#TBT: Small Group Ground Rules Sample
When starting new small groups, it’s helpful to establish expectations up front with a clear set of ground rules. Here’s a sample we’ve developed over 25 years of ministry.
15 1Corinthians 6:9-14 All things are lawful
Paul counters two arguments the Corinthians used to justify their choices: “all things are lawful” and “food is for the stomach.”
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#TBT Small Group Welcome Survey
Learning some basic information when new small groups start can save misunderstanding later. Asking participants to answer a few basic questions the first day can help leaders structure the time to better meet the needs of a group. Here’s an example “Small Group Welcome” survey.
14 1Corinthians 6:1-8 Taking legal action
Should believers take other believers to secular law court? Paul confronts the Corinthian church for doing so. But like the other issues he’s addressed, Paul is more concerned with the attitudes behind their taking legal action.
Leader Evaluation Sample
When you recruit feedback from our students at the end of a Bible study year, don’t forget to solicit feedback from your leaders. If you are blessed to have dedicated leadership returning year after year, you may want to keep it short. Here’s an example we’ve used at Wednesday in the Word. This example survey is geared to a Bible study with a large group, small groups and homework. You can customize it to fit your programs.
13 1Corinthians 5:6-13 Leaven in the dough
Continuing his discussion of the man having an affair with his stepmother, Paul uses a common biblical analogy that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. What exactly is he telling us about the church?
#TBT 7 Things to Remember When You Invite an Event Speaker
Advice from an expert on how not to burn out your retreat speaker.
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12 1Corinthians 4:17-5:5 Ignoring Immorality
Paul confronts the Corinthian church about their attitude toward a man having an affair with his stepmother. Paul is concerned with the blatant disregard of God’s law by the man in question, and even more concerned with the attitude the church is taking toward his behavior.
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#TBT Mary & Martha: A lesson for Women’s Ministry
The biblical story of Mary and Martha contains a lesson for women’s ministries. What should we do when people need to both eat and learn?
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11 1Corinthians 3:18-4:16 Be foolish to the world
Paul concludes the first major section of this letter by urging them to repent and imitate him in following Christ and looking foolish to the world.
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Example First Day Sign up forms
The first day of Bible study typically requires a lot of teamwork and cooperation. You probably need leaders to sign up for both refreshments and tasks. Here’s two example sign up forms.
Are there rewards in heaven Part 2?
Should we expect rewards in heaven for our behavior in this life? If 1 Corinthians 3 does NOT teach that we will receive rewards in heaven, are there other passages which do teach that doctrine?
1 Corinthians: Pride & Prejudice in the church
No church in the New Testament is more like our modern churches than the Corinthian church.
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Are there rewards in heaven?
Some claim that Scripture teaches believers will receive various crowns in heaven based on their works in this life. We look at two key themes Scripture teaches, and two main mistakes we can make in studying these passages.
#TBT Making the most of registration forms
Registration is a chance to collect valuable information about your participants that can help you build small groups, evaluate the success of your program and plan for the future. Here are some questions you might want to include on your registration forms.
10 1Corinthians 3:10-17 Rewards in heaven 1
1Corinthians 3:10-17 is frequently cited as one of the places that Scripture teaches believers will receive various rewards or crowns in heaven. The context indicates otherwise. Paul is issuing a warning to leaders in the church.
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#TBT Ministry Preparation Checklist
July is the time to start preparing for your fall Bible study. Are you overwhelmed by the details or don’t know where to start? Assuming your study starts in September, here’s my summer ministry preparation checklist.
Happy July 4th!
Happy 4th of July! The podcast will be back next week!
Hebrews quotations of the Old Testament
Hebrews frequently quotes more passages from the Old Testament but some of them are hard to identify. Here’s a handy chart.
#TBT: How to use commentaries
Commentaries can kick-start your thinking when you hit a dead end but should not be a substitute for your own work. Here’s my two rules of thumb.
09 1Corinthians 3:5-10 He who plants and he who sows
Paul explains how the Corinthians should view Apollos and himself – as fellow-servants of God. His explanation has far-reaching implications for the American church today.
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Hebrews Resources
Everything you need to kick start your study of the Epistle to the Hebrews: maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study.
#TBT: When should I use a Bible encyclopedia?
Multi-volume encyclopedias are good sources for historical and biblical themes. But background information does not impose meaning.
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08 1Corinthians 3:1-4 Who are the carnal Christians?
1Corinthians 3:1-4 have been at the center of a theological debate over whether we can have victory of sin in our lives now. One side argues that Paul believes “carnal Christians” will be saved but not sanctified because they have not learned to appropriate the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The other side says there is no such thing as “carnal Christians.” I will attempt to you show you from context which side is right and which side is wrong.
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