Community is so important. At its best, community is a sacred space where members celebrate, encourage, and nurture each other through the good moments, the hard times, the new seasons, and everything in between. This module will help you see the value in planting relational seeds and taking the time to develop them into the strong bonds of authentic community.
Tools & Challenges for Growth
Scripture Memory:
One of the best ways to grow spiritually is simply by memorizing scripture and praying it back to God. Bury His Word in your heart:
Use the wallpaper below to put on your phone (press + hold your finger on the pic).
Print it to use as a bookmark.
Write it down in your journal or on index cards.
Pray it out loud each day throughout the month.
Challenge yourself to recite it without peeking.
Quiet Time:
Make it your goal to have quiet time 5 times per week.
Suggested Book:
Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World - Jennie Allen
Other Book Choices:
True Community - Jerry Bridges
Power of Together: Discover the Christian Life You’ve Been Missing - Jim Putman
As you read or when you’re finished with the book, write a summary of the key insights God gave you and any applications to your life. Think through the following questions:
In what ways did God encourage or challenge me through this book?
Are there any new truths I need to apply to my life?
Personal Challenge:
Who Knows You Really? - Think about and write down answers to the following questions:
Do you have a plus one? One person who knows everything about you, from your darkest secrets to your greatest accomplishments and everything in between. If not, why not?
What about an inner circle? Do you have a group of people in your life who will call to ask where you are when you don’t show up? Who are they? If not, why not?
Is it hard or easy for others to love on you? Why or why not?
If asked, “Are you lonely?” while taking a lie detector test, how would you answer?
What’s holding you back from developing deeper community and intimate relationships?
In what ways are you really good at being a friend? In what areas do you struggle?
Marriage Focus (if applicable):
Appreciation & Affection - The only love that’s real is love that’s demonstrated. Your assignment is to find one small way to express appreciation and affection for your husband for the next thirty days. Don’t be upset if he doesn’t immediately notice, sometimes it takes those closest to us a little longer to recognize when a behavior changes. Record in your journal what you did each day and be prepared to talk about three of things you did and your husband’s response to each at your next group meeting.
Growth Partner Challenge:
Talk about whether engaging in community comes naturally to you or is difficult for you, and why you think that is. Discuss the questions, “Is it hard or easy for others to love on you? Why or why not?” and “If asked, ‘Are you lonely?’ while taking a lie detector test, how would you answer?”
Other Resources:
