Previous | Return to Home Page | Next Stage
Each growth stage is listed below with the training appropriate for that stage. Small group curriculum is in bold print with no additional markings. Activities are preceded by three stars ***. The course material is listed in the order of occurrence that maximizes the benefits to the individual, by building on what he has already learned. For example, it is better to learn how to walk before learning to run. A brief description of the curriculum and activities is offered with the approximate amount of time needed to complete it.
Stage 1 - Childhood
Phase 1 - Conception: (formation - from non-believer to believer) - “I believe in God, but I’m not sure about Christ. My faith is not a significant part of my life.”- These people are taking the first steps in spiritual growth and are marked by significantly lower levels of agreement with belief statements such as “I believe salvation comes only through Jesus Christ.”
- Attitudes/Behaviors:
- They tend not to involve God in their daily lives.
- They tend to seek God’s guidance only in times of need.
- They may view the Bible as irrelevant.
- They need others to help them interpret spiritual issues.
- They generally don’t serve in the church.
- They tend to live for the moment.
- They may consider themselves spiritual but not necessarily Christian.
- Jesus is a good person but not necessarily God.
- They may have only a limited knowledge of the Bible.
- Needs:
- Seeker services.
- Opportunities to connect with others.
- Venues to openly discuss questions and doubts.
Welcome to the Family – a lettered welcome for a new believer
*** Introduce the new believer to a small group leader willing to serve as a parent . . . who will talk with, touch and care for them. Have the group leader cover the following material:
The Gospel – a clear, concise presentation of the good news of Jesus Christ covering its key points. It is based on Acts 2:22-41 (1 hr)
God’s Life in Me – the new birth process (1 hr)
Elijah and Elisha – a picture of water baptism (1 hr)
A Covenant Relationship with God - the new covenant with God (1 hr)
Comparing Three Covenants - an overview of their individual parts.
*** Public Celebration – baptism marks the end of the Conception stage.
Phase 2 - Babes: (from believer to growing believer) - “I believe in Jesus, and I’m working on what it means to get to know Him.”
- These early believers are growing in their faith through church experiences and are also starting to incorporate personal spiritual practices into their normal routine outside of church.
- Attitudes/Behaviors:
- They are discovering faith.
- They need others to help them interpret spiritual issues.
- They willingly participate in small groups.
- Some of them serve in church.
- They sometimes read the Bible or Christian books.
- They are aware that areas of their life need transformation.
- Needs:
- Small group opportunities.
- Basic personal spiritual practices.
- Corporate worship service.
- Develop a personal relationship with a mentor.
- Supportive teaching.
Introduction to the Bible - answers the questions, “what is the Bible” and “where did it come from”? It also includes a brief survey of the Bible. (2 hrs)
Jesus and the Land – is a brief historical view of Jesus, His friends and family and the land in which he lived. There are several maps included in this introductory study. (2 hrs)
*** Begin reading the Bible – the following five pairs of books provide the reader with exciting stories that help him gain a historical overview of the Bible.
- Genesis and Exodus.
- Joshua and Judges.
- 1st and 2nd Samuel
- 1st and 2nd Kings.
- Mark and Acts.
- Repentance from dead works
- Faith toward God.
- Instruction about washings (baptisms)
- Laying on of hands.
- Resurrection of the dead.
- Eternal judgment.
*** Have the believers write out their personal testimonies . . . then read them in a group setting.
*** Assign some form of church ministry with very little responsibility to each believer.
How to Hear God’s Voice – many Christians don’t know their heavenly father’s voice yet all children can identify their parent’s voice. What’s up with that! This curriculum is designed to help believers discern His voice. (5 hrs – seminar format – two sessions)
- Introduction
- Understanding God’s voice.
- Spirit, soul, body – what’s the difference and which one rules?
- Obeying the Spirit.
- What keeps us from hearing God’s voice?
- Different ways God speaks – inner knowing.
- Different ways God speaks – inner voice.
- Different ways God speaks – authoritative voice of the Holy Spirit.
A Journey With Jesus – Book 1 - Fishers of Men - Lessons 1-5 – a new worldview. (6 hrs) - Book 1 Available
The Introduction.
