Whenever Jesus went to a synagogue or home, it was always packed. Everyone wanted to be there—the poor, the sick, the religious, the humble and even the arrogant. Some loved Him, some hated Him, and some were undecided. But nobody left the room. That’s not always the case in group life.

Why do you think that is?

Why do people suddenly get too busy or tired to turn up? Why do they feel compelled to be at some other meeting or event? Could it be that we have a meeting, but no one gets the chance meet Jesus?

He is the one who encourages and heals, He is the one who gives hope and salvation. So why do we put more effort into preparing a study and answering questions than we do in learning to host His presence? After all, He is always present, He promised He would be. But we normally aren’t naturally good at being His host.

For many of us group leaders, its just that we don’t know how. We aren’t used to moments of silence, we aren’t trained in how to create spaces where God can speak in diverse ways. Some of us are even worried that something will go wrong and we will get the blame.

But what if we could create a safe environment where everyone learns together how to cooperate with the agendas of heaven? What if we all understood that it takes practice, and actually requires that we sometimes make mistakes? What if we were OK with the idea that there is no “one way” for it to look when Jesus comes to group?

And what if our people came and actually met Jesus? What if He comforted their innermost fears and troubles? What if He gave visions and dreams? What if He healed someone? What if He saved a marriage? That’s what He does, you know!

In some of our KBC GROWTH groups, we have been experimenting with this for a year or so. Its grown from one group to six in that time. And a few other existing groups have gotten on board as well. And these groups aren’t spooky, or attended by only the “super-spirituals”. In fact, its quite the opposite. The group members are middle-aged men, young mums, professionals, in fact anybody.

But one thing is common, the groups are committed to intentionally hosting the presence of Jesus. That value is sky-high, non-negotiable and predetermined. If you are in THAT room, you are there to meet Him. There is normally a study and worship. They pray together and have coffee. But they have learned how to be good hosts, and it makes a difference.

Would you like to learn how to better host the presence of Jesus?

From July 29 – August 19, we are running a special 4 session module for “leaders only” that will focus on just that. It will run 4 Sunday nights, along with the STEPs courses at 7:30pm – bookings are essential. You will join the “STEPers” for intensive worship and ministry, then break-off for instruction and workshopping. Those registering will also be able to attend the Encounter God Retreat (August 24–26).

In this module, Pat Hegarty and Jo Leutton will share the principles and practices that they have learned so far, and give you an opportunity to experiment in a safe environment. More information will be forwarded to those interested in attending. Spaces are strictly limited. Email trish.hegarty@kbc.org.au to book your spot.

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching–and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”
Mark 1:21–27

Authority is given to us as believers. We can operate in all that Jesus commanded us to do, when we come into alignment with Him. How well do you know your place?

Please ensure the group participants get this week’s Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. Please ensure that particpants have read the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.
Mark 1:21

Some say Jesus spent all His time with sinners. But that is plainly not the case. Jesus loved the world, and spent six days a week out there. But He also spent one day per week with God’s people. But what happens when He shows up?

Please ensure the group participants get this week’s Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. Please ensure that particpants have read the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1:17–18

Free falling requires us to let go of this things that define us that aren’t from God. Are you willing to acknowledge who you are, and aren’t, in Him?

Please ensure the group participants get this week’s Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. Please ensure that particpants have read the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 1:16–20

This session covers the call of Jesus on our lives, and the choice we have to make to follow Him. Time to free fall with the Lord!

Please ensure the group participants get this week’s Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. Please ensure that particpants have read the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

…the kingdom of God is at hand…
Mark 1:15

This session covers the importance of our awareness of what God has done for us, and who He has made us to be through Jesus.

Please ensure the group participants get this week’s Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. Please ensure that particpants have read the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 1:15 (NKJV)

This session covers the transition we need to make as Radicalis believers — from the old life toward the new life. We must learn to live in the second place, off the front foot.

Please ensure the group participants get this week’s Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. Please ensure that particpants have read the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

So, you have the study ready, you are all “prayed-up” and ready to go! But two hours later you think to yourself “What went wrong? The night was flat!”

