from The Story AND Exploring the Story. Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Pray for your group members. What do you see God doing in each of them? What is God s part and what is your part as you walk with them? ANNOUNCEMENTS: Go to and choose the top 2-3 announcements that would benefit your group members. Also, use this time to give any announcements that are specific to your home group There is a detailed calendar with all the church events at MEN/WOMEN BREAKOUT: By now, breakout groups should be a regular rhythm of your home group. Your group should be breaking out at least one a month. What adjustments need to be made? SERMON: Awareness & Preparation What is God showing me in this week s sermon? How might this week s sermon impact each person in my group? AFTER GROUP: Your role as a leader after group Who am I intentionally praying for this week? Who needs me to pray with them? Who has God put on my heart this week? What are needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this week? Who was absent from group or from service? What might they need from me/our group? Is my group growing a heart for lost people? How are our relationships deepening? 8

9 14 THE STORY A KINGDOM TORN IN TWO [ JAN 1-7 ] LEADER TIPS & NOTES An arrow will be underneath the section of The Story that we will be discussing during our group time. Encourage your group members to help in reviewing the group guidelines. (page 6) HEAR IT READ IT IT DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. Rehoboam s mistake THE STORY: CHAPTER 14 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Jeroboam Begins Jeroboam s Idolatry Judah s Kings Israel s Kings * Bible passages covered in the chapter 14 daily reading plan: 1 Kings GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: What was the story from last week, and what caused you to think about it this week? How did it help you abide in Christ, in your family, with fellow believers or in your world? THE STORY: CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 14 SUMMARY: After Solomon s death Israel asked their new king, Rehoboam, to decrease the forced labor and taxes. When he refused the northern ten tribes separated creating two nations, Israel and Judah. Jeroboam led the north nation, Israel, down a path of idol worship with a heritage of bad kings. Judah, the southern nation, had a mixture of faithful and unfaithful kings. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: A Kingdom Torn In Two - Bible passage: 1 Kings 12 BACKGROUND: Solomon had built Israel to be one of the greatest world powers. This had dearly cost the people in taxes and forced labor for Israel to rise to this prominence. Solomon had enemies who disagreed with him. One of them was Jeroboam who fled to Egypt till Solomon s death. TELL THE STORY: 1 Kings 12 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 9

10 Discussion - BIG IDEA: Motives behind decision making Rehoboam and Jeroboam each made decisions based on certain motives. Lead the discussion to help people discover what some of the primary motives in their hearts are as they make decisions. LIVE IT DISCUSS IT HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] How did Rehoboam and Jeroboam make their decisions? What seems to motivate Rehoboam and Jeroboam in making their decisions? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] When you are making a major decision how do go you about doing it? What are the major factors that usually motivate your decisions? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] How do you gain God s input into your decisions? How will you assess your motives in making a decision this week? Watch to see which perspective is more predominate - the Upper story or the Lower story. LEADER TIPS & NOTES Listen carefully as people reveal what they actually think, feel and believe. This will give a glimpse of where they are in their relationship with Jesus and others Help your group members be specific as they identify their next steps Encourage the group to ask each other how they did during the week. CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 15 - Prophets - God s Messengers Bible Passages: 1 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings 2,4,6; Hosea 4-5; 8-9;14; Amos 1;3-5;9 10

11 PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 11

12 Chapter 15 [LEADER PREP GUIDE ] Jan 8 & 11 Prophets: God s Messengers sermon date LEADER TIPS & NOTES The Story - BIG IDEA God never breaks his promises. His heart and upper story are all about restoring people to relationship and living the way He intended people to live. He pursues his people and sends warning signs to protect us and call us back to relationship with Him when we are in danger. This is how He used prophets in Israel and Judah s lower story. Discussion - BIG IDEA Identify what Competes with God. Elijah challenged the people to see God as God and to recognize what was competing for priority places in their hearts and minds. Lead the discussion to assist people in assessing what competes for their heart and minds. BEFORE GROUP: Your role as a leader before group starts Read Chapter 15 from The Story AND Exploring the Story. Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Pray for your group members. What do you see God doing in each of them? What is God s part and what is your part as you walk with them? ANNOUNCEMENTS: Go to and choose the top 2-3 announcements that would benefit your group members. Also, use this time to give any announcements that are specific to your home group There is a detailed calendar with all the church events at MEN/WOMEN BREAKOUT: By now, breakout groups should be a regular rhythm of your home group. Your group should be breaking out at least one a month. What adjustments need to be made? SERMON: Awareness & Preparation What is God showing me in this week s sermon? How might this week s sermon impact each person in my group? 12 AFTER GROUP: Your role as a leader after group Who am I intentionally praying for this week? Who needs me to pray with them? Who has God put on my heart this week? What needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this week? Who was absent from group or from service? What might they need from me/our group? How am I regularly encouraging group members to invite unconnected people? When are we going to play/serve/or pray together?

13 15 PROPHETS - THE STORY LEADER TIPS & NOTES Challenge the group members to spend time with God Daily You may find page 4 to be helpful when vision casting the purpose of home group. GOD S MESSENGERS HEAR IT READ IT IT [ JAN 8-14 ] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. Elijah Mt Carmel THE STORY: CHAPTER 15 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Elijah Mt. Horeb Elisha Amos Hosea * Bible passages covered in the chapter 15 daily reading plan: 1 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings 2,4,6; Hosea 4-5; 8-9;14; Amos 1; 3-5; GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: What are you discovering about God s upper Story? How is it impacting your lower story? THE STORY: CHAPTER 15 CHAPTER 15 SUMMARY: Israel had a series of evil kings with each one worse than the previous. God warned the people to leave their idols and return to him. His prophets rebuked and warned of judgment. Elijah directly confronted evil royalty, false priests and prophets. Elisha displayed God through miracles of compassion. Amos and Hosea warned Israel of God s anger and judgment toward their persistent sin and disregard for God. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Elijah on Mt. Carmel - Bible passages: 1 Kings 18:17-47 BACKGROUND: Prophets served as God s spokesman, bringing His message to His people. They spoke whatever word was needed to the Lord s people at their moment in history. Often this was a message calling people to return to God. TELL THE STORY: 1 Kings 18:17-47 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 13

