LIFE TOGETHER

WELCOME!

2010-05-26T12:31:00.001-07:00

Welcome to "LIFE TOGETHER". This page is where you will find information for the median adult 35+ ministry for connection groups and focus groups at The Church at Pinnacle Hills. So click around and check it out, if there is something missing e-mail me and we’ll get it fixed (you can find my address in the right hand corner by my pic).

Check out our summer June plan called “Finding a Balance” you won’t want to miss these four weeks of creative worship, teaching, and connecting happening at the Chapel on the Creeks starting June 2nd from 6-8 p.m.

Be sure to save the date on all the summer 2010 events listed in the tab at the top of the page.

FNO "Round 2"

2009-08-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

Friday Night Out or FNO as we call it is starting up again September 11th. Let me clarify for our connection group leadership the intended purpose for this event. FNO is a strategy to grow connection groups. Here is how it works.

Step #1: Intentionally pray and ask God to reveal to you a couple/individual that needs to be invited to your group for connection.

Step#2: Invite them to your connection group meeting where they will experience acceptance and community.

Step#3: While at group receive an FNO voucher for free childcare the following Friday night.

Step#4: Register your children with their names and ages at fno@churchph.com before 11:59 pm on the Wednesday of that week. (Be sure to tell your invitees the same thing)

Step#5: Come to FNO with your voucher and your kids and enjoy a night out on the town with your friends while the friendly staff at CPH care for your children.

Step#6: repeat steps 1-5 for each FNO preferably with a different couple/individual each time and watch your connection group grow!

We really can't stress enough how this event is intended to grow your group through the combined efforts and intentionality of everyone involved. As a leader you are THE key element in all of this through your consistent communication of the message and by your example as you personally follow through with the plan. I am confident that our groups can and will grow through this strategy but it all comes down to our people and leadership being intentional!

The POWER! in Connection Power...

2009-06-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

When you hear the words “connection power” what comes to your mind? Does it grip you with technological fear? Does it leave you confused and bewildered about what to do with it? Does it boggle the mind or seem difficult to master? If you answered yes to any of these you are not alone…in fact I have also been a little confused about how to put this incredible tool to work for the good of connection groups. However, after a little TLC and some personal training on the software I have come to respect and appreciate what it can do for us as leaders to help grow our groups and to effectively shut the proverbial “back door”. This tool in the hands of a leader or volunteer from the group who is committed to a little effort and not afraid of a little accountability can ensure their group a tremendous leap forward in group care and growth for a deeper and more powerful life transforming experience through group life.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

I’m glad you asked. The POWER in Connection Power comes from its ability to track people from the time they enter the doors of CPH until they get connected into group life with a connection group but that’s not all. Once a member or visitor has connected into group life Connection Power gives us the ability to track their attendance and needs allowing the group to effectively care for group members God has entrusted them with. It all begins with the following…

Connection Power Assignments:
In the very near future as a connection group leader you will be receiving e-mails indicating people who are interested in connection groups or the Church at Pinnacle Hills. As a connection group leader YOU are our BEST chance at connecting them to a life transforming experience through group life. Your contact call and subsequent follow up through connection power will be the tools that will best help people find the connection and relationships that so many people are desperate to find. Your touch inviting them to your group or giving them information about another group that fits them better will ensure that connection group ministry not only grows at CPH but thrives as well. It will be very simple to navigate.

1. You will receive an e-mail with a web address included. Simply click on the web address and you will be directed to the page listed with the contact information.

2. Simply click on “enter results” and you will be taken to a page where you can submit information about the call you are making. Enter the info after making the phone call.

3. Simply scroll down to the end of the page and click on the submit button.

This easy phone call gets the ball rolling and puts the interested party on the fast track to connection. It also helps us as leaders stay accountable for who we have been assigned to contact and follow up on for the growth of our groups. However, DO NOT allow this system to become the only opportunity that you or your group members rely upon for the growth of your group. Remember that you and your group engaging in life transformation through a caring group and always sharing your lives with others is the best promotion connection ministry has.

Connection Power Attendance:
The next step is to take your group and make sure that they are all listed in connection power under your group name. Michelle Holden our ministry assistant can help you out with that. Then follow the easy steps that have been included in your Sunday packets from the connection kiosk or call Michelle Holden at 479-271-7799 for a personal walk through. After you have followed through with the previous step simply do the following…

1. After each group meeting or event take 5 min or assign this task to another admin leader in the group and submit your attendance for that particular week or event through connection power. It’s that easy!

