Deepen Your Understanding As You Lead Others!

As leaders, we're often asked questions that we don't know the answer to. Don't be scared when someone asks you something and you have no idea what to tell them, NO ONE EXPECTS YOU TO HAVE TO HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS!  The best thing to say when you don't know the answer is: "I don't know, but I'll do some research and get back to you." Below are some helpful links as you:

• Look for answers to questions that come up in your group. 
• Do your preparation for group each week.

Take some time this week to brows through these sites so that you know where to go when a question comes up that stumps you.


Bible.org
258 theology questions answered by Michael Patton of The Theology Program. This site also has a bunch more resources!

Matthew Henry Commentary
This is a free online commentary of the whole Bible...you can look up answers to passages that puzzle you!

Bible Gateway
Read the Bible in multiple versions, as well as links to commentaries.  Another great use of Bible Gateway is to print out passages for your group, so that everyone can do the Bible study using the same translation.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Search this highly respected encyclopedia to find explanations of every significant word in the Bible.

CCEL
Read hundreds of books from church history for free. Also search the entire library by word.

Dealing With Difficult People

Sometimes conflict arises from the most unlikely people!

We all dream of a Life Group where each member connects with the group, leader, and curriculum immediately.  However, you may be realizing that sometimes caring for the health of your group means dealing with a difficult person or situation by having a CAREfrontation.  

HAVING A "CAREFRONTATION"
Few of us look forward to confronting others, but the Bible tells us that sometimes confronting a destructive behavior in a person can be the most caring thing that you can do for them (and for your group) because it opens the door for God to move in a way that He couldn't as long as the behavior continued.  That's why we need to view these conversations as CAREfrontations instead of CONfrontations.



You probably need to have a CAREfrontation if a person in your group is... 

• Challenging everything that you say in a way that detracts from the conversation in the group.
• We want people to have the freedom to challenge the leaders point of view, but sometimes a person can challenge the leader so much that it limits the rest of the group members from being able to experience God through the curriculum that the leader is presenting.
• Putting down the ideas, comments, thoughts of you or others in the group in a way that shuts down the conversation.
• Is telling others to believe things that clearly are not taught in the Bible.

Here are some tips designed to guide you, should you find yourself needing to have a CAREfrontation.

1. SET UP A MEETING with the person outside of the Life Group setting. This can be as simple as asking them to come early, or stay after group.  Before the meeting do two things: 1) make sure to pray for the person and the conversation. 2) Make sure that the person signed the Life Group Member Agreement. Being on the same page with the person in terms of group expectations is key for a successful CAREfrontation.
2. COME WITH CHARITABLE EXPECTATIONS (i.e. don't assume the worst).  It's easy to assume that the person hates you, or the group, but the truth is, they could be going through something completely outside of your group which is flavoring the way they're acting in group.
3. IN THE MEETING: Ask a few probing questions: 
1. "Are you enjoying the group so far?"
2. "Have I done anything that has upset of frustrated you?"
4. SHARE YOUR FEELINGS/OBSERVATIONS: Ask the person if you can share with them something that you've observed of the the past few weeks. This opens the door for you to speak into their life.  If they say "yes" you can say:
1. "Last week in group I felt like ________ when you said ___________ to Tom." or "I feel belittled as the leader when you ask questions that seem condescending." (be ready to have an example if they ask for one).
5. TAKE THEM BACK TO THE GROUP AGREEMENT:
1. "One of our goals in this group is to be authentic and to create a safe place for each of the members of the group to experience God. I really value you, and your role in our group, and I want to ask that as we continue to meet together, that you make sure that the things you say are creating a safe place for the rest of our group to encounter God."
6. GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO RESPOND: Ideally they will respond positively to what you are sharing. If this doesn't happen, you will need to contact your coach and they can guide you through some next steps.
7. PRAY

NOTE: I realize this is a general overview of how to have a CAREfrontation. If you have specific questions about how to talk with someone regarding a certain issue that your group is facing. Please make sure to call your coach. Your coach is a fantastic resource as you lead your group.

HELP: 15 People Sign Up But Only 5 Showed Up!

I've edited a very helpful article by Allen White 
for this weeks post. (See original article here)

"Where did everyone go..."

Maybe those aren’t the specific numbers that you experienced in your group, but the reality is that it happens to every group at some point. DON'T WORRY... We're here to help!  Here are a couple of keys to riding the attendance roller coaster.

