Biblical Principles of Growth VII
10 minutes – Greeting & Fellowship



Light refreshments
Welcoming and Introducing new members or visitors to the Group
Sharing upcoming events (Conferences, Seminars, Network Meetings, etc.)
20 minutes – This Week’s Discussion
Objective: From Growth to Building – Every Part working together in the Body
One Body – Many Parts:
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-14


As with the natural body – the Body of Christ is made up of many parts
It is through the Spirit that we are unified and bonded together as the Body of Christ
Every Part has its Place:
Read 1 Corinthians 12:15-20

Not one Believer should ever feel that because they are not a specific “part” of the Body that they
do not have a place in the Body nor a role in the Body


If we were all the same, played the same role and the same gifts, the Body wouldn’t be effective
There are many parts, unique parts in the Body of Christ. Each with a role that was determined by
God, just as it was meant to be.

If we do not function the way that God created us to and we do not fill the purpose we were created
to, the Body does not operate at full capacity
God knows what He is doing within the Body of Christ – Let’s trust Him and Build His Kingdom!

Every Part is Valuable:
Read 1 Corinthians 12:21-24a


No part is dispensable! There is value in every healthy cell of the Body of Christ!
Even the parts that seem to carry less value or are not as visible – are equal in their value in the
Body. Just because a role may not be as visible or “public” does not cheapen its function

There are many organs in the natural body that are not visible to those around us, but our bodies
would cease to function without them – same with the Body of Christ! Eliminate what seems like it
has no value and you will quickly realize how vital it was (Think maintenance, nursery, hospitality,
ushers, a few examples – key roles to a Sunday Morning that are not always visible to everyone)
The Key to transitioning from Grow to Build:
Read 1 Corinthians 12:24b-27
Jubilee International Ministries – Connect Group Curriculum
Connect Lesson 14
1




God has “woven” the Body of Christ together, equal in parts, equal in concern and to walk in unity
We are to bear one another’s burden and celebrate one another’s joys and victories
When one receives honor so does the entire Body – with all Glory going to God!
The Body of Christ is ready to move from Grow to Build when we each recognize, accept, walk in and
fulfill our role and function while sharing everything from burdens to celebrations with the entire
Body in unity! This is when the “world” will see our Love one for Another and we will be most
successful in fulfilling the Great Commission – because we will all be in our place
20 minutes – This Week’s Discussion Questions
Question 1: Have I ever felt, or do I feel that I have no place in the Body or no influence in the Body?


Emphasize the importance of finding our role and loving it because it’s who God created us to be
Discuss areas that may be “overlooked” or “undervalued” – emphasize their value to the Body
Question 2: Have I spent more time desiring to function as someone else, rather than finding my role?
 There are times that a more visible or “popular” role can be very attractive – but the Kingdom and
the Body of Christ does Connect, Grow and Build from the “attractive” but in the complete function


There are many time a less Sunday Morning visible role, for example a Connect Leader has more day
to day influence than does the Sunday Morning team – it’s called relationship and discipleship – the
true arena of Growth and Building!
In “our” place – we impact those God has for us to impact! Out of place – little or no impact
Question 3: Discuss the importance of unity and each member functioning as God created them
 It is much easier to multiply and reproduce when we are who God created us to be
10 minutes – Closing in Prayer




Pray that each person learn and apply a lifestyle based on our lesson
Pray that the group keeps each other accountable in doing so
Pray prayers of agreement with individuals with prayer requests
Close with a prayer that everything be sealed by the Holy Spirit and for safety in traveling
Post Meeting Fellowship




Leader should collect contact information from any new attendees
Time of Post Meeting Fellowship does not have to be restrictive but held within reason
Good time to share testimonies
Be sure no one feels they are obligated to stay if they need to go
Dismiss the Group

Post meeting – Leader should log in to Connect Leader’s Web Report and enter attendance and any
new member or visitor information then submit the data
Jubilee International Ministries – Connect Group Curriculum
Connect Lesson 14
2