If you are prepared personally, and your content is good, then the following pointers will help ensure you have an impacting night. In fact, if you do these three things, you might even have a great meeting with ordinary content! But, don’t tell anyone I said that.

1) Define the “Win“
How would you like your group members to feel when they leave? What do you want them to do? What is the single and tangible value-adding you want to give them?

These are the sorts of questions you need to ask before you even prepare a study or worship list. Every good coach or leader knows the answer to the question: “What is the win here?”.

You may want the group to feel loved or connected, you may want them to make a choice or commitment, you may want them to be able to apply a specific truth to their own situation. Identify the win, and the content will be so much easier to find. But if possible, try to have only one win per meeting! That may be hard, but if you want impact, then you need to stay focussed. If anything in the meeting does not work towards the win, then consider whether it should be present at all. Don’t worry, you can bring it back in another time, you don’t need to have everything happen at every meeting.

The goal should always relate to life-transformation. You pick them up at one place, and you want to drop them off at another. That may require an element of teaching, focussed worship, and specific prayer and ministry — but it should all bring the members of the group to a specific point. Work intentionally at defining the win for the meeting.

2) Set the Tone
As soon as people enter the room, they become aware of the atmosphere. They almost immediately begin to respond to it as well, and at the same time they add to it.

If people come in carrying their negativity from the day, you may need to be ready for them. Without intentionally guiding the “feel of the room”, then the room will set its own atmoshere, and often its bad! Even worse if you are the one taking it there. There is an old saying (which isn’t very fair, but has truth to it) “A leader must never have a bad day”. Now of course you will have bad days, and too often they seem to be on group night, but what you as the leader carry with you gets automatically spread throughout the room. If you are positive, then you will set the tone. If you are in a slump, then of course the group will follow you down there, because you will be doing most of the talking.

Have worship music playing as people enter. Greet them by name and with a smile. Usher them into the room and make sure no-one stands alone. If practical, have a few nibblies available … it all works together to send a message to the group members: “You are important; you are valuable enough for me to prepare for you; this night is important”.

If this is all too much for you, why not allocate someone the role of hospitality. Let their ministry be to make people at home and to create a positive and faith-filled atmosphere for the group.

3) Create a Flow
This is often the most neglected part of our preparation, but has a huge impact. Try to have natural bridges between each segment of the meeting. Ensure the ice-breaker is related to the study. Have the prayer/ministry time centred around the win for the meeting.

The best bridges are often questions that lead to an answer you are prepared for, and one that leads them to the next step in the meeting. There’s an old adage that says “Never ask a question you don’t know the answer to”. If you don’t know where the meeting is going, it will probably go anywhere but where it should.

There you have it, three ingredients to a great meeting.
1. Define the Win
2. Set the Tone
3. Create a Flow.

Practice them, and after a while it will become second nature to have impacting meetings consistently.

Blessings
Pat

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14–15

This session discusses the degree to which we have engaged with Jesus’ offer of a new life, through repentance, faith and action.

Please ensure the group participants get this week’s Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. Please ensure that particpants have read the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

“… we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints–the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven…”
Colossians 1:4–5

What does a radical look like?

Please ensure the group participants get this week’s Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. Please ensure that particpants have read the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Mark 1:9–13

This session looks at the root of radical Christian living — living, intimate relationship with Father God.

Please ensure the group participants get this week’s Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. There is also an audio version of the same, for use on your personal media device. Please ensure that particpants have read or listen to the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

It is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way — a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Mark 1:1–8

This week’s session covers the definition of the Radical Christian — getting back to the root of true Christianity. It also includes the Radicalis Declaration. Ensure the all participants have a hard copy to bring to the group time, to read & sign.

This week also has the first of the Personal Readings. These are available as PDFs, to print or use on an eReader. There is also an audio version of the same, for use on your personal media device. Please ensure that particpants have read or listen to the week’s teaching, and answered the question at the end of the written notes.

The most powerful things in our spiritual life are seldom the most complicated. God makes things simple…

Welcome to the first group session of Radicalis.

This session is designed to be used at the start of the curiculuum (ideally at the formation of a new group).

