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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Leader Resources.......................................................................................................................... 5

Your First Group Meeting........................................................................................................... 6

OPPORTUNITY — “Out With The Old”.................................................................................7

FAITH — “I’ve Never Been This Way Before”.................................................................... 9

FREEDOM — “Learn To Let Go”.............................................................................................. 11

REST — “Where Do You Go When You’re Tired?”........................................................ 13

PRESENCE — “Can We Reschedule?”............................................................................... 15

FOCUS — “Decide Your Distractions”................................................................................ 17

FULFILLMENT — “A Better Way To Fill That Need”..................................................... 19

STRATEGY — “Are You Fighting With The Wrong Strategy?”................................ 21

IMPACT — “God Works Through The Small”................................................................ 23

PERSPECTIVE — “Deal With The Dark”........................................................................... 25

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LEADER RESOURCESThank you for taking time to lead through “Say That Again.” This is a study that is meant to give you flexibility. Whether your group is meeting for a few weeks or you plan to tackle all 10 topics, get ready to see how God speaks to you through them.

In this section, you’ll find more information about the study as well as resources to lead your group.

HOW TO USE THIS STUDY First, decide how many weeks your group will be meeting for. Then use the Table

of Contents (pg. 2) and select the topics you want to cover during those weeks.

After you’ve made your selections, you’ll find group discussion content for each of those topics in this Leader Guide. All study resources are located at elevationchurch.org/egroup/group-study/say-that-again/. On the study website, you’ll find a downloadable Leader Guide and all the study’s video clips.

YOUR FIRST GROUP MEETING

There is an introduction video to watch with your group during your first meeting. (See the “Your First Group meeting” section on page 6.) This video will help set your group up for success, and this section also has some optional discussion questions in case your group needs to get to know each other a bit better before you start with your first topic.

SUGGESTED WEEKLY GROUP FLOW

• FELLOWSHIP (5-10 MINS): Let group members chat and get comfortable.• CONVERSATION STARTERS (5 MINS): Get your group talking.• WEEKLY VIDEO (10-20 MINS): Watch the clip from one of Pastor Steven’s

sermons.• DISCUSS (20-30 MINS): Use these questions to facilitate a conversation

about the sermon clip.• ACT ON IT (5 MINS): An action step for group members to take after

the meeting.• PRAYER (5 MIN): Close group time with prayer.

QUESTIONS?Email studies@elevationchurch.org.

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YOUR FIRST GROUP MEETINGStart your first group meeting using the conversation starters provided for the topic you’ll be discussing. If you are leading a group with new members or members who don’t know each other well, consider using the conversation starters below instead of those listed in your Leader Guide for the chosen topic: • What’s your name, where are you from, and what’s one interesting thing about you? • You get to choose one song to hear in every elevator for the rest of your life. What is it?

• What’s the best movie ever and the worst movie ever?

After spending a few minutes getting your group talking, play the introduction video and discuss this question before watching the video:

What are you hoping to get out of this study? (If someone in your group is new, ask what made them decide to join.)

After discussing this question, play the weekly video and follow the flow in the Leader Guide for your weekly topic.

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OPPORTUNITY“OUT WITH THE OLD”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• There’s no more space on your phone for a new app — you have to make room. What’s the first thing you’re getting rid of?

• You just won a new car! What kind of car is it?

• It’s a perfect day to watch a movie. Are you more likely to watch a new one you haven’t seen, or put on an old favorite you’ve seen several times? Why?

WATCH “OUT WITH THE OLD”

This clip is from the sermon “Make Room For The New.” Tell the group they’ll hear about how we can stop resisting the new things God is doing in our lives and embrace them by letting go of old things.

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• On a scale of 1-10, how good are you at “making room for the new” in your life? Do you seek out new things, or are you more likely to hold onto old things?

• Read Leviticus 26:9-10. Give an example of something old you might be tempted to hold onto. How could that be holding you back from experiencing new things? (Are there any new things you’re praying for?)

• Think about Joppa as any place where God sends something new, and then you have a choice for how to respond. You can stay in Joppa and let Him work, or you can run from it. Where do you feel like you’re in Joppa? Talk about how you can stand in faith and let God work in it.

• Read Acts 9:36-40. Peter embraced tension — he knew if he kept people in the room with old mindsets, they wouldn’t be able to receive new miracles. Think about your mindsets. What’s a mindset you need to change to help you work through the tension you’re facing? 7

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• How are labels on yourself, areas of your life, other people, or on God limiting you? (What are some ways they’re keeping you from moving out of an old mindset and embracing something new?)