This is another step in accountability that allows each group to track their attendance and to see ebbs and flows during particular seasons of life during the year to plan appropriately. It also helps identify members who go MIA and address possible needs in their lives. The attendance component is a powerful tool for each group for the reasons mentioned above but it becomes even more powerful when as a ministry we can track overall ministry attendance to help us as a team plan more effectively and to track our own ebbs and flows of group life. It gives us a marker with which to hold ourselves accountable for growth and effectiveness.

Connection Power Touch:
Power Touch as it is called is the component that up to this stage in our ministry has not been used. This component is a powerful way to reach out and touch your group members through e-mail, personal cards and calls, prayer, alerts, and to record each time a group member is cared for during the month. This is the “slam the back door shut” component of connection power and if used effectively and consistently will do more to keep a group feeling cared for and in touch with one another than just about anything we have tried to this point. Again, this is another way to hold ourselves accountable as leaders for doing what God has called us to do. We will all be trained how to use this component at our August 16th inspiRED Boot Camp training day.

So as you can see Connection Power is not that big scary, mind boggling, creepy, fearful piece of technology out there that I will never be able to master. In fact it is that helpful, useful, easy way to stay connected and accountable for the ministry to which God himself has entrusted to us! So get connected to stay powerful through CONNECTION POWER!

Getting Smaller to go Bigger...for God!

2009-06-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

Growing up I was always a little guy. By the time I graduated High School I stood a whopping 5 feet 5 inches and weighed around 135 lbs soaking wet. I remember being depressed about my height and weight back then and always dreaming of being a bigger and more athletic guy. My mother would always encourage me by saying things like “You know Eric, big things come in small packages” and “Dynamite is small but it carries a powerful punch.” Now today after a growth spurt in college I’m a little bigger and after a great marriage to a wonderful wife I’m a lot heavier but the truth of what my mother encouraged me with still remains a reality. Big things do come in small packages.

Smaller is Deeper!

As I think about connection groups I am reminded of God’s word and His promise in Matthew 18:20 which says “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Anytime a group of people even if it’s just a couple of folks who gather together in the name of Christ, he’s there! I am also reminded of Acts 2:46 which says “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.” The early believers according to the previous scripture went to church together and met in small groups in homes all throughout the city. Small groups are a way of getting more personal and connecting at a deeper level with the body of Christ. It’s where as a member of a group we can experience relationships at a deeper level, where we care for and are taken care of by others. Where we can serve along side of others and enjoy making a difference in our community while sharing the love of Christ. Small groups also help to keep us accountable in our journey with God as we strive to live a life that reflects our decision to follow Jesus. Hey, small groups are part of what God intended for his church because there is power in connected, committed, and concentrated groups of people focusing on a purpose. Jesus himself had the crowds who followed him, the disciples that numbered 12 whom he chose to walk with him daily, and the three Peter, James, and John whom he pulled aside to go even deeper in his relationship with them. Jesus might say to us today, that smaller is deeper!

Bigger is well…Bigger but not Better!

But what happens when a small group grows to a point where it’s more like a crowd? What is the impact on the purpose of a small group when it’s no longer a small group? A small group is defined by our strategy at CPH as a group of people who number between 8-12 individuals or 4-6 couples in average attendance. We believe that this number is appropriate (Remember Jesus the creator of small groups limited his group to 12). Here is what happens when a group becomes more of a crowd.

1. Intimacy is diminished (It’s so large I just don’t know everyone)
2. Trust is weakened (I don’t know that new couple so I’m not going to say anything)
3. Group participation is devalued (They won’t miss us, they have a lot anyway)

A group may grow larger in size because of several different reasons. Maybe the leader is very charismatic and fun to be around, maybe the group is evangelizing the area, maybe the group is actively inviting friends, maybe another group has folded into an existing group, etc. Whatever the reason is, when a group reaches a size in which the above begins to happen it has likely become too large to be effective. That’s not what the Bible describes as an effective small group. Some of our connections groups at CPH have reached this point of critical mass and need to sincerely pray about next steps. If you find your group has become more like a crowd here are some suggestions that might help you as you pray for God to reveal what’s next.

1. Talk to your group. Be open and honest about group size and the effects.
2. Discuss options with leadership and put together a plan to birth leadership out of your group.
3. Discuss sub-grouping options with leadership (What’s this? Ask Eric and he’ll tell you about it over coffee)

Before you engage this Fall again with connection group ask yourself this question. Do we want to get bigger or do we want to get better? If your answer is we want to get better then you might want to consider getting smaller to go bigger….for God!

A PAUSE FOR THE CAUSE!

2009-06-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

I noticed something this past Sunday at church that doesn’t really surprise me but it did give me what I call a “pause for the cause”. It’s a moment in time where I pause and reflect on what I am observing and begin to strategize what to do about it. This past Sunday I paused, because in the midst of a very busy day with a lot on the plate including a blitz distribution to supervise, a curriculum team meeting to oversee, and a small group meeting to lead I noticed that people were hanging around the connection kiosk and signing up to connect with a group at CPH! It made me realize that connection in the church and the desire people have to connect with a small group doesn’t ever take time off, not even in the summer. I began to immediately reflect on what Pastor had just preached from 2nd Timothy 4:2.

“Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” (CHSB)

The words that struck me were these “persist in it whether convenient or not.” Now I know that summer time is filled with many activities that have the potential to conflict with connection group. Add to that the fact that our children’s ministry is not meeting on a consistent basis as they gear up for their summer events, and people are taking time off for vacation, and it can seem that connection groups become an inconvenience. As a group leader of two groups I can identify with these issues. However, this one thing I am committed to and that is the Biblical call to “Do life together.” We can all agree that life is sometimes maybe much of the time inconvenient but we are called to persist.

WHY SHOULD WE PERSIST?
Pronunciation: \pər-ˈsist, -ˈzist\ : 1: to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning to continue to exist especially past a usual, expected, or normal time

1. Because we have a faithful father who persisted in his pursuit for our redemption
2. Because we have a history of persistent examples of the faith who have modeled the way
3. Because we have a call to persist from the word of God
4. Because we have a responsibility to persist for those who desire to connect with CPH

There are many more reasons but these few alone have impacted me enough as a leader to rise to the occasion this summer and continue to lead my groups to meet as frequently as possible. We are committed to living our lives together as we persist to meet and even grow our group both relationally and numerically this summer.

WHAT ABOUT A TIME OF REST?

Don’t get me wrong, I think rest and time away is important for the leader as well and there is great value in rest, reflection, and renewal and that’s why having a co-leader in the group who can assist and even take over while you are resting is vital. I encourage every leader this summer to:

1. Take time away from your group this summer and reflect on what God would lead your group to do in the next season of life (Strategy).

2. Allow your co-leader to assume more responsibility (Leadership Development).

3. Focus on events away from your current host home (Meet in parks, at Naturals games, at church events,) or share hosting responsibilities among the group (Host Development).

4. Continue to reach out and invite new people to your group (Group Development).

Side Note: (People will continue to visit, attend, and join CPH all throughout the summer and we cannot afford to tell them that they have to wait several weeks or even months before they can connect with a group.)

FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN!

Your group can experience life together this summer and beyond with a little persistency. I believe that our best chance to go deeper with our groups relationally and spiritually is to be consistent and frequent in our times together. Balance in the five purposes while sharing in group life will mean a more effective group that will avoid burnout or complacency. Think about these things:

1. How are you balancing “The 5” this summer
a. Are you developing group ministry? (What about serving at adventure week?)
b. Are you developing group fellowship? (What about a lake day? Naturals game?)
c. Are you developing group evangelism? (Block party anyone? Blitz the block?)
d. Are you developing group worship? (Wednesday night prayer at CPH?)
e. Are you developing group discipleship? (Devotional thought for the week?)

2. How are you developing future leaders from within your group?
3. How are you developing future host homes from within your group?
4. How are you communicating with your group and church leadership?
5. Are you “On the team” engaging in opportunities provided for you as a leader of a connection group (Training, Blog, Sunday Packets, Connection Power, Community Coach, etc.)

I love and appreciate all that you do for the Lord and connection ministry and desire to see you and your groups ascend to greater connection and success for the Glory of God and the benefit of his Church!

The Five Purposes "Worship"

2009-05-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

This week we are going to wrap up our posts on “The 5 Purposes” by sharing some thoughts on Worship. As you know Worship is so much more than just a song that we sing or a CD that we listen to. Worship is, simply put, our obedience to God. Don’t get me wrong, I think signing is an integral and important part of worship and I am thankful that God only requires a joyful noise from me when I do it but I believe that there is much more to worship that many people are unaware of. I believe that there is much more to worship for our connection groups to experience that we are unaware of and I hope this post sheds a little light on that subject, so here we go!

THE CONTEXT FOR WORHIP!
“Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.” Hebrews 12:28 (NLT)

UNDERSTANDING WORSHIP!
We must understand as leaders that at the heart of worship there is a surrendering of your heart to God and a remembrance of what he has done for each of us. That the expression of worship is more than music but that it is anything that pleases God.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Romans 12:1 (NLT)

We must further understand as leaders that worship in Jesus economy is not about performance as one would perform for an audience but it is about eternity and what motivates the heart to please God. Even the grandest outward acts of what seems to be worship can be a mere sham if our motivation is for someone other than He who is worthy.

THE BASICS OF WORSHIP IN A CONNECTION GROUP!