14 Discussion - BIG IDEA: Identify what Competes with God. Identify what Competes with God. Elijah challenged the people to see God as God and to recognize what was competing for priority places in their hearts and minds. Lead the discussion to assist people in assessing what competes for their heart and minds. HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] LEADER TIPS & NOTES LIVE IT DISCUSS IT Why did Elijah gather all the people on Mt. Carmel? What competition was Elijah calling the people to see? What competes with God in our culture? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] Elijah rounded up the competition with God. If you gathered up the competition for God in your life what would be present? What do you believe those things will do for you that you are not certain God will? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] What steps can you take this week to begin to eliminate the competition with God in your life? As a home group how do we help each other move forward in having God first in all the spheres personally, family, church, world? How do we work together to challenge and encourage our friends and family to see God as the real God? Consider pairing people up to touch base with each other throughout the week. CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 16 - Fall of Israel - The Beginning of the End Bible Passages: 2 Kings 17-19; Isaiah 3/6/13-14;49;53 14

15 PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 15

16 Chapter 16 [LEADER PREP GUIDE ] Jan 15 & 18 sermon date Fall of Israel: The Beginning of the End LEADER TIPS & NOTES The Story - BIG IDEA Even in the tangled mess of idols, God wants more for His people. He calls them back to a love relationship. He promises a Messiah in his upper story and holds his people accountable for the choices they make in the lower story. Discussion - BIG IDEA Responding when facing potential disaster. Hezekiah faced disaster and responded three different ways. Lead your people to discuss their own tendencies for responding under duress. BEFORE GROUP: Your role as a leader before group starts Read Chapter 16 from The Story AND Exploring the Story. Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Pray for your group members. What do you see God doing in each of them? What is God s part and what is your part as you walk with them? ANNOUNCEMENTS: Go to and choose the top 2-3 announcements that would benefit your group members. Also, use this time to give any announcements that are specific to your home group There is a detailed calendar with all the church events at The life issue for this discussion comes from Hezekiah s journey. This is seen more complete in the Bible (2 Kings chapter 18 & 19). Be sure to read these two chapters for your prep time. A chapter summary is on Page 45. MEN/WOMEN BREAKOUT: By now, breakout groups should be a regular rhythm of your home group. Your group should be breaking out at least one a month. What adjustments need to be made? SERMON: Awareness & Preparation What is God showing me in this week s sermon? How might this week s sermon impact each person in my group? 16 AFTER GROUP: Your role as a leader after group Who am I intentionally praying for this week? Who needs me to pray with them? Who has God put on my heart this week? What are needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this week? Who was absent from group or from service? What might they need from me/our group? Who is God placing in my path to invest in and invite to group? How are the marriages and families doing in my group?

17 16 THE STORY LEADER TIPS & NOTES FALL OF ISRAEL: THE BEGINNING OF THE END READ IT IT [JAN 15-18] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. Assyria THE STORY: CHAPTER 16 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan God s Deliverance Judah s Fall foretold Return Promised Messiah Promised Page Invite the group to share the guidelines. (pg. 6) * Bible passages covered in the chapter 16 daily reading plan: 2 Kings 17-19; Isaiah 3, 6, 13-14, 49, 53 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: How is what you are discovering in The Story impacting you; as you abide in Christ, or your family, or relationships with fellow believers or the world you are apart of? To better help you story 2 Kings chapter 18 & 19, use the summary on page 45. When telling the passage, use your Bibles to tell the story, (2 Kings chapter 18 & 19), not from The Story book. HEAR IT THE STORY: CHAPTER 16 CHAPTER 16 SUMMARY: Israel, the northern kingdom, fell to Assyria. Judah was threatened by Assyria. King Hezekiah sought God for rescue. Isaiah, the prophet, was sent to strengthen and warn Judah. Judah would not consistently follow God so they, too, will be exiled. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Hezekiah s Response In The Face Of Pending Disaster Bible passages: 2 Kings 18 & 19 BACKGROUND: Hezekiah, king of Judah, watched Assyria destroy and defeat all the nations around him, including Israel. His own father, Ahaz, had made an allegiance with Assyria, which Hezekiah did not honor. Instead, Hezekiah had brought reform and repentance to Judah, removing idols and worship of false gods. Now he faced the Assyrian army at the gates of his city. TELL THE STORY: 2 Kings 18 & 19 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 17

18 Discussion - BIG IDEA: Responding when facing potential disaster. Hezekiah faced disaster and responded three different ways. Lead your people to discuss their own tendencies for responding under duress. HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] What is the history between Assyria and Judah? LEADER TIPS & NOTES 2 Kings 16 tells of how Hezekiah s father made an alliance with Assyrian What is the state of the relationship between God and Judah at this point? LIVE IT DISCUSS IT What level of responsibility do you think Hezekiah felt for the situation they were in? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] Hezekiah responded to disaster in three different ways. First he bargained trying to fix it himself. Then he prayed asking God to help him and remnant. Finally he prayed laying out all the situation and asked God to glorify himself in it. Tell about a time in your life when you faced what you felt was potential disaster and how you responded. Which one of Hezekiah s responses do you more identify with? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] What s your take away from this discussion? What gives you a sense of potential disaster right now and what help do you need this next week? Listen to your prayers this week note which category they seem to fit in: God take care of me vs God show yourself to the world Hint: Look at the reforms that Hezekiah had brought to Judah This statement gives background and clarifies how Hezekiah responds. Read this statement to set up the following two questions. Here are the references for Hezekiah s responses to potential disaster. Bargain - I ll fix it myself. - 2 Kings 18:13-16, Pleads for the remnant. God help us. - 2 Kings 19:3-4 Asks God to make His glory known - 2 Kings 19:14-19 CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. 18 NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 17 - Fall of Judah - The Kingdoms Fall Bible Passages: 2 Kings 21;23-25, 2 Chronicles 33;36, Jeremiah 1-2;4-5;13; 21, Lamentations 1-3;5, Ezekiel 1-2;6-7;36-37

19 PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 19

20 Chapter 17 [LEADER PREP GUIDE ] Jan 22 & 25 sermon date Fall of Judah- The Kingdom s Fall LEADER TIPS & NOTES The Story - BIG IDEA God s repeated theme in His upper story is a heart of pursuing and preparing people to represent Him and dwell with Him. In the events of the lower story His discipline toward resistance and rebellion is always followed with grace. He cannot let His people continue to walk in disobedience without consequences. Discussion - BIG IDEA When God says No. Zedekiah experienced God saying no to his request for help and gave him a solution he did not want to follow. The situation seems to be almost the opposite of how God responded to Hezekiah. Lead the discussion to help your people discover God s heart in how He answers prayer and their responses when it is not what they want. BEFORE GROUP: Your role as a leader before group starts Read Chapter 17 from The Story AND Exploring the Story. Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Pray for your group members. What do you see God doing in each of them? What is God s part and what is your part as you walk with them? ANNOUNCEMENTS: Go to and choose the top 2-3 announcements that would benefit your group members. Also, use this time to give any announcements that are specific to your home group There is a detailed calendar with all the church events at MEN/WOMEN BREAKOUT: By now, breakout groups should be a regular rhythm of your home group. Your group should be breaking out at least one a month. What adjustments need to be made? SERMON: Awareness & Preparation What is God showing me in this week s sermon? How might this week s sermon impact each person in my group? 20 AFTER GROUP: Your role as a leader after group Who am I intentionally praying for this week? Who needs me to pray with them? Who has God put on my heart this week? What are needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this week? Who was absent from group or from service? What might they need from me/our group? Who is God placing in my path to invest in and invite to group? How are the marriages and families doing in my group?

21 17 THE STORY LEADER TIPS & NOTES Invite the group to share the guidelines. (pg. 6) FALL OF JUDAH: THE KINGDOMS FALL HEAR IT READ IT IT [JAN 22-28] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. THE STORY: CHAPTER 17 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Manasseh Ezekiel Jeremiah End Comes Hope * Bible passages covered in the chapter 17 daily reading plan: 2 Kings 21;23-25; 2 Chronicles 33;36; Jeremiah 1-2;4-5;13; 21 Lamentations 1-3;5 Ezekiel 1-2;6-7;36-37 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: How is what you are discovering in The Story impacting you; as you abide in Christ, or your family, or relationships with fellow believers or the world you are apart of? THE STORY: CHAPTER 17 CHAPTER 17 SUMMARY: Manasseh followed his father Hezekiah as king. His reign over Judah was the worst yet. He and those who follow him continue a roller coaster of good king then bad king, culminating in Zedekiah. Jeremiah and Ezekiel warn the nation and give them hope in the dark that God disciplines but will not forsake them. Jerusalem falls and is taken into captivity. Jerusalem, the Temple, and the land are destroyed and abandoned. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: When God Says No - Bible passages: Jeremiah 21:1-10 BACKGROUND: Zedekiah and the nation have been warned many times to walk in heart felt obedience to God. Yet they continue to engage God in rituals as one of many gods. TELL THE STORY: Jeremiah 21:1-10 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 21

22 Discussion - BIG IDEA: When God says No. Zedekiah experienced God saying no to his request for help and gave him a solution he did not want to follow. The situation seems to be almost the opposite of how God responded to Hezekiah. Lead the discussion to help your people discover God s heart in how He answers prayer and their responses when it is not what they want. HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] LEADER TIPS & NOTES LIVE IT DISCUSS IT Why did God say no to Zedekiah? What does that tell you about God? What do you know about God s heart that helps you understand His response? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] When has God answered your prayer with a NO? Why do you think God answered the way He did? Is No always a result/because of consequences & decisions? Why else would God say no? How do you know God is saying no because of consequences or no because of other reasons? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] What do you do when God s response to your prayer is directly opposite of what you asked? How do you continue to trust God when you don t understand what He is doing? CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. (An example of how God said no because he had a greater plan: Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane) Model and encourage practical responses to Hand questions. People need time to process and change at different rates. We get to encourage people to respond with intentional obedience to God s word where they are in the growing process. We want heart change not behavior adjustments or only head knowledge. It is important to pray for your group as you partner with the Holy Spirit working in their lives. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 18 - Daniel in Exile Bible Passages: Daniel 1-3;6 ; Jeremiah

23 PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 23

24 Chapter 18 [LEADER PREP GUIDE ] Jan 29 & Feb 1 Daniel in Exile sermon date LEADER TIPS & NOTES The Story - BIG IDEA God cares for those who honor Him. God s upper story is always happening even in the midst of lower story circumstances and cultures that seem contrary to God. He calls His people to reflect Him wherever they are. BEFORE GROUP: Your role as a leader before group starts Read Chapter 18 from The Story AND Exploring the Story. Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Pray for your group members. What do you see God doing in each of them? What is God s part and what is your part as you walk with them? Discussion - BIG IDEA Beliefs In Action Daniel acted on his beliefs throughout his life, from not eating certain foods to praying openly when it would cost him. Guide your group to discuss how their deep beliefs impact their actions and choices. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Go to and choose the top 2-3 announcements that would benefit your group members. Also, use this time to give any announcements that are specific to your home group There is a detailed calendar with all the church events at MEN/WOMEN BREAKOUT: By now, breakout groups should be a regular rhythm of your home group. Your group should be breaking out at least one a month. What adjustments need to be made? SERMON: Awareness & Preparation What is God showing me in this week s sermon? How might this week s sermon impact each person in my group? 24 AFTER GROUP: Your role as a leader after group Who am I intentionally praying for this week? Who needs me to pray with them? Who has God put on my heart this week? What are needs I or others can meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this week? Who was absent from group or from service? What might they need from me/our group? How has our prayer time together been? How is God calling us to grow?

25 18 DANIEL IN EXILE THE STORY [JAN 30 - FEB 4] LEADER TIPS & NOTES You may find page 4 to be helpful when vision casting the purpose of home group. READ IT IT DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. Lives Convictions THE STORY: CHAPTER 18 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Discerns Dreams Fiery Furnaces Lions Den Jeremiah Gives Hope * Bible passages covered in the chapter 18 daily reading plan: Daniel 1-3;6; Jeremiah GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: How is what you are discovering in The Story impacting you; as you abide in Christ, or your family, or relationships with fellow believers or the world you are apart of? HEAR IT THE STORY: CHAPTER 18 CHAPTER 18 SUMMARY: Daniel and his three friends, along with many other Jews, where taken in exile to Babylon. While being taught Babylonian language and thinking they sought favor to eat differently according to their convictions. Daniel sought God to help him interrupt a dream for the king at a critical time. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood for their convictions through a fiery furnace. Daniel served several successive rulers holding his integrity with each one even to the point of facing lions in a lions den. While serving in Babylon, Daniel held onto God s promises made through Jeremiah. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Daniel Models Beliefs In Action - Bible passages: Daniel 6 BACKGROUND: Daniel has served his God faithfully for a lifetime, while he diligently served the rulers of nations that took his people into exile. He is not a young man when he faces the challenge we will discuss together. TELL THE STORY: Daniel 6 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 25