• It sets the ground rules for the material, and covers making a Group Agreement.
• The Session is self-explanatory — the notes will lead you through all you need for the evening.
• We suggest planning a time of worship, as well as community time (often over supper) around the material.

Blessings to you as you being this journey!

The Pathways Team

Get Connected!

We believe that every committed attendee of KBC can now find the vital connection they need.

Comprehensive Community	Connection for Busy Lives	Activity-based Relationships
A “grow-together” meeting Meet regularly Meet in homes	A “touch-base together” meeting Meet regularly Meet at location that suits lifestyle	A “do-it-together” time Meet as required Meet anywhere
Includes: Community, Celebration, Cultivation, Care, Communication	Includes: Mutual accountability/prayer	Includes: Activities like sport, recreation, Street-teams etc.

WAYS TO GET CONNECTED
Fill in a group sign-on slip from the Welcome Desk, and hand it in. KBC Staff will then work with you and our group leaders to get you connected.
Alternately, you can contact Trish Hegarty via the KBC Office during the week.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

1. What type of group should I join?
   • We prefer that KBC regulars become part of a GROWTH Group. These are our most comprehensive expression of true biblical community and form the backbone of KBC’s community.
   • However, if time or circumstance makes this impractical, then perhaps a Life Group would be more suited to you. Life Groups are less-structured but provide ways for busy people to catch up and pray on the way to work, or when their schedule permits.
   • If you just want to join a bunch of people in an activity such as sport, outreach or recreation, then a Special Interest Group would suit you better. Contact our church office to find out what Special Interest groups are currently running.
   • Read below to find out more about our three types of groups.
2. What if my schedule means I can’t make it to an existing group?
   • Please be patient while we source leaders for a new group in your area (based on demand).
3. Can I lead or host a new group at my home?
   • We are always on the look out for new leaders. However we cant guarantee that there would be sufficient demand to populate a group your area. Please talk to us, though, and we will discuss options with you. Each type of group has varying levels of training required for the leader.
   • However, if you have a group of friends that want to meet as a Life or GROWTH Group, then there should be no problem!

IN DETAIL

GROWTH GROUPS
These intentional communities are the backbone of KBC’s community and care. There are around one hundred GROWTH Groups meeting all around Brisbane which are led by trained and competent leaders who ensure the group follows these purposes:

LIFE GROUPS
For those who just cannot make it to a weekly GROWTH Group, Life Groups offer a low-impact way to stay connected to a few friends. Some might meet for breakfast on the way to work, others might form a play group. We just ask that members keep each other accountable and are praying for each other. Some Life Groups are open to lots of newcomers, some are a safe place for a very few to offer support. The key is that they fit in with your life and feed into you appropriately.

Perhaps you can form a Life Group yourself with a few friends. Please just let us know at the office so we know that you are watching each other’s back.

If you would like to join an existing Life Group, let us know. As more groups come online we can keep you updated of new options.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
These groups are based around common interest, and form small communities which are great for doing life together. Currently there are groups for things like Cycling, 4 Wheel Driving, and Street Teams. They meet as required, and always have room for more. Contact us at the church office for more detail.

• Why do we need Life Groups?
• What is a Life Group?
• What is the difference between a Life Group and a GROWTH Group?
• What is not a Life Group?
• How do I join a Life Group?
• How do I start a Life Group?
• Are Life Groups open or private?
• What training do Life Group leaders get?
• What is expected of a Life Group leader from KBC?

Why do we need Life Groups?
Everyone needs to connect and be supported by others, particularly those with similar interests or circumstances. For some it’s not practical to get to a more structured, evening GROWTH Group. They can, however, meet with friends on the way to work, or during playground time for the kids. Life Groups are a low-impact way for people to connect and watch each others back without the necessity for preparation.

What is a Life Group?
A Life Group is a regular gathering where members can share and/or do activities. They are aware of each other’s needs, and offer a degree of support and prayer where needed.