ACT ON IT

This week, get rid of the old. Spend some time identifying old mindsets, patterns, behaviors, relationships, etc., that could be holding you back from the new things God wants to in you and around you. Two or three days after your group meeting, share with the group one old thing you’ve identified that you’re going to get rid of.

PRAYER

Father, we trust You. We know You have new things in store for us, so we ask You to help us identify what we’re holding on to that’s old and move it out to make room. Give us the wisdom to recognize the new when You send it so we can run toward it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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FAITH“I’VE NEVER BEEN THIS WAY BEFORE”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Which is the best song with “stop” in the title? ° “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes ° “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey ° “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

• Would you rather have to stop blinking for three minutes or stop talking for a day?

• You’re out to dinner, and someone yells “STOP!” right before you take a bite. How do you react?

WATCH “I’VE NEVER BEEN THIS WAY BEFORE”

This clip is from the sermon “When God Says Stop.” Tell your group they’ll hear that because God always has our good in mind, that sometimes means He’ll interrupt us — and those new seasons and situations take living by faith instead of feelings.

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• What’s something “new” in your life right now? (e.g., a responsibility, a season of life, a relationship, etc.)

• When you’re facing something new, what kinds of feelings do you experience? Give some specific feelings for the new things you identified in the first question.

• We need to stop living by feelings and start living by faith. It’s okay to have feelings, but what really matters is what we do with them. What are some feelings you’ve been living by? How is that impacting you? (What do you need to do to live more by your faith?)

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• Read Joshua 3:1-5. Maybe you’ve “never been through this before,” but God’s job is tomorrow — your job is today. What does your job need to be for today? (How do you need to approach today, what does your mindset need to be, what battles of tomorrow are you trying to fight, etc. What things can you do to sustain your faith? What things have you been doing that aren’t good for your faith — what patterns or thoughts is God telling you to stop?)

• When we’re going through something, the goal isn’t just to get through it. What can you ask God to show you or do in you in this season instead of asking Him to get you through it? (How can you let God work through you right now? Some ideas could be volunteering online, sharing messages or encouraging comments on Facebook groups, finding ways to do outreach with your campus, etc.)

ACT ON IT

Do one thing each day this week to help yourself live by your faith instead of your feelings. Tell God you trust Him to take care of tomorrow, and that you’ll spend today doing “your job.”

PRAYER

Father, thank You for the opportunities You provide to grow our faith. Help us embrace Your plan to do something in us and through us. Give us the focus to trust You with tomorrow so we can do what You’re calling us to do today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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FREEDOM“LEARN TO LET GO”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• You have the chance to help someone learn about ANYTHING you want. What are you an expert on that you can teach them about?

• If you could instantly be an expert on anything you want, what would you learn?

• Which would be harder for you to let go of: a family heirloom, a new pet, or a favorite childhood toy?

WATCH “LEARN TO LET GO”

This clip is from the sermon “A Lesson In Letting Go.” Tell your group they’ll hear that holding on to things that we can’t actually control might be at the root of some of our biggest problems.

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• What are some common things you see people working to let go of? Share some things God’s been helping you let go of in this season.

• Read Exodus 14:5. The Israelites had to let go of what they knew. What are you struggling to let go of? (Is there something you didn’t get to say “goodbye” to?) • When we get too far back or too far out in our thinking, we can’t handle the present. (The Israelites had a tight grip on the way things used to be.) How do you need to loosen your grip on the past or future? (In what ways are you being close-minded?)

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° PAST: We need to unlearn what we called “normal.” What do you need to unlearn? How can doing that help you have a new perspective about your present?

° FUTURE: Where do you have a “need to know”? How can you let go of that?

ACT ON IT

Share with the group one thing you want to work to let go of this week, and take a step to let go of it. (Consider making a new habit to help you do this.)

PRAYER

Father, thank You for always working within us to make us better. Help us let go of the things behind and press toward the things ahead. Loosen our grip on the things we’re trying to control and remind us that we can trust You with all the things we don’t know. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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REST“WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU’RE TIRED?”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• You’re tired in the middle of the day — where do you go for a nap?

• How do you act when you’re tired? (e.g., laugh a lot, get mean, become argumentative, etc.) • When you’re feeling tired, what are some things you do to recharge?

WATCH “WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU’RE TIRED?”

This clip is from the sermon “Tired On The Inside.” Tell your group they’ll hear how rest is only helpful when we find it in the right places, and that getting rest from the wrong places can leave us even more drained than we were before.

