Basic Training contains twelve lessons
The “Why” of Community
The Mission
Our Distinctives
The “How” of Community
Gospel-Centered Unity
Spending Time With God
Spirit-Filled Community
Discipleship Groups
Family Meal
Missional Gatherings, Pt. 1
Missional Gatherings, Pt. 2
Next Steps
How to use Basic Training
The Community Group Basic Training guide is designed for small group study, although it is possible to work through the study independently or in a larger group. The tone of the material assumes a small group format, because this is the setting we’ve found to be the most effective.
Each lesson is designed to take around an hour and a half to complete. If your group has more time available, you can simply spend a little longer in the discussion and exercise sections. Our experience has shown that this content often creates deep and substantive conversation that can easily last longer than an hour and a half. So, plan accordingly, and be sure to honor the time commitment that your group has made.
There is no outside work required by group members to participate. Each person should simply receive a copy of the guide. The content will often stimulate further reflection over the following days, but no preparation is needed for subsequent lessons.
Likewise, it is not assumed that the group leader will be an expert theologian or longstanding Christian. Ample direction and content is provided in this guide to help the leader facilitate the group’s time together. The material also provides the content for the study, so there is no need for the group leader to try and “teach” the group. Just relax and guide a good conversation.