Leader Guide
Sharing our faith can be challenging for many of us. We don’t want to come across as pushy or awkward, so we often hold back. This weekend, we talked about Jesus’ command to go and make disciples, and we explored some practical ways to share our faith with others in a natural and meaningful way.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leaders: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Have you ever experienced a pushy salesman? What was the outcome?
2. Read Matthew 28:19-20. Do you struggle to share your faith? What is your fear? Have you ever had someone share their faith with you in a way that felt pushy or judgmental?
Leaders: As followers of Christ, we are called to make disciples, so that means we are to share our faith. We are to do that in a respectful, nonjudgemental, and gentle way.
3. Read 1 Peter 1:7,1 Peter 3:13-15. Do you run to God or away from God during hard times? How can God use hardship in our life to draw others to Him?
Leaders: We have all faced hardship and suffering in life; however, we can tend to be negative and complain. Or we can decide to let God use it as an opportunity to show His power and goodness. People will take notice when you worship and praise God when life is hard.
4. Read 1 Peter 3:15-17. Are you ready to explain the reason for your hope? How can you be prepared to share your testimony? Have you encountered someone's story that helped you during a time of struggle? How can God use your unique story to encourage someone else?
Leaders: God brings people into our lives on our journey who connect with us, just as we resonate with others. However, we have to do our part and be ready as the scripture says. As we share our faith, we should have a sense of urgency. We should also lead with love, being gentle and respectful, not shaming others into making a decision. Genuine salvation is when someone responds to the love of God.
Action Step: Ask yourself if the perfect opportunity to talk about Jesus or have a spiritual conversation presented itself tomorrow would you be ready? Think about how God changed your life. That is your testimony, so write it down, keep it brief and Jesus as the hero. Now ask God for the opportunity and boldness to share your story. You can do this and change someone's life for eternity!