CITYGROUPLEADERSHIPGUIDE

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CityGroupBasicsandIntro……………………………………………4RhythmsofCityGroups…………………………………………………5LeadershipTeams……………………………….………………………..8HowtoShareYourTestimony……………………………………..10HowtoSOAP……………………………………………………………….11Huddles……………………………………………………………………….13ThirdPlace…………………………………………………………………..15

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WhatisaCityGroup?

ACityGroupisamidsizedcommunitythatisbeingspirituallytransformed,growingasspiritualfamily,andrevolvesaroundamissioninaspecificneighborhoodornetworkofOmaha.

VisionofCityGroupsTomultiplydisciplesofJesusinthecontextofGospel-centeredcommunityandmission.

(Matthew28:18-20).

• Community-AsCityGroupmembersgathertogethertoeat,pray,worship,readScripture,encourageoneanother,andserveothers,theywillgrowasdisciplesofJesusanddiscoverthejoyoftakingpartinasharedmission(Acts2:42-47).

• Mission-AsCityGroupsareintentionalaboutservingneighborhoodsand/ornetworks,thepeopleinourcitywillwitnessacommunitythatlivesouttheGospelintangibleways(Matthew5:14-16)

WhocanbelongtoaCityGroup?CityGroupsaretheDNAofCitylightChurch.CityGroupsarecommunitiesthatpeoplecanbelongtobeforetheybelieve.ThismeansthatCityGroupsareareflectionofourentirechurchandarecomprisedofmatureChristians,newChristiansandnon-Christians.Simplyput,wewanteveryonetobeinaCityGroupbecausethatiswherebothcommunityandmissiontakeplace.

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CoreValuesofaCityGroupThevaluesthatdriveCityGroupsareUP-IN-OUT.BecauseofGod’sactofreachingDOWNtousintheGospel,aCityGrouprespondswithanupwardmovementtowardGod,aninwardmovementtowardeachother,andanoutwardmovementtowardotherstorepresentChristtotheiruniquemissionalcontext.TheseCoreValuesdrivevariousRhythmsthatallowtheSpiritofGodtotransformmembers’livesandcreateamission-centeredcommunity.

UP-MovementTowardGodInaCityGroup,peoplewillpursueGodandgrowintheirloveforJesus.Thismaysoundsimple,butinourfallenworldpeopleseektobecometheirowngods.WeoftenseektoliveapartfromGod,preferringourindependenceoverarelationshipwithourCreator.ButthroughtheGospel,JesustransformsourheartsandmovesustoaplacewherewerecognizeGodasKing,Father,andSavior!Itbecomesourjoytoknow,serve,andworshipHim.(Ephesians2:1-3;2Cor5:17)

RhythmsthatincludeUP• SOAP-ReadingandapplyingtheBible(seepage11)(2Timothy3:16-17,Joshua1:8).• Makingregulartimetoreflect,pray,andpraiseGodforHiswork.(Psalm95:1-2)• EngagingindiscipleshipHuddles(seepage13)(2Timothy2:2,Hebrews10:24-25)• WorshippingGodincreativeways(songs,communion,etc.)(Psalm105:1-2)• Confessingandrepentingofsin,andremindingeachotherofthegoodnewsofJesus

Christ!(James5:16)

IN-MovementTowardGod’sPeopleInaCityGroup,peoplelearntoloveoneanother.Thismeanssharingeachother’sburdens,prayingforeachother,andforgivingeachotherasChristforgaveus.Newpeoplearenotleftout,butdrawninastheyexperiencethefamilyofGodlivinginlightoftheGospel.(Acts2:42-47,1Thessalonians5:11)

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RhythmsthatincludeIN• Practicehospitalityandcareforoneanotherinpracticalways(prayer,meals,service)

(Mark12:30-31,1Thessalonians2:8)• Encourageeachotherandbuildfellowshipbysharingtestimonies(seepage10)(Psalm

22:22,1John1:1-3).• EngagingindiscipleshipHuddles(seepage13)(2Timothy2:2,Hebrews10:24-25)• Praying,praising,andworshippingGodtogether(Psalm95:1-2,105:1-2)• Practice3rdPlace(seepage15)(Mark2:13-17).

