Core Group Guide

  • A Core Group (CG) is a group of 3-5 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. Do not force anyone to share what they don’t want to, but refer back to the vision as a reminder when needed. You should also stress that the group is confidential so long as there is not life-threatening information shared. If something comes up, contact your Lifegroup Leader immediately.

1. Connect
(10 minutes)

Begin by having each person briefly share how they are coming into the group time. This could be as simple as sharing a high and a low from the week. Minister as appropriate. No matter what is shared, bless and thank God for being the God of Hope. (Romans 15:16)

2. Accountability
(15 minutes)

In this group we share how we’ve lived out — or struggled to live out — faithfulness to Jesus recently. Our goal is to encourage one another in truth, not to shame shortcomings. We can confess sin, share needs, and ask for help. Here are some questions to ask:

Did you follow through on your ‘I will…’ statement from last time? (if applicable)

How consistently have you been putting aside distractions to meet with God? What has been challenging in this area?

How are you feeling about the different roles in your life? If any are particularly draining, how can we pray for you?

3. Learn it
(25 minutes)

Let’s experience God together by starting with the Bible 

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 in two translations.

Pause for 30 seconds for what stands out.

Discuss the passage, using the following questions if helpful:

  • What do the Thessalonians model?

  • Are there any idols that you can turn from in this season? (Idols are “little hopes” that overstep when they drain the joy offered by the gospel and claim the loyal service meant only for God.)

  • What does it mean that the Lord’s message is ringing out from them? Does this describe you?

Experience — Listening to God

Let’s ask God what we need to hear from Him.

  1. Ask God to complete the sentence, “(Name), I want you to know…”

  2. Share what you hear with the group.

  3. Take a moment to consider whether what was said lines up with the whole message of the Bible. Pray for one another as you feel led.

You can find other starting points for all the Core Experiences on our Resources page.

4. Live it
(10 minutes)

The Lord often invites His disciples to embrace truth, trust Him in obedience, or change their behavior to live differently. The Holy Spirit is our teacher and counselor, showing us how to be loving, trusting disciples together. Reflect on your time prayer walking together and then seek the Lord for how to live it out.

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.

full core group guide