9.

Ministry of the Word

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Allow 70 minutes for this session

The major focus of this lesson is on leading a Discovery Bible Study.  This may be a new practise for many participants. They will select a Life Principle from the MyFriends App. Be sure to give them guidance (see notes below).

LOOKING BACK
 

Let's start with a bit of review.

What 5 things did we say fuels a Kingdom culture?

A Kingdom culture is fuelled by:
  1. Clear compelling vision of a preferred future.
  2. A message of hope.
  3. A lifestyle of grace and truth.
  4. An attitude of expectancy.
  5. A heart of obedience.

Celebration of Faithfulness (15 minutes)

Get into groups of 3-4 people and share how did with the goals you set at our last meeting:

Spirit-led Insights:
(click outside box to save)

  Participants should be able to state the objectives of the Ministry Foundations Phase.
Objectives of the Ministry Foundations Phase:

1. Create a relational, God-centred ENVIRONMENT for producing disciples through six foundational priorities:

  • Holy Spirit dependence
  • Prayer
  • Obedience to a Kingdom Agenda
  • Word of God
  • Exalting the Father
  • Relationships that are intentional

2. Begin to identify, THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS, a team of like-minded individuals committed to being involved in ministry

LOOKING UP
Environment focused on the Word of God 

God’s Word was central in Christ’s life and ministry. Jesus knew the Word and used it as He encountered the everyday issues of life. Jesus referred to the Old Testament more than eighty times, quoting from over seventy different chapters. Scripture was on His lips during His entire ministry, from the hour of His temptation to the time of His death. Jesus’ respect for the written Word of God is irrefutable.

Share: What have you personally found most helpful in growing in this priority?

What habits are necessary over time, to begin to teach God’s Word — with
authority — like Jesus? (Matthew 7:28-29)

 

How might you create a culture of the love and application of the Word in your people?

Spirit-led Insights:
(click outside box to save)

 

In a Discovery Bible Study we limit our comments to the ONE text we are looking at.  Think back to Year 10 English where you studied a text. 

  • What does this text say? 
  • If this was the ONLY part of the Bible you had, what would you know about God and people?
  • What do you think you should DO as a result of what you have read?  We are looking for a SMART goal.  One that your boss, teacher, or friend could tell whether or not you completed it. It should be:
    • Specific
    • Measurable
    • Attainable
    • Relevant
    • Time-based

We are using a 3/3 outline. You should spend about 1/3 of your time in each section.

  • Look Back
  • Look Up
  • Look Forward
Discovery Bible Study:

A Discovery Bible Study (DBS) group is a simple way to connect around God’s Word using discovery questions based around who God is, who we are as people, and what difference that will make in our life. The leader’s role is not to teach but to facilitate discussion trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead people to the truth. This is a transferable and proven method of engaging people in the Word for application. It works with non-believers and believers.

These are the DBS questions we use with MyFriends:
LOOK BACK
  1. What are you thankful for and what has been challenging for you since we last met?
  2. Have you experienced God at work in your life lately?
  3. Have you had the opportunity to care for your friends or neighbours this week?
  4. How did you go with your application from the last time we met?
LOOK UP
  1. Read the passage aloud twice.
  2. Have one person retell the passage in their own words with the group’s help.
  3. Was there anything missed or added?
  1. What stands out for you in this passage?
  2. What does this passage tell you about Jesus, God, people and you?
  3. What does this passage say about our topic today?
LOOK FORWARD
  1. If this passage is from God, what difference would it make in your life?
  2. How are you going to apply this passage this week?
  3. Who will you share this passage with?
 

Break into groups of 3 to 4 people for the Life Principles study. 

If meeting face-to-face, you should move around, listening to the interaction of each group.  Correct any obvious problems OR save them for discussion with the whole group when you return.

If meeting online, tell the group that you may visit their breakout room, but you will have your camera and microphone off because you want to be a "fly on the wall" to see how things are going. 

Select one of the Life Principles and have a DBS

Evaluation:

  1. What did you experience through this approach to studying the Bible?
  2. What did you like/ not like about this process?
  3. What do you see as the advantages of using this method?
  4. What are some of the potential dangers or disadvantages of using this method?

Spirit-led Insights:
(click outside box to save)

LOOKING FORWARD

Preparing for Mission: Ministry of the Word

Spirit-led Insights:
(click outside box to save)

Version 2.10

Our Generations

Power to Change

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