I would encourage you to consider that worship in a connection group should involve both expression and reflection. Many times we have expression down but we are a bit less comfortable with the reflection side of it. We express worship through prayer, music, thanksgiving, and sharing our struggles together but how often as a group have you stopped to worship through solitude, meditation (Not the yoga kind), or fasting? These are ways to enjoy reflecting worship and they can be very impactful.

I. Understand that worship requires surrender and that it involves group support & disclosure.

II. Allow for group times of sharing and support during trials, temptations, and suffering. The beginning of healing is when someone trusts the group enough to reveal a struggle, sin, or tragedy!

HOW TO WORSHIP AS A GROUP DURING CRITICAL TIMES!
1. Be available for the members of the group! Author C.S. Lewis writes that “God whispers in our joys and shouts in our pain.” God writes “Weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 (NLT)
2. Allow members to express to you and God exactly how they feel (God is not afraid of the tough questions or emotions that we have).
3. Focus on who God is and his unchanging nature.
4. Trust God to keep his promises.
5. Remember what God has already done in the past and celebrate it.
“When you feel abandoned by God and still continue to trust Him; you connect and worship Him in the deepest way.”

III. Teach the group how to pray in community.

HOW TO PRAY IN COMMUNITY!
1. Start slowly and don’t make people pray
2. As a leader model simple and brief prayers
3. Pray more than you share about your requests
4. Encourage one word or sentence prayers
5. Share as a group but pray in three’s
6. Share what’s been happening in your quite time and solitude with the Lord
7. Stop and pray immediately when a group member shares a serious, deep, and critical need.

IV. Constantly bring them back to the cross!

Our worship is for an audience of one! When our focus is the father and what pleases Him then we will be leading our groups in a proper example of worship! How well is your group balancing the purpose of worship?

The Five Purposes "Evangelism"

2009-05-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

It is widely known in all Christian circles that the passage in scripture from Matthew 28:19-20 is called the “Great Commission”. It is the call or better yet the command of Christ our savior who sacrificed so much for us to in turn simply share the message of love, forgiveness, and eternal life through his grace by our faith in Jesus Christ. However, in most believers lives because of their chaotic self absorbed schedules and lack of concern for their fellow man and their eternal condition the message of evangelism has fallen mostly silent. Today the passage in Matthew might better be known as the “Great Omission”. We are experiencing the fourth consecutive year of decline in baptisms. Southern Baptists recorded 342,198 baptisms in 2008, a drop of 1.1 percent from the previous year.

"The numbers simply tell us that Southern Baptists are not reaching as many people for Christ as they once did," Rainer said. "It still takes 47 Southern Baptists to baptize one person for Christ. I pray that all of our churches and our entities will become totally focused on obeying Christ's commission so that our convention will truly experience Great Commission resurgence.”
(Baptist Press, April 23rd, 2008)

I am thankful to God that we have a Pastor who has a passion for people that challenges these numbers and focuses on the importance of life transformation. But at the heart of it evangelism has to be more than just the passion of the pastor, it has to be the heartbeat of the people, the church. So this week we focus on the purpose of evangelism and how we can integrate this vitally important component of group life into our ministry as we seek life transformation for those inside and outside of our connection ministry here at CPH!

UNDERSTANDING BASIC EVANGELISM
I. Evangelism has eternal significance and is the only purpose we cannot do once we are in heaven.
II. Evangelism is sharing the good news of the gospel of Christ with those who do not know him.
III. Evangelism involves the privilege of working with God and sharing him with others.
IV. Evangelism is a responsibility that all Christians share.
V. Recognize leaders that there will always be tension to do evangelism in group life.

WHY?
1. Evangelism doesn’t come easy and we like convenience in this culture.
2. There is a comfort versus risk factor. We like to be comfortable and avoid risk.

HOW CAN WE OVERCOME TENSION?
1. Be an open group to guests
2. Be ready for campaigns of growth

THE BASICS OF EVANGELISM IN A CONNECTION GROUP
1. Everyone owns personal evangelism as a believer.
2. Everyone can pray about evangelism and seek who God directs them to share with.

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)

“This commission was given every follower of Jesus, not just to pastors and missionaries alone. This is your commission from Jesus, and it is not optional. These words of Jesus are not the GREAT SUGGESTION. If you are part of God’s family, your mission is mandatory. To ignore it would be disobedience. You are the only Christian some people will ever know, and your mission is to share Jesus with them. (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life)

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT THAT WE SHARE?

To share with someone means that you care for them. Think and reflect on John 4:1-30 (“The woman at the well.”)

Capitalize on common ground (Vs 7)
Accept people where they are at (Vs 15-18)
Risk sharing your story (Vs 10, 13-14)
Expect God to do his part (28-30)

LOCAL EVANGELISM IDEAS

Be sensitive to the needs of the neighborhood God has placed you in. Try mapping your neighborhood to know who is on your block and needs they may have.

