AT THE MOVIES - LEADERSHIP COACHING [The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Small Group Leader. Each week we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your group and grow as a disciple yourself.]

Abiding [grow as a disciple yourself]

“Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God” King David

Strength is only needed when there is resistance, courage is required only when there is opposition, and character is required only when the right way is the narrow path. Just like in David's time, the temptations to lead apart from God’s ways are endless. It takes real courage and strength to stay true to the Lord’s ways. We know the unfortunate end to David’s son, Solomon's story. Despite a great start, he gave into the temptations of the world and forgot the ways of the Lord wherein Israel never recovered after his reign. What will be said of your legacy? Will you be a man, women, grandparent, or friend that will prove your strength by keeping the charge of the Lord? Will you be faithful when surrounded by faithlessness? As you read 1 Kings 2:1-4 reflect upon the following:

• What challenges to your faith are you currently facing that require your greatest strength? • What is your current practice for taking these challenges to the Lord and what can you do to strengthen

this discipline?

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively]

For years, missions and evangelism has been associated with a program. If we can memorize this outline, quote these verses, and use this strategy, we will succeed. There is nothing wrong with these programs except that they often cause us to hesitate because we don't know what we "ought to" say. The next step to building an intentional group is looking for organic growth. Jesus’ method for making disciples was simple, see a need, meet a need, and invite that person to follow Him. As you look at moving your group towards beginning missional, ask yourself the following, "What can we do to help with the needs of our neighbors?" Perhaps you have a neighbor going through a health battle or job loss, and your group can help take care of some basic housework. Maybe the need could be as simple as throwing a block party for the street that you meet on. Find some way to see a need, meet a need, and then ask those people to join you as you keep seeking Jesus.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep]

We are not what this world tells us! Understanding our identity in Christ is critical because the message found in our culture and in the media teach a different set of values. This world shows that we are valued and loved based on what we can do, while God declares that we are innately valued and loved because we are made in His image. This week encourage your group to see themselves as God sees them with the following passages.

Genesis 1 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. … And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Psalm 139:13-14 ESV - For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Luke 12:6-7 ESV - Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Ephesians 2:10 ESV - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Jeremiah 31:3 ESV - The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

AT THE MOVIES: CREED

Open in Prayer

Welcome/Introductions

Remind Group of Small Group Guidelines

Ask A Hook Question [Ask a thought-provoking question to get the group focused]

Have you ever had your identity stolen?

Share Background for The Story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story in the Bible]

In the move Creed, Apollo Creed’s son, Donnie is born without his father present in his life. He fights to find his identity outside of his father’s shadow. Befriending Rocky, Donnie begins to see many character traits of his father through his interaction with Rocky and from being willing to look within his circumstances for glimpse of who he is. Just with our story today, David and Solomon shared similar father-son traits but one stood out to be more true than others. David was not perfect, but he sought to honor God throughout his days. As David’s life drew to an end, David’s son Solomon is poised to take the thrown. In a powerful message, David charges Solomon to keep his relationship with the Lord as the core of his identity as King.

Tell The Story - this week’s passage is 1 Kings 2:1-4

Rebuild the Story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember]

Read the Story Out Loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted]

Discuss These Questions:

1. What does David charge his son to do? 2. How does this speech help to define Solomon's identity? 3. Who has taken the time to invest in your life and help you discover your identity in Christ? Share a story about how they have impacted your life. 4. As you follow Christ, whose life do you need to intentionally speak into and encourage with words of wisdom and discernment?

Ask Someone to Retell the Story [Ask for a volunteer from the group]

Assign Next Week’s Passage – John 10:7-15

Close in Prayer