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• On a scale of 1-10, how tired are you right now? What are some specific areas of your life where you feel tired?

• Jesus sat down by the well because He was tired. In what ways can you relate to tired Jesus? How does knowing that He was tired encourage you or give you permission to feel tired yourself? • What do you need to send away that could be making you tired? (What “wells” have you been drinking from that are making you more tired?)

• Read Isaiah 40:30-31. What does it mean to wait on the Lord? How do you need to do that?

• Even Jesus got tired. What do you do to go to the well when you’re tired? How do you need to sit by the well this week?

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ACT ON IT

Make a decision to spend time at the right well. Choose a reading plan to help you spend time with Jesus and rest in His presence.

• Jesus Our Teacher • What Would Jesus Undo • Less Hustle, More Jesus • Jesus Speaks • Focus

If you want a resource to help you make daily rest a priority, consider using this one-year devotional plan.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank You for being the well where we find rest. Encourage us this week to seek You when we feel tired and to listen for You when we need guidance. Teach us how to rest fully in Your presence so we may have the strength and peace to live in a way that shows Your light to the world. In Your name, amen.

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PRESENCE“CAN WE RESCHEDULE?”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• If someone looked at your schedule, what’s the strangest thing they would see on it?

• Which describes you best? ° My schedule is my life. ° I only schedule what really matters. ° Schedules take the fun out of everything. ° What’s a schedule?

• Pretend you have 30 seconds to see into the future and view your entire life schedule for the next year. What’s the first thing you’re going to look for? (e.g., what day will my house sell, when will I interview for the perfect job, will there be major life responsibilities I can start preparing for now, etc.)

WATCH “CAN WE RESCHEDULE?”

This clip is from the sermon “Unschedulable Blessings.” Tell your group they’ll hear about how God won’t check our schedules to do His will, because a schedule isn’t what He promised us — He promised us His Spirit.

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• Why do you like (or dislike) having a schedule? If you don’t keep a schedule, share why.

• God doesn’t need our schedule. What things are you trying to make happen on your schedule? How are you looking for “details” about God’s schedule? Talk about how these things affect your perspective and your focus. • How have you scheduled time with God in this season? Share how that can impact the way you do (or don’t) experience God. (How can scheduling time make us miss when God is trying to talk to us outside our schedule?)

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• Read Numbers 9:15-23. The Israelites had to focus on how God was moving. What do you think it means to focus on how God is moving? What things get in our way of focusing on that? (Encourage group members to be specific to their own lives.)

• In what ways have you focused on a schedule with God instead of His presence? (How does that schedule impact the way you experience God? Has that created time in your day when it’s difficult for you to experience God? Encourage group members to share about some of the great blessings they’ve experienced that weren’t on their schedule.)

ACT ON IT

Open up your schedule to God this week. What can you do to focus on how God is moving or submit your schedule to Him in another way? Are there ways you can look for God outside your schedule? Share with the group what you’re going to do.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for the unschedulable blessings You give us. We want to focus more on seeking Your presence instead of asking You to meet our schedule. Give us wisdom to open up our hearts, our lives, and our schedules to what You want to do and when You want to do it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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FOCUS“DECIDE YOUR DISTRACTIONS”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• On a scale of 1-10, how easily distracted are you?

• What’s something you distract yourself with to pass the time?

• When you really need to focus on something, what do you do?

WATCH “DECIDE YOUR DISTRACTIONS”

This clip is from the sermon “Taking Control Of Your Mind.” Tell your group they’ll hear about three questions that are running our lives: What does it matter, what does it mean, and what shall I choose? These questions are the key to getting rid of distractions and focusing on the things that really matter.

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• How often do you ask yourself questions? Give some examples.

• What’s a negative question you asked yourself this week? Be specific. (e.g., Why am I like this, why did I do that, why can’t I , etc.) Talk about some better questions you could replace it with. • Read Philippians 1:12-25. Paul asks several questions in this passage. What are some “bad” questions we ask God? (e.g., why did that happen, when will You do this, why won’t they , etc.) How does asking questions like that affect you? • “Does it really matter?” Where do you need to start asking yourself this question? How can it help you identify some distractions?

• Think about the distractions in your life, and identify the top three. (How much energy and focus are you dedicating to them?) How can you push them aside in this season of life to focus on the things that really matter?

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(Are you too focused on cultural values or on other people’s opinions? Where are you getting your priorities from?)

ACT ON IT

Make an “I don’t care list.” What are a few things you can quit caring about this week to focus on what matters? Share one of them with your group!

