Life Group Discussion Guide

Hey Life Group Leaders!

As we look ahead to this summer, we know there are Sundays you will be out-of-town. Please take a moment to let us know any Sunday that you know you will be gone so we can make arrangements to have someone lead your group. Thank you!

July 4 – No Life Group

This year, July 4 falls on a Sunday. Our church will be having two Patriotic Services (9:40 & 11am) but there will be no Life Groups. If your group would like to meet in person or online, you are welcome to do so but not expected to in any way. If your group decides to meet, there will be no lesson material provided.

Life Group Discussion Guide

Hey Life Group Leaders!

We apologize that this week's Leader Guide is a little later than normal. Please take a moment to review the attached discussion guide for this Sunday. Since this week is Memorial Day weekend, please be prepared for lower attendance and don't be discouraged with a smaller group. This is a great opportunity to get to know your group a little better!

Returning this Fall?

We're asking for a written confirmation of your intentions as a Life Group leader this fall! Please email us with one of the following:

• Yes! I am returning as a Life Group leader this next year.

• Maybe – I am unsure at this time.

• No, I will not be returning as a Life Group leader this next year.

This helps us to know how to plan, prepare and most importantly pray for our Life Groups this next year.

Life Group Discussion Guide

When Do Students Move Up?

One question we get each year about this time is “When do I move up in grade?” or “Do I attend this or that event?” We know you get asked these questions so here are the answers to the questions you’ll likely get asked:

• Promotion Sunday – Even though you may not be in school anymore, we recognize you during the summer by your completed grade for 20-21. Students will be recognized in their new grades on Sunday, August 8, and will then move to their new Life Groups. At this point, completed 8th graders (will be 9th grade this fall) will begin participating in High School events.
  

• Completed 12th Graders – These students can still participate in First Students during the summer. These students may begin attending our Young Adult’s Thursday night gatherings on June 3 and we have a special senior-only Life Group that will begin on Sunday, June 6.
  

• Completed 8th Graders – These students are still recognized as Jr. High until Promotion Sunday. They will continue to participate in JHM and any Jr. High-specific event.
  

• Completed 5th & 6th Graders – This summer, we are inviting our incoming classes to participate in our Sunday Night JHM service. They cannot attend camp and will continue to attend KL5.0 Sunday morning Life Groups until Promotion Sunday.

JHM/5.0 Amazing Race | May 16 | 5:00-8:30pm

For our Jr. High leaders, this is a great opportunity to meet our incoming 6th & 7th-grade class! It’s going to be an AMAZING night that we would love for you to be a part of! Please contact us to let us know you are planning on attending. You can learn more about it here: JHM/5.0 AMAZING RACE

Summer Youth Night Schedule

While it’s not a requirement, we would LOVE to have you join us for Youth Night during the summer when you can. This is a great time to spend time and connect with your group. You can learn more about it here: SUMMER YOUTH NIGHT SCHEDULE

MAY 23 – LIFE GROUP LEADER TRAINING

On Sunday, May 23 at 9:40am, we will have a leader meeting in Gym Room 1. There will still be student Life Groups and will be led through Master Teacher (similar to what we did for our January training). Please make plans to be there and if you will be gone that Sunday, please let us know so we can get you the information!

As a reminder – we are asking that you let us know if you are/are not planning on returning as a Life Group leader this fall by Sunday, May 30. We ask that all leaders complete their commitment throughout the summer!

Life Group Discussion Guide

Happy Mother’s Day!

This Sunday is Mother’s Day and to all of our incredible women who lead, we want to thank you for all you do!

Girls’ Night | May 9 | 7-9pm

All of our female leaders are invited to join us for our Girls’ Night! This night is for girls to invite their mom/mother figures but are NOT required to bring them to attend. Vickie Munton will be our guest speaker and dinner/dessert will be provided. The cost for girls is $5.

Please RSVP online to let us know you are planning on attending. Use promo code “LEADER” on the online reservation.

JHM/5.0 Amazing Race | May 16 | 5:00-8:30pm

For our Jr. High leaders, this is a great opportunity to meet our incoming 6th & 7th-grade class! It’s going to be an AMAZING night that we would love for you to be a part of! Please contact us to let us know you are planning on attending. You can learn more about it here: JHM/5.0 AMAZING RACE

MAY 23 – LIFE GROUP LEADER TRAINING

On Sunday, May 23 at 9:40am, we will have a leader meeting in Gym Room 1. There will still be student Life Groups and will be led through Master Teacher (similar to what we did for our January training). Please make plans to be there and if you will be gone that Sunday, please let us know so we can get you the information!

