You are not expected to cover every detail of this Pulpit Curriculum, rather, consider it a resource to help you in guiding your group to a deeper understanding and application of the Word. Lifegroup leaders may find it beneficial to select 3 to 6 questions that will make the time most productive. Remember, there is great benefit to group members whose hunger to grow will stimulate their returning, on their own at a later time, so as to understand and apply it further. Ministry Opportunities to help you redeem the time…In an effort to encourage your growth in understanding the Word, developing in service and integrating into the Harvest we offer the following ministry events to benefit you.

09/22 – Leadership Convention 09/23 – Ladies Lifegroup training 09/25 – Vertical Church Tour 10/7 – Evangelism 101 class 10/13 – LG 101 and 201 trainingIntroduction Living for the dot or the line?Last week we discovered that The King is waiting to meet us When it All Counts. This week, Pastor Kurt challenged us regarding our lives here and now. How did the dot and the line illustration direct us to redeem the dot so we are better ready for the line? In what way might you redeem your time now to see greater fruit for eternity? We are in this together. Take a moment and read verses 19-21 and identify the 9 reasons for unity found there. Share how these are happening in our church and especially in your Lifegroup. What are the counter-forces at work in our culture that we must determine to stand against?1. Saved for IntegrationWhen Paul wrote the Ephesians the need for reconciliation and overcoming division was centered on the Jewish and Gentile racial divisions. What might cause our fellowship to become divided? Paul calls the church to no longer be disconnected but to be integrated as one house. What unifies us as the house of God? How should the interconnection of Lifegroup accomplish this in you? What effect on our culture will occur as they observe our integration together?2. Designed for HeavenKurt emphasized that we are citizens together living here in preparation for a certain future in heaven. How might someone watching your life this week, be able to know that you are a citizen of heaven? How can you fulfill that God designed purpose? How might you live now with eternity in mind?3. Connected to the CornerstoneWhat is the significance of the phrase ‘in whom’? Pastor Kurt explained how we are connected to the Cornerstone. How does being part of a church and being an active participant in a Lifegroup enhance your ability to be well connected? We recognize that there are circumstances and good reasons which may prevent someone from being a committed part of a Lifegroup. We also love people enough to regularly encourage all to make Lifegroup a part of your spiritual growth plan. Who might you have reached out to in order to invite them to your Lifgroup? This is our best offering for being connected together.4. Fitted TogetherAs we are connected and integrated as a church we are better able to accomplish Kingdom purposes. How is just attending church different from participating in a Lifegroup? Many who join with our fellowship discover that Lifegroups are unlike Sunday School. Can you identify how a Lifegroup 40 minute application study and a 40 minute Mutual Ministry GAIN discussion differ from the nature of most churches? How do these unique Lifegroup elements encourage us to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only”?5. Growing Strong as OneWe believe that Lifegroups helps us be stronger individually and corporately. We want every Harvest attendee to expand their understanding of Lifegroups ministry. You can do this by attending LG 101 & 201 training on Oct. 13. Have you signed up for that? You can do that by emailing Valera@hickoryharvest.org your desire to join us. It is true that we are a temple individually(1 Cor. 3:16) but we must remember that in Eph. 3 we are corporately a temple as well. Are you with us?

Pulpit Curriculum

When it All Counts

Redeeming the Dot Together Eph. 2:19-22

by Pastor Kurt Gebhards

6. Built for the Long HaulFind the names identifying the Trinity in these verses. How does God work together as the Godhead? God is unified and He wants that in us too. Read Jesus’ prayer for us in Jn. 17:20-23 to understand this better. Unity helps us be ready for the long haul. How might your weekly commitment to Lifegroups supply the reserves you need for the long haul? Can you share an instance where your Lifegroup cared well and helped you keep going? If you choose to be an independent follower of Christ you are bound to struggle. Will you join us?Mutual Ministry Moment: Lifegroup standardsAs our new season of Lifegroup ministry begins we want to be mindful of the commitment we make being an active part of this essential ministry. Make Lifegroup meetings a priority and will commit to weekly attendance. We ask you to be present 70% of the times we meet during the year.If unable to attend, or am running late, call your group leader. There is great benefit in being responsible and punctual regarding your commitment to Lifegroups.Come to Lifegroup meeting prepared, with assignments done, ready to participate. It is a proven fact you will get much more from Lifegroups if you prepare ahead. Download the Pulpit Curriculum, discuss it as you study, talk about the questions that arise.Take ownership of your responsibility to be Faithful, Accountable, and Teachable. God works best with clay that is soft. Be pliable to Him by being FAT.Pray for Harvest of Hickory to be a gospel beacon the draws people out of darkness offering a place that points us to “When It All Counts”. Pray for our Lifegroups to continue to make the difference in our friend’s lives. The “Intercessory Prayer” groups during our worship services 09/16/12: 1st hour – Durham2nd hour – Gregory3rd hour – Ferguson

Behind the practice of our Lifegroups are very important principles. These principles are the Harvest and Lifegroups DNA.DNA are the building blocks of our human existence. Without them we do not exist. The same is true with our Lifegroups DNA. We want to help you see how what we do together is very purposeful. Pastor Kurt mentioned a couple of our DNA principles which we expand on here.

Lifegroup Application Study – Don’t be a “Bible Head”. This time is when you take what you learned in the message and share together how you can apply it in your home, your marriage, your work and in your life.

GAIN moments in Mutual Ministry time – Get At It Now is a principle that guides Mutual Ministry when someone shares a struggle. We join together to help our friends find the way of escape in the Word, discover the Truth from God that overcomes the enemy’s lie, encourage the steps of repentance and cleansing from a besetting sin and we pray for God’s help in moving forward with confidence.

Lifegroup D N A