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Vital Signs for a Healthy LIFEgroup

1. Stay Focused on God's Vision for a Healthy Church

Whenever we meet as the whole church or the home church our goal is to be with Jesus.

Our core values are:

This is what our church and LIFEgroup are all about! This is what we default to! This is what is most important! Everything else flows from first loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. As we meet in LIFEgroups our goal is to be with Jesus - to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. It is not to complete a lesson, have fellowship, or follow a program. Our goal is to be with Jesus - to meet with Him. We do this through worship, prayer and being in the Word. This is at the core of everything we do in LIFEgroups - helping people to abide in Jesus. There is no greater program than to lead people into the presence of the Lord. THERE ARE FIVE "ACTIVE INGREDIENTS" FOR A HEALTHY

2. Meeting Elements

a. Ice Breaker

Get people involved with one another as you start. Ice breakers help things to get off to a good start. They open the door for life sharing where people learn more about one another in a non-threatening way. They are a powerful tool for relationships to develop and grow as we simply "tell our stories" to one another. Ice breakers open our hearts to one another.

b. Worship

Worship opens our hearts to God. Worship is prayer and singing that sets our focus on Jesus and the dynamic reality of His presence in our midst. Our agenda whenever we come together in our LIFEgroups is simply to meet with Jesus. Experiencing Jesus in our midst is the objective.

c. Conversational Prayer

Conversational prayer does not mean that we spend all our time taking prayer requests. It means that we pray together. When we pray together the Holy Spirit builds unity in our lives as we give thanks and praise to God and as we pray for one another and for our world.

d. Discussion of the Word

The focus of discussing the Scripture in LIFEgroups is upon the application of God's truth to our lives (James 1:22  ). In LIFEgroups, we discuss the Bible for the purpose of transformation, not simply information. Our goal is not head knowledge, but a changed life. As we discuss God's Word together and then hold one another accountable to apply God's truth, we grow in Christ.

e. Vision Casting

Continually be reminding your group of the values and vision God has given to us. "Our objective is to make loving God our highest priority and from that to grow in our love for one another and for a lost world whenever we meet together as the whole church or the home church."

3. PRAY, INVITING

Our objective is not simply to have a good Bible discussion or to enjoy wonderful fellowship. As good and important as these things are, they are the results that flow from experiencing the presence of Jesus in our midst. Jesus said, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20  ). That is what we want to experience. The goal is that we might leave knowing that we have met with Jesus. As you begin, pray and invite God to be present with you. Pray also for direction. Ask God to direct the meeting so that you might follow His agenda and not your own. And then, pray for protection. Pray and bind the evil one from any influence over your meeting

4. Every Member Participation is the Key to Success

a.  The leader is a facilitator and guide, not the lecturer.

Participation is the key to success. The more people participate in the Bible discussion and the sharing of their lives, the more the learning and growth process is multiplied in the group. Asking good questions is essential for good participation.

b. Arrange people in a circle for optimum group dynamics

c. Do not pressure anyone to pray, read or speak.

d. Do not allow anyone to dominate the conversation.

This works against team building. Redirect the conversation by saying, "Thanks for your comments. Let's hear from someone else what they think about this subject."

5. Start and Finish on Time

The LIFEgroup meeting should go no longer than one hour and thirty minutes. Leaving people hungry for more is better than them thinking, "No more!", because the meeting went too long. Ending on time shows consideration for those who need to get home for their children or because they are early risers. Those who wish to stay and mingle a little longer once the meeting is finished may certainly do so.

6. Shepherd and Care for the People in Your Group

When asked which was the greatest commandment, Jesus responded, " 'Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love you neighbor as yourself'. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40  ). The apostle Paul hones this down even further in Galatians 5:14   when he says, "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. The first and greatest command for every LIFEgroup leader is the law of love! The leader who loves as Christ commanded will shepherd and care for people even as Christ does for us. In John 10  , where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, we see three commitments of shepherding demonstrated in the life of our Lord:

a. Shepherding is a commitment of unselfish giving to others.

b. Shepherding is a commitment to get involved in other's lives.

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me..." (v. 14)

c. Shepherding is a commitment to bring others in who are not yet a part.

"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also..." (v. 16a)

7. Respond Lovingly and Immediately to an Expressed Need (1 John 3:17  )

b. Model for others by sharing your faults and need for prayer(James 5:16  )

c. Use the "open chair" to pray for special needs.

d. Communicate financial needs of people to your Coach and LIFEgroup Pastor. Never embarrass someone by passing a hat on the spot. Realize that funds have already been given in the "Deacon's Fund" to provide for those in need.

8. The Bible is Our Authority and Guide Book (2 Timothy 3:16-17  )

It is not our opinion on "hot issues" that matter. The issue is what does God's Word say? The Bible is our authority and guide. It contains everything necessary for salvation and the Christian's walk, so that we can be successful in every area of our lives. When issues arise, always look to find out what the Bible says. Acts 17:11   says, "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." This needs to be our response also.

9. Don't Allow Doctrinal Discussion that is Divisive or Argumentative (Titus 3:9-11  )

It is easy to hide from making personal application of God's truth by sidestepping into discussion of doctrinal differences. Paul warned Titus to "avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless" (Titus 3: ). As a leader, you may need to say at times, "The direction this is taking us is not profitable. We need to direct our attention to that truth which is clear and can be applied to our lives. It's the application of that which we do understand that God holds us responsible for." Discussion that leads to division is unprofitable. Discussion that leads to personal discipleship is our pursuit.

