Try A Spiritual Self-Assessment

Three hands -male, female and child- holding big puzzle pieces trying to form a picture of the blue sky with sun and clouds. Isolated on white, two clipping paths included one for the puzzle surface and one for the background.

Over the past year, I have heard many groups’ leaders express the desire to go deeper with the people in their groups—experiencing more vulnerability and openness. One thing I have done that has worked pretty well is to do a “self-assessment” a few times a year.  It is a way for everyone in the group to share about how they want to grow in different areas of their lives.

One home group (the Vitzthums) tried a “self-assessment” this fall. Here’s what they had to say:

“Recently we had our first home group of the fall season. We didn’t have our books yet and the sermon based questions hadn’t started, so we decided to do the Spiritual Self-Assessment. We went around the group on each section of the first part, with everyone giving one positive and negative thing about their last year. Everyone was open and honest with their struggles. Some of the best sharing we have ever had. The coolest thing was a new couple joined our group that night and they were able to see firsthand what each individual was going through. I think they felt secure knowing we were a group of sinners who are struggling  through life, but our love for God is greater. What a great first night!”

Try it for yourself! The Spiritual Self-Assessment is available by clicking on this link.

Thank you to those who attended Prayer Training!

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Over the weekend about 30 of us got together for a Prayer training workshop. Our time together included a scripture study of Psalm 84, which led to a wonderful discussion about different interpretations of the versus, the beautiful images that the words brought to mind, and how we typically emote feelings of joy, courage and weakness in our own lives.

Next, we discussed prayer ministry, focusing on when it may be appropriate to break into small groups, the advantages (and disadvantages) of dividing men and women for prayer, and when to focus on intercession for one person in the group. We spent some time in small group prayer and also applied what we learned about intercession prayer. Finally, we talked about Spirituality of the Psalms, and took a deeper look at ways the prayers can be categorized, how that makes us feel, and what trials the Psalmists may have faced while writing scripture.

Here are links to documents used at the Prayer Training:

Additionally, please make sure the following dates are noted on your calendars:

  • Saturday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Discipleship Training led by Pastors Art, Paul & Tony
  • Saturday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Group Leaders Retreat

I’d love your feedback about the prayer training. Please leave your comments below or send me an email. Thank you!

October Sermon Discussion Questions

Hello! Our “new year” is off to a great start. Nearly all of the home groups have resumed meeting again, Learning Groups are in full swing, and a new line-up of Fun Groups begin next week (check them out if you haven’t had a chance yet). This Fall we will be journeying through Galatians during weekend services in a new series entitled Free.

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Click on this link to get a copy of the sermon discussion questions for the month of October. The scripture is included for each week. Feel free to hand out the questions with the scripture to your group and study the text together.

If you have any questions or comments you may leave a comment or send an email. The sermon discussion questions are also posted in the Documents section of this website.

RSVP for Prayer Training Oct. 17!

Hello Lighthouse Groupies! I’m leading a prayer workshop and would love for each of you to attend. Watch this video, then click on the link below to RSVP today.

Please click on this link to RSVP for the Prayer Training on Oct. 17 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided, please list your child(ren)’s name & age in the registration. Thanks!

(If the above link is not working, copy & paste this address https://www.churchteams.com/m/Login.asp?oID=6397&secID=aTBkVXk1T295V1hwRjhFdjd5UlJVdnU1S1AvTEovem8%3D&page=Register.asp?GroupID=236709~sgr=y)