Stages of Disciple Making - Stage 2: Come and Follow Me

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - FEBRUARY 2021

The calling for every Christ-follower is to make disciples. Throughout His life, Jesus displayed that discipleship is an ongoing process that is done relationally. We are continuing our discussion of the article, “The Stages of Disciple Making” by Bobby Harrington with the goal of us all becoming better disciple-makers. Last month, we went over Stage One: “Come and See”, which focused on the importance of building genuine relationships and friendships with those far from God. This month, we will focus on Stage 2: “Come and Follow Me”.

2. “Come and follow Me” Phase: Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:16–18
The next phase in Jesus’ strategy to develop disciple makers occurred when He moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. This town became the home base of His public ministry. It was a town of two to three thousand people in the first century, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (and the ruins of the town, including the synagogue, Peter’s mother-in-law’s house, and other sites from Jesus time are still in existence to this day).

Note Matthew’s description of the turning point into this phase (4:12–17):
Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali … From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

This phase is punctuated by Jesus’ invitation for those who have been in a casual relationship with Him and have been watching Him from a distance to now come and follow Him. He asked them to make a decision. Matthew 4:18–19 describes it succinctly.

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Verse 19 is a key verse by which we can define a disciple. The definition is contained in the invitation. A disciple is someone who is following Jesus (follow me), being changed by Jesus (and I will make you), and committed to the mission of Jesus (fishers of men).

Once this phase started, those who had now made the decision to follow Jesus are ledmore and more deeply into the life of a disciple. They continued to see what Jesus was all about up close and personal. They watched and listened as Jesus healed the demoniciac (Luke 4: 31–37), healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29–34), went about teaching throughout Galilee (Luke 4:42–44; Mark 1:35–39), cleansed the leper (Mark 1:40–45) and the like.

During this phase, Jesus exposed His disciples to a broader and deeper understanding of his teachings and the implications of His kingdom. They also learned by watching the reactions of people to Jesus and their questions to Him. They are in a relationship with Jesus and with each other. Bill Hull estimates that there were 70 to 120 people involved with Jesus in this phase.

The broader community following Jesus is key. It takes a broader relational community around which new beliefs can be explored, expressed, practiced, and nurtured. In this phase, Jesus is discipling His followers, with the help of a new community.

How do we apply the principles from this phase today?
The key turning point in this phase is commitment. The disciples have responded to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him. They were prepared for this decision because of the relationship and trust established in phase one. Likewise, people enter this phase today when they turn to Jesus as followers and involve themselves in the community of a disciple maker(s). They still do not understand what it really means to trust and follow Jesus, but they are on the journey and in a relational community of disciples.

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Remember to actively engage those who are making the decision to follow Jesus in further relationships—not just with you the disciple maker, but with others who collectively form a discipling community (a church).

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Continue to expose them to true kingdom living and the fullness of Jesus’ teachings and especially the real-life struggles involved in following Jesus. Conflicts will surface and that should be expected. Relational conflicts are necessary to a disciple’s development.

Do not call people (into ministry) while in this phase of disciple making. They are not yet ready, and they have not proven the genuine nature of their commitment to following Jesus. We do not yet know if they will be Faithful, Available, Teachable, Sendable, and Obedient (the acronym FATSO). This is an area where many of us make mistakes. We meet people who say the right things, they look good early on, seeming to get it and we decide to invest in them as small group leaders or disciple makers or youth leaders. Slow down: Jesus shows us by his example how to pick such people. This is also likely the reason why Paul told Timothy, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 5:22).

Key points in the second phase:

• Start with people who have made the commitment to be disciples.

• Expose them to continued relationships, more teaching, and a broader discipling community.

• Let them see what it is to be a disciple in “real life,” with conflicts, tensions, etc.

• Resist the temptation to invite people from this phase into being disciple makers.

• Spiritual infants and spiritual children are most common in this phase.
  

Discussion Questions: 

1. Last month we discussed who God is calling you to invite into your life so they can witness “the goodness of God”. Share how building relationships and friendships with them has been going for you. Has there been any praise reports and/or challenges?

2. After reading Stage Two: Come and Follow Me, was there anything new you realized about relational discipleship? Why do you think it’s important for those you reach to actually witness firsthand how you live as a disciple of Christ in the good and difficult moments of life?

3. Is the person you are reaching ready to learn more about what a personal relationship with Jesus looks like? If so, what are the next steps you can encourage them to take (i.e. reading the Purpose Driven Life book together, and/or inviting them to your Small Group or to service)?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray that the person you have been inviting into your life would desire to be a disciple of Jesus, and for the boldness to invite them to Small Group, to service, or to begin the Purpose Driven Life book with them.

2. Pray for one another’s current prayer requests; for themselves or others in their relational circles.

3. Pray that the COVID-19 virus would be crushed and for unity in our country.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Zoom Reimbursement 
We will continue to reimburse Zoom "Pro Package" subscriptions until further notice. This will enable you to keep hosting virtual Zoom meetings and not neglecting to meet as a small group. 

• If you would like to participate in utilizing Zoom Pro for your small group meeting, please email info@pearlside.org. We will then send you reimbursement instructions for the cost of your subscription.

• If you already have your February or previous months of Zoom Pro receipts (beginning of May 2020), kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org.

Stages of Disciple Making - Stage 1: Come and See

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - JANUARY 2021

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

The command to make disciples was the last instruction Jesus gave His disciples before He ascended into heaven. As present-day Christ-followers, making disciples is the calling for our life as well. Over the next five months, we will discuss the article, “The Stages of Disciple Making” by Bobby Harrington. Jesus displayed that discipleship is done relationally and is an ongoing process. This article goes over the five stages of relational discipleship Jesus demonstrated. This month, we will go over Stage One: “Come and See.” 

