Summer 2020 Small Group Sessions
TO START
Hey Group Leaders! As we mentioned this week, we are hitting PAUSE on discussion guides for the Summer starting Sunday, June 21st. But don’t worry, we want to provide y’all with options for group studies that y’all can embark on this Summer. Most every one of these studies includes a video session which ranges from short snippets to 45 minutes. Also, most of the studies we’ve suggested have a free discussion guide to pair with the videos while a few have links to purchase their guides if you want to embark on those studies. In particular, we have selected 2 free studies and 1 study available for purchase as a starting point. Those resources are listed below. Please don’t feel obligated to stick to these 3 studies, there are studies for families, for men, for women, for parents, for kids, and on a plethora of topics on the website.
Here is the link to the full list of studies: https://www.anthology.study/Studies/AllStudiesAll
SELECTED RESOURCES
Bystander// Topic: Faith // 8-Parts // Andy Stanley (FREE)
Summary: As a follower of Jesus, John was a bystander to the miracles, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of a man he concluded was the Son of God. Late in life, John compiled his account of Jesus’ life, purposely including stories and details to convince those of us who would come generations later—who couldn’t be eyewitnesses like he was—to reach the same conclusion. Which leaves the question: Do we?
Link to videos and guides: https://www.anthology.study/Studies/Bystander
You’re Not the Boss of Me // Topic: Character // 6-Parts // Andy Stanley (FREE)
Summary: We all monitor our outward behavior. We want to appear to be polite, generous, and maybe even confident. But what goes on inside our hearts and our minds isn’t always flattering. Listen to why you shouldn’t let these six emotions be the boss of you.
Link to videos and guides: https://www.anthology.study/Studies/Youare-Not-the-Boss-of-Me
I Said This, You Heard That // Topic: Relationships // 6-Parts // Kathleen Edelman (Workbooks available for purchase on amazon or you can reach out to Matt DeLano (mdelano@rrcoc.org) for copies of the discussion questions, readings and activities)
Summary: If you’ve ever said the wrong thing (or said the right thing the wrong way), you know. how quickly your mouth. can make a big mess. BUT it doesn’t have to be that way. This study explores how your wiring affects what you say, how you listen, and how others hear you. After taking the 40-question assessment, you’ll learn a simple framework that will instantly improve your communication. You’ll see how advice from the apostle Paul thousands of years. ago may have held the secret all along. Before you begin the study, it’s recommended that each person takes the assessment at the end of Part 1.
Guide for Leaders: https://www.isaidyouheard.study/leader
Link to videos: https://www.anthology.study/Studies/I-Said-This-You-Heard-That
TO PRAY
We would love for you to continue to pray this prayer as a group for our city, our church, our nation and our world.
“Heavenly Father,
Help us not to lose you in the anger and rage; in the dissenting opinions and in the clamoring of picking sides. You are our King; You alone reign over our hearts. Help us, Lord.
Help us to remain in You as we remain in difficult, possibly uncomfortable discussions. Help us to stave off the temptation to turn this into a political fray and to be reminded that our faith transcends political ideologies. It rises above everything. Our faith demands we answer a higher calling. Help us, Lord.
Help us to be the catalyst of real, lasting change. With so many powers actively sowing discord and hatred and delighting in evil, help us to be brave enough to boldly respond with acts of righteousness and with preemptive strikes of holiness in this battle versus evil. Help us to truly share the burdens of our brothers and sisters and hear the cry of the hurting in this hour of need. Raise up your people to stand against racism.
Help us, Lord.
In your name. Amen.”