Consider meeting with your group for dinner before, during, or after group to spend time together.
Connect20-25 minutes
Connect with your group about life this past week. Then, think back over the last 9 weeks as you go through the Self-Reflection exercise.
Self-Reflection
First take a few minutes to answer these questions alone, then talk with your group.
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On a scale from 1-5 (1 being not at all, 5 being fully agree) with the following statements.
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I feel comfortable reading the Bible.
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4
5
Note: If you don’t have a Bible you love, grab one of our pastors or Crossing Bookstore staff—they would love to help you find one!
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I feel comfortable talking about the Bible.
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5
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I have a good understanding of the story of scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
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5
Group Discuss:
- What did you learn about yourself through this exercise?
- What has been your biggest takeaway from this series?
Learn5-7 minutes
You will watch a short clip of the message from this series to set up your group discussion. The full version of the message is also available
online to reference before or after your group meeting.
Discuss20-30 minutes
- When was the last time you were soul fatigued? Who did God send you as His messenger?
- Many times people don’t think of the tenderness of God in the Old Testament. What are some other times during the Old Testament or in this series that you've seen God’s tenderness or that He didn’t leave His servant alone?
- When was the last time you complained and whined to God? What are some reasons why this is actually an important part of our relationship with God?
- Reflect on Psalm 34:18. Why is this verse so important to all believers?
- Elijah was fearful and ran, fatigued from his ministry assignment. Read 1 Kings 19:3-8. What do you notice about God? How do you know when you are soul fatigued? Is your reaction to escape and hole up alone or do you engage in unhealthy amounts of people? What have you found to be helpful?
- Read 1 Kings 19:11-13. Encountering God gives us guidance and reassurance. Elijah knew God was speaking to him. Have you ever experienced God speaking to you through a gentle whisper?
- God reminds Elijah that he is not alone, and He renews Elijah's purpose. What do you most need to hear from God today?
Next Steps:
We talk about the 3 E’s as a way to take steps in our discipleship. When you think about the 3E’s, what is your next step? Talk with your group about what you think. You can pull up
thecrossing.church/calendar to check out offerings.
Explore Truth: Groups and Classes
Will you consider doing another group experience in the winter? Have you taken all three of the Core Experiences—
Genius of One,
Explorations, and
Dinner at The Crossing? Would any of our care classes meet a need in this season? Check back on our calendar soon for classes such as The Marriage Course, Sanctuary, Financial Foundations, and Divorce Care.
Experience God's Grace: Experience the Weekend Service
How regular is your attendance? Do you typically try and come to the same service?
Express the Love: Serving and Giving
Pray10-15 minutes
Ask for prayer requests and then you may opt to pray the following prayer.
Lord, thank You for being a Father and thank you for being a friend. Thank you, Lord, that on our worst days, we can pour our hearts out to you, and You won’t leave us alone. In fact, You will often pick us up and carry us. Please, Father, help us to remember that even when the enemy throws lies our way, the feelings that we may have, well, those feelings aren’t always fact. That the truth resides with You and only You. No matter what battle the enemy shall wage against us, You will stand and help us defeat the evil one with Your power. Those are battles that can't be won without You, our hope and salvation.
We pray that because You are the source of all hope, You fill us with joy and peace so that we can face whatever the world throws at us with bold confidence because we are children of the King. Go with us now into this week, helping us to remember to give each other holy encouragement in Your Name. Amen.
Action Steps5-10 minutes
Between now and next week, here are some suggestions for action steps.
Attend the Weekend Service: Note any takeaways, next steps, or reflections from the message this week. Consider getting a new notebook so that you can continue to take notes each week.
Consider Next Steps: Review the 3 E's mentioned in the Discuss section. Where is God nudging you to take a step?
Thanksgiving: With this holiday approaching soon, take some time to thank God for all He has given us. What are some gifts from God that we often overlook?