1. It’s not about you.  In the church, community is what we want, yet it’s what we resist the most. People got excited during promo month, so they signed up for your group. Between kids finishing school, Memorial day, and work, life just got in the way. After all, the road to you-know-where is paved with good intentions.  If someone hasn't shown up , don't take it personally, chances are, it's not about you.

2. Keep them on your list. Keep the communication flowing. Email them along with the rest of your group. Give them a call. The call should go something like this: “Hey, I was just wondering about you guys. Is everything okay? I’m not calling as the truant officer. I’m just calling because I care.” Chances are that they won’t slam down the phone after saying, “I don’t want you to care about me.” Who doesn’t want that?

3. Focus on who showed up rather than who didn’t.  My second time leading a group, the attendance regularly fluctuated from 10 people one week to 3 the next.Certain weeks there were only three of us. By the numbers, my group is a disaster. Yet, there are things you can talk about with two that you can’t discuss with eight. Maybe you do the lesson. Maybe you set the lesson aside. Before you start beating yourself or your group members up over low attendance, you need to do a quick check-in with God: “What do You intend for this group meeting? It doesn’t look like what I planned. What have You planned?” His plans are better anyway. So focus on who shows up, but make sure to contact the folks who don't.

4. Remember your Life Group and the ministry of your group are not the same. Some people may never show up for your group. Or, they’ll come once or twice, then you won’t hear from them for a while. Here’s the deal: whether they attend every week or once in a blue moon, they are yours. The group members who meet three out of four times a month are essentially your Life Group. Everyone else is in the “ministry” sphere of your Life Group. There is a reason that God has placed these folks in your life. Keep up with them. Help them when they need help. Pray for them. This is not some clandestine plot to convince them back to the group through your kindness, but it might work. This is your opportunity to love and serve, even if you never get anything in return

In a perfect world, everyone would honor their commitment and show up for every group gathering. But, this is not a perfect world. Here’s the deal: for that no-show on your list, you just might be their only connection to the body of Christ. Their well-being, of course, is not up to you. But, there is a reason that in all of the Life groups in our community, they signed up for yours. God will show you why.

IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO BREAK THE ICE!

 

The only thing worse than breaking the ice by yourself, is never breaking the ice at all! One of the tensions that we face as Life Group leaders is figuring out how to take a group of people (many of whom don't know each other), and help them open up in a way that will  connect them with the group, which will ultimately help connect them with God. 

As we head into our second week of groups I want to encourage you to continue looking for creative ways to break the ice and build those friendships. 

Here's a great Ice Breaker that I used in my group last week. 

Description: Below is a list of 20 questions. Take these questions and print them onto individual slips of paper, then place them in a hat and have each group member pull one of the pieces of paper out of the hat and answer the question on the paper. I gave people the option of putting the question back and picking another one if they didn't to answer the question that they drew.  Remember, we're going for ice breaker not inquisition!

Depending on the size of your group you should probably budget 10-20 minutes for this activity. 

HAPPY RELATIONSHIP BUILDING!

1. What is something you have won and how did you win it?
2. What is something you should throw away but can not?
3. What books have made a big impact on you?
4. What do you take for granted the most?
5. What is your all-time favorite movie and how many times have you seen it?
6. Where is your perfect dream vacation spot?
7. How many bones have you broken? Share the details?
8. When did you get your first traffic ticket? Share the details?
9. If you could go back in time, what year would visit? Why?
10. If you wrote a book about your life, what would it be called?
11. Which is the greater tragedy: an innocent person imprisoned or a guilty person set free?
12. When does the end justify the means?
13. When is OK to lie?
14. When was the last time you said, “It was my fault I am sorry. Explain the situation.
15. What makes you stand to your feet and cheer?
16. What one thing do you wish for more than anything else?
17. What do you think are the most common misconceptions about God?
18. What does “being spiritual” mean to you?
19. When and how often do you pray? What motivates you to pray?
20. What has produced the greatest spiritual growth in your life?

Note: Ice-breakers from “The Complete Book of Questions” by Garry Poole. 

Connecting People to God this Summer

On Easter Sunday (Apr. 24) God has called us to pray for (and invite) 500 new people to come and experience His transforming love.  I know that this vision is from God, because it's way to big for us to dream up on our own.  

God is preparing people all over the Petaluma area for an encounter with Him that will change their lives.  The question for us as Life Group leaders is; how will people connect into our community after their first visit?