26 Discussion - BIG IDEA: Beliefs in Action Daniel acted on his beliefs throughout his life, from not eating certain foods to praying openly when it would cost him. Guide your group to discuss how their deep beliefs impact their actions and choices. HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] LEADER TIPS & NOTES LIVE IT DISCUSS IT Describe the situation Daniel was working in? According to those who were around Daniel what distinguished him? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] If you had been in Daniel s position how would you have responded? Daniel s actions were a direct result of his belief in God. Our actions are a direct result of what we believe. What would others say you believe about God based on your actions? How have your beliefs been impacted or changed by the journey through The Story? In what ways is your integrity challenged by the culture we live in? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] Daniel had the habit of praying consistently. What habits help you involve God in your daily life? Daniel s beliefs in God impacted his actions in all areas of his life. Which of the spheres is being most impacted by your relationship with God at this point in time? How are you noticing that impact? Which sphere are you being challenged to grow in? What is your next step in that area? How can we as a community of believers encourage each other and challenge each other to grow in having our beliefs impact our actions? You may encourage people to think over this last week, month or year. Challenge them to evaluate how their consistent actions communicate about what they really believe to be true. You might even suggest that each of you try asking a family member or a trusted friend to tell you what your actions communicate about your beliefs to them. Refer to the relationship spheres diagram on page 42. CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. 26 NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 19 - Ezra - The Return Home Bible Passages: Ezra 1-6; Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1;8

27 PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 27

28 Chapter 19 [LEADER PREP GUIDE ] Feb 5 & 8 Ezra: The Return Home sermon date LEADER TIPS & NOTES The Story - BIG IDEA When we get off track God reminds us of His way and the upper story. He shows us how to walk with His priorities in the details of our lower story. Discussion - BIG IDEA Whose kingdom am I building? Haggai challenged and encouraged the Israelites to return to building the temple when they had let difficulties sidetrack them to focusing on building their own homes. Lead your people to discuss what is the focus of what they are building with their life. BEFORE GROUP: Your role as a leader before group starts Read Chapter 19 from The Story AND Exploring the Story. Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Pray for your group members. What do you see God doing in each of them? What is God s part and what is your part as you walk with them? ANNOUNCEMENTS: Go to and choose the top 2-3 announcements that would benefit your group members. Also, use this time to give any announcements that are specific to your home group There is a detailed calendar with all the church events at MEN/WOMEN BREAKOUT: By now, breakout groups should be a regular rhythm of your home group. Your group should be breaking out at least one a month. What adjustments need to be made? SERMON: Awareness & Preparation What is God showing me in this week s sermon? How might this week s sermon impact each person in my group? 28 AFTER GROUP: Your role as a leader after group Who am I intentionally praying for this week? Who needs me to pray with them? Who has God put on my heart this week? What are needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this week? Who was absent from group or from service? What might they need from me/our group? We ve met several weeks What do I see God doing in our group? What can we be celebrating?

29 19 EZRA: THE RETURN HOME THE STORY LEADER TIPS & NOTES Have people briefly review what happened in The Story so far. Creation God builds a nation through Abraham. Joseph Moses God delivered from slavery and gave covenant and commands. People resisted entering the new land so God cared from them as they wandered. Joshua conquered according to God s directions. Judges- people went their own way. Ruth displayed faithfulness and trust in God s protection. Samuel and Saul, David as King- good and bad. Solomon Wisdom and not a strong finish. Nation is divided: North Israel Jeroboam, and south Judah - Rehoboam. Bad king follows bad king in Israel, with the occasional good king in Judah. God pursues the people through prophets like Elijah Assyria defeats Israel and threatens Judah. Hezekiah prays. Judah is warned through Isaiah. Though warned by Jeremiah & Ezekiel, Judah is exiled in Babylon. Daniel seeks God while in 70 years of exile. READ IT IT HEAR IT [FEB 5-11] DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. Return THE STORY: CHAPTER 19 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Building Start & Stop Haggai Challenges Continue Zechariah Encourages Temple Rebuilt * Bible passages covered in the chapter 19 daily reading plan: Ezra 1-6; Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1;8 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: How did last week s story and discussion impact your week? (Jesus, Home, Church, World) THE STORY: CHAPTER 19 CHAPTER 19 SUMMARY: Cyrus, King of Persia, decreed that people from Judah should return to Jerusalem to rebuild a temple for the Lord God of heaven. The priest, Joshua, and Zerubbabel led a large company to return, rebuild, and restore the temple in Jerusalem. With much celebration they restored the alter and laid the foundation of the temple. Soon enemies of Judah brought opposition seeking to discourage, intimidate and frustrate the restoration plans. This opposition frustrated and stopped the work for sixteen years. God sent Haggai and Zechariah to encourage and challenge the people to resume rebuilding, refocusing on the Lord- His hope and promises. Records were searched, Cyrus decree was remembered and King Darius sent a new decree. The Jewish people then finished the temple with neighboring people giving supplies rather than opposition. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Building Something - Bible passages: Haggai 1 & 2 BACKGROUND: The group of Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. They began, laid the foundation but then opposition slowed them and then stopped them. So they turned to building their homes and city. After sixteen years of thwarted effort or stopped work on the temple Haggai was sent as a prophet to challenge Joshua, Zerubbabel and the people to be about God s business of rebuilding His temple. TELL THE STORY: 1 Samuel 17:1-11; ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 29

