Teaching Plan
Connect Activity
Purpose and plan: Connect activities get everyone ready to learn. Consider your small group’s learning style as you choose one of the activities below to introduce this week’s lesson.
Introduction
(5 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will be introduced to the idea of being and making disciples. Books will be distributed and a general overview of the next six weeks will be provided for learners.
From Our Lives
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will consider how a person’s environment impacts his or her understanding of a commitment to Jesus.
From the Book
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will preview an excerpt from chapter 1 to introduce the fact that Jesus clearly challenged people, then and now, to count the cost of being His follower.
Student Option
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Students will discuss how following Christ requires a person to be “all in” rather than merely offer tokens of appreciation.
Explore Activity
Explore activities lead people to study Scripture. Teach one of the Core Studies to focus on the Biblical Truth. If you choose, support the Core Study with one or two of the additional activities.
Interactive Core Study: The Commitment
(15–20 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will explore together Jesus’ definition and expectation of a disciple in Matthew 10:37-39.
Master Teacher Core Study: Undivided
(15–20 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will study and then discuss Jesus’ definition and expectation of a disciple in Matthew 10:37-39.
Closer Look: The Baffling Beauty of the Cross
(3–5 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will discuss the beauty and horror of the cross.
Comparative Study: Daily Denial
(5–7 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will look to Luke 9:23 for further clarity on how being a Christian is more than just a onetime decision; it is a daily lifestyle of following Christ as our king.
Transform Activity
Transform activities challenge your group to live differently. Choose one of the activities based on the spiritual growth of your group. Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit ultimately brings about change, so help people draw near to Him.
Being Disciples
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will evaluate personal priorities to see how even good things can compete with their commitment to Jesus.
Making Disciples
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will identify ways to lovingly share the seriousness of a commitment to Christ with a new believer or non-Christian.
Student Option
(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Students will identify practical steps for making Jesus their highest priority.
Prayer Option
(3–5 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will close in a personalized prayer of commitment to Jesus.