Friends- people will come, they will encounter God, and God will begin a process of transformation in their lives, and He will continue the process of transformation largely through a Life Group this summer.

If God is stirring you to lead again this summer, this Friday (Apr. 10) is the deadline for getting in your Summer Life Group information. If you haven’t already given the following info to your coach, please copy and paste the list below into an email to me, fill it out, and send it over.  If you have questions about what you might lead this summer, click here to choose from an extensive curriculum list, or click here to view our Life Group in a box options.

 Leader: 

Group Title:

Leader Phone #:

Apprentice:

Day:

Time:

Demographic: (Who is the Group open to)? 

Location:

Material for group:

Resources available for purchase at:

Group Description:

Childcare available?

If yes, cost of Childcare?

May 14 Ignition Training (9am-12) RSVP:

Childcare needed? If yes, # of children and ages

I’m looking forward to serving many of you this summer as you lead a group. I'm looking forward to hearing from you, so why not shoot me a quick email right now at kevin@newlifepetaluma.org. 

LET'S CELEBRATE!

Landon woke me up at 1:15 this morning.  By the time he'd been fed, changed, and was down for his early morning power nap, it was 2am. For the life of me, I could not fall back asleep. I was to excited and amazed about the way that God worked in our community yesterday. For the first time in New Life's history, we had an impromptu invitation for baptism, and between the two services, right around 20 people who came forward and were baptized.

2 OPPORTUNITIES TO CELEBRATE:

• There is a good chance that one of the people baptized is in your Life Group: As their leader, you have the unique opportunity to celebrate this milestone in their faith journey. Here are a few tips for celebrating:

• If you don't know who was baptized... Ask!

• Most of us don't attend both services, so send a quick email to your group today sharing the exciting news about the baptism's and asking if anyone from your group participated in the baptism.  

• If someone in your group was baptized, look for a special way to celebrate their decision as a group.  Here are a few ways to celebrate:

• Bring some sort of special desert for them this week.
• Take time in group to let them share their story.
• Spend time in group thanking God for their decision.

• The second thing that I want to celebrate is YOU: I am continually amazed by your selfless service to our community.  Each week I get to hear stories about how people's lives are being changed because they are connecting with God through their Life Group. THANK YOU so much for responding to God and leading.  Because you've said yes to leading, men and women in our church are experiencing God in amazing ways. 

• FREE COFFEE SUNDAY: If you love coffee (or hot chocolate) like I do, read on...

• This Sunday I would like to buy you a cup of coffee from the espresso machine in the lobby as a small token of my appreciation.  
• If you'd like some free coffee, grab me before or after service and ask for your cup of coffee. 
• NOTE: Because of the nature of Sunday mornings, the free coffee give away will end 5 minutes before service begins, and will resume 5 minutes after service ends.

Have a great day, and don't forget to look for ways to celebrate the amazing work that God is doing with your group this week.
-Kevin

Deepen Your Understanding As You Lead Others!

As leaders, we're often asked questions that we don't know the answer to. Don't be scared when someone asks you something and you have no idea what to tell them, NO ONE EXPECTS YOU TO HAVE TO HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS!  The best thing to say when you don't know the answer is: "I don't know, but I'll do some research and get back to you." Below are some helpful links as you:

• Look for answers to questions that come up in your group. 
• Do your preparation for group each week.

Take some time this week to brows through these sites so that you know where to go when a question comes up that stumps you.


Bible.org
258 theology questions answered by Michael Patton of The Theology Program. This site also has a bunch more resources!

Matthew Henry Commentary
This is a free online commentary of the whole Bible...you can look up answers to passages that puzzle you!

Bible Gateway
Read the Bible in multiple versions, as well as links to commentaries.  Another great use of Bible Gateway is to print out passages for your group, so that everyone can do the Bible study using the same translation.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Search this highly respected encyclopedia to find explanations of every significant word in the Bible.

CCEL
Read hundreds of books from church history for free. Also search the entire library by word.

Spring 11 Ignition Traning Break Out Sessions

Below are the notes from two of the breakout sessions offered in our Spring Leaders training. 

Topics include:

• Pastoring People Through Crisis: A wonderful tool for your group leading tool belt.
• Embracing Conflict: This tool will help your group to thrive if tensions run high.
• New Leader Breakout: A great foundational tool for current apprentices as well as seasoned veterans to Life Group leading.