As a group, serve together in your local community. You might want to look into helping the Impact Ministry (Contact Doug Sarver at dougs@fbcs.net ) Salvation Army of Benton County, working one day at the food bank or clothing store and then go for dessert afterward to share your experiences.

NATIONAL & GLOBAL MISSION IDEAS

Contact Doug Sarver or Scott Crawford at dougs@fbcs.net or scottc@fbcs.net for information on upcoming short (1-3 days) or long (3+ days) mission trips sponsored by the global mission team from FBCS and CPH. Consider going as a group or partial group on one of these trips.

Budapest, Hungary: July 1-11 (Team size 15-20)
San Diego, CA: July 3-10 (Team size 12-15)
China: July 9-18 (Team size 4-6)
Ntcheu, Malawi, Africa: August 25- Sept. 5 (Team size 15-20)

The Five Purposes "Ministry" Part II

2009-05-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Our team meeting inspiRED ’09 of which you see pictures below was a great time of fun, worship, and training. There is such a limited time of training (only about 4 of these a year) that each one is very important to the future of connection group ministry. If you missed this training time then be sure and pick up a DVD and an outline available at the connections kiosk this Sunday and make every effort to be at our next one. When is that you might ask? Go ahead and mark your calendars for Sunday, August 16th for inspiRED Boot Camp!
DLT
Eric

Last week was part I of “Ministry” and this week we finish it off with part II so check it out below and give me your thoughts and comments on both this week’s blog post and the inspiRED team meeting if you were there.

THE BASICS OF MINISTRY IN A CONNECTION GROUP

I. Challenge people in your group to discover their God given gift and to use it in ministry!

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t Be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others.” Galatians 6:4 (MSG)

HOW?

1. Offer a session or an entire study on Spiritual Gifts
2. Do a “Hot Seat” interview and have people share about others in the group, (“I see you serving in…I can see god using you in…”)
3. Have your group take the Spiritual Assessment Test (Available from the connection office or at the connections kiosk)

II. Challenge everyone in the group to share ownership in the group and to find their role!

“You were put on this earth to make a contribution. You weren’t created to consume resources,to eat, breathe, and take up space. God designed you to make a difference with your life.While many best-selling books offer advice on how to “get” the most out of life, that’s not the reason God made you. You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it. God wants you to give something back.” Rick Warren

For Example:

WORSHIP:
Lead singing for the group at times
Oversee the prayer time in group
FELLOWSHIP:
Coordinate the refreshments
Plan parties and group outings
DISCIPLESHIP:
Lead or Co-Lead a connection group
Become an accountability partner to someone in the group
MINISTRY:
Coordinate service projects for the group
Coordinate the meals for group members in need
EVANGELISM:
Oversee the groups outreach plans
Plan and oversee mission projects

III. As a group leader champion opportunities for service that are developmentally appropriate!

Key Question: Who and what is next in our ministry plan?

FINALLY!

IV. Create opportunities for service!

“Equip the saints to do the work of the ministry” Ephesians 4:11

1. Look for group serving opportunities: serving as a team helps to build lives spiritually strong as well as it creates memories and relational depth.

2. Review roles and responsibilities within the group and consider rotating roles occasionally.

3. Do a group “Brainstorm” and ask…”What would make our group better? And would you be willing to help make that happen?”

4. Occasionally do a ministry project instead of having your regularly scheduled group meeting.

2009-05-11T11:46:00.001-07:00

The Five Purposes "Ministry" Part I

2009-05-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

“God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.”
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

“From now on, any definition of a Successful life must include serving others.”
George H. W. Bush

UNDERSTANDING MINISTRY:

As a connection group leader understand that ministry is to the people IN the church and missions and evangelism are to people OUTSIDE the church. Every member of your group needs to DISCOVER, DEVELOP, and DEPLOY their God given assignment.

“Spiritual gifts were given for the common good of the body”
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV)

Each person in your group who is a follower of Jesus Christ has a God given gift and it is our responsibility as group leaders to help then cultivate a heart and a belief for service to others.

“So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel he had around him.”
John 13:4-5 (NLT)

Understand this as the one who leads in your group: You will never arrive at the state in life where you are too important to help with the menial tasks. It is a vital part of your character curriculum in life. Consider the following for your group life…

I. Model servant hood personally and give people opportunities to understand this Biblically
II. Mention opportunities to serve and give people the opportunity to apply this practically
III. Motivate people to service by your encouragement, challenge, and participation

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT)

2009-04-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

The Five Purposes “Discipleship” Part II
Following up on last weeks post we are going to dive into the second half of what healthy discipleship looks like in a Connection Group. So here we go…. Understanding Healthy Discipleship As connection group leaders we have to grasp the important truth that…”You IMPRESS from a distance, but you IMPACT up close and personal.” In order for true life transformation to take place in a person’s life among other things you must understand that it is a process and it takes TIME.