What is the difference between a Life Group and a GROWTH Group?
A GROWTH Group is KBC’s primary vehicle for biblical community. They are regular gatherings where members enjoy a culture of Community, Celebration, Care, Cultivation, and Communication. Leaders are comprehensively trained and report regularly on the progress of the group. Life Groups are less formal and less structured groups, where connection is the primary purpose. Life Groups are not obliged to have a study or worship component, however we ask that members take time to pray for each other, and are watching each others back. See the grid below to help differentiate GROWTH Groups and Life Groups.

Life Groups v GROWTH Groups

What is not a Life Group?
Groups that do activities such as sport and recreation, but have no regular prayer for each other, or a sense of true community would not be regarded as Life Groups. These Special Interest Groups are based solely on joining people of common interest without any obligation or accoutability to each other.

How do I join a Life Group?
Friends can invite people to their existing group, or start a new one. As more groups spring up, KBC staff can help people looking for a group to locate or start a group that suits them. We can not, however, guarantee that an existing group will be available that meets everyone’s specific criteria.

How do I start a Life Group?
Simply find some friends of common interest that want to meet, and download the simple briefing sheet for new Life Group leaders. Let KBC staff know who is attending, and simply update them with any drop-outs or new members details as they occur.

Are Life Groups open or private?
Some groups are open to receiving new members, some are active in their outreach, while others are made up of a few supportive friends who have met quietly for years to offer private support and connection. This is entirely at the group’s discretion.

What training do Life Group leaders get?
A simple briefing sheet will be provided to outline the very few requirements of leaders. Life Group leaders are able to undertake further formal training in group skills and leadership alongside other group leaders if they so desire.

What is expected of a Life Group leader from KBC?
Life Group leaders are not necessarily trained representatives of KBC to the extent that GROWTH Group leaders are. It is expected that they agree with the vision and purposes of KBC and are supportive of KBC’s core beliefs and practices. The reporting requirement of Life Group leaders is to advise KBC staff of who is currently attending their group, and whether any new members join or existing members leave the group.

NEW for 2012!

Up to 1000 KBC’ers meet every week in our GROWTH Groups, and these will remain our main method of building community. But not everyone’s life situation allows them to meet for two hours every week at the same time.

But everyone has moments where they can touch base with a few friends to make sure someone knows how they are going. Mums can catch up at a play-group, business people can share a coffee on the way to the office, athletes can chat while they run. We all have these moments available in our lives. Likewise, some people are wanting to host a casual group, but feel that running a GROWTH Group is too large of a commitment.

So, for 2012 we are presenting KBC with a lighter, more flexible way to connect … Life Groups.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LIFE GROUPS

At a Life Group, you may just get round a table for 30 min. and ask an accountability question. Or you may chat for an hour or more without needing to prepare much. You can then pray together before you go, and get on with your day! The idea is to fit in with what you are already doing, and/or meet where you are already going. Its all about connecting and having someone watch your back.

Life groups can not give the same depth of community and care that is afforded by GROWTH Groups where the leader is highly trained and the meetings more structured. But maybe all you have is 30 mins.! So lets make the most of it.

Life groups will kick-off in February 2012

Life Groups v GROWTH Groups

Want to start a Life Group?
Email trish.hegarty@kbc.org.au (or call the office), and let her know what you have in mind, and who you might be able to invite.

Want to be part of a Life Group?
Email trish.hegarty@kbc.org.au (or call the office), and we will begin matching people with groups as they come online. Be patient though, its all new!

Ever thought “I’m better than this!”?

You know what I mean, don’t you? You feel yourself react to a situation you have previously overcome, or you can’t find answers that normally come easily. Or you just feel below your best and can’t explain why.

Or, have you ever gotten to the end of a season where you have prepared, trained, studied and practiced, but it feels like 1 step forward, 2 steps back? Why do we sometimes behave or perform in ways that in earlier days would have been below our standard? Why do we cease to be the best of who we are?

I saw this played out starkly in my own life just yesterday, and I apologize in advance for again drawing on an illustration from cycling. I have been entered to do the cycling leg of a Tri-Athlon in February. My swimming and running teammates are strong in their field, and I don’t want to let them down, even though it is supposedly “all for fun”. I have been training and have a goal for the speed I want to achieve. To reach that goal, I figured that at certain dates along the way I should to have progressed in my speed by measurable amounts.

