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]

Are you willing to believe the impossible over doubting God’s promises? That is the testimony of Abraham. He knew that God would bring him a son and that this son would be the first in a long line of descendants that would bring God’s blessing to the world. He chose to believe that God would raise his son from the dead rather than let this promise fail. There are many parallels between the story of Abraham & Isaac and Jesus. God’s son was stretched out as a sin offering. This time, the sacrifice was real as the innocent died to justify the guilty. Jesus then rose from the dead declaring that He has the power to bring true forgiveness. God fulfilled His promise to bless the world through Abraham in Jesus. Read Genesis 22:1-18 & Hebrews 11:17-19 and reflect on the following:

• Which of God’s promises do you struggle to trust? • How are you doing in trusting in God’s promise to forgive you? What is your next step in finding freedom

from any guilt or fear of things that you have already received forgiveness from?

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively]

What would it look like for your group to be "missional"? The word "missional" means finding out where God is working and joining Him there, not only internationally, but in our communities as well. So, being missional is understanding that most of our opportunities to minister will be outside of our church. Small groups become a vital tool to share the love of Christ with those out there. Over the next four weeks, we will talk through four ways that you can help your group reach out into the community and draw people to Christ. Start a conversation tonight by asking your group how they can help the people they know better connect with Christ and His church.

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

We never outgrow the gospel. As group leaders, we understand the power of God's grace that has changed our lives. The gospel is both a moment and a path. In a moment, your relationship with God was radically changed as you asked for forgiveness based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. This moment set you on a path of learning how to accept, live in, and share the grace that God has shown you. Use this week to encourage your group members in both of these areas. • If you have someone in your group that you are not confident in their salvation, schedule time to meet with

them and intentionally share the truth of the gospel. • If you have someone having a hard time forgiving themselves for past sins, take the time to guide them in an

understanding of confession, God's forgiveness, and the freedom of His grace. • If you have someone who is unsure how to share their faith with others, take time to coach them on sharing

their story through a simple testimony of o What defined their life before Jesus? o What brought them to a decision to trust in Jesus? o How has Jesus changed their life?

AT THE MOVIES: INTERSTELLAR

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 been lost and needed someone to find you?

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

How far would you go to save someone you loved. The movie Interstellar portrays the great sacrifice one father made to save not only his family but the world. This movie depicts an ancient truth; God made a great sacrifice to save His children. This plan is beautifully illustrated through the gut retching call for Abraham to sacrifice the son promised to him by God. God called Abraham and his wife to move to a new land and declared that he would have descendants as numerous as the stars. God promised that it would be through his descendants that the whole world would be blessed. God spared Abraham's son, but uses this story to help all future generations understand the great sacrifice that God made to save us.

Tell The Story - this week’s passage is Genesis 22:1-18 & Hebrews 11:17-19

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. How did Abraham show that he trusted in God above all things? 2. What did Abraham believe about God that allowed Him to nearly sacrifice his son? 3. The near-sacrifice of Isaac parallels the real sacrifice of Jesus. How does our belief that our sins are forgiven

based on the sacrifice of Jesus impact your everyday life? (Group Leaders: If you are unsure of a group member’s salvation, use this as a moment to share the Gospel.)

4. What is one area in your life where you have not fully trusted in God’s forgiveness?

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

Assign Next Week’s Passage – Luke 1:5-17

Close in Prayer