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (NIV)

As a connection group leader consider the following:

1. Encourage each group member to pray and get a spiritual partner who will agree to hold one another accountable

2. As a leader “Stay Sharp” and spend time in God’s word daily while seeking opportunities to develop group members individually. Ask them, Who are you? (Hear their story and get to know them), How are you? (Discover their hopes, dreams, and challenges), How can I help you? (You must spend time with them and earn the right to ask this question).

“Many people assume all that is needed for spiritual growth is Bible Study and prayer. But some issues in life will never be changed by Bible study and prayer alone. God uses people! He usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship. He wants us to grow together.” Rick Warren Pastor of Saddleback Church

THE BASICS OF DISCIPLESHIP FOR CONNECTION GROUPS

1. Balance the health of the INDIVIDUAL and the health of the GROUP.

INDIVIDUAL GROWTH

Have every member take a health assessment on an annual basis (Available from your coach or the connections office at michelleh@churchph.com)

Have each member create a health plan on an annual basis (Available from your coach or the connections office at michelleh@churchph.com)

Have each member pair up with a same sex partner in the group for accountability

GROUP GROWTH

Encourage each member to spend time with God daily

Pray without ceasing

“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Practice the spiritual discipline of tithing

Be in community in and outside of “group time”

Have a balanced time of study (Annually study at least one book of the Bible, one spiritual growth study, and one life stage study)

Integrate spiritual practices into your group time together (Solitude exercises, prayer walks, spiritual retreats)

Recognize the power of encouragement!

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

If you have been sparked by what’s been posted then please leave a comment and share your thoughts and ideas with us. We invite you to give us your insight because “Iron sharpens iron”. Thanks!

DLT
Eric

The Five Purposes "Discipleship" Part I

2009-04-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

In this weeks post I want to talk with you as CG Leaders about the issue of healthy discipleship in your connection group. What does it look like, what’s it about, is it just Bible study or is there something more? These are all normal questions that you or those in your group may be asking whether in your mind or out loud! So let’s talk about healthy discipleship…

UNDERSTANDING HEALTHY DISCIPLESHIP
The first thing as a CG leader that you must know about healthy discipleship is…

“The goal of discipleship is life transformation; not just information about life. & Spiritual growth is more caught than taught.”

As a group leader you must understand that you are a role model for others spiritual growth. Dallas Willard once said “As a leader, the greatest gift you give people is who you are becoming in Christ. People follow you for who you are, more than for what you do.”

Leaders MUST take time to:
• Feed their souls through a personal and consistent relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Authentically share with their group from their own spiritual journey.
• Provide spiritual growth tools and resources that group members can grow from and pass on to others.

The second thing as a CG leader that you must know about healthy discipleship is…

“Discipleship involves balancing the five purposes so we can take on the character of Christ.”
(See previous post on group life and balance)

The third thing as a CG leader that you must know about healthy discipleship is…

“Discipleship is not about running a meeting but discipling people and facilitating for life change.”

Running a meeting = dispensing information in a lecture style

Facilitating a meeting = dispensing information in a conversational style allowing for group discussion

Facilitation Tips
1. Don’t answer your own questions
2. Be comfortable with silence…even if your group isn’t
3. Encourage a deeper answer than just yes or no
4. Give affirmation to members who do contribute
5. Try to involve everyone in the group
6. Be a better listener than speaker…provide support, not quick fixes
7. Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit
8. BEGIN AND END ON TIME!

PART TWO NEXT WEEK!

What's Being Said....What's Being Done!

2009-04-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

"Thanks for the great insight on healthy fellowship! I think it's really important for us to hang out with our members outside of "group time", or your regular meeting time. Some of the guys in my group have gone camping together...fantastic bonding. It's amazing the camaraderie built while building a fire and enjoying it on the river bank."

Matt Knoble
Connection Group Leader

Thanks Matt for your comments! Hey leaders, we need you to comment just like Matt did so we can share ideas about what's working in our groups. This is an opportunity for you to share what's on your heart and help other leaders in the process but you are the missing link at this point. After you read each post comment on something that has touched you or made you think or that you would do differently. Building healthy fellowship is as easy as getting the group together for a pizza night at Guido's (kids and all) as one group recently did or as Matt suggests, a camping trip.

"The pattern of connecting is essential if we want to show that we love God and live consistently with how he wired us."

Bill Search
Author of Simple Small Groups

"Service With A Smile"

We recently had a group that went "beyond the meeting" and did a service project together. Here is what they said....

