Think Life Change

ONE*’s Mission is to lead this generation into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.   

Here at ONE* we believe that life change happens best in the context of small groups.  This is why we have changed everything here at ONE* to accommodate and implement the new Life Group System and Care Network.  The first Leader Essential is Life Change.

Why Life Change?

 The Bible is very clear about this.  In Romans 8: 28-29 it says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  [V. 29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.”  (NLT)

If you are a believer, your spiritual goal should be to be like Christ!  This should be the goal for all of us. The second we meet Christ, He comes into our lives and begins to transform us through the power of His Holy Spirit.  It is impossible to meet Christ, and NOT change! Each decision we make every single day of our lives, will either move us closer to Christ or take us further away from Him. Which brings us to our next questions:

What is Life Change?

While behavioral changes can be the most visible sign that life change is occurring, it is only an outward sign of the change occurring on the inside. When change is occurring on the inside of a person, you may begin to see these types of signs:

• Placing trust in God…in spite of discouraging or confusing circumstances
• Desiring physical and mental (thoughts) purity
• Gaining an eternal perspective on one’s time, talents, and resources
• Prioritizing the truth of God’s Word in making decisions
• Growing in unconditional love for other people
• Developing a forgiving and compassionate heart

As leaders, we have to be cautious to only think life change is happening only if we see outward or behavioral changes.  True change will happen on the inside first. It is important for us to recognize and celebrate any step toward a growing relationship with Christ our group members may take on the continuum of faith.

How does a leader “Think Life Change?”

1. Cast Vision. Paint a picture for your group members of what God can do in their lives through your small group. Use the agreement; this helps explain the purpose of the small groups. Revisit the agreement periodically-this helps to redirect the group’s momentum when your group is getting “off track”.
2. Ask Good Questions. Purposeful, insightful questions can trigger meaningful conversations that serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth. Do the questions you ask communicate the value of spiritual growth and life change?
3. Create the Environment. Create an environment that is conducive to God doing what only He can do!
4. Identify and Celebrate Life Change. It is true that the things we value are the things we celebrate! 

By putting these ideas into practice, you can set the stage for God to do some incredible work in the lives of your group members, and you can help them recognize it when God is changing their lives. Philippians 1:6 says "And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back."

Thank you for thinking Life Change, and for partnering with us in doing our part—creating a small group environment that will help lead this generation into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We can do this, by growing spiritually, while doing life together.