 

_______________________________________________

Pastoring People Though Crisis:

Leader: Brian McElreath

• Definitions

Crisis:  Any difficult time faced by a member of the group due to any circumstance happening in that individual’s life. 

All people in crisis react differently than one another; however, all crisis produce similar emotions in people.

Three common emotions produced by crisis

1.    Anger

2.   Depression

3.   Grief

• Practical ways of working with group members whom are suffering from depression.

1.       Actively Listen

Encouraging conversation can allow the group member to feel more in control of his/her emotions.

2.       Dedicate members of the group to support the member.

People suffering from depression need to know that all the members of the group care about their emotions.

3.       Pray Together for the person

Asking others to commit themselves to continually pray for the affected group member throughout the week/duration of the group. 

• Practical ways of working with group members facing grief:

1.    Realize that true grieving takes time.  Help them to realize the difference between Christian and Secular grieving methods.

• Grieving with a Christian Focus: 

1.   Feel your pain (“Jesus Wept” John 11:35)

2.   Review your loss(Phillipians 4: 6-7)

3.   Share your pain in community (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

4.   Pray for healing from the Holy Spirit (John 14:16)

5.   Seek Reconciliation (Romans 12:18)

6.   Trust God with your future (Deut 31:8)

• Practical tools to provide those dealing with anger:

1.   Face the real cause of your anger (Galations 5:13-26)

2.   Deal decisively with your anger (James 1:19-20)

3.   Die to anger; live by grace! (Galations 2:20)

4.   Break the chains of anger. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

5.   Replace your anger with acts of kindness/service (Eph 4:31)

6.   Fully deal with anger daily (Ephesians 4:26)

_______________________________________________

Embracing Conflict in the Small Group Setting

Leader: Brian McElreath

• Definitions:

Conflict:  Tensions or disagreements that will naturally occur when people genuinely begin to share life with one another.

Embracing:  Running towards rather than avoiding.  Enjoying the process and allowing it to shape the fabric and constitution of the setting. 

• Four TRUTHS

1. Conflict in small groups is inevitable.
2. Different personalities along with differing opinions often create conflict. 
3. Conflict in groups must be resolved. 
4. Groups with ongoing conflict between members cannot function normally and spiritual growth can and will be hindered. 

• How should you, the Leader respond to group conflict?

THE MOST VITAL STEP YOU CAN MAKE IN MANAGING CONFLICT IS TO..........

Get involved early as doing can keep the conflict from getting personal. 

• Two Options for resolving the conflict inside of the group setting:

1. If cooler heads prevail by the end of the session, discuss the situation after the group has officially ended for the night.  
2. If more time is needed, call the parties sometime after the group (later in the week) and ask them to consider an alternative solution (compromise of sorts)

• The Principle of TOUGH LOVE:

Leading a group is not simple and sometimes you have to step in with tough love and ask a person to leave the group.

Again conflicts must be resolved and the group’s health and long term cohesion is in jeopardy if conflicts persist. 

• 3 Practical Tips for Conflict Resolution for Leaders

1.      Do not take sides-

a.      If you do, you will not be able to keep an open mind

2.      When confronting know that how you say something is as important as what you say.

a.      Successful resolution requires patience and grace.

b.     Leading with patience and grace compels people to listen.

3.      Not all conflicts can be resolved.

a.      Remember you cannot change a person, only God can.

ALWAYS REMEMBER.......

Honesty and Grace will keep your group healthy and together!

“But as believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent.  The Greek-speaking believers grumbled about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.” Acts 6:1

_______________________________________________

New Leader Breakout:

Leaders: Rich Dunlap and Aris Pologeorgis

 

• GOALS FOR THIS BREAKOUT & FOR THIS TRIMESTER OF LIFE GROUP ARE: SUPPORT,  ENCOURAGEMENT, BE A RESOURCE, CHALLENGE & HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE, PRAY FOR YOU

• LIFE GROUPS ARE THE CLOSEST THING THAT EXISTS IN THE CHURCH TODAY THAT IS MOST LIKE THE EARLY CHURCH, THE ACTS 2 CHURCH

ACTS 2:42-47: 42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to
the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and
miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything
in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every
day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and
ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the
people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

• THOUGHT QUESTION — What are some words or short descriptions that come to mind when you think of someone who is an effective Life Group Leader?

