Core Group Guide
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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!
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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 sending Jesus to die for us that we might live for Him. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)
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)
Has anything been getting in the way of loving God?
How are your key relationships (spouse, significant other, roommates, kids, etc.)?
3. Learn it
(25 minutes)
Let’s experience God together. Rather than focussing on a passage, we are going to focus on a practice: Prayer, specifically prayer walking!
What do you do on a Prayer Walk?
Prepare the Way – Pray as you normally would! Lift up Jesus and ask God to draw people to Him by the Holy Spirit.
Pray Onsite with Insight – As you walk, engage your senses and notice your surroundings. Being present in a place often gives us fresh insight into how to pray for the people and needs there.
Gain God’s Heart – Just as Jesus came near to those He loved, we go to the place of ministry. Let God shape your heart with compassion for that specific area and its people.
Tips for Prayer Walking
Keep your eyes open and use all your senses to guide your prayers.
Talk naturally—with God and with one another. Use a normal tone of voice; no need to shout.
Pause or circle back if you feel led to pray more specifically for a person or location, but stay aware of your surroundings.
Be open to conversation. If someone asks what you’re doing, be honest and simple—something like, “We’re just walking and praying for the neighborhood.”
Experience — Talking to the Lord
If your group needs guidance for praying, read the Lord’s Prayer. As you walk, offer prayers in the following ways
Thank - thank God for who He is revealed to be in this passage
Declare - proclaim truths about Jesus or His followers that come from this passage
Ask - ask for more of what Jesus' followers or the world needs according to this passage.
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 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.