KNOW THE TRUTH | SHARE THE TRUTH
What do you need to LEAD?
Over the course of your life, you have an opportunity to impact those around you for Christ. As Christians we must always be thinking: “someone I know needs what I know.” It is easy to feel at a loss for how to communicate truth from God’s Word effectively. You may feel nervous or ill-equipped. That is normal! All leaders must start somewhere. You don’t have to know all the answers before you are ready to invest in those around you. Leading another person or group can be intimidating, but with a clear roadmap, you can simply and effectively discuss the very basic building blocks of Christianity.
The 101 Christianity resources are simple studies designed to help you have these important conversations with those around you who have not yet understood the Gospel or are in need of growing in their faith. The studies are accessible to anyone.
Scroll down for more information or download the STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE here.
HOW TO START A 101 GROUP
1. Understand the Need
Every one of us at some point in our lives, must grapple with the sin in our lives, the purpose of our lives and the uncertainty of the future. People you know are hungry for answers. Could it be that you are in their lives to bring them the answers they desperately need? Over time, those the Lord has placed in your life are bound to discover that you are a follower of Jesus. How do we make the shift from living our Christian lives before them to actually talking about our faith with them? Old methods of evangelism have become ineffective as our culture has evolved. We need a new approach that is both truthful and relevant. Today people want real answers with a personal context. Armed with the story of how God has changed your life, along with tools that clearly spell out the truth, lives can be changed.
2. Stop Overthinking
We encounter several obstacles as we think about the process of sharing our faith. How will I be perceived? What if I’m rejected? How will I find the time? The core issue, however, is a misunderstanding of the goal. We can mistakenly believe that the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16- 20 to “Go and make disciples” means “Go and convert.” This is not what the Bible says. Our job is much simpler: to share the truth with others. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to save people, not ours. While the Great Commission does include other aspects including going, baptizing and teaching to obey, the core command is to make disciples by sharing biblical truth with others. If we get caught up measuring success by another person’s response to the Gospel, we fail to see that the results are up to the Lord. There is freedom realizing that we are faithful and obedient simply sharing. So share the truth. Leave the results up to God.
3. Send the Email
Loneliness has become an epidemic in our culture. It seems that everywhere you look there is another article or statistic revealing the isolation and aloneness many people deal with on a daily basis. While this is discouraging, we should see it as an opportunity. People are hungry for truth, yes, but they are also hungry for friendship. They want to be invited and included. If the thought of inviting others to join you in a Bible study is intimidating to you, realize your invitation may be an answer to another person’s deep need for connection. Craft an email that is short and to the point (see STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE for more help). Send the email–even if you are scared. It is risky to put yourself in a vulnerable position and potentially be rejected; however, remember the Lord is in control. None of us know what another person is thinking or going through. Also know that an invitation shows you care, so there is no loss when the other person knows you have thought of them. Even if they say no, you have given them something to think about.
4. Start your Group
Gather for your first meeting and discuss the format of the study. Explain the homework and that your time together in discussion will be centered around the questions and the answers they wrote down on their own time. Encourage members to write a star or underline the observations that come up that are particularly helpful and what they may want to share in the group time. Do not put people on the spot to answer. Instead, ask for volunteers to share their findings. As your group members get more comfortable, discussion will become easier. Do not worry if at the beginning you feel you are talking too much. Realize that people need to understand the flow of the discussion before they enter in, especially if they have never been in a small group setting before.
5. Watch God Work
As a leader it is very natural to desire a specific outcome. You certainly want them to understand and believe in Jesus and His Word. Remember, however, God is in control. This is a very good thing. He is sovereign and omniscient. He knows people’s hearts. With this in mind, continually surrender to your desire for a particular outcome and ask the Lord for His will to be done. You may be surprised. Place your faith in His good plan and His ability to accomplish what will bring Him the most glory. Keep in mind that you may be planting seeds that need time to take root. So even if a person does not respond immediately, he or she will have heard the truth and that truth could take root at any time.