• PORTRAIT OF AN EFFECTIVE LIFE GROUP LEADER

» TIME MANAGEMENT — PLAN AHEAD & SET TIME ASIDE EVERY WEEK FOR:
> PRAYING & READING THROUGH THE MATERIAL
> PRAYING FOR THE INDIVIDUALS IN YOUR GROUP
> FOLLOWING UP WITH EACH PERSON/COUPLE IN YOUR GROUP, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY:
■ OPENED UP TO AN UNUSUAL EXTENT
■ MISSED A SESSION

• ORGANIZATIONAL TIPS

> PRAYER JOURNAL
> NOTEBOOK
> CREATE A CONTACT LIST/DIRECTORY FOR YOUR GROUP
> GOT CELL PHONE ? — GET EVERYONE’S PHONE #’S IN THERE
> INVOLVE OTHER MEMBERS OF YOUR GROUP (HOST, APPRENTICE, OR EVEN SOMEONE
FROM THE “GENERAL POPULATION”)
■ WRITE DOWN & EMAIL PRAYER REQUESTS
■ INVITING THEM TO READ FROM THE BIBLE OR THE ASSIGNED MATERIAL
■ ASKING SOMEONE ELSE TO FOLLOW UP WITH THOSE THAT MISSED A WEEK

 

• IDEAS FOR DEEPER CONNECTION AS A GROUP:

■ HAVE A MEAL TOGETHER
■ FIRE PIT TIME
■ HOUSE OF PRAYER .
■ “OPEN FORUM”
■ START AND END ON TIME
■ HAVE A BALANCE IN STRUCTURE

FIRM – Keeping the group focused and on task (jokers, clowns, & grumpys)

LOOSE – Being in tune with your group
(Tangents can sometimes be good, for a certain amount of time)
 

• A FEW COMMENTS ON GROUP DYNAMICS:

> Members should feel that they are in a team. All members are considered equal irrespective
of their hierarchical levels and skills. The team provides each person a sense of identity, self
worth, acceptance and belonging .
> LISTEN
■ LOOK AT THEIR FACE
■ MAKE EYE CONTACT
■ LET THEM SEE YOU CARE ABOUT WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER
■ DO NOT GET INTO A DEBATE

If teaching and scripturally sure of your position, say that based on the
scripture, I interpret it to mean… and “let’s move on.” If not sure, then suggest that you & the questioner discuss it with your coach.  Do not drag it out because you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. You will
lose control and the group will lose interest.
 

• TREASURING EACH PERSON IN YOUR LIFE GROUP: 

TIME SPENT WITH THEM — Nothing is an adequate substitute for quality time.
REMEMBER SPECIAL EVENTS — Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc.
ENCOURAGE THEM — Notes, phone calls, conversations at church, compliments, etc
ASK WHAT’S HAPPENING — Questions communicate love and partnership
SEEK FOR WAYS TO DEVELOP THEM — This is the primary goal of a healthy LG Leader
UPHOLD THEM IN PRAYER — Prayer brings God’s favor into both of your lives
REWARD THEM — Find them doing something good, and then make a big deal of it
EMPOWER THEM — As they grow, entrust them with greater LG responsibilities

• JUST SHOWING UP TO LEAD VS. PASTORING:

> IT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “I CAME, I SAW, I CONQUERED” AND
“I CARED, I PRAYED, I CAME”
» THE TERM PASTORING MAY SEEM INTIMIDATING, BUT DON’T LET IT SCARE YOU
> IT’S BOTH A LONG TERM AND A SHORT TERM GOAL
■ LONG - Something that we continually strive for and challenge ourselves to
(Prov. 27:17— “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” )
■ SHORT - Use the nuggets and start developing this part of your life right now .
» SOME ELEMENTS OF PASTORING
> PRAYER .
> FOLLOW UP
> CARE

Life Groups in a Box

Leading a Life Group Just Got Simpler!

We’ve put everything in a box that you need to lead a Life Group, including: your curriculum and discussion guide, reading plan, group calendar, Life Group Agreement, name tags, ice-breaker suggestions, and communion cups.  All you need to do add is people! To find out how to sign up to lead a Life Group in a Box in Summer 2011, read on...

 

 

 

Curriculum Available with "LG in a Box” for Summer 2011!

(To check out one of these resources for the Summer LG Session, you need to email Kevin Finkbiner (Kevin@newlifepetaluma.org)  no later than Friday April 1.