Just wanted to give you an update on a service project the Nolan Barton small group completed this past Saturday. A non-profit organization called "Nothing in Return" helps adopted and foster kids through the Department of Human Services by supplying food, clothing and other services. Our group had the opportunity to help sort kids clothing and put together care packages for kids and their adopted or foster families. Great experience! I have attached photos.

Way to go Barton group! This is another example of what group life looks like when groups decide that they are going to "Do Life Together" and get out of their comfort zone and serve. I would encourage all of our groups to look for opportunities to serve their community, neighborhood, church, or another worthy organization. groups certainly grow through Bible Study but maybe even more so by being a "Living Bible Study" for others to see. If your group would like ideas on how to get involved in a service project contact the Connections Office at michelleh@churchph.com or ericv@churchph.com and we will be happy to serve you!

"DLT"

Eric

The Five Purposes "Fellowship"

2009-04-13T07:38:00.001-07:00

In this week’s blog I want to address the issue of “Healthy Fellowship” and what that looks like in group life at CPH. I want you as a group leader to be confident as you lead that your group is experiencing true and healthy fellowship as God intended. So, let’s talk……….

UNDERSTANDING HEALTHY FELLOWSHIP

As a group leader when you think of fellowship what pops into your head? Is it a large crowd gathering and hanging out somewhere, is it a party atmosphere with disco ball included, is it a small intimate gathering of close friends, or is it something else?

“Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10 NIV)

We are encouraged by the Apostle Paul to be in fellowship with all people by taking advantage of every opportunity to do good starting with the people we go to church with. However, there are some who feel as though if they get together at someone’s home, have a devotion, eat some snacks or a meal then they have experienced fellowship and maybe so but can I say that fellowship is designed to be more than a meeting! It’s the chance to engage people and live life together 24/7.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matt 9:36 NIV)

Jesus desire was that people engage him in a relationship and have fellowship with him. I believe people desire to have true and healthy fellowship with Christ and others but they have a lot of questions that need to be answered. Questions like…..

· Do I fit in with this group? (A question of acceptance)
· Do they want to know who I am? (A question of friendship)
· Am I needed in this group? (A question of value)
· What do they want from me? (A question of expectation)
· What’s in it for me? (A question of benefit)

As group leaders we should be intentional about preparing an answer for these questions through group life. Have you considered whether or not you have a connection strategy or a campaign strategy for your group? Having a strategy is important for engaging people and answering the questions that they have. A connection or campaign strategy helps you identify how to get people who are not currently engaged in a group to get connected with yours! After people are connected in to the group you can focus on healthy fellowship by following through with….

THE BASICS OF HEALTHY FELLOWSHIP IN GROUP LIFE

1. Building authentic connections with people.
“The most difficult risk of all is to be honest with ourselves and others about our personal lives.”
2. Experience life together.
“Most people have no one in their lives who love them enough to tell them the truth about themselves.”
3. Listen to one another.
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
4. Ownership of the group.
“The group must move from being your group to being our group”
5. Nurture love in your group.
“Perfect love cast out fear” 1st John 4:18 (NIV) & “Love never fails” 1st Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)
6. Grow through group tension.
“Unresolved conflict results in baggage that weighs heavy on group life and destroys any chance for growth”

(The above information comes from Steve Gladden small group pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest California)

(More will be taught at our upcoming leaders training Saturday May 9th 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. at the Church at Pinnacle Hills so mark the date on your calendar today!)

How well are you balancing healthy fellowship in your group? Come to our leaders training at the date and time above to discover the benefit behind true and healthy fellowship and so much more about the five purposes behind group life in the Connections Ministry at CPH!

Doing Life Together!
Eric

Group Life & Balance!

2009-04-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys, we have been talking the last couple of posts about the five purposes of group life being Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, Evangelism, and Worship right! However, someone might be asking whew, how are we suppose to accomplish all of that in under two hours of group. Well here is the good news, you don't. Stop trying to kill yourself as a leader by pushing your group to accomplish the nearly impossible. Instead why not try focusing on a healthy and balanced group. Here is what I am talking about.

Step 1: Identify people with potential for leadership within your group and share that information with the Leadership Development Team at CPH, ericv@churchph.com.

Step 2: Every leader should have a co-leader within their group. There aren't any "Lone Rangers" in group life because even The Lone Ranger had Tonto!

Step 3: Now that your group has a leader & a co-leader in place take some time and review the health of your group by looking at the big picture. Ask the tough questions like..."Does our group have a tendency to focus on just one aspect of the five purposes?" "Do we fellowship more than we disciple or vice versa?" an unbalanced group is an unhealthy group.

Listen to this!

