A couple of the biggest challenges for any NewSpring small group leader is “what do I teach from week to week?” and “how do I find time to prepare?” With the new Group Leader Guides, these issues should no longer be concerns.
If you haven’t found the Guides,
Click Watch & Listen on the main menu at the top right of any page.
Choose any sermon in the current series.
Scroll down to the bottom
Find the Group Guides under Additional Study Materials.
OK, now that you have the Guide, take a look at the new format. This new outline is designed to help you lead your group into a deeper investigation and practical application of the sermon taught the prior week. Look at each section header:
The Main Point – Each week, our Pastor will focus on one main point that he wants everyone to remember. This section will remind us of this point and get your group thinking on the topic at hand.
Sermon Recap & Biblical Background – These sections summarize the sermon and give perspective into the main Bible passage. Use this material as a brief overview. Some group members may not have heard the sermon if they missed church that week.
Controversial Icebreaker – This question will generally come from current events or other subjects in which folks will have different opinions. It’s “controversial” just to help motivate people to speak up. Be patient and get lots of people involved in this discussion. If they speak up now, they will be ready to be involved when the material goes deeper.
Discussion Questions – This section includes several questions you can use to create discussion. Group discussion should always land on God’s truth. The answers are designed for your group to open God’s Word and learn the Bible together; for this reason, they are the heart of the Group Guide. Don't feel the need to use all the questions.
Activity Option & Prayer Time Idea – These sections will give practical ideas for special activities or prayer time. Use them if they add value to your meeting. Keep in mind that this guide is a menu of ideas; select and use the sections that work best for your group and your style.
L.E.A.D.S. – This section will guide you in living out and reinforcing the core values of NewSpring. Use this section to remind your group how to apply practically one or more of NewSpring's core values.
These Guides will help you, as small group leaders, create a consistent and rich learning environment. Each week, encourage members to make practical applications of the sermon in their own lives. Remember, NewSpring is a church where change takes place.