10. Practice Mutual Edification Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:29)

a. Be an encourager.Ask God to make you a Barnabas. As you model what it means to be a Barnabas, others will learn to do the same.

b. Each person needs to feel important and have a sense of making a contribution. It is a team effort in caring for and encouraging one another. Don't try to care for everyone and meet every need yourself. Involve others. Delegating areas of responsibility is way to affirm people and help them to take an active role in applying the "one anothers" of scripture in your group. Ecclesiastes 4:12   tells us, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

c. This is not a group therapy session. When someone brings up a deep emotional problem, use "prayer therapy". Pray! Do not try to play "Jr. Psychologist". When necessary consult your Coach about referring the person to competent counsel.d. Remember: "People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care."

11. Personal Contact Between Meetings is Essential

What takes place between meetings during the week is often even more important than what happens in a meeting. Make "I care calls" to those who may be absent, new or sick. A quick call or a brief note goes a long way in communicating that you care. Call people to express appreciation or to check-up on a prayer request. Invite them over for dinner or go out for coffee. The point is, that successful LIFEgroup Leaders are those who build relations with people both in and outside of the group meeting.

12. New Members are Life Giving Blood That Helps the Group Stay Alive and Healthy

Remember that LIFEgroups are open, not closed. That means that "anyone can come at any time." The open chair is a reminder that there is always room for someone to join. It is not a tool to pressure people to fill, but an encouraging reminder to pray and love people into the group.

13. Handle the "Walking Wounded" People Away from the Group

There will be problems in every small group. You can count on it. When you are involved in ministering to people there will be problems. One person cannot be allowed to become the center of attention and dominate the focus of a group. "Extra Grace Required" people may require help that a Leader cannot provide. Here are a few suggestions for handling E.G.R.'s (Extra Grace Required people):

a. Love them.
b. Talk with them one-on-one away from the group in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1).
c. Go to your LIFEgroup Coach or pastor for help when you need it.

14. Don't Allow People to Confess Anyone Else's Faults but Their Own (James 5:16  )

If this happens the leader needs to remind the group of this principle.

15. Minister Out of an Abiding Relationship With Jesus Christ

The greatest thing a leader can do is to love Jesus Christ with an increasing love. As a leader , I must abide in Jesus first and then help others to abide in Him. Jesus said in John 15:5  , "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."

Abiding is

    "Have I spent time with Him in prayer and in the Word?"

Abiding is my life

    "Lord, what do you want me to do?"

Discipleship is not performing to a standard, it is helping people to abide in Christ - to have a heart for God. This means I must abide in Christ first. This is the key to leadership being raised up.

16. Maintain a Learning Spirit Psalm 32:8-9

Howard Hendricks said, "When you stop learning, you stop living!" We might add, "When you stop learning, you stop leading!" A disciple is essentially a "learner" or a "follower". If we are going to lead others, we have to be learners. And we cannot lead unless we first follow. Not one of us has arrived. None of us can stop learning or following. A good leader is a good learner.

As a learner, look for ways to improve your leadership skills. Don't miss leader's meetings. Your attendance is mandatory, but beyond that it will help you to grow as a leader. Be a reader. Readers are learners. Ask questions. Find out what works and what doesn't work from other leaders. Don't be afraid to ask or admit that you don't know or that you need help. This the spirit that God uses.

17. Maintain a "Grace Based" Environment

A good leader learns to be shock-proof and not overly reactive when someone says or does something that goes against the grain. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15   instructs us to ".. warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." Remember that love needs to be the driving force behind all we do. If we create an atmosphere of love and acceptance, the Holy Spirit will do His work.

18. A Good Sense of Humor is a Valuable Asset

Your group ought to be a fun place to be. So, watch out that you not take yourself to seriously. It's okay to laugh. In fact, laughter is a vital ingredient to a healthy group. Listen to this counsel from the Proverbs:"A joyful heart is good medicine (lit. - "that causes healing") but a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22  )"A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:13-15 )

19. Allow the Group to Care for you as the Leader When You have a Need

20. Know That Your Coach and Pastor are Committed to Helping you be Successful

When any problem arises in your group that is beyond your ability to solve, contact your Coach or LIFEgroup Pastor for help.. Our responsibility as coaches and pastors is to assist, encourage, support and help you in every way that we can. You are not expected to do this alone. We are a team and we are in this together.

21. Remember, Jesus is the Miracle Man (And You are Not)

In every LIFEgroup, needs will arise that you will not be able to meet by yourself. You will experience the frustration that comes from realizing your own personal limitations. At that point, you need to involve the group, and beyond that your coach and LIFEgroup Pastor. However, even then, there will be needs that will be beyond your abilities to meet. That is when you must remember, Jesus is the miracle man and not you. We have limitations in what we can do to solve peoples' problems. He does not! Our abilities are limited, but His are unlimited!

Our responsibility, after we have done all that we can do, is to continue to point people to Jesus. The presence of Jesus in our lives is ultimately the answer to every problem that we face. He is the Miracle Man!