30 Discussion - BIG IDEA: Whose kingdom am I building? Haggai challenged and encouraged the Israelites to return to building the temple when they had let difficulties sidetrack them to focusing on building their own homes. Lead your people to discuss what is the focus of what they are building with their life. HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] LEADER TIPS & NOTES LIVE IT DISCUSS IT Why did people return to Jerusalem? What distracted or discouraged the people from their purpose? How does God describe the way they had been living? How does God encourage them as they step out in obedience? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] We don t have temples to rebuild what do you think building God s kingdom looks like for us today? What distracts and discourages you or keeps you busy from building God s Kingdom? How do you discern the difference between building your own kingdom and building God s? What has God promised us if we focus on His upper Story in the midst of our Lower story? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] Haggai challenges that there is more than today, but there is a promised messiah. How does the promise of Jesus return impact the goals you are setting and your to-do list? How is being a part of building God s kingdom impacting your time? Your relationships with your family? Your finances? How can we as a home group encourage one another to stay focused on the mission of God? Help your group identify the things God has asked us to build. You may need to remind them of Jesus focus on relationships that help mature over merely accomplishing tasks. Help people identify things they may need to let go of in order to be more engaged in God s purposes and relationships Use the relationship sphere diagram on page 42. CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. 30 NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 20 - Esther: The Queen of Beauty & Courage Bible Passages: Esther 1-9

31 PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 31

32 Chapter 20 [LEADER PREP GUIDE ] Feb 12 & 15 Esther: The Queen of Beauty and Courage sermon date LEADER TIPS & NOTES The Story - BIG IDEA Even when He seems absent God is at work all the time bringing about His upper plan of people living in community with Him and each other. He invites us in our lower story to join Him even when it seems risky. Discussion - BIG IDEA Willing to take risks for the kingdom. Esther took risks for her people without the guarantee of a positive outcome. Guide the discussion to encourage people to explore how willing they are to take risks for God s kingdom. BEFORE GROUP: Your role as a leader before group starts Read Chapter 20 from The Story AND Exploring the Story. Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Pray for your group members. What do you see God doing in each of them? What is God s part and what is your part as you walk with them? ANNOUNCEMENTS: Go to and choose the top 2-3 announcements that would benefit your group members. Also, use this time to give any announcements that are specific to your home group There is a detailed calendar with all the church events at MEN/WOMEN BREAKOUT: By now, breakout groups should be a regular rhythm of your home group. Your group should be breaking out at least one a month. What adjustments need to be made? SERMON: Awareness & Preparation What is God showing me in this week s sermon? How might this week s sermon impact each person in my group? 32 AFTER GROUP: Your role as a leader after group Who am I intentionally praying for this week? Who needs me to pray with them? Who has God put on my heart this week? What are needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this week? Who was absent from group or from service? What might they need from me/our group? How is my group growing a heart for lost people? How is God changing my heart for lost? How is our group growing closer together?

33 20 THE STORY LEADER TIPS & NOTES You may find page 4 to be helpful when vision casting the purpose of home group. See page 46 for a full summary of chapter 20. ESTHER: THE QUEEN OF BEAUTY AND COURAGE HEAR IT READ IT IT DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. Queen Vashti THE STORY: CHAPTER 20 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Mordecai & Esther Lives at risk Haman Reversal * Bible passages covered in the chapter 20 daily reading plan: Esther 1-9 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: How did last week s story and discussion impact your week? THE STORY: CHAPTER 20 CHAPTER 20 SUMMARY: King Xerxes needed a new queen. He chose Esther, who was raised by her cousin, Mordecai. Mordecai thwarted an assassination plot. King Xerxes chief noble, Haman, detested Mordecai, so he came up with a plan to not only kill Mordecai, but all people his nationality - Jewish. Mordecai challenged Esther to seek mercy from the king. She risked going uninvited. In a turn of events, Haman was executed and the Jewish people defended themselves against their enemies. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Risky Business - Bible passages: Esther 4 [FEB 12-18] BACKGROUND: Esther, a Jewish girl-raised by her cousin, Mordecai, became queen in Persia after the previous queen, Vashti, lost her position for being disrespectful to the king. Esther had been queen for around 5 years without revealing her nationality. Mordecai had been a part of the court checking on Esther regularly. He was there so frequently he was even able to stop a plot to kill the King. He made an arch enemy of the chief noble by refusing to bow to Haman. Haman used his wealth and influence to create a plot to not only kill Mordecai but all Jews. He had an irrevocable decree written with the king s permission and sent to all 127 provinces. 33 TELL THE STORY: Esther 4 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together.

34 Discussion - BIG IDEA: Willing to take risks for the kingdom. Esther took risks for her people without the guarantee of a positive outcome. Guide the discussion to encourage people to explore how willing they are to take risks for God s kingdom. HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] LEADER TIPS & NOTES LIVE IT DISCUSS IT Why do you suppose Esther decided to go to the king? What did Esther have to lose? What caused Esther to take these risks? Is there a way Esther could have played it safe? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] When have you taken risks? When does following Jesus seem risky? What risk do you think God is asking you to take for him? What holds you back? What is at stake if you risk? If you don t risk? Who would benefit from you taking that risk? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] Mordecai challenged Esther that she was where she was for such a time as this. How do you get out of your comfort zone to take risks for God and for others? What is going on in your life and world that you sense you need to speak up about or take a risk in? What do you think your next step is? Who would you ask to fast and pray on your behalf? Would you be willing to fast on the behalf of someone else as they move forward? Give a personal example. Make it personal and real Example: It feels risky to follow Jesus when all my co-workers have one perspective and I have another. It feels risky to follow Jesus when I look at my finances ) Make the example you share your own personal risk. CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 21 - Nehemiah - Rebuilding the Walls Bible Passages: Ezra 7; Nehemiah 1-2; 4;6-8 Malachi

35 PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 35

36 Chapter 21 [LEADER PREP GUIDE ] Feb 19&22 Nehemiah - Rebuilding the Walls sermon date LEADER TIPS & NOTES The Story - BIG IDEA God rebuilds the lives of His people in the midst of their lower story as they refocus and recenter on Him and His upper story Discussion - BIG IDEA Unity to work together and to fight together. Nehemiah rallied the people to work together to rebuild the wall. He also helped them fight opposition and discouragement by working together. They accomplished more and overcame more together than they could on their own. Lead the discussion to encourage people to identify how unity and working together plays out in their own life. BEFORE GROUP: Your role as a leader before group starts Read Chapter 21 from The Story AND Exploring the Story. Read through the curriculum and discussion passages. Be aware of what God is showing you personally. Pray for your group members. What do you see God doing in each of them? What is God s part and what is your part as you walk with them? ANNOUNCEMENTS: Go to and choose the top 2-3 announcements that would benefit your group members. Also, use this time to give any announcements that are specific to your home group There is a detailed calendar with all the church events at MEN/WOMEN BREAKOUT: By now, breakout groups should be a regular rhythm of your home group. Your group should be breaking out at least one a month. What adjustments need to be made? SERMON: Awareness & Preparation What is God showing me in this week s sermon? How might this week s sermon impact each person in my group? 36 AFTER GROUP: Your role as a leader after group Who am I intentionally praying for this week? Who needs me to pray with them? Who has God put on my heart this week? What are needs can I or others meet? Do I need to have a follow up conversation with someone from group this week? Who was absent from group or from service? What might they need from me/our group? How are we growing in recognizing the people God is placing in our path? How are the marriages and families doing in my group?