PRAYER

Father, we’re so grateful that we can trust You are always in control. We want to learn to ask better questions and to grow our trust in You by accepting that You know what we need better than we do. Guide us in gaining a deeper understanding of Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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FULFILLMENT“A BETTER WAY TO FILL THAT NEED”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What’s one thing you need to have a great night’s sleep? (e.g., your personal pillow, background noise, a completely dark room, etc.)

• What’s your favorite comfort food?

• You’re in a wall-to-wall candy store with every variety imaginable, and you can fill your bag with one type of candy. What do you fill your bag with?

WATCH “A BETTER WAY TO FILL THAT NEED”

This clip is from the sermon “Comfort Food.” Tell your group they’ll hear that what’s comfortable isn’t always what’s best, because reaching for what’s comfortable will keep our faith from growing and will keep us from feeling “full.”

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• Share some areas of your life where you’re facing a need. What are those needs?

• Read Numbers 11:4-6. The Israelites were talking like they wanted to go back to Egypt. Share some things you think about going back to in order to fill your needs. What’s your Pharaoh? (Pastor said, “It’s easier to get out of Egypt than to get Egypt out of you.” What Egypts are still in your life that need to be removed?) • Why do we crave what we hate? (What makes you crave what will kill you? Is it what you’re craving that will kill you, or the way that you’re trying to meet a need? What comfort foods are causing problems? (Do you have comfort friends? Comfort phrases? What are some other comforts people turn to?) • Your Father’s fridge is full. What can you do to get what you need from God? (What kinds of things are in the Father’s fridge that we can use to better meet our needs?)

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• Sometimes, before we can have a feast from the Father’s fridge, we have to first remove the RABBLE: routines, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, labels/ limits/lies, or examples. What does it look like to have a funeral for those things? How can we do that?

ACT ON IT

Have a funeral for your RABBLE this week. Which of those words (routines, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, labels/limits/lies, or examples) do you need to have a funeral for before you can have a feast? Write down what you need to remove, and each day, ask God to help you get rid of it. Then ask Him to show you what’s in His fridge that you can use to better sustain you.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for having food for us that’s far better than anything else we can make or find. Show us the places in our lives where we’ve been bingeing on comfort food, and give us the clarity, wisdom, and strength to get what we need from Your fridge instead. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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STRATEGY“ARE YOU FIGHTING WITH THE WRONG STRATEGY?”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Which would you rather fight and why: a lion, a crocodile, or a grizzly bear?

• Pastor Steven relates to David in several ways. Who’s a favorite Bible character or someone you relate to?

• What’s your favorite game that requires strategy? (e.g., chess, a video game, poker, baseball,etc.)

WATCH “ARE YOU FIGHTING WITH THE WRONG STRATEGY?”

This clip is from the sermon “Same Devils, New Levels.” Tell your group they’ll hear about how we often fight the same devils over and over, but that just because we’re fighting the same devil doesn’t mean we can keep the same old strategy each time.

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• What’s something that’s “still going on” that surprises you? (e.g., a TV show, a social trend or fad, a family tradition, etc.)

• Read 2 Samuel 21:15-17. Once again, David was fighting the Philistines. In your own life, where are you thinking “still this”? (What battles are you still fighting?) • David wasn’t weak during the battle — he was just weary. Do you feel weak in any areas where you’re usually strong? What are some things that have led to that exhaustion? (Have you stopped making room for God in those areas? What battles that you don’t even have to fight are making you tired? Are there imaginary battles you’re fighting in your mind? Arguments at work or at home that don’t even matter?)

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• The strategy has to match the season. Talk about your approach to this season and the battles you’re fighting. Where is your strategy outdated? (Is there a strategy that made you successful in one season, and it’s making you weary in this one?) What steps can you take to update your strategy?

• Ishbi-Benob was trying to kill David, so God sent Abishai to help him. Who is an Abishai in your life right now? (Are you listening to what they have to say? Jesus is an Abishai for you — what are some ways you might be pushing Him away?) ACT ON IT

This week, stop fighting battles at the wrong level — it’s time to use a new weapon in the battles you’ve been facing.

One way could be by bringing your Abishai close. Reach out to that person and let them know the role they play in your life, and take a step to keep them close. (e.g., weekly lunches, praying for each other every day, doing a devotional or Bible study together, etc.)

Tell your group one step you plan on taking. PRAYER

Father, we’re so grateful for how You’re continuing to show us how to make room for You in this season. This week, show us what we need to do to update our strategy. Please show us the decisions You want us to make differently, and reveal an Abishai in our lives who we’ve been pushing away. Guide us to someone we can BE an Abishai for — help us see how we can fight for them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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IMPACT“GOD WORKS THROUGH THE SMALL”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Pastor Steven’s from a small town. Tell the group where you’re from and your favorite or least favorite thing about that place.