1. Follow Me. (To hear and obey Jesus, our Lord)
2. What Do You See? (Observing people can lead to a spiritual encounter)
3. A New Perspective. (Live joyously)
4. Shining Lights. (How to let your light shine)
5. Jesus, The Fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. (Explaining the Law and the Prophets and how Jesus fulfils them)
*** Have believers baptize new believers.
A Journey With Jesus – Book 1 - Fishers of Men - Lessons 6-17 – new family values. (12 hrs) - Book 1 Available
6. Subduing Anger. (Dealing with anger)
7. Being Faithful. (Dealing with sexual sin)
8. Keeping Promises. (Keeping your word)
9. Giving Up Your Rights. (Dealing with difficult people)
10. Love Your Enemies. (How to treat your enemies)
11. Receiving Honor. (Avoiding hypocrisy)
12. Prayer. (The Lord’s Prayer)
13. Acquiring Treasure. (How to find and store real treasure)
14. The Scales of Justice. (There is only one judge)
15. Developing Discernment. (Differences between judging and discerning)
16. How to Live Forever. (Living eternal life now)
17. Fruit Inspection. (Learning to discern evil)
*** Begin reading the rest of the Bible. – the following five pairs of books provide the reader with exciting stories that help him gain a historical overview of the Bible.
*** Public Celebration – this is the end of the Childhood stage.
Stage 2 - Adolescence
Young Men: (from believer to growing believer) - “I feel really close to Christ and depend on Him for daily guidance.”- These believers report much higher levels of personal spiritual practices than earlier segments. Serving emerges as an important expression of their faith. While their devotion to Christ is growing, they still hold back from full commitment.
- Attitudes/Behaviors:
- The Bible provides direction for their lives.
- Prayer is central to their lives.
- They have not surrendered everything to Christ.
- Small groups are less important to them.
- Spiritual friends increase in importance to them.
- They serve regularly.
- They are concerned for the lost like Jesus was.
- They have a desire for growth in spiritual disciplines.
- Needs:
- Serving opportunities.
- Advanced personal spiritual practices.
- Learn to share their faith.
A Journey With Jesus – Book 2 – Into the Harvest - Lessons 18-20 – the kingdom of God. (3 hrs) - Book 2 Available
18. Kingdom Parables. (Understanding the Kingdom of God)
19. Growing in Understanding. (Understanding parables)
20. More Kingdom Truths. (You teach a parable) *** Teach one of the parables.
Gifts of the Spirit – equips the believer to use spiritual gifts. (10 hrs)
- Receiving spiritual gifts.
- Difficult questions answered.
- The three categories of gifts: 1) Motivations, 2) Ministries and 3) Manifestations
- Discovering which ones you have.
- Do you want more?
- Spiritual warfare issues.
- Working with the Holy Spirit – how the manifestations happen.
- Practice using your gifts in a small group setting.
A Journey With Jesus – Book 2 – Into the Harvest - Lessons 21-24 – evangelism. (4 hrs) - Book 2 Available
21. Going into the Harvest Fields. (Finding and working in your harvest field)
22. Evangelism. (Jesus shows us how to evangelize)
23. Serpents and doves. (Be wise in the way you declare the gospel)
24. Sobering Decisions. (Fear of men is overcome by faith in God)
*** Begin to purposefully declare the Gospel at every opportunity God gives you.
*** Use your personal testimony and spiritual gifts in conjunction with it.
A Journey With Jesus – Book 2 – Into the Harvest - Lessons 25-29 – discipleship. (5 hrs) - Book 2 Available
25. Looking for God’s Solutions. (Blessing people and glorifying His name)
26. Fear not! (Jesus cares for you and will help you)
27. A Little Leaven. (Consider carefully the words you speak)
28. Taking Up the Cross. (Being a disciple of Jesus will cost you your life)
29. Listen to Jesus! (God the Father speaks out loud) *** Lead an activity.
Spiritual Warfare – introduces the believer in ways to overcome his enemies. (5 hrs)
A Journey With Jesus – Book 2 – Into the Harvest - Lessons 30-31 – problems in the church. (4 hrs) - Book 2 Available
30. Becoming Offended. (Why you get offended)
31. Causing Stumbling Blocks. (Don’t be a stumbling block to anyone)
32. Reproving a Believer. (Correcting believers/church discipline)
33. Forgiving Believers Who Repent. (Be ready to forgive)
A Journey With Jesus – Book 2 – Into the Harvest - Lessons 34-39 – the attitude of a servant. (6 hrs) - Book 2 Available