37 21 NEHEMIAH: REBUILDING THE WALLS THE STORY [FEB 19-25] LEADER TIPS & NOTES READ IT IT DURING THE WEEK: Make time daily with God to know Him and His heart through time in his Word, prayer and reflection. Read the chapter before the sermon and before home group. Ezra Prepares THE STORY: CHAPTER 21 - Suggested Daily Reading Plan Nehemiah Prepares Nehemiah Builds Ezra Teaches Malachi Exhorts Pgs Pgs Pgs Pgs Pgs You may find page 4 to be helpful when vision casting the purpose of home group. * Bible passages covered in the chapter 21 daily reading plan: Ezra 7; Nehemiah 1-2; 4;6-8 Malachi 1-4 GROUP TIME: OPENING PRAYER: GROUP GUIDELINES: Review as necessary VISION CAST: The purpose of home group ANNOUNCEMENTS: FOLLOW UP: How did last week s story and discussion impact your week? HEAR IT THE STORY: CHAPTER 21 CHAPTER 21 SUMMARY: Ezra returned to Judah and Jerusalem with a second wave of people. King Artaxerxes commissioned them to go worship, sacrifice, make offerings and to teach the Word and ways of God. Thirteen years later Nehemiah heard the walls of Jerusalem were broken down. He was moved to seek the king to send him to rebuild the walls. He and a third wave of people returned to Jerusalem. He surveyed the walls, and recruited the people to rebuild the walls. Each section of wall was built by families and individuals working together. Again there was opposition, threats, and rumors particularly through Sanballat. Nehemiah persisted, restructured the working conditions, and encouraged the people. They finished the wall in 52 days. After rebuilding the wall he and Ezra began to rebuild the nation by calling the people to rejoice in and obey the words of God. Again and again the people would be called back to hearts of trust and obedience not merely empty ritual. Malachi was one of the prophets God used to warn them. THIS WEEK S STORY DURING GROUP TIME: Working Together Fighting Together Bible passages: Nehemiah 4:1-23; 6:15-16 BACKGROUND: Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem with the mission to rebuild the walls. He surveyed the walls at night, brought the elders together challenged them with the trouble of the broken down walls and encouraged them that God was with them and the king was behind them. So they began to rebuild. Then Sanballat came on the scene and Nehemiah gets to navigate through opposition. TELL THE STORY: Nehemiah 4:1-23; 6:15-16 ASK: Was anything added or left out of the story? REBUILD THE STORY: Rebuild the story by having the group recreate the passage together. 37

38 Discussion - BIG IDEA: Unity to work together and to fight together. Nehemiah rallied the people to work together to rebuild the wall. He also helped them fight opposition and discouragement by working together. They accomplished more and overcame more together than they could on their own. Lead the discussion to encourage people to identify how unity and working together plays out in their own life. 38 LIVE IT DISCUSS IT HEAD [These questions help us examine what the Word shows.] What did Nehemiah and the people accomplish together? How were they able to rebuild the city walls amidst such severe opposition? Why was the wall important to all of them? HEART [These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.] What wall are you invested in building? What is your part in being involved with what Jesus is doing in the world? How do you work together with your home group and your church to be a part of that mission? Those rebuilding the wall had a strategy to help one another to succeed in rebuilding the wall. They stood with each other and a trumpet was blown to call for more help. What is your strategy for asking for help and for giving others help? How in need would you have to be to blow the trumpet? What helps you to quickly respond when someone else blows the trumpet? HANDS [These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday realities.] How can we grow as a group in helping each other hear truth and stay on mission with Jesus in the midst of our own situations? Building relationships that have trust and truth are key to maturing and making disciples of Jesus. What are ways you can intentional build those kind of relationships with the people in your home group? (Follow through with one of those ideas this next week.) CLOSING PRAYER: Spend some time in prayer focusing on how these passages are impacting you personally. NEXT WEEK S READING: The Story: Chapter 22 Bible Passages: Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2; John 1 LEADER TIPS & NOTES You might have someone describe what the situation they were working together in was like. Have your group describe specific ways the people worked together to accomplish rebuilding. Emphasize what a major accomplishment in a short period of time they did by working together to stay focused and encouraged. Help your group think about their own life investment being on target with Jesus purposes. Talk about being personally involved with RLM s vision and mission (Page 4 may be helpful.) Model and encourage people to spend time with each other outside of group time for the purpose of building relationships. This will help deepen the ability to share and speak truth into each other s lives. Suggestions: Encourage smaller groups from your home group (like 2-3 couples/singles) to do something together. The men of the group do something together. The women of the group do something together.