• If you were giving someone a tour of your hometown, what are some places you would show them where you have fond or important memories?

• Which is smaller? Read this list to your group and tell them to vote for the option they think is smaller. Whoever gets the most correct answers wins! (Correct answers are in bold.) France or Madagascar? A swordfish or Lion’s Mane Jellyfish? A Ping Pong ball or golf ball? Planet Venus or Planet Mars? The Dead Sea or the Red Sea? The world’s smallest dog or the world’s smallest cat?

WATCH “GOD WORKS THROUGH THE SMALL”

This clip is from the sermon “Same Devils, New Levels.” Tell your group they’ll hear about how what we call small, God might call big — and vice versa. This is important because some of the “smallest” things we do might be what matter most to God!

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• Have you ever made a small decision or did something you thought was insignificant that later turned out to have a big impact? Share it with the group.

• Read 1 Samuel 16:1-11. In the last verse, Jesse says Samuel still hasn’t met his youngest son, David. They didn’t consider David could be king because he was the smallest. What are some things you’re calling “small” in this season? (What are you living in that seems little to you? e.g., your job, your potential, a relationship, etc.)

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• If you were to have a conversation with “Moncks Corner Me” (you from a previous stage of life), how would that past version of you describe the things you’re seeing as small? Where else do you need to be reminded of your original frame of reference? (Are there blessings you’re so used to you don’t even recognize them anymore?)

• We often have two tendencies — we dramatize or downplay. Which are you more likely to do? Why? How is dramatizing or downplaying harmful for you? (How does dramatizing or downplaying turn things God sees as small into big, or things God sees as big into small?)

• Talk about what we call small. What are some things we call small that God might call big, and vice versa? How can we flip our perspective to try and see things the way God does?

ACT ON IT

What we call small, God might call big. Things like sending an encouraging text message, buying someone’s lunch, or helping out a neighbor can have a much bigger impact than we think. Commit to doing something small each day this week! PRAYER

Father, we are so thankful that You are bigger — bigger than any situation, thought, feeling, or battle we may ever face. Give us eyes to see things like You see them so we can lean into what You call big and let go of what You call small. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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PERSPECTIVE“DEAL WITH THE DARK”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• If you could only wear one dark color of clothing every day, what color would it be? • Are you a night owl or a morning person?

• You have to choose one of the following for the rest of your life: dark chocolate only (no milk or white chocolate), dark meat only (no white meat chicken, pork, etc.), or dark coffee only (black coffee, no cream).

WATCH “DEAL WITH THE DARK”

This clip is from the sermon “Get To The Good Part.” Tell your group they’ll hear about what it means to really believe that God works all things for the good — doing this well is key in helping us deal with the dark parts of our lives.

REVIEW

Ask group members to share their takeaways or what stood out to them from the clip.

DISCUSS

• On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself on seeing the good in any situation? (1 is really bad, 10 is really good) Give some examples.

• Read Genesis 50:19-21. In this passage, Joseph told his brothers that God was using the wrong things they had done to him for good. Share about a time God worked something good out of a situation when you didn’t expect it (or think it was even possible). • Joseph got to see the good part because he went through the dark part. Where are you walking through something dark? How does Joseph’s story challenge or encourage you?

• Sometimes, before we get to the good part in our lives, we have to get to the good part in our minds. What can you do to get to the good part in your mind?

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(Are there dark parts you’re currently navigating where you’ve already been able to “get to good” in your mind? How has that changed the way you’re moving through them?)

• Read Romans 8:28. The part that feels good isn’t always the part that IS good, and vice versa. What’s something you can look at in your life right now and say that it IS good even though it doesn’t feel good? What’s good about it? (What is God working in or through in your life? Are there other things that are good you might be overlooking?)

ACT ON IT

SEE THE GOOD

Get a pen and paper. Write down a darkness you’re experiencing in your life. Each day, look for the good in the dark, then on that same piece of paper, write down the good you see God working out of that dark place. Write down the good you’re believing God is working out of the dark parts. Put the paper somewhere you can see it each day this week, and thank God for the good things He is doing.

If you’re not experiencing a darkness in your life, what can you do to support someone who is? Share this message and your takeaways with them, and do what you can to help them get to the good part.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for always having good plans for us. Give us faith to stand in dark places and call them good because of Your presence and Your trustworthiness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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