"The key issue moving forward for group life will be health, not growth."

Wow! I thought you wanted our Connection Ministry to grow Eric, and you would be right. But check this out....

Healthy things Grow

Growing things Change

Changing things Challenge us

Challenging things force us to Trust God

Trust in God leads to Obedience

Obedience to God makes us Healthy

Healthy things Grow!

So you see now, that the health of our groups must be a major focus for us moving forward. We have to understand that when our groups meet it's not about doing every one of the purposes it's about leading and growing a healthy and balanced group. As a leader you should review the health of your group at least twice a year. You might ask "How do I do that?" I am so glad that you asked because I have the answer but it's too much to put here in this blog so get a hold of me at ericv@churchph.com and I will be happy to share with you before I share it with everyone through training and then you and your group can be ahead of the game!

Remember...it's about Doing Life Together!

Eric

Twitter Tweet!

2009-04-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Sounds like something a three year old might say when trick or treating on Halloween night but what it really is, is a movement of epic proportions! Twitter is a social networking site that aspires to connect people by having them answer one question, "What are you doing?". It is estimated that one million people a day are signing up with twitter and I am one of those one million today! This is another great way to stay connected so why not follow my Tweets at http://www.twitter.com/ericv66 and stay connected in another venue with what's happening in my life and the life of connections ministry here at CPH. Let me know what you think by commenting on this post or any of my previous posts. As always let me encourage you to continue "Doing Life Together".
DLT
Eric

Strategy for Connection Group Leaders!

2009-03-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hey CG (Connection Group) Leaders, Have you ever asked "What's the point" or Why do we have connection groups?" As I stated in an earlier post it's because we have a biblical call to live a connected lifestyle. In the book of Acts there are five purposes that we are to be committed to as we live out group life, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, Evangelism, and Worship. However, have you ever thought about how your group or you as a group leader would approach those purposes strategically? Look at the strategy chart below and give me your thoughts.

CPH Connection Group Strategy!

FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:46)

The Goal: Connect people with real community

The Obstacle: The comfort of isolation

The Strategy: Kick-off parties, block parties, topical studies of interest

DISCIPLESHIP (Acts 2:42)

The Goal: Christ likeness and what's the next step for my spiritual walk?

The Obstacle: The comfort of immaturity

The Strategy: A study in basic theology, involvement in a ministry or evangelism event.

MINISTRY (Acts 2:45)

The Goal: Serving other believers

The Obstacle: The feeling of insignificance

The Strategy: Group care, there isn't any substitute for knowing and caring for your group members and allowing them to serve one another. (Proverbs 27:23)

EVANGELISM (Acts 2:47)

The Goal: Serving unbelievers

The Obstacle: The feeling of inadequacy

The Strategy: Involve your group in a quarterly service project, go on a CPH sponsored mission trip together, look for ways to serve the neighborhood you meet in. (Contact Eric for other ideas)

WORSHIP (Acts 2:43)

The Goal: Submission to Christ

The Obstacle: The lack of intimacy with Christ

The Strategy: The Paul/Timothy Project: Lead your group through a health assessment, lead individuals to create a health plan from their assessment, lead individuals to adopt a spiritual partner for accountability in their journey. (See Eric for details on this life changing strategy)

You might be saying "I don't even know what some of that stuff is" and that's okay. Look over each one of these and as a group leader why not commit to just one aspect of the five purposes and concentrate on becoming better at just one. Remember that you don't achieve community overnight with a small group in fact community is built in the small moments of Life Together!

DLT (Doing Life Together)

Eric

On Vacation!

2009-03-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

Taking a little break and hanging out with the family! I'll be back to post new thoughts on Monday 3/30/09. Thanks for checking this very new blog out. Join up and leave me your thoughts and answer this question...

"What has been your group experience?"

Let me know so I can gather your thoughts and learn from you! Thanks for your input!

Getting Started!

2009-03-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Well this is my first venture into the blogging world but it looks as though it will be beneficial to getting the word out about what I believe to be the one of the greatest opportunities for people in Northwest Arkansas and that is community, content, and relationships through the small group ministry called Connection Groups at The Church at Pinnacle Hills. This is a passion that burns deep within me to see ALL of our people connected.

Acts 2:42-47 is our Biblical call to live a connected lifestyle

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved..." ESV

There are five purposes that as a people "doing life together" we should be committed to.

1. Studying God's Word (Discipleship)

2. Serving (Ministry)

3. Socializing (Fellowship)
4. Sharing God's message (Evangelism)

5. Living a life of obedience (Worship)

When we passionately follow the above then we will experience favor with people and the Lord will add to us those who are being saved day by day into His family. Well, I will write more later but that is a brief intro into CPH Life Together!

"DLT"

Eric