So I went out on my benchmarking ride yesterday with an expectation that I would be faster than my measurement from 6 weeks earlier. But I wasn’t faster, and what’s worse, I wasn’t even able to get close to my previous best! I had trained hard, eaten well (sort of), done everything that could be expected… but I had gotten slower!

So I did what every wannabe athlete does, I blamed the coach. But being the assertive type, he put it straight back onto me saying “Why we’re you trying to be your fasted when you had just worked your hardest at training the previous day?”

Now, I know the principle of extend-and-relax… you push beyond your limits, then rest for a period so your body or soul can re-build what has been destroyed through the exertion. I know that if we continually push ourselves without periods of rest, then eventually we break-down with a sudden fall.

Continuous Effort Not Only LIMITS Us, It LOWERS Us

What most of us don’t realize is that when we push ourselves mentally or physically for an extended period, we don’t just reach some consistent level of performance and stay there indefinitely. We might feel like we are able to hold our ground, knowing that we need to if we are to prevent our worlds falling apart around us.

But in actual fact we are already on a slide downwards. We simply can’t hold our ground indefinitely without seasons of rest, whether they be an hour, a day, a week or a month. I thought that even though I had done some heavy training the previous day, that I could go out again and at least stay close to the level that I had built up over the previous weeks. But my body said, “No way!”. I had greatly decreased my capacity temporarily by not resting first and allowing the re-creation process to do its work.

And it IS temporary. The real you can come back, better than before … if you allow God to re-build and re-create you.

All Gain Has A Cost

Many at KBC, especially us leaders, have had challenging years. From floods, to sickness, to heart-ache, and even the more positive challenges like personal break-through and increased fruitfulness. But it ALL comes at a price … either physically, spiritually mentally or emotionally. 2011 has made a withdrawal from your account, and you need God to make a deposit!

It is time to take a break and be re-created! You may not be able to take a holiday, and you may not be able to get away from family pressure … but you simply must find a way to allow God to sit you down in His green pastures to restore your soul (Psalm 23). Ask your family and friends to help you out with this. Explain to them your need, and see if you can work out a plan where everyone gets their shot at unwinding. Its too important to ignore.

Most Of Us Live Too Close To The Limit

You may be aware of what happens if you go beyond your limit. None of us want to suffer physical or emotional break-down. So we do what we can to stay away from that line. But most of us are way too close for comfort … and we do it thinking that as long as we don’t cross the line, we can keep going. You can, but in an ever-decreasing way.

That’s not living, its existing. And it is definitely not God’s design, or His best for you. He wants to bring you back to life (John 10:10), He wants you to be the real you, not just a shadow. Living close to our limit for too long will result in a steady decline, not a status quo.

Please rest this Christmas season. Take time out with God and family to re-charge your batteries. We will all still be here when you get back, and 2012 will be a season of abundant fruit … but only if we are abiding in the Vine (John 15:1–8)

I will be praying for you, that God’s grace will fill your soul and meet your deepest needs.

Blessings,
Pat Hegarty

The DVDs are accompanied by a Leader’s guide, as well as a comprehensive Study Guide for participants, that includes daily devotions for the week between group sessions.

Session Titles:

• Join the Journey – Sinai Desert
• It’s Hot Here and There’s No Way Out – Sinai Desert
• Help Is Here – Sinai Desert
• When Your Heart Cries Out – Sinai Desert
• They Were Not Wandering – Sinai Desert
• Ears To Hear – Sinai Desert
• There’s Hope In the Desert – Sinai Desert

(information from rvl-on.com)

The DVDs are accompanied by a Leader’s guide, as well as a comprehensive Study Guide for participants, that includes daily devotions for the week between group sessions.

Session Titles:

• The Way of the Essenes – Qumran
• The Way of John the Baptist – Machaerus
• Into the Desert To Be Tested – En Gedi
• The Last Passover – Jerusalem
• The Fifth Cup: Our Way of Hope – Gethsemane

(information from rvl-on.com)