OUT-MovementTowardGod’sMissionACityGrouphasadefinedandsharedmission.Inotherwords,weareafamilyonGod’smissiontogether.Oursharedmissionismadeupofaneighborhoodoranetworkofpeople.Forexample:neighborswholiveonyourblockorinyourschooldistrict,youngfamilieswithkids,singleparents,coaches,collegestudents,orrecoveringaddicts.Thismissionisablessingtobeapartof,aswegettotakepartinGod’sredemptiveworkinpeople’slives.(Matthew28:18-20;2Corinthians5:20)

RhythmsthatincludeOUT• Practice3rdPlace(seepage15)(Mark2:13-17)• InvitepeopletoyourCityGroup.AllowingtheGospeltobeseenandheardin

communityispowerfulandcanhelppeopleseethejoyofworshipingJesus(John13:35)• Careforyourneighborsinpracticalways.Planandorganizeserviceprojectsorevents

thatmeetaneedinyourcommunity.(i.e.Organizeatruck-or-treat,mealtrainforafamily,orplaygroundpickup)(Mark12:30-31,1Thessalonians2:8)

• Meetnewpeoplebyparticipatinginexistingcommunityeventsthathavebeenorganizedbyneighborhoodgroups,non-profits,orbusinesses(i.e.JazzontheGreen).Jesusregularlyattendedcommunityevents(i.e.John10:22-30)

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LEADERSHIPTEAMSCityGroupsaretheprimarycontextinwhichwehopetomakedisciples,buildthoseindividualsintomaturingleaders,andexperienceGospel-centeredcommunity.BecauseofthedifferentgiftingsneededtomaximizetheimpactofaCityGroup,webelieveinsharedleadership.Butasitis,Godarrangedthemembersinthebody,eachoneofthem,ashechose.Ifallwerea

singlemember,wherewouldthebodybe?Asitis,therearemanyparts,yetonebody.(1Corinthians12:18-20)

UPLEADERS–SPIRTUALFORMATION

• Helptocreateenvironmentsofworship,prayer&praise.• HelpsgroupmembersgrowintheirknowledgeofGodandapplicationoftheGospel.• Allowsspaceforrepentanceandconfessiontotakeplaceregularly.• Providessoundbiblicalteachingandcontentforgroupdiscussions.• Overallpurposeistohelppeopleworship,knowandexperienceJesus.

INLEADERS–COMMUNITY

• Ensurenewmembersorvisitorsfeelwelcomedandincluded.• HelpexistingmembersgetconnectedtoHuddles.• ModelandencouragehospitalitybothinsideandoutsideofregularCGmeetings.• Facilitateandorganizemeetingspaces,hostsandmeals.• Createenvironmentsthatallowmemberstoconnectandcareaboutoneanother.• Confrontunresolvedconflict,gossip,orrelationaltension.

OUTLEADERS-MISSION

• Defineandcastvisionfortheoverallsharedmission(NetworkorNeighborhood).• Helporganizeandoverseeserviceprojects,communityoutreachesandpartnerships.• Worktoinform/educatetheCGoftheexistingphysicalandspiritualneedswithinyour

missionalcontext.• ProvideresourcesandtotrainandequipCGmembersforlivingonmission.• Overallpurposeistohelpmembersexperiencethejoyoflivingonmissionwhile

growingthegroupthroughmissionalefforts.

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LEADEROFCOMMUNICATION• CommunicateweeklywiththeentireCityGroup.• Sendemailstocommunicatemeetingtimes,locations,andgoals.• Keepalistofgroupcontactinfo(email,facebook,etc.)• Makeannouncementsrelevanttothewholegroup(CitylightSchoolopportunities,etc.)

RESPONSIBILTIESOFALLCITYGROUPLEADERS

• DevelopfutureCGleadersbyregularlydelegatingresponsibility,evaluatingresultsandinvestingintheircharacter.

• Overseeandfacilitatechildcareforthegroup.• Regularcommunication(phone,email,meeting)withaCitylightPastor.• CoordinateandcommunicateCGgatheringsandevents• Participateinchurch-wideCGleaderormembershipmeetings.• Participateinregularcoachingmeetings.• Castvisionforchurch-wideeventsand/orneeds(retreats,serviceprojects,etc.)

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HOWTOSHAREYOURTESTIMONYEachofushaveastorytotellhowJesuscameintoourlives,savedusfromoursin,andcalledustoHimself.Sharingourstoryisimportantbecauseithelpsusmovefromstrangerstofamily.Allofourstoriesaredifferent,butthereisoneenemy;Satanandtheeffectsofsin,andonehero;JESUS.Whenwehearothertestimonies,weseejusthowmuchwehaveincommoninthesavingworkofJesusChrist!Usethe3sectionsandquestionsbelowtohelpyouwriteoutyourstory.1.BeforeIAcceptedChrist(orgaveHimcompletecontrol)

• Whatwasmylifelikethatwillrelatemosttothenon-Christian?• Whatdidmyliferevolvearoundthemost?WheredidIfindmysecurityandhappiness?