As a reminder – we are asking that you let us know if you are/are not planning on returning as a Life Group leader this fall by Sunday, May 30. We ask that all leaders complete their commitment throughout the summer!

Life Group Discussion Guide

Thank You!

We hope you know how much we appreciate you and ALL that you do for our students! We cannot express enough the impact you make each week!

Girls’ Night | May 9 | 7-9pm

All of our female leaders are invited to join us for our Girls’ Night! This night is for girls to invite their mom/mother figures but are NOT required to bring them to attend. Vickie Munton will be our guest speaker and dinner/dessert will be provided. The cost for girls is $5.

Please RSVP online to let us know you are planning on attending. Use promo code “LEADER” on the online reservation.

JHM/5.0 Amazing Race | May 16 | 5:00-8:30pm

For our Jr. High leaders, this is a great opportunity to meet our incoming 6th & 7th-grade class! It’s going to be an AMAZING night that we would love for you to be a part of! Please contact us to let us know you are planning on attending. You can learn more about it here: JHM/5.0 AMAZING RACE

MAY 23 – LIFE GROUP LEADER TRAINING

On Sunday, May 23 at 9:40am, we will have a leader meeting in Gym Room 1. There will still be student Life Groups and will be led through Master Teacher (similar to what we did for our January training). Please make plans to be there and if you will be gone that Sunday, please let us know so we can get you the information!

As a reminder – we are asking that you let us know if you are/are not planning on returning as a Life Group leader this fall by Sunday, May 30. We ask that all leaders complete their commitment throughout the summer!

Life Group Discussion Guide

You Made A Difference!

This past week, I received a message on Instagram from a student who has just recently started attending church in his life and has started getting plugged into a Life Group. I wanted to share his message with you:

“For the first time in my life, I feel like I have real friends. I’ve never grown up in church and I thought I wouldn’t be accepted but I’ve come to the Sunday groups for a couple of weeks and it’s been amazing! I love First Students and have started inviting my friends to come.”

This is one of the dozens of stories we could share!

Thank you for your faithful service to the student ministry! Because of YOU, this young man’s life has been changed forever!

High School Banquet | April 30 | 6-8pm

As a leader, we would LOVE to have you join us at this night where we recognize and celebrate our Seniors. The night is open to current high school students (cost: $10) and to our graduating seniors and their immediate family members.

Please RSVP online to let us know you are planning on attending. Use promo code “LEADER” on the online reservation.

Girls’ Night | May 9 | 7-9pm

All of our female leaders are invited to join us for our Girls’ Night! The goal is for girls to invite their mom/mother figures but are NOT required to bring them to attend. Vickie Munton will be our guest speaker and dinner/dessert will be provided. The cost for girls is $5.

Please RSVP online to let us know you are planning on attending. Use promo code “LEADER” on the online reservation.

JHM/5.0 Amazing Race | May 16 | 5:00-8:30pm

For our Jr. High leaders, this is a great opportunity to meet our incoming 6th & 7th-grade class! It’s going to be an AMAZING night that we would love for you to be a part of! Please contact us to let us know you are planning on attending. You can learn more about it here: JHM/5.0 AMAZING RACE

APRIL 25 DISCUSSION GUIDE

A Vision of Multiplication: We know it’s can be a challenge to give everyone an opportunity to share but this is where we need to get the vision of multiplication. Smaller groups are often better groups for sharing, teaching, and investing. When groups consistently hit 10-12 students, we need to begin considering multiplying your group.

Life Group Discussion Guide

Returning This Fall?

As the school year is coming to a close, we know that this is the time many leaders begin considering whether or not they will return as a leader this fall.

We understand that seasons change and God may be calling you to serve in a different area of our church and want you to step in where God is leading you!

Here are some important things to know:

• We ask that you let us know by May 31st what your plans are for this fall as a Life Group leader. Please keep in mind that we ask for a one-year commitment so if you decide to step down this fall, we are asking you to continue to serve this summer.

• We will NOT be doing Master Teacher this summer as the discussion guides have helped ease the lesson preparation of being a Life Group leader.

• If you know any Sunday you will be gone during this summer, please let us know as soon as you do so we can prepare a sub for your group.

APRIL 11 DISCUSSION GUIDE

For our 9:40am leaders, please remember to arrive at 9:30am and to dismiss your groups by 10:45am.

A Vision of Multiplication: We know it’s can be a challenge to give everyone an opportunity to share but this is where we need to get the vision of multiplication. Smaller groups are often better groups for sharing, teaching, and investing. When groups consistently hit 10-12 students, we need to begin considering multiplying your group.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The message from Pastor Doug is a little different this week so we will be looking at a unique passage that reminds us of the power of letting go of sin and the power of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.