34. Cause for Rejoicing. (Reasons to rejoice)
35. Praying with Faith.
36. Hypocrisy. (Test the spirits)
37. Freedom from Fear. (You have no reason to be afraid of God)
38. Freedom from Life’s Worries. (God will take care of your needs)
39. Servant-hood. (Learn to be a good servant)
The Basic Spiritual Maturity Process – an overview of the Spiritual Growth Process as it compares to the natural child-rearing process. (1 hrs)
*** Go on a cross-cultural mission project at home or abroad.
*** Public Celebration – this is the end of the Adolesence stage. The believer should experience the “laying on of hands” by the leaders for additional giftings and empowerment for service because he has just moved into adulthood.
Stage 3 - Adulthood
Fathers: (from mature believer to reproducing believer) - “God is all I need in my life. He is enough. Everything I do is a reflection of Christ.”- These people have fully surrendered their lives to Christ, demonstrated by their dramatically higher levels of spiritual behaviors and attitudes across the board. They “very strongly agree” that they seek God’s guidance in every area of their lives … at two times the level of any other segment.
- Attitudes/Behaviors:
- They love God more than anything
- For them, prayer is constant conversation with God.
- They help to mentor others.
- Service to others is a way of life.
- Needs:
- Mentoring opportunities.
- Wide range of serving opportunities.
- Develop a ministry based on God’s call.
- Prepare a personal mission statement.
A Journey With Jesus – Book 3 – Building the Temple - Lessons 40-45 – life lessons. (8 hrs) - Book 3 Available
40. Foretaste of the Kingdom. (Those who will be spared)
41. Don’t Lose Heart. (Pray and do not lose heart)
42. Children. (Do not stop children from having a relationship to Jesus)
43. Up to Jerusalem. (Unraveling mysteries of the Passover week)
44. True Biblical Faith. (Living by faith has requirements)
45. Chair of Moses. (True authority)
*** Two believers should form a team to facilitate the Spiritual Growth Process for new believers.
A Journey With Jesus – Book 3 – Building the Temple - Lessons 46-49 – 2nd coming of Christ (5 hrs) - Book 3 Available
46. Looking at the Future. (Overview of the end times)
47. Do Not Be Misled. (Follow Jesus’ instructions and you won’t be misled)
48. Signs. (Understanding the signs of the end times)
49. Be Alert. (Become alert when you see the signs in the heavens)
A Journey With Jesus – Book 3 – Building the Temple - Lessons 50-56 – Last things (10 hrs) - Book 3 Available
At The Lord's Table - (Lesson 50 - Devotional Version) – showcasing the individual elements of a Passover Seder overlaying them with the events that occurred at the Last Supper. (1.5 hrs)
50. Breaking Bread. - (Lesson 51 - Devotional Version) - (Communion)
51. Love One Another. - (Lesson 52 - Devotional Version) - (Display love for one another)
52. Peaceful Hearts. - (Lesson 53 - Devotional Version) - (What it means to abide in Christ)
Abiding in Christ - (Lesson 54 - Devotional Version)
53. Disillusioned. - (Lesson 55 - Devotional Version) - (The promise of persecution)
54. Waiting For Him. - (Lesson 56 - Devotional Version) - (Spiritual warfare)
55. Receive the Holy Spirit. - (Lesson 57 - Devotional Version) - (Baptized with power from on high)
56. The Great Commission. - (Lesson 58 - Devotional Version) - (Understanding your commission)
Overview of Church History – teaches the history of the church as a whole. (10 hrs)
*** Public Celebration – A Last Supper should mark the end of his original small group experience.
---------------------------------------------------------
The believer should complete the entire Spiritual Maturity Process for members of his own small group. No matter what the believer’s specific call is, the understanding of the Spiritual Maturity Process is critical.
Receive advanced training as the Lord leads.
Discover and engage in God’s specific ministry call for him.
Previous | Return to Home Page | Next Stage
No comments:
Post a Comment