MAIN POINT:

According to our theme verses this year Psalm 92:12-14 in order to flourish we must be planted in the house of the Lord.

ICEBREAKER:

Have you ever had great success or failure in trying to grow a plant? What did that teach you?

INTRODUCTION:

It’s the new year, a time of new beginnings and second chances. As we begin the year, please participate in our church wide fast and prayer beginning Monday January 5th, and join us in our one year Bible reading plan. You can pick up a devotional for the 21 day fast at your FP location or download a digital copy here. This week Pastor preached on the importance of being planted in the house of the Lord. One of our core values is gathering for God (see Hebrews 10:25). We do this during the weekend worship services as well as in small groups which meet regularly. Gathering for God is essential to being rooted in the house of the Lord. Please continue to be faithful in attendance both on the weekends and at small group meetings. These gatherings will greatly enhance your spiritual growth and help you to reach your full potential!

ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:

Read our theme verses for this year Psalm 92:12-14.

By definition, flourish means “grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.” In our case, and according to our theme verse, that environment is the house of the Lord.

1. What do you think flourishing would look like in your life? What areas would you like to flourish (spiritual growth, work, relationships)? Be specific in thinking about what flourishing would look like in particular areas of your life.

2. How does being planted in the house of God affect our growth?

3. What are some reasons you have had in the past for not attending church? For not reading scripture? For failing to maintain relationships? How can the group hold each other accountable?

4. Are there things we can do as a group to help each other develop deeper roots? For example, would it help if we made plans to attend the same service each weekend and sit together as a group? Or should we check in with each other to see if we are keeping up with the Bible reading plan?

LEADER NOTES

As the new year begins, you might consider doing a “Group Housekeeping” meeting. Here are some questions you might consider.

What are the goals for the group this year?

What do you want to study?

Does every member have a spiritual growth plan?
You can find worksheets for creating a growth plan on Pastor Chris’s blog here.

Are group members on track to be part of the Faith Promise Core?

How are things working logistically for your group? Is your time/place/childcare situation still on track for your group’s goals?

1. Encourage each group member to share at least on area of their life that they would like to see flourishing and what that flourishing would look like. Choose accountability partners or have whole group work on building each other up and holding each other accountable for staying rooted and flourishing. Pray for one another specifically for the goals that members share.

2. Being planted (regularly attending worship, regular Bible study, quiet time and prayer) helps us discern what God’s plan for our life is and helps us to line up our plans with His.

3. Be sensitive and not condemning as you work through these questions. The point is not to cast blame or make people feel guilty. The point is to help them understand where things might have gone off track before and help them to stay on track this year!

4. Encourage members to develop a spiritual growth plan (see above for a link to Pastor Chris’s blog with worksheets). Also make a plan to reassess and check in with the group through the year (perhaps once a month or quarterly) and see if people are keeping up with their plan or if they need help.