Surprised by the Savior

1^st week * 4.9.07 * Surprised by the Savior

7:00-7:20

Connect: Tell us your name and a time when you were really surprised by something. You answer the question first to model that sharing should be kept to a paragraph or two.

7:20-7:25

Surrender: To encourage self reflection, try Ignatius’contemplation. Through Ignatius’ contemplation, you put yourself into the story. Have someone read Luke 24:13-35, and direct the group to, “Imagine you are a disciple walking the road to Emmaus. You are barefooted. You are tired. The events of the last few days have filled you with emotion. What are you thinking? What are you feeling? What of the disciples’ experience most resonates with you?

7:25-8:05

Grow: What of the disciples’ experience most resonates with you? You could stay here for most of the time, but in case you need more ideas…

• Cleopas and the other man (t.o.m.) didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Have you (or someone close to you) had an experience lately where Jesus was present but you didn’t recognize it at first?

• Why do you suppose these disciples were kept from recognizing Christ at first?

• Cloepas & t.o.m. “had hoped” that Jesus would redeem Israel by military might, but God’s plan was to redeem the entire world through the death of Christ. When you first came to Jesus, what unrealistic expectations did you have? Do you have any today?

• What parts of your backstory (life story) might be overwhelming your ability to understand the things that Jesus wants to teach you today? Examples: sinful patterns, pain, hurt, grief, family of origin, etc.

• Is there a part of your backstory (way back or recent) that you have not taken the time to process with Jesus? Remember, Jesus can handle your backstory.
  

• Cleopas & t.o.m. traveled back 7 miles to share the “good news” that Jesus was alive. If you were one of these disciples, to whom would you be traveling back to share the news?

8:05-8:15

Explain how a typical LIFE Group will run:

• connection (icebreaker),

• surrender (slow down and focus on God),

• grow (discussion time reflecting on scripture/sermon application from previous Sunday)

• develop (time of encouragement, involving them in the process, finding ways to serve each other and the church)

• share (praying for and strategizing about how to reach our friends with the message of the good news). Each group will organize an outreach type event during the 8 weeks.

Explain that the group will meet next week to create a covenant and will meet for 8 weeks and then recovenant as to how the group wants to interact during the summer months.

8:15-8:30

Housekeeping stuff (where are we meeting next week, who is bringing refreshments/meal, etc.). Ask people to let you know after the meeting whether or not they would like to join the group for the next 8 weeks.

Remind the ladies of the progressive dinner on Saturday from 4-8 (still time to sign up; call church office).

Homework: for those who plan to come back next week, ask them “What values do you expect to be present in the group?” You will use their answers next week to create a covenant. Examples: honesty, caring, acceptance, fun, etc.

For group leaders only…

What is your favorite alternate title to Sunday’s message?

• A walk with two regular Joes

• Holy Heartburn

• Jesus reports, you decide

• Fully “getting” Easter (as in understanding the real meaning).