MC2 01FN How is God at Work Today

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''In this session you will be inspired by seeing how God is still using the biblical pattern of multiplying disciples and churches to begin movements that change lives, families and communities for Christ. You will also be challenged to trust God to use you to launch similar movements among your network, city and country. [John 17:18-20]''

1 Looking Back (20-30 min)
NOTE: Place people in groups of 4-6 for the session.

Introduction

 * Worship and commit your time to the Lord.
 * Welcome participants – expressing appreciation that they are here and cast vision for the outcomes of the training.
 * For example: Multiplication has always been on the Father’s Heart. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus actually commanded the disciples to make disciple-makers!  People who will go make more disciples who will obey His command to make still more disciples.  We will be on this journey together over the next several weeks and we are excited about what the Lord will do through each of you. 
 * Give an opportunity for each person to introduce themselves to the others in the group, telling why they came to the training.

Group Roles and Expectations

 * Explain how the small group discussion will take place
 * A facilitator will be appointed to help lead the discussions
 * Each member is expected to participate in every discussion
 * Assign group facilitators for each group

'Let’s start our time with the first group discussion. We will take some time each session to pray and care for each other.'

Prayer and Care
[NOTE: If someone needs extra help, set a time after the meeting to help meet those needs.]
 * Read Philippians 4:8, then have each group discuss what they are thankful for this week.
 * Have each person share how they are doing and share one prayer request with their group and then have them pray for one another.

Vision Casting
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or what God can do through them. For example: 'The book of Acts records how the Spirit of God empowered the early followers of Jesus to multiply! They were used to spread God’s Kingdom through the multiplication of disciples and churches. However, the story ends abruptly in Acts 28 as if the story isn’t finished. In fact, the Lord is continuing to write the Acts of the Holy Spirit by using His people, and He desires to use you also to add to story of multiplication.' Transition:

'Before we get started, I want to let you know what you can expect. What is the difference between teaching and training? '
 *  Teaching is about passing on information.
 *  Training is about developing skills through repetition. 

'So you will be given weekly opportunities to practice the skills you are learning. This training will empower you: ' Our first session is “What is God doing today?” In the next few minutes we would like to give you a picture of: 
 *  connect with your networks of family, friends, and co-workers; 
 *  to pray with them; to show care and compassion like Jesus did and to share your story and the gospel. 
 *  You will also connect with God’s heart for the lost, his great commandment and great commission-- for all the world to go and make disciples and teach them to live lives of meaning and purpose through obeying all He taught. 
 *  You will never be alone. We will work together, as a group and as one-another pairs. 
 *  We will learn how to minister to people individually and in groups. You will even do an evangelistic event in homes where we will trust God to bring many people to know Him.
 * What a mission focused church could look like.
 * An example of what God is doing today.
 * And an overview of what our journey together will look like.

2 Looking Up (60 min)
[NOTE: Pass out participant notes to everyone.]

Activity #1 Being Missional

 * Watch the video This is Discipling. (Show it 2-3 times.)
 * Have each group answer these questions and share with one another:
 * What did you like best? Why?
 * What are some possible applications for us from this video?
 * Explain how to write a clear “I will by when” statement by using the format: I will _________ by _________.”
 * Give time for each participant to write a possible application

Activity #2 Four Generations
Show the suggested Strangers video or choose another resource that shows the process of multiplication. 
 * Have each group answer these questions and share with one another:
 * What did you like best? Why?
 * Give time for each participant to write a possible application

Summary:
Read John 17:18-20 (ESV) '“18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

Jesus is praying to the Father. In the prayer, Jesus identifies 4 generations. The first generation is the Father who sent Jesus. The second generation is Jesus, who passed on what he had received and sent the third generation, the disciples. But because Jesus expected what he modeled to be repeated, he also prays for the fourth generation, those who will believe through the disciples. Jesus was looking toward the fourth generation as the way to ensure a movement of disciple-makers.'

Father → Jesus → Disciples → Us

Activity #3 Overview of MC2 Training Process

 * Use PPT to show the overview of the Launch, Multiply, Develop process.

Preparing for the Mission

 * Watch the video: One-Another Partners
 * Have each group answer these questions and share with one another:
 * What did you like best? Why?
 * Choose one-another accountability partners and set a time to meet this week.

Going on the Mission

 * Have everyone write a new “I will by when” statement or choose one from the activities and tell them to their small group.

Praying for the Mission
Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to start a movement of disciple makers.