39 PRAYER date: / / NAME PRAYER REQUEST - CELEBRATE/PRAISE 39

40 What is God s Part with a PARENT? GOD S PART_ MY PART_ What does a PARENT (Co- Laborer) need from me? Love Correction Grace To be listened to Relationship Modeling Time Served Accountability W g W g GOD S PART GOD S PART As the Intentional Leader within a Relational Environment What do I model for a PARENT (Co- Laborer)? Transparency Equipping Priorities Prayer Submissiveness Relational risk Grace Serving Mercy Love MY PART_ MY PART_ What environment do I need to create INSIDE the group for a PARENT (Co- Laborer)? What environment do I need to create OUTSIDE the group for a PARENT (Co- Laborer)? What does a YOUNG ADULT need from me? What are some phrases that a PARENT (Co- Laborer) may say? This guy at work asked me to explain the Bible to him. Pray for me. We get to baptize someone from our small group tonight. When is the next 101 class? I want to get her plugged into ministry somewhere. Our small group is going on a mission trip, and I have given each person a different responsibility. I realize discipleship happens at home, too. Will you hold me accountable to spend time discipling my kids? I have a person in my small group who is passionate about children. Can you have the children s ministry people call me? THEIR PART_ THEIR PART_ What are the beliefs, behaviors and attitudes of a YOUNG ADULT? What are the beliefs, behaviors and attitudes of a PARENT (Co- Laborer)? Ability to think in terms of what a team (rather than an individual) can do. Has a coaching mindset Desire to see the people they work with mature and become fellow workers who love them but aren t dependent on them to complete the mission. What are the spiritual needs of a PARENT (Co- Laborer)? Ongoing relationships with co- laborers A church family Encouragement God s Word Places to play Time with God THEIR PART_ W p D Intentional Strategic Reproduction- minded Self- feeding Mission- minded Team- minded (Unity matters) Dependable Action/Service- oriented Zealous God- centered Other- centered Mission- minded (but incomplete in understanding) Independent What is God s Part with a YOUNG ADULT? What environment do I need to create INSIDE the group for a YOUNG ADULT? What are the spiritual characteristics of a YOUNG ADULT? What are some phrases that a YOUNG ADULT may say? What environment do I need to create OUTSIDE the group for a YOUNG ADULT? THEIR PART_ As the Intentional Leader within a Relational Environment What do I model for a YOUNG ADULT? MY PART_ 40 GOD S PART_

41 GOD S PART_ What is God s Part with the DEAD? MY PART_ What environment do I need to create INSIDE the group for the spiritually DEAD? What environment do I need to create OUTSIDE the group for the spiritually DEAD? As the Intentional Leader within a Relational Environment What do I model for the spiritually DEAD? THEIR PART_ What are the beliefs, behaviors and attitudes of the DEAD? BORN AGAIN GOD S PART_ What is God s Part with an MY PART_ INFANT? What does an INFANT need from me? What environment do I need to create INSIDE the group for an INFANT? What are the spiritual characteristics of the DEAD? What are some phrases that the DEAD may say? Unbelieving Rebellious Ignorant Confused Dependent Unaware Self- centered/self- Absorbed Idealistic Prideful Curious Energetic Excited Unaware Dependent on others THEIR PART_ What are the beliefs, behaviors and attitudes of an INFANT? What are the spiritual characteristics of an INFANT? What are some phrases that an INFANT may say? THEIR PART_ THEIR PART_ What are the beliefs, behaviors and attitudes of a CHILD? What environment do I need to create OUTSIDE the group for an INFANT? As the Intentional Leader within a Relational Environment What do I model for an INFANT? MY PART_ MY PART_ What does the CHILD need from me? GOD S PART GOD S PART What are the spiritual characteristics of a CHILD? What are some phrases that a CHILD may say? What environment do I need to create INSIDE the group for a CHILD? What is God s Part with a CHILD? THEIR PART_ What environment do I need to create OUTSIDE the group for a CHILD? As the Intentional Leader within a Relational Environment What do I model for a CHILD? MY PART_ GOD S PART_ 41

42 42 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:4-5 (NIV)

43 People go through a process of spiritual maturity. This will vary from person to person. These stages are not designed to label people or to put them in a box. They are designed to help us know where people are spiritually. Then we can know where they need to be and how to help take them there. THE 5 STAGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH DEAD: People in this stage have not yet accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. They may completely reject God or they may be seeking God. They may be spiritual, and may even claim to know God or be a Christian. In reality, they are their own god. INFANT: People in this stage have accepted Christ, but have not moved much past that point. They can be new believers, or they might be stagnant, long-time Christians. Life is generally all about them and their needs. THE DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS: the wheel CHILD: People in this stage are growing in their relationship with God, and are also beginning to grow in their relationship with other Christians. They are applying God s Word in their lives and allowing others to walk beside them in their journey following Christ. However, it s still mostly about them their needs, comfort, etc. YOUNG ADULT: People in this stage are making a big shift from being self-centered to more others-centered. They re beginning to understand their role as a giver, rather than a taker. They are ministering to others, and putting others first. They are being doers of the Word. PARENT: People in this stage have a solid understanding of God s Word and a deep, abiding relationship with the Father. They are living out God s Word in their daily lives. They are others-centered and God-dependent. They are able to reproduce mature disciples of Jesus by inviting others to follow them as they follow Christ. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 NIV84 43

44 DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS: the 5 stages of spiritual growth traits, phrases & characteristics People go through a process of spiritual maturity. This will vary from person to person. These stages are not designed to label people or to put them in a box. They are designed to help us know where people are spiritually. Then we can know where they need to be and how to help take them there. The 5 Stages of Spiritual Growth DEFINITIONS, TRAITS & PHRASES PARENT YOUNG ADULT TRAITS CHILD INFANT DEAD TRAITS THEY ARE broken. (aware or unaware) lost and unaware of it. living out their feelings. PHRASES THEY MIGHT SAY I believe there are many ways to Heaven. I m a good p erson. I think there may be a higher power. I m too busy for a small group. SPIRITUALLY DEAD: People in this stage have not yet accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. They may completely God, or they may be 44 reject seeking God. They may be spiritual, and they may even TRAITS THEY ARE the lord of their life. confused about what truth is. OR beginning to learn the truth. PHRASES THEY MIGHT SAY Christians are hypocrites. I m a good p erson, a loving God would never send me to Hell. The Church just wants my money. I m too busy for a small group. SPIRITUAL INFANT: In this stage, people have accepted Christ, but haven t moved much past that point. They can be new believers, or they might be stagnant, long- time Christians. Life is generally all about them TRAITS THEY ARE growing in their relationship with God. building relationships with other believers. developing habits of Bible study and p rayer. plugging into relational environments for the purpose of discipleship (small groups) giving of their time and money. PHRASES THEY MIGHT SAY I love my church because I feel like I belong. My small group is great! They make me feel welcome. I m upset about having to branch our small group. I just started making friends. SPIRITUAL CHILD: In this stage, people are growing in their relationship with God, and are also beginning to grow in their relationship with other Christians. They are applying God s Word in their lives and THEY ARE becoming less self- centered and more others- centered. beginning to see themselves as ministers. tithing and giving of their time from a place of thankfulness and love.. understanding the Kingdom purpose of branching their small group. PHRASES THEY MIGHT SAY I m going to visit Bob in the hospital tonight rather than going to the movies. I m serving in the nursery so that p arents can attend a service. I need to branch my small group, but no one else is ready to lead. SPIRITUAL YOUNG ADULT: In this stage, people are making a big shift from being self- centered to more others- centered. They re beginning to understand their role as a giver, rather than a taker. They TRAITS THEY ARE mature disciples of Jesus, but continually growing and developing in their personal relationship with God and as a disciple of Jesus Christ.. skilled at assessing where others are in the discipleship process and get personally involved to help them grow and develop. understanding their role as one who needs to intentionally invest in others making disciples who can make disciples. becoming a coach who develops other players/leaders. PHRASES THEY MIGHT SAY I m taking Steve with me the next time I visit Bob in the hospital to help him learn how to minister to others. I have a couple good p otential leaders in my home group that I m going to personally invest in. Larry is a fine home group leader, and he has really matured in his faith. I m going to ask him to p ray about becoming a coach. SPIRITUAL PARENT: In this stage, the Parent has a solid understanding of God s Word and a deep, abiding relationship with the Father. They are living out God s Word in their lives

