During this short-term group you will have the opportunity to challenge your group to take a next step in their walk with Christ. Below are some simple next steps that you can suggest. You can follow the links also for some useful resources. Seeing each member of your group take ONE of these next steps during your short term study would be an incredible blessing and a step in the right direction!

1. Salvation. “Have you taken your first step by accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior?”
2. Baptism. “Have you publicly declared that Jesus is your Savior?”
3. Daily Quiet Time. “Are you spending 10-15 minutes in prayer and bible reading daily?”
4. Membership. “Are you actively part of Fort Smith First Church of the Nazarene? If not contact Pastor Don”
5. Tithing. “Are your finances surrendered to Jesus?”
6. Volunteering. “Are you fulfilling your purpose for being alive?”
7. Evangelism. “Have you told someone what Jesus is doing in your life?”

From time to time you may encounter an opportunity to minister to a group member who is dealing with a difficult personal issue. In those cases, simply offering to pray with them is huge. Not only are you showing that group member what it means to rely on Christ’s strength, you are showing that you care enough to listen and respond in prayer. Make sure to follow up with them the next week before or after group time by asking them about the situation. A simple “How’s it going?” goes a long way. You can also suggest that the group member submit a prayer request to the Pastoral Staff team. They can do that by simply emailing their request to the Church Office. For more intense issues, it may be more appropriate for you to refer the group member to a Pastor Don Cowan. As the group leader, don’t underestimate the resources available to you in your own group. By helping group members make connections within the group, you will leverage the resources immediately available to you and see the power of the body ministering to the body.