We are a group of imperfect people pursuing a perfect God. We exist to help each other find and follow Christ. These are some things we want to be true of our group:
We create a safe and honest environment, staying transparent and authentic.
We keep it inside the circle. Confidentiality is necessary for a healthy group.
We look together to the Bible for help and guidance, and keep out our own politics, sales, or agendas.
We do not try to fix each other, preach sermons, or give unsolicited advice. We instead encourage, listen to, and celebrate each other.
We handle conflict between us quickly and honestly by going to the person, owning our part, and practicing forgiveness.
We respect each others’ time by starting and ending when we say we will.
We trust that it is God’s role to change people, not ours.
We believe that in Jesus Christ, there is hope for everyone.
- John's "Big Five" areas of life are Life/Self, Marriage, Family, Work, and Church. On which of those areas do you think you're most focused? How are you strong in that area?
The videos this session will set up your discussion and debrief the homework you did the previous week.
The videos can be found at www.anthology.study, or on the Anthology App (iPhone, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast - find app instructions here)
Remember, the guide is just a guide!
There is no magical order, no sacred question... this guide is here for you to use at your discretion! It’s all good, but most groups end up taking a discussion in their own organic direction. That’s a good thing!
It’s not better if you finish everything, go in order, or never paraphrase. Prepare in advance so you can jump around, lean in dive deep during a specific question, or anyting else that creates a comfortable, natural discussion.
Most of these questions are also in your SEVEN book, but you can find extras or additions here.
- For you, which two areas of the "Big Five" tend to come into conflict with each other?
- Do you see working on yourself as a good thing, or does it seem selfish?
- If it's true that God created you on purpose and for a purpose, what do you think that purpose is? How is it playing out in your everyday life?
Dive deep into one of the areas, spend a few minutes talking through each one, or have the guys in your group look through these and choose one to answer that sticks out to them the most!
- From the Life/Self area...
- What kind of relationship do you want to have with God? Do you have it right now?
- What kind of emotions do you want to be known for? What kind do you think you ARE known for now?
- What kind of fitness level do you want to have when you're 70? Are you on that path right now?
- From the Marriage area...
- Would you describe your marriage as deep and rich in love?
- Would your wife say she is the main priority in your in life?
- If you're not married yet, do you think your future wife would appreciate how you're dating right now? Are you the person that the person you're looking for is looking for?
- From the Family area...
- What kinds of relationships do you want to have with your grown children? Your siblings? Your parents?
- What kinds of relationships do you want to have with your grown children? Your siblings? Your parents?
- From the Work area...
- Are you achieving a level of satisfaction from your work?
- Are you achieving a level of satisfaction from your work?
- From the Church area...
- How are you participating with Christ as he's building his Church?
Question 5: Where Am I Going?
Pages 35-42
Use the last 15 minutes of group to ask if anyone has any prayer requests and close in prayer. Send around the prayer requests out to the group so everyone can be praying throughout the week.