Life Groups | March 28

One of the biggest challenges we face as Life Group Leaders is to create a space where students can talk, share and understand the Word of God in just one hour a week!

Below are some ideas that might help you as you minister and lead your group to become fully devoted followers of Christ!

• Set reminders on your phone for prayer requests. If a student says they have a big test on Thursday, set a reminder that morning to pray for them and then message them with prayer, a verse, or a word of encouragement!
  

• Ask your group about their highs and lows for the week. Spend the first couple minutes asking what was great and not so great about their week. Most students will share (even guests) and their lows can sometimes be prayer requests.
  

• Plan an activity once a semester. These don’t have to be anything fancy. Maybe invite your group over for lunch after church, go bowling, or open up your house for a movie night. When students connect with you and each other outside of the church, it will create a stronger bond and greater communication on Sunday morning.

MARCH 28 DISCUSSION GUIDE

For our 9:40am leaders, please remember to arrive at 9:30am and to dismiss your groups by 10:45am.

A Vision of Multiplication: We know it’s can be a challenge to give everyone an opportunity to share but this is where we need to get the vision of multiplication. Smaller groups are often better groups for sharing, teaching, and investing. When groups consistently hit 10-12 students, we need to begin considering multiplying your group.

Life Groups | March 21

This is Us has been an incredible series and I believe God has used it to cast renewed vision for our church and given us a new direction! We are praying and believing God has incredible things in store!

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

MARCH 21ST DISCUSSION GUIDE

Time Reminder: For our 9:40am leaders, please remember to arrive at 9:30am and to dismiss your groups by 10:45am.

Vision of Multiplication: We know it’s can be a challenge to give everyone an opportunity to share but this is where we need to get the vision of multiplication. Smaller groups are often better groups for sharing, teaching, and investing. When groups consistently hit 10-12 students, we need to begin considering multiplying your group.

Life Group | March 14

In 1973, FBCO had dwindled down to just 12 people.

While some wanted to close the doors, others in the group believed that God was not done with them yet. They gathered together to pray and seek the Lord’s guidance, and we sit in our church today because of their legacy, vision, and passion to seek the Lord.

Never discount what God can do through a small group.

While we may not see it now, if we will continue to faithfully gather, continue praying and continue seeking the Lord, we cannot begin to imagine what God will do through your Life Group!

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

RESPECT EACH OTHER

We will be respectful of each other’s talents and abilities. We will build each other up, encourage our strengths and challenge our areas of opportunity to grow and be better.

MARCH 14TH DISCUSSION GUIDE

Goal for Discussion: To help us realize that we were created for community, to be strengthened in our relationships, encouraged to be involved in the church, and to be known and loved by each other.

Prayer: God, thank you for my church family and for the opportunity to serve this Life Group. Guide me as I study, pray, prepare, and lead these students together in community.

Challenge: Join the students in the “This Is Us” daily devotions! How can we ask students to read the Word each day if we’re not striving for that ourselves? Let’s not ask students to do something we’re not willing to do ourselves!

If you’d like to go a little deeper into the study, you can read the full study here.

Life Group | March 7

When I was in high school, one of the people who made the biggest impact in my life wasn’t the youth pastor – it was my 11th Grade Guy’s Life Group leader! His name was John Henderson and through our time together, both in and out of Life Group, he made a huge spiritual investment in my life!

I can’t remember every lesson he taught or the points he made, but I remember that he cared about me, he invested into my life, and he believed in me at a time in my life when I needed support.

What you do matters!

You may not see it today, but one day, these students are going to look back and will see that their lives were transformed because you were a part of it!

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:2

SHARE THE MISSION

We are one team. We have different roles, but we’re all about the same mission of leading students to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

MARCH 7TH DISCUSSION GUIDE

Goal for Discussion: This lesson is meant to challenge us to see others the way God sees them. This passage and discussion should help us refocus our attention on those outside the church that God has called us to love, reach and share the gospel with.

Prayer: God, you showed us your great love on the cross! Since you sacrificed so much for us, how can we not do the same for others? Give us opportunities to share and show the love of Christ this week!

Challenge: Join the students in the “This Is Us” daily devotions! How can we ask students to read the Word each day if we’re not striving for that ourselves? Let’s not ask students to do something we’re not willing to do ourselves!

If you’d like to go a little deeper into the study, you can read the full study here.