45 THE STORY: CHAPTER 16 SUMMARY of 2 Kings 18 & 19 CHAPTER SUMMARY Hezekiah, the son of King Ahaz, became king of Judah before Assyria attacked Israel. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, like David had done. He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down Asherah poles. He trusted the Lord and sought to follow him keeping his commands. He even rebelled against the King of Assyria and broke the alliance with him that his father had established. Nine years into his reign Assyria captured Israel. Five years later Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them so Hezekiah pad the king of Assyria 11 tons of silver and 1 ton of gold that he stripped from the temple. Saying he had been wrong and asked Sennacherib to withdraw from him. Instead of withdrawing Sennachrib sent his field commander and army to Jerusalem. They talked with 3 of Hezekiah s officials threatening Jerusalem, saying that they were coming to attack them and no one could protect them. They shouldn t even trust God. In fact God was probably mad at all the high places that had been destroyed. No one else had stood up to the Assyrian army and Jerusalem wouldn t either. The people who heard this were silent and when they told Hezekiah about the threats he put on sack cloth and sought the Lord in the temple. He sent word to Isaiah telling him about the threat and asking him to pray the remnant to survive. Isaiah sent a message saying that Jerusalem would not fall to Sennachrib, in fact Sennachrib would leave, go back to his own country and die there. Sennachrib then sent a letter to Hezekiah saying he was going to conqueror Jerusalem and no god would ever protect him. Hezekiah took the letter to temple laid it out before the Lord and prayed. He remembered who God was and told God how Sennachrib was threatening. He then asked God to deliver them so that all kingdoms on earth may know that He alone was God. Through Isaiah, God told Hezekiah He had heard his prayer and He would take care of Jerusalem and humble Sennacharib. That night the angel of the Lord put to death 125 thousand men in the Assyrian camp. The next morning Sennachrib left and returned to Nineveh. As he stayed there he was killed by two of his sons in the temple of his god. 45

46 CHAPTER SUMMARY 46 THE STORY: CHAPTER 20 SUMMARY OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER Chapter 1: Xerxes, King of the Persian Empire, reigned in Susa. During the third year of his reign he showed the splendor of the kingdom to the military leaders for 180 days. He ended the time with a seven day banquet. On the seventh day he requested that Queen Vashti come display her beauty. She refused which resulted in her being removed from being queen. Chapter 2: Later Xerxes attendants purposed a search for a new queen. Beautiful young women were gathered to the harem for a year of preparation and beauty treatments. Esther was one of the young women gathered. She was a Jewish girl, orphaned, and had been raised by her cousin, Mordecai. Esther did not reveal her nationality. Daily Mordecai checked on her well-being. She won the favor of Haggai in charge of the harem. She then won the favor of King Xerxes becoming queen. During this time Mordecai played a part in stopping a plot to kill the King. Chapter 3: In the course of time King Xerxes elevated Haman the Agagite above all other nobles. All the royal officials would bow but not Mordecai. He said he refused to pay homage to Haman because he, Mordecai, was a Jew. Haman became so enraged he plotted not only to kill Mordecai but the entire Jewish race. Haman cast pur to determine the best time to strike. He then asked King Xerxes to decree that in eleven months on a certain day the Jews could be destroyed by their enemies. The decree was sent to all 127 provinces. Chapter 4: When Mordecai heard the news he tore his clothes, a sign of grief and mourning and went to the King s gate. All Jews everywhere mourned greatly. Through messages being sent back and forth Esther found out what was happening. Mordecai asked her to go to the king for mercy. She replied she had not been summoned for thirty days and to enter uninvited could bring death. Mordecai challenged her that she was, too, included in the tragedy and perhaps she came to her position for this reason. She agreed to risk for her people and asked Mordecai with others to fast with her for three days. Chapter 5: Three days later Esther approached King Xerxes. The King granted her favor up to half the kingdom. She invited both the king and Haman to a banquet. When they attend her request is that they would return the next day for another banquet. Xerxes agreed. As Haman exited was again angered by Mordecai not bowing. His wife suggested that he erect a pole seventy five feet high and ask the king to hang Mordecai. So he did. Chapter 6: During the night King Xerxes could not sleep. So he read the chronicles of the kingdom. He read how Mordecai had thwarted an assassination plot and realized he had not been rewarded. About that time Haman arrived at court. King Xerxes had Haman describe how he would honor a man, then Xerxes instructed Haman to go honor Mordecai in the way he had described. Mortified and discouraged, Haman had time to tell his wife what happened before he had to attend Queen Esther s banquet. Chapter 7: At the second banquet King Xerxes asked Esther her request. She asked for her life and her people s life. She identified Haman as the one who would kill her and her people. Enraged, the king left the room. While he was gone, Haman begged for his life falling on the queen. The king returned accusing Haman of molesting the queen. Haman was executed by being hung on the very pole he erected the night before. Chapter 8: The King gave Esther Haman s estate and he gave Mordecai Haman s position in the court. Then Esther asked for the plan to destroy the Jews to be stopped. The King had Esther and Mordecai write a decree that gave the Jews the right to assemble and protect themselves on the day their enemies attacked them. This decree went to all 127 provinces. Chapter 9: On the day decreed the Jews defended themselves all over the kingdom. In Susa they were given a second day to pursue their enemies. Everyone celebrated. This celebration was named Purim. It was to be celebrated and observed by all Jews everywhere for all the generations to come.

47 NOTES 47