Core Group Guide

  • A Core Group (CG) is a group of 3-4 individuals who meet together for intentional discipleship around the Core Values of Know and Love God, Love one another, Make Disciples. In this confidential, same-gender, safe environment people can grow in their love relationship with God and in love toward one another through obedience to Christ and sharing of His Word together. New Lifegroup members will join an existing Core Group. If a group consistently has 6 members, the Core Group multiplies into two groups.

    While a discipleship group like this could take different forms, our Core Groups follow a simple and reproducible model that is driven by our three Core Values. The format we follow fits the acronym CALL (Connect, Accountability, Learn it, Live it). With the Core Values in mind, this approach helps us experience and grow in Jesus as we do life together. If you are going to be facilitating a Core Group or are training others to facilitate a Core Group meeting, check out our Core Group Facilitator’s Training!

  • To grow in our love relationship with God together, we must have the opportunity to know each other deeply. At your first meeting, each person should spend up to 10 minutes sharing a few significant parts of their life journey (family of origin, significant others, faith background). The Core Group Facilitator (CGF) should go first to set the tone for honest sharing in the group. Minister to one another through prayer and encouragement after each person shares.

    Example: Share three high points and three low points that have shaped your journey so far.

    Set the expectation for future meetings by sharing the three values that will guide each meeting time (see What is a Core Group) and how you will use CALL to structure the time. Also cast vision for what will help the group be successful: consistent meetings, a growth mindset, and ministering to one another. This will require each member to be committed, teachable, and vulnerable. You should also stress that the group is confidential so long as there is not life-threatening information shared.

1. Connect
(10 minutes)

Begin by having each person briefly share how they’re entering the group time. This can look like briefly sharing a high and a low from the week. Minister as appropriate. No matter what is shared, bless and thank God for being the one who meets us in our weakness (Psalm 34:8).

2. Accountability
(15 minutes)

In this group we can share how we have lived out or had challenges being faithful disciples of Jesus recently. We want to encourage one another in truth and not shame our shortcomings. We can confess sin, share needs, and ask for help. Here are some questions to ask:

Did you do your “I will…” statement from last time? (if relevant)

What’s been the most life-giving moment with God recently? What has been a hard moment that challenged you to press into your relationship with God?

Who in your life do you think is being drawn closer to Jesus? As a group, say a quick prayer for them.

3. Learn it
(25 minutes)

Let’s experience God together by looking at the Scriptures and responding to Jesus.

Pray and invite the Holy Spirit to lead.

Read Mark 7:31-37.

Pause for 30 seconds and allow everyone to consider the passages.

Discuss the passage. Use these prompts/questions to help guide a discussion:

  • Who surprises you in this passage?

  • What are the emotions of the different people in this story? Who do you resonate with most?

  • When was a time that you saw Jesus similar to Mark 7:37?

  • Is there a challenging place that you hope to see Jesus enter in and reveal Himself?

    • If there is a deep need for breakthrough, restoration, or forgiveness, consider setting up a time to do Steps to Freedom. You can find it on our RESOURCES page.

Experience Listening to the Lord for loving one another

  1. Read Romans 8:22-28 and invite the group to ask the Lord “Holy Spirit, help us pray.”

  2. Have someone share what they need prayer for.

  3. Be silent for a moment. Look up to heaven, allowing yourself to be present in the situation and tuning in to what God is speaking.

  4. After waiting, share what you sense.

    • This could be an encouragement, truth or scripture that you sense for that person. Or pray for them. The other group members can jump in with what they sense God saying or join in agreement with what was shared, but avoid problem solving. Focus on being present and lifting the situation to God.

    • When the time ministering to that person passes, repeat steps 2-4 for each person who has something.

You can find other starting points for all the Core Experiences and more guidance for praying for someone to be filled with the Holy Spirit on our Resources page.

4. Live it
(10 minutes)

The Lord will often invite His disciples to embrace a truth, actively trust God in obedience, or change a behavior to live differently. The Holy Spirit is the teacher and counselor who will show us how to be loving and trusting disciples together.

Pause to allow each person to create an “I will…” statement as God leads.

Write down each other’s “I will…” statements for follow up next meeting.

Close in prayer for one another and what the Lord will do this week. As you go throughout the week, stay connected and support one another obeying Jesus.