THIS IS US | Feb 28, 2021

FEBRUARY 28 DISCUSSION GUIDE

Goal for Discussion: This lesson is meant to challenge us to think about what guides our church involvement. By studying God’s Word, we will learn five purposes that guide us as we live, not only as a Kingdom-minded church, but also Kingdom-minded people.

Prayer: God, show us ways we can grow in worship, ministry, discipleship, fellowship and evangelism! Please teach us now through your Word how we can live out your purposes as we purpose you. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Challenge: Join the students in the “This Is Us” daily devotions! How can we ask students to read the Word each day if we’re not striving for that ourselves? Let’s not ask students to do something we’re not willing to do ourselves!

If you’d like to go a little deeper into the study, you can read the full study here.

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IMPORTANT REMINDER:

COVID REMINDER – Each week, please ask yourself if you have shown any covid-like symptoms within the last few days (cough, headache, congestion, fatigue, etc.). If so, we ask that you communicate with us and stay home if necessary.

It’s a good reminder for us all that while many churches are still closed, we are blessed to meet together. It is better to miss one Sunday than possibly expose students to covid.

THIS IS US | Feb 21, 2021

FEBRUARY 21 DISCUSSION GUIDE

Goal for Discussion: As we discuss this passage, we should understand that Scripture is not only essential but why it’s essential. Being a Bible-based church is not merely a preference; it is an urgent, desperately needed mandate if we are to distinguish truth from error.

Prayer: God, show us this week why your Word is essential. Press into our hearts to make the Bible necessary in our lives and to create a healthy practice to spend time in the Word each day! In Jesus’ name, amen!

Challenge: Join the students in the “This Is Us” daily devotions! How can we ask students to read the Word each day if we’re not striding for that ourselves? Let’s not ask students to do something we’re not willing to do ourselves!

If you’d like to go a little deeper into the study, you can read the full study here.

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IMPORTANT REMINDER:

COVID REMINDER – Each week, please ask yourself if you have shown any covid-like symptoms within the last few days (cough, headache, congestion, fatigue, etc.). If so, we ask that you communicate with us and stay home if necessary.

It’s a good reminder for us all that while many churches are still closed, we are blessed to meet together. It is better to miss one Sunday than possibly expose students to covid.

IMPORTANT: THIS IS US | Feb 7, 2021

THIS WEEK’S DISCUSSION

This Sunday, Pastor Doug is kicking off a six-week series called “This is Us” that will highlight our church’s mission & vision. We will be joining the church-wide study so the passage we discuss will be different than what Pastor Doug preaches – but it will all work together!

• Please read over the discussion guide!

• Please PRAY for the series!

• Please PRAY that God would use this study for His glory!

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IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR THIS SUNDAY

• Donuts & coffee will be provided for all students.

• Those attending DiscipleNow Weekend will arrive between 9:00-9:15am. Because of our “This Is Us” series, we will not be making this a fully DNWKND morning.

• You will have between 9:30-10:00am to discuss DNWKND with your group.

• Students MUST BE DISMISSED this Sunday at 10:45am. At this time, I will publically be dismissing the students to head to the worship center as our Worship team has prepared a special morning that begins at 10:55am with a student section.

• Please do not disregard the lesson material to discuss DNWKND. I know it will be difficult but this is a very important Sunday for our church that Pastor Doug has asked us to participate in.

Life Group Update | Jan 31, 2021

This Week's Discussion
This Sunday, Pastor Doug is preaching again through 2 Timothy 4:3-5. The message is called “As For You” and will focus on the fact that many will turn away from the truth but that as Christians, we should seek to respond with godliness and fulfill our ministry.

As a reminder, feel free to add your own questions or areas of teaching. Please just ensure the focus of the Life Group time remains the same and that the Word is central to your discussion.

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This Is Us

As a quick reminder...

Our "This Is Us" curriculum begins on Sunday, February 7th. 

We will be providing you with the discussion guide in advance as normal, but on that Sunday, we will be handing out devotional booklets to the leaders and students.

This includes daily scripture reading based on the week's theme, along with the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer) for them to help them study God's Word.

I would highly encourage each of you to get your group involved in this challenge and participate in it with them!

Life Group Update / 1.24.21

This Week's Discussion
This Sunday, Pastor Doug is preaching through 2 Timothy 4:1-5. The message is called “The Charge” and will focus on a challenge to focus and be faithful to the Lord.

As a reminder, feel free to add your own questions or areas of teaching. Please just ensure the focus of the Life Group time remains the same and that the Word is central to your discussion.

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This Is Us

As a quick reminder...

Our "This Is Us" curriculum begins on Sunday, February 7th. 

