Jesus showed us that discipleship is so much more than the transfer of information from a "teacher" to a "student".  Discipleship is about relationships.  It is about spending time together and sharing what is going on in our lives together.  It is about learning together and from each other.

As a Connect Coach, you have the opportunity to do so much more than to just host a Bible Study.  You get to help those in your Connect Group see how God's Word actually applies to their life.  You get to challenge them to use what they learn as they go through their life's journey.

There are some critical elements we want ALL of our Connect Groups at New Hope to utilize so our groups are truly making growing disciples of Jesus Christ.  Those elements include...

• ICE BREAKERS
• DISCUSSION GROUND RULES
• STORYING (& personal application)
• NEXT LEVEL OF GROWTH CHALLENGE
• MINISTRY ENGAGEMENT
• OUTREACH FOCUS
• PRAYER

Each week, we will break these elements down, one at a time, to help you see why EACH of them is so important and why we need you to incorporate each of them into your weekly Connect Group gatherings.  We will also give you ideas for different ways you can use each element in your group.

Your Connect Group must be more than a Bible Study.  You are on the front lines of ministry and making disciples is our mission.  I can't wait to see what God does with your group and to celebrate every victory with you!!!

by Darrell Portwood