START - 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]

“The goal of practicing a given discipline, of course, is not about doing as much as it is about being, this is, being like Jesus.” (Donald Whitney)

The habits or disciplines of the Christian life have one goal, to see us transformed into a person whose character, desires, will, and actions increasingly mirror that of Jesus. Our passage in Mark 6 gives us a vivid picture of what it means to display compassion like Jesus. He did not instruct His disciples on acting compassionately nor did He give 3 steps to being a more compassionate person. Jesus personally demonstrated compassion and modeled that to his disciples. In this case, Jesus had plans. He wanted some time off with his disciples to rest and recharge, yet when He came face to face with the needs of the people He surrendered His will to minister to them. Compassion was demonstrated as Jesus allowed the needs of others to interrupt his life.

• Reflect upon Mark 6:30-44 and consider the following: o Do I take the time to notice the needs of others especially when I am busy? o How does demonstrating compassion require me to adjust my priorities?

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively]

One of the most asked about aspects of group logistics or those things that help us in hosting our groups relates to childcare. Many of our families take advantage of attending a men and women’s group so that the other spouse can watch the children. For our everyone groups, the best way to handle childcare stems from the needs of the group. Groups with older kids typically have a room they can play in on their own. Homes with younger kids often hire a teenage babysitter to watch the children during group time. Some groups have families with a teenage child that can serve as a babysitter for the younger children. However your group handles childcare have a room setup with appropriate toys for the kids. This will help them to have a more enjoyable time and it will also protect your group time from interruption.

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

• As you pray for your group members this week, spend some time asking God to help you identify where they are in their spiritual development. If you know where they are now, you can make plans to help them move to the next stage of spiritual maturity. Think about each person's beliefs, behaviors, attitudes and language.

• Some questions to consider: o Are they self-centered or God and others-centered? o Do they attend church regularly? Do they serve in a ministry? o What is their attitude toward the group? Are they consuming or contributing? o How often and how accurately do they apply scripture to their lives and the lives of others? o Are they consistently dependable?

START: WEEK 2 – COMPASSION 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 so tired that you could not move?

Share background for the story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story in the Bible]

Since calling the disciples to follow Him, Jesus has been busy healing the sick, teaching the masses, and confronting the religious leaders. Even Jesus’ own family tries to stop Him (Mark 3:31). While Jesus ministered to the crowds, He sent his disciples to the nearby villages to proclaim a message of repentance, cast out demons, and heal the sick. The apostles return to Jesus extremely tired from their journey. Jesus attempted to find a quiet place in which they all could rest, yet the crowds persisted in following them. Even though they were exhausted, Jesus shows us that true compassion overrides our plans.

Tell the story - this week’s passage is Mark 6:30-44 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. Why were Jesus and the disciples looking for a place to rest?

2. How did Jesus’ compassion for the people affect his actions?

3. Describe a time when acting out of compassion “interrupted” your life?

4. What is one way you can personally start demonstrating compassion to others?

Ask someone to retell the story [Ask for a volunteer from the group]

Assign next week’s passage – Matthew 6:5-15

Close in Prayer