(Thenon-Christianisrelyingonsomethingexternaltogivehimhappiness)• Howdidthoseareasbegintoletmedown?

2.HowIReceivedChrist(orgaveHimcompletecontrol)

• WhenwasthefirsttimeIheardthegospel?• Whatweremyinitialreactions?• Whendidmyattitudebegintoturnaround?Why?• WhatwerethefinalstrugglesthatwentthroughmymindjustbeforeIacceptedChrist?• WhydidIgoaheadandacceptChrist?

3.AfterIAcceptedChrist(orgaveHimcompletecontrol)

• SpecificchangesandexamplesofthechangesChristhasmade.• WhyamImotivateddifferently?

HelpfulHints

• Writethewayyouspeak;makethetestimonyyours.• Practicethisoverandoveruntilitbecomesnatural.• Keepitshort–2-3minutes.Atthatlength,it'seasilysomethingyoucanputintoa

conversationwithoutitbecomingamonologue.

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HOWTOSOAPWhenyouhaveyourdailytimewithGoduse,SOAPtohelpyouthinkthroughwhatyou’rereading.ScriptureCopydowntheverseorversesthatstuckoutthemost.Whenreading,ask:Whoistheauthor?Whoisinthepassage?Whathappenedbeforeandafterthispassage?Whatthingsarerepeatedoremphasized?Thensummarizethepassageinyourownwords.ObservationWritedownwhatyounoticed.Howdoyouthinktheauthorwantshisaudiencetorespond?Whatdoesitrevealaboutmankind?WhatdoesitrevealaboutGod?HowdoesthispointtoJesusandGospel?Writedownthoughts,feelings,questions,orideasthatcometomind.ApplicationHowcanyouapplywhatyoulearned?Whatthoughtsorattitudesdoyouneedtoturnfrom?WhattruthsabouttheGospeldoyouneedtobelieve?GettingpracticalwiththeBiblehelpsitcomealiveinyourlife.PrayerWriteaprayertoGodbasedonwhatyoujustlearnedandaskHimtohelpyouapplythistruthinyourlife.

EXAMPLEOFSOAPScripture:John15:1-11“Iamthevine;youarethebranches.WhoeverabidesinmeandIinhim,heitisthatbearsmuchfruit,forapartfrommeyoucandonothing”(John15:5).JesusandHisdisciplesarecelebratingafinalPassoverFeastbeforeJesusisarrestedandcrucified.JesusisteachingaboutabidinginHimandbearingfruit.Observation:Wedon’tnaturallyabideinJesussoHecommandsustoabide.Followingthiscommandisnotburdensome,butactuallyforourbenefit.JesusisthetruevineandifweabideinHimwewillbearfruit.ThefruitwebearisglorifyingtoGod.JesussaysthatHetaughtallofthissothatHisjoywouldbeinus.ThejoyJesusgivesisfull,complete,andbetterthananyotherjoy.

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Application:HowamIabidinginJesus?Inthispassage“abide”issuchanintimateword;toalwaysremaininJesus.WhatarewaysIcanremaininJesus?JesussaysIwillabideinHimifIkeepHiscommandments,butamIactuallydoingthat?AbidinginJesusallowsmetoexperiencethefullnessofjoythatJesushasforme.IcancontinuetoabideinHimthroughdevelopingadeeperprayerlife,andreadingtheBibletoactuallyconnectwithJesusinsteadofdoingitjusttolooksmartinfrontofmyfriends.Prayer:Jesus,thankYouforsavingme!PleasealwaysremindmeofhowamazingYourGospelis.IconfessthatmostofthetimeIwouldratherdomyownthingthanabideinYou.ItrytolookgoodforothersandthatonlystealsmoreofmyjoyinYou.TeachmemoreaboutwhatitmeanstoabideinYouandIpraythatabidinginYouwouldresultingreatfruitforYourglory!

HOWTOUSESOAPINHUDDLESEachmemberofyourHuddlewillSOAPthroughouttheweek.ThenhavemembersshareoneortwothingstheyheardfromGod.AskandsharewitheachotherhowyouaregoingtoobeywhatGodspoketoyou.Havemembersconfesssinthatmayhavesurfacedandtalkaboutwhatrepentancewouldlooklikethenprayasagroup.

