Relational Map

if you cannot see the video above or if you'd like to see it in HD, click here

          As you lead your group to pray and care about those who are not Christ followers, we share a tool with you this week called the relational map.  Watch the video to see how it is used.  Introducing it and guiding the group to use it can take about 8-10 minutes.  So plan accordingly.  You can view it below in JPEG or download it in PDF by clicking here.

          You may also view the session outline document below in JPEG format or download it in PDF format by clicking here.  (Notice when you download the PDF that it has two pages).

Highs and Lows (+ Lesson for 9-24-17)

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          In this week's video blog we demonstrate the "Highs and Lows" portion of the three-thirds lesson outline.  I have been introducing various concepts via this video blog.  Before we introduce any more new concepts, we will go back to what we have introduced already and demonstrate how to use each tool.  I hope this will help you to apply it well in your group.

          Please know that if you have questions or need further guidance in the use of these tools, you can contact me via email or Pastor Paulo.  You can also ask questions, make comments or share how things are going with your group in the blog.  Your questions, comments or testimonies may be of help to other leaders.

          Below you can view a JPEG or download a PDF version of the lesson outline for this week.  (Notice where the "Highs and Lows" portion is in the "Looking back, Member Care" portion).

UP, IN and Out (& lesson for 9-17-17)

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          As we continue in the Kairos series on the Gospel of Mark, this week I share with you a graphic that represents the three-dimensions of Jesus' life and ministry: UP, IN and OUT.

         As disciples and disciple-makers we want to reflect the life and ministry of Jesus.  So this UP, IN and OUT graphic can be helpful to evaluate our own discipleship journey and that of those disciples we are leading.  Whether you use this self-evaluation tool in this week's session, or with group members/leaders at a different time, or simply apply it to yourself, I trust it will be helpful.

          Below you can view or download the lesson outline for this Sunday.

The (Kairos) Circle (+ lesson for 9-10-17)

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     This week we take a portion of the text from Mark 1:14-15 and talk about the (Kairos) circle.  This circle can help us make "Repent and believe" a regular response to God's Word in our lives.

          Additionally, you can view or download the lesson plan for this week here:

Invitation & Challenge (+ Lesson Plan for 9-3-17)

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     As we launch the Kairos sermon series from the book of Mark this upcoming Sunday, ABFs will be on the second week of this study.  See the preaching and ABF schedule by clicking here.

    In this week's video blog, I share with you the art of calibrating "Invitation" and "Challenge."  I pray this will be a helpful skill you can develop as an ABF leader and/or disciple-maker.

     In addition, below (JPEG) and by clicking here (PDF) you can see this week's lesson plan.  As the Gulf Coast is experiencing the devastation of Tropical Storm Harvey, you and the group can discuss ways of praying and responding to this crisis.

     Don't forget that you can comment on this blog!

The Three-Thirds Lesson Plan (08-27-17)

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     As we make disciple-makers through ABF (Adult Bible Fellowships) or other groups, it is important to be intentional during the session about teaching for transformation.  In order to facilitate that we are providing lesson outline template known as "three-thirds."  This outline has been used effectively by discovery groups, house churches and church plants to make disciples and multiply groups around the world.

     This week Pastor Paulo and I explain what this outline consists of and how to best use it during the group session.  You can also download here and see below the first lesson for the Mark series which will be used this coming Sunday, August 27, 2017.

Information or Transformation?

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          Often in churches we have set up our Bible study and "discipleship" programs to be primarily sources of information.  Imitating the western educational system, churches tend to age-grade their educational programs, focus on mastering information before moving to the next level, and center the experience around a classroom.  The classroom experience includes printed literature or books in addition to the Bible, lecture or class discussion, and the evaluation of learning is based on what "facts" participants can remember about the "lesson."

          Yet, when we look at Jesus' way of making disciples and at the disciple-making that took place in the book of Acts, we don't see this modern western system.  We see a more organic method that combines information with life sharing opportunities.  It is more like an extended family experience than a school house experience. Ultimately the objective of Jesus' kind of teaching is transformation.  He indicates this in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-26) and in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:20).  Paul emphasizes it in Romans 12:2 and James insists on it in James 1:22-24.

           If we are to imitate Jesus' way of making disciples and if we are to pay attention to the New Testament's focus on transformation rather than simply the passing of information, we need to re-think how our programs at church are structured and how our sessions are designed.  It requires a paradigm shift for most of us.  Before we can see transformation in the lives of those we teach, we need to undergo transformation (of our mind and our lives).

          In this week's video blog Pastor Paulo and I discuss the Information-Imitation-Innovation triangle.