We will be providing you with the discussion guide in advance as normal, but on that Sunday, we will be handing out devotional booklets to the leaders and students.

This includes daily scripture reading based on the week's theme, along with the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer) for them to help them study God's Word.

I would highly encourage each of you to get your group involved in this challenge and participate in it with them!

Life Group Update / 1.17.21

This Week's Discussion
This Sunday, Pastor Doug is preaching through 2 Timothy 3:10-14. The message is called “Follow the Right Course” and will focus on the difficulties we face in persecution and the challenge to continue following Jesus.

As a reminder, feel free to add your own questions or areas of teaching. Please just ensure the focus of the Life Group time remains the same and that the Word is central to your discussion.

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TIP FOR THE WEEK
Cast Vision for your Life Group
Want your group to grow?
Want your group to start praying?
Want your group to share the gospel?

Cast that vision before them. Share the “why” behind why we do these things. Ask them why they care about it and then set before them the vision for your group.

This is your ministry! Set the vision for it!

For Leaders - 1/10/21

This Week's Discussion
This Sunday, Pastor Doug is preaching through 2 Timothy 3:1-9. The message is about “The Last Days” and what people will do:

1. People will turn from godliness

2. People will turn from the truth

This week, help your group recognize these characteristics of ungodliness and how they can turn away from the world and turn to follow Jesus!

We’ll also have donuts and coffee for students this Sunday!

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Welcome to the Team!
We want to welcome Jimmy Fuller as our newest Life Group leader! He’ll be leading the 11th Grade guy’s group at 9:40am. Make sure to say hello and welcome him this Sunday!

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Important Reminders:

• DNWKND | Feb 5-7 – If you’re interested in serving as a leader or a Host Home, please contact Eden Hines (eden.hines@fbcofallon.org)

• This is Us – On Sunday, Feb. 5, Pastor Doug is beginning a church-wide series called “This is Us.” All Life Groups will be going through this together and further details will be given at the Jan. 3 training.

12/27 LG Announcements

This Week's Discussion
This Sunday, Pastor Doug is preaching through Joshua 1:1-9. As we approach 2021, the message will focus on how we can face the future with confidence by:

1. Trusting God’s promises (v. 1-3)

2. Knowing God’s presence (v. 5,9)

3. Following God’s plans (v. 7-8)

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Welcome to the Team!
We want to welcome Daniel Larsen as our newest Life Group leader! He’ll be over the 8th Grade guy’s group at 9:40am. Make sure to say hello and welcome him this Sunday!

Sad to Say Goodbye!
We want to thank Calvin Anderson who has served as a Jr High Guy’s Life Group leader since 2019! He will be stepping down at the end of the year and we are so thankful for his service at First Students!

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Important Reminders:

• Sunday, Jan. 3 – All Life Group leaders will meet in Gym Room 1 at 9:40am for a leader training/vision Sunday. Evan Morris will lead an interactive Master Teacher on this Sunday. Students will still meet in their groups at the tables.

• DNWKND | Feb 5-7 – If you’re interested in serving as a leader or a Host Home, please contact Eden Hines (eden.hines@fbcofallon.org)

• This is Us – On Sunday, Feb. 5, Pastor Doug is beginning a church-wide series called “This is Us.” All Life Groups will be going through this together and further details will be given at the Jan. 3 training.

12/20 LG LESSON GUIDE

This Week's Discussion
This Sunday, Pastor Doug is preaching through Matthew 2:1-12. The emphasis is on worship and Pastor Doug will be sharing ten lessons of worship from the passage.

Service Opportunity
Before Life Groups begin, we're going to have students write Christmas cards to a local assisted living home to bless those who have been shut-in and unable to receive family visits with covid. Cards will be provided with examples in your folder and instructions will be given!

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Welcome to the Team!
We want to welcome Olin McDonald as our newest Life Group leader! He’ll be over the 10th Grade guy’s group at 9:40am. Make sure to say hello and welcome him this Sunday!

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Important Reminders:

• Sunday, Jan. 3 – All Life Group leaders will meet in Gym Room 1 at 9:40am for a leader training/vision Sunday. Evan Morris will lead an interactive Master Teacher on this Sunday. Students will still meet in their groups at the tables.

• DNWKND | Feb 5-7 – If you’re interested in serving as a leader or a Host Home, please contact Eden Hines (eden.hines@fbcofallon.org)

• This is Us – On Sunday, Feb. 5, Pastor Doug is beginning a church-wide series called “This is Us.” All Life Groups will be going through this together and further details will be given at the Jan. 3 training.