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HUDDLESWHATARETHEY?HuddlesareanextensionofSundaymorninggatheringsandCityGroups.Theyareaplacewhere2-3peopleofthesamegendergatherontheirowntimetopursueJesustogether!WHYARETHEYIMPORTANT?AHuddleisaplacetobeknownbyothersinsuchawaythatyoucanbecompletelyhonestwithyourjoysandstruggles,confesssin,speakthetruthoftheGospeltooneanother,andpointeachothertoChrist!Youwilldofourthingseveryweek:HEAR&OBEYEachpersonshareswhattheyhavebeenreading(SOAPing)intheBibleandwhattheyhavebeenhearingfromGod.ThensharehowyoucanobeyGodfromwhatyoulearnedfromtheBible.(2Timothy3:16-17)ENCOURAGE&CELEBRATETaketurnscallingoutgreatestineachother.Thisisagreatwaytocelebratehowyou’veseenGodworkineachother’slivesandencourageeachotherhoweveryoneisgrowinginChrist.(Hebrews3:13)REPENT&BELIEVEWeallsinandweallneedtorepentofthatsin.EachpersonshareshowyouhavesinnedagainstGodthispastweek(theaccountabilityquestionsbelowcanhelpwiththis)andthenrepent(turn)fromyoursin.ButthenspendtimespeakingoutloudthegoodnewsofJesus’workforus!HearingtheGospelspokenaloudtoeachotherenablesustobelieve.(James5:16)PRAYSharewitheachotheryourjoysandstruggles.Alsotalkabouthowyourconversationsaregoingwithyournon-believingfriends.PlanhowyoucanshareJesuswiththemandweavethemintoyourcommunityorCityGroup.ThenprayforthembynameforGodtosavethem.(1Timothy2:4)

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ACCOUNTABILITYQUESTIONSFORHUDDLESNoteveryquestionhastobeasked,butbeasthoroughasnecessary.AHuddleisasafe,honest,vulnerable,andconfidentialspace.

• Howhasyourangerorfearoranxietyoraddictionshownupthisweek?Howdoesthatrevealwhatyou’retrustinginbesidesGod?WhattruthorpromiseoftheGospeldoyouneedtohearandbelievetotrustinGodagain?

• InlightofGod’slovetowardyou,doyouneedtoreconcilewithsomebody?Areyousubconsciouslyholdingagrudge?

• HowhastheHolySpiritbeengrowingyouthisweek?Didyourespondinfaithorgrumbling?

• HowhaveyoufeltyourselfresistingtoobeyGodthisweek:inyourmissionOUTtothelost?Inyoursacrificialloveforcommunity?

• Howhaveyoubattledsexualorintimacytemptationandhowareyoupreparingtodealwithitnextweek?

• Isthereanything(school,work,technology,etc.)isolatingyoufromimportantrelationship?

• (yourownpersonalizedquestion)

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THIRDPLACEAThirdPlaceisneutralgroundthatisinformalandnon-committal.Itnaturallyfitsintotherhythmsofyourlostfriendslives,andwedoitregularly.SowheredowegatherforaThirdPlace?Itdependsonthepeopleyou’retryingtoreach.Askthequestion,“wheredopeoplealreadyspendtimeandnaturallygo?Howcanwegatherthere?”Forthoseofyouwhoworkdowntown,thismaybeanafterworkhappyhour.Downtownprofessionalsnaturallygatherthereaftertheirworkday.Forfamilieswithyoungerkids,thismightbeaparkwhereotherfamiliesandkidsplaythroughouttheday.Athirdplacecreatesspacewheresomeonecanbelongtobeforetheybelieve.Wewanttodoitregularly,andinvitethosewhodon’tknowJesustoparticipateoften.INVITEIN–ActivityIdeas

• Neighborhoodpicnicandgrillout• Hiking• DiscGolforFrisbee• SandVolleyball• LakedaywithKayaksandCanoes• Restaurants• Gogeticecream• Bookclub• Gamenights• Shootingrange• GoKarts!• PoolParty• EscapeRooms• TheGym• Kidsplaydates• Gotothemovies• SportsLeague(softball,basketball,

etc.)

JOININ-OmahaRhythms

• Benson–FirstFridays,FarmersMarket

• MidtownCrossingMondayNightMovies

• CollegeWorldSeries• JazzontheGreen• StinsonPark–FarmersMarket,

Concerts,OmahaBeerFest,MahaMusicFestival

• ColorRunorotherlocal5kraces• Junkstock• OmahaStormChasers• OmahaChildren’sMuseum• JoslynMuseum• CenturyLinkCenterEvents