Core Group Guide

Pointing each other to Jesus

  • Core Group (CG) is a group of 3-5 men or women from the same Lifegroup who meet regularly to engage with the Core Questions and Core Experiences and pray together.

    Each group has a facilitator, but everyone shares responsibility for care, accountability, and making the time meaningful. In Lifegroup, facilitators keep their LG Leader informed of any challenges or support needs and rotate group facilitation between the members.

  • We meet in Core Group to point each other to Jesus. When we do so, we will grow in our love relationship with God and one another through obedience to Christ and sharing His Word together.

  • Be Consistent Make Core Group a priority. Show up ready to share and point others to Jesus.

    Be Considerate Be aware that time is limited. Use a timer if necessary. Avoid getting in the way of helping others experience God.

    Be Courageous Share honestly and gently challenge people to experience Jesus.

    Be Compassionate Allow for honest reactions and be fully present as others share. Listen with empathy, extend the forgiveness found in Christ, and recognize everyone is growing.

    Be Confidential Keep what is shared within the group as appropriate. When safety, abuse, or legal responsibilities require action, communicate your intention to pursue the person’s greatest good.

  • 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 15 minutes sharing a few significant parts of their life journey such as their family of origin, significant others, faith background, and relationship with Jesus. Minister to one another through prayer and encouragement after each person shares.

    Set the expectation for future meetings by sharing the Why and the Commitments of Core Group.

Meet

  • Everyone shares something they are thankful for.

  • Share why we are here and open in prayer.

Engage

  • Everyone shares from the Core Questions in order.

  • Point one another to Jesus through the Core Experiences.

  • Make time for each person to share and be ministered to.

Core Questions

How is your walk with God going? How has intentional time with Him been? How can we pray for your time?

What challenges have you been facing? What is God speaking into this and how can we pray with you?

Who are you led to intentionally invest in so they come to know Jesus more? How can we pray for them?

What step of obedience is God leading you towards? How can we support and pray for you?

Core Experiences

  • We can listen to God through the Word, Spirit, and Church:

    • Ask Him, “God, what do you want me to know?”

    • Write His response by writing: “[Your name], I want you to know…”

    • After you hear God, respond to what he says with a statement of your own, such as “God, I will…”

    • Share what you hear with the group and test it with the Bible.

  • We can talk to God by praying the word of God:

    • Thank: Think on the truth of God’s word and thank God for it through your words.

    • Declare: Meditate on this truth in different aspects of your life. Declare the truths that come to mind from it over those areas.

    • Ask: Let God know that you need help, and ask for a greater revelation of this truth.

  • We can listen to God for others by asking Him to include us:

    • Pray an "Include Me” Prayer.
      “Holy Spirit, is there anything you’re doing in anyone else’s life that you want to include me in?”

    • Make a list of the people in your life, pray and respond to what you hear.

    • There’s no pressure to make something happen. Keep showing up, praying, and pointing people to Jesus.

  • We can talk about God to others when we pray, care, and share:

    • Pray the “Include Me” Prayer.

    • Care for those around you. Initiate and listen as you love and serve.

    • Share as the opportunities come:

      • Sharing Prayer: Pray for the things you hear with that person.

      • Sharing Stories: Share a story of how you’ve known or experienced God.

      • Sharing The Gospel: Ask if you can share the good news that the person may need. Share it with them.

Pray

  • As often as needed, point one another to Jesus through the Core Experiences and by praying for one another.

  • Pray to close the time.

  • Support one another until next time as you enjoy and follow Jesus.