Sanctuaries- Week of 10/08/07

Hey Sanctuary Leaders...

Thanks for last Wednesday.
It was truly an important night for spiritual growth at MG!
And you were (and will continue to be) a HUGE part of it.


This Week...

Total time for the 'official' part of the meeting:
No more than 1hr.

This doesn't necessarily include those who want to hang out before and after.
As you get to know your group, you will get a feel for what's best,
but let's try to keep things tight and flowing right now.


Here is the format for your first 'real' meeting...
Journey Inward:

- Intro/Icebreaker: Go around again and have everyone intro themselves (name, and if you want a fun question).

- Set Up Ground Rules: Once again, make sure it is clear:
1. We are here for God/growth. We are committing to growth and to community.
2. This is a 'safe place,' what we say here stays here, and no question or thought is a 'dumb' one.
3. You are a facilitator... your job is to ask questions/keep things 'flowing', not do all the talking. We want everyone to be able to participate in some way.

- Pray: (You do this the first few meetings, then eventually ask others in the group)
1. Ask everyone to spend a few moments in silence.
2. Ask them to give God the business and concerns of their day.
3. Ask them to begin to focus on God and what God may want to do in their lives tonight.
4. Then you pray.

- Discussion:
Text: Luke 10:25-27, Philippians 1:9-11
(Have one, or a few, read these out loud)

Here are a few questions...
1. We hear the word 'love' a lot... but what does Scripture, in these verses, mean by love?
How is that different than how we/our culture view 'love?'

2. On Sunday we talked about 'two disconnects' that often keep us from living out a life of Christlike love....
a. What were the two disconnects? (hint for you leaders, we have disconnected: 1. Love from Action, 2. Discipleship from Community)
b. How do we, in our everyday lives, reconnect these?

3. How do we, in our Sanctuaries and faith community, continue to create an environment where our "love abound(s) more and more in knowledge and depth of insight?" Philip. 1:9

4. Would anyone like to share the commitments they wrote down during communion?
Follow up with people if possible, ask them, "how do you think you will do this?" and "is there any way we can support you in that?"

It's OK to follow up questions, etc. from the group during discussion.
Sometimes the 'rabbit trails' can be the Holy Spirit... sometimes they are just that, rabbit trails that need to be gently redirected. Use your discernment, and begin to understand your group.

It's OK if you don't get through all the questions...
I'd rather have you over prepared than under!
If it's starting to get too late, wrap it up and get to prayer.

- Closing Prayer: Take prayer requests, if you feel like your group is ready, get others involved praying for a specific request.

- Continue to 'hang out' for a few moments afterward.
Be intentional about building community in your group.
For example: notice those who you don't know as well/or who have yet to participate much, focus on getting to know them a bit.

Please let me know if you have any questions, or if there is any way I can support your leadership!

I am praying for each of you, that the Holy Spirit would empower you, and begin to challenge/encourage your group!

Peace Out,
Matt