S.H.A.P.E. by Erik Rees
This study helps you pursue God’s unique purpose for your life based on the way God has shaped you. He made you unique for a reason; tap into that reason, and into the secrets of your own deeply personal makeup, and you’ll discover the path to a life of unimagined purpose, impact, and fulfillment.  Illustrated with real-life stories, this inspiring and deeply insightful book guides you through a series of challenges that will help you uncover your God-given S.H.A.P.E.:

• Spiritual Gifts – A set of special abilities that God has give to you to share his love and serve others.
• Heart – The special passions God has given you so that you can glorify him on earth.
• Abilities – The set of talents that God gave you when you were born, which he also wants you to use to make an impact for him.
• Personality – The special way God wired you to navigate life and fulfill your unique Kingdom Purpose.
• Experiences – Those parts of your past, both positive and painful, which God intends to use in great ways.

This book will help you discover your unique “S.H.A.P.E.,” explore it, then apply it in ways that will bring confidence, freedom, clarity, and significance.  The study includes a 6 DVD “shorts” to watch in your group, as well as discussion questions at the end of each chapter to help guide conversation in your group.



The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns
What does God expect of us in response to the poor?  This radical, eye-opening series challenges and equips Christians in just that.  This is the story of how a corporate CEO faced his own struggle to obey God whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith.  Using his own journey as an example, Stearns explores the hole that exists in our understanding the gospel.
The series includes fast-paced documentary DVD “shorts” and real-life stories and insights on poverty and injustice.

Starting Point by Andy Stanley

No Matter what your age or stage in life, we all start our spiritual journey at the same place, the beginning. Starting point is an amazing curriculum that guides both  not yet and new Christians to an awakening of the story that God is writing in their lives.  If you have a passion to guide others to an awakening of their faith, this material will be a wonderful tool for you. Read more at Amazon.com



The Me I Want to Be  by John Ortberg
This book will help you discover spiritual vitality like never before as you learn to ‘live in the flow of the spirit.’  This book will show how God’s perfect vision for you starts with a powerful promise. All those who trust in God ‘will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit’ (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Ortberg urges you to recognize your brokenness, understand that God is the project manager, and follow His directions. The author first helps gauge your spiritual health and measure the gap between where you are now and where God intends you to be. Then he provides exercises to help you live in the flow of the Spirit. The Me I Want to Be shows you how to graciously accept God’s invitation to live as He intended. Read more at Amazon.com.



The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
In this remarkable best-seller, Rick Warren will help you understand God’s purpose and plan for your life so that you can learn to live the life for which you were created. The book is divided into forty short chapters, very easy to read and yet will profoundly impact your life.
This is a life-transforming book which is great for new believers and those who have been walking with God for years.
Look inside the book with Amazon.com.

How To Really Parent Your Child: Anticipating what a child needs, instead of reacting to what a child does. by Ross Campbell

 By anticipating the needs of a child rather than reacting to his or her behaviors, parents develop a relational rather than adversarial family structure. Mothers and fathers will find tools aimed to help them build a healthy relationship with their child that meets all four basic emotional needs: to be nurtured in unconditional love, to be lovingly disciplined, to be trained in anger management, and to be protected from harmful influences. It is after these basic needs are met that a child will be able to understand and respond to spiritual matters. Combining practical advice with anecdotal examples, Campbell offers a purposeful, life-long approach to building happy, healthy, spiritual children. Look inside the book with Amazon.com



The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Marriage should be based on love, right? But does it seem as though you and your spouse are speaking two different languages? Dr. Gary Chapman guides couples in identifying, understanding, and speaking their spouse’s primary love language—quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, or physical touch.  By learning the five love languages, you and your spouse will discover your unique love languages and learn practical steps in truly loving each other.   Look inside the book with Amazon.com.

 ______________________________________________________________

How Can I Sign Up To Lead a LG in a Box?

If you would like to lead one of our Life Group in a Box curricula, email Kevin Finkbiner (kevin@newlifepetaluma.org) no later than April 5. In this email indicate which group you would like to lead. You will then "check out" your Life Group in a box (free of charge) two weeks before your group begins.
IMPORTANT NOTE: New Life will only be doing a certain number of each of these studies during a given session, so the curriculum is on a first come first serve basis.

Looking For Something Else? 

Check out tons of great Life Group curriculum by clicking on this Curriculum Guide – Produced by North Point Church..