VISIBLE SERIES - LEADERSHIP COACHING[The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Small Group Leader. Each week we will include concepts, challenges and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your group and grow as a disciple yourself.]

Abiding [grow as a disciple yourself]

Is there a particular scripture that has been meaningful in your life when you face difficulties? Have you memorized that Scripture so that you can repeat it to yourself and to others during difficult times? If yes, then consider sharing that verse with your group during your meeting this week. If no, spend some time today searching God’s Word for a verse to claim that will calm your heart and reassure your mind when the going gets rough.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively]

Rebuilding the story gives the whole group a chance to talk through the story from beginning to end. Start by asking the group, “What happened first in the story we just heard?” You may need to prompt them to continue using questions like, “Then what?” or “What did he do next?” Be prepared to help them fill in the story line.

It is imperative to read the story from the Bible during group time. We always want to open the Bible and read the story word for word. This establishes the authority of the story as part of God’s word to us. It also insures that the story is communicated accurately and completely.

When reading from the Bible, you can ask one person to read the whole passage. This works well for shorter stories. For longer stories, and to involve more group members, you may want to go around the group and take turns reading. Ask each person to read one verse, or several verses, and then move to the next person. Keep track of where you are in the story in case someone needs a prompt.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep]

Helping and supporting others is a vital aspect of group life. Be attentive to the practical needs in your group. Be aware of skills, knowledge and gifts that you or others in your group have that could be used to help one another.

Offer help, but be cautious not to offer unsolicited advice. Advice begins with “You ought to….” Help begins with “Can I offer to help by….”

All Church [things you and your group need to know]

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VISIBLE SERIES: WEEK 4 – THE VISIBLE GOD IS A MIRACLE WORKER

Open in PrayerWelcome/IntroductionsRemind Group of Small Group GuidelinesReview from Last Week:

In what way did you respond this week to your “Yes?”

Ask A Hook Question [Ask a thought provoking question to get the group focused]

If you had to live on fish or bread alone, which would you choose?

Share Background for The Story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story in the Bible]

The message of the book of John is underlined using two key words, believe, used 98 times, and life used 36 times. John wrote with a twofold purpose- to communicate Christ through His miracles and teachings so people might, first, believe that Jesus was indeed who He said He was, the Son of God; and second, have eternal life because of their belief.

John records eight signs of Jesus’ power and were one-way Jesus manifested His glory. The fourth of these signs occurred in the longest chapter in the book of John, chapter 6. Although it is the longest chapter, it covers the events of probably less than twenty-four hours.

While Jesus was sitting with His disciples, a large crowd began to form and this is where the story begins.

Tell The Story - this week’s passage is – John 6:1-14

Rebuild the Story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember]

Read the Story Out Loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted]

Discuss These Questions:1. What was the test that Jesus was using on Philip (v.5)?2. How are you like Philip and Andrew- failing to remember something about Jesus when

you face difficult situations?3. When has God stretched your limited resources (physically or emotionally) far beyond

what you could have imagined?4. What is one area in your life where you need a miracle from God? (Be sure and pray as

a group for this)

Ask Someone to Retell the Story [Ask for a volunteer from the group]

Assign Next Week’s Passage –Matthew 28:16-20

Close in Prayer