Small Groups

You can take The Essential Jesus Challenge any number of ways but one of the best is in a small group, such as a Sunday School class or home Bible study group. Taking The Challenge this way provides you with a positive motivation to keep your readings "on track" with the others in the group and makes your experience more meaningful as you share and discuss what you've learned and discovered about Jesus.

You'll note that at the end of each block of 5 readings there are a series of questions designed to stimulate and guide a group discussion of those passages. Your group may already have a time and place to meet (in a Sunday School class or weekly small group, for example). You may already have a group leader, also, someone to organize the group and lead the group discussion. If not, it's a good idea to get the group together once just to set the "game plan": who will lead or facilitate the group, what time, place and how often to meet, when The Challenge will end, and whether there will be child care provided.

After a time, place and group leader are set, everyone in the group will need at least three things: 1) an easy-to-read version of the Bible such as the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT) and the Contemporary English Version (CEV)), 2) a copy of The Essential Jesus, and 3) an open mind. The Essential Jesus tells you the passages to read and helps you reflect on and apply the main points, but it won't make sense unless you read the Bible passages themselves.

Taking The Essential Jesus Challenge in a small group needn't be difficult and it can be very rewarding as members develop not only a deeper understanding of Jesus but a closer relationship with each other, also.

SOME TIPS TO HELP GET YOU STARTED:

Be Prepared

A successful group depends on every member having read the passages for that week and being prepared to discuss them. And part of good preparation is having someone (the leader or members of another group) praying for each member of the group before each meeting, also.

Gather Your Resources

Have a couple extra Bibles on hand for folks who don't have one or forgot to bring one. And be sure to order copies of The Essential Jesus book for each member of the group. The books can be ordered at www.EssentialJesusChallenge.com or by calling 1-800-621-LAMP (5267). There are quantity discounts available, too!

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

In most cases, you'll want to start each session with singing and worship or a time for refreshments and fellowship. Have name tags and introduce everyone at the first session. Plan to leave time enough at the end for members to pray for each other.

Invite and Encourage Discussion

The discussion questions in The Essential Jesus are meant to help you think about the passages and discover their deeper meanings. Everyone should be encouraged to participate in the discussion. No one should be allowed to dominate. Listen to everyone carefully. You'll be surprised at their insights.

Stay Focused

Stick to the topic and passages for that session. That way, everyone will have read the same material and can participate in the discussions on an equal basis. No honest questions pertaining to the passages under discussion should be "out of bounds." But if especially difficult questions arise, it may be helpful to ask "What does the Bible say about that?"

Learn and Live

Encourage group members to share how they've applied what they've learned about Jesus to their daily lives. Jesus will "come alive" in an exciting way as group members begin to apply and live out what they've learned about Jesus. Discuss any mission projects or further Bible study the group may undertake as follow up to The Challenge.