1. “Come and See” Phase: John 1:39–4:46
The first phase of the journey to make disciple makers begins with Jesus’ baptism by John at the Jordan river, likely in the year 26 A.D. (C.E.) The Gospel of John provides a good picture for us. John describes the day after Jesus’ baptism.

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ 37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.” (John 1:35–39)

This text describes the first time Andrew and Peter meet Jesus. I like Jesus’ response to the fact that they were seeking (an interesting word), He simply said: “come and see.”

This first phase is aptly called the come and see phase because, for some time, the disciples are simply in relationship with Jesus watching what He says and does. They get to experience Jesus at the wedding in Cana described in John 2 (a highly relational event where they also shared some good wine), Jesus turning over the tables in the Temple as described in John 2, a discussion mentioned in John 3 with Nicodemus at night (on how he had to be born again), an encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well from John 4 (it is a cool well that you can see and experience to this day), and finally to Jesus being rejected in his hometown of Nazareth, which was a small town with only several hundred people (in Luke 4).

In each of these settings, there are two things to note:

1. They are simply in relationship with Jesus (getting to watch and know Him in both enjoyable and tough situations).

2. They are not yet called into a commitment. They get a front-row seat to see and listen to what God would do (and does do) in a real human life.

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Conversion is a process and Jesus loves His disciples well by letting them get to know Him before He calls for a commitment.

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How do we apply the principles from this phase today?

In a like manner, we must remember that both parts of discipleship are a process—it is a process before conversion and it is a process after conversion. This first phase is before conversion. Like Jesus, we need to warmly welcome those who do not yet believe into relationships where we love them, spend time with them, and let them “see our lives.” Because of who we are as disciple makers, that will involve a lot of watching us talk about Jesus and real life and church. The lives we live are very important. The substance of the first phase is relationship and exposure.

We hope and pray that they will see our good lives and ask us for the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:13–17; Matthew 5:14–16). Non-believers are looking for love and life. Let them see that in our lives! Invite them to small groups, church, and especially relational gatherings. Help them to hear the Word of God, privately and publicly. If you can, help create Sunday gatherings that encourage and develop disciples, but also make room for non-Christians and seekers who just want to “come and see.” First Corinthians 14:25 describes non-believers in the early church services who would be, “falling on their faces, worshipping God and declaring that God is really among you.”

Key points in the first phase:

• Discipleship and conversion are processes, give people space.

• People need relationships, love, and to see our good lives.

• Expose them to the Word of God.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What stands out to you the most from Stage One: Come and See? Was there anything new you realized about the importance of building relationships with those far from God?

2. Who are those far from God that He is calling you to invite into your life so they can see the goodness of God? After reading the application portion, what are some practical ways you can invite them into your life to build with relationally and responsibly in the midst of the current pandemic?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray for one another’s current prayer requests; for themselves or others in their relational circles.

2. Pray that there would be a surge of relationships being built by our church members with those far from God.

3. Pray by name for those God has called you to invite into your life and build relationally with so they can experience God’s goodness.

4. Pray that the virus would be crushed and that those who are affected by this pandemic (health, finances, relationships, schooling, etc.) would experience breakthrough and come to know God.

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Fuel To Live On Mission

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - NOVEMBER 2020

Jesus calls us to live on mission by sharing the Gospel and making disciples. It is the final command Jesus gave His disciples before He ascended into heaven, yet it was something they initially struggled to do. However, as we see in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples in the upper room and filled them with incredible faith. This moment with God became the fuel the early church needed to go from sitting idle to passionately and fervently sharing the Gospel. This explosion of mission led to the early church experiencing its initial explosion of growth.

As present-day disciples, we can also struggle in living on mission for various reasons (busyness, availability, fear, doubt, etc.). However, just like the disciples in Acts 2, we know that our relationship with God is the ultimate fuel for us to share the Gospel and make disciples. David Jones writes in the article ​“Missional Fatigue: Fuel for When We’re Running on Empty​,” that if we struggle in living on mission, it is likely due to our lack of personal devotion with God.

For Leadership Group, read this article and take note of the four key areas Jones addresses that would strengthen our devotion to God and provide the fuel for us to live on mission.

Discussion Questions ​(Read the attached article)​ :

1. Which of the four points listed in this article stood out to you most? How can you address this point in your devotional time with God so you can be fueled up to live on mission?

2. Point four addresses “Mobilizing Collaborative Potential.” Who in your Leadership Group, Small Group or in our church could you partner with in reaching the person God has placed on your heart? If there is someone who comes to mind, contact them and begin to pray and discuss how you can work together in reaching your one.

Application​:

1. Small Group Leaders​: Feel free to take time this week and share this article with your Small Group and remind them to care for their devotional time with God so they can also be fueled up to live on mission.

Prayer Points​:

1. Pray for one another’s current prayer requests and for focus to care for their devotional time with God.

2. Pray that there would be a surge in our church of evangelism and living missionally to those God has called us to share the Gospel with.

3. Pray that the virus would be crushed in our islands, and that those who are affected by this pandemic (health, finances, relationships, schooling, etc.) would experience breakthrough and come to know God.

4. Pray for unity in our country and state post-elections and for God to move in the lives of those elected to our national and local government.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Small Group Update

As of October 22nd, the State has moved into Tier 2 of Honolulu’s Reopening Strategy. Our small groups, in clusters of five, may continue to meet in person. Social gatherings are acceptable at homes, restaurants, public parks, and beaches with social distancing precautions. Groups that prefer to meet online may continue to do so.

Weekly Leadership Thought

As another leadership resource, we wanted to give you access to our “Weekly Leadership Thought” that is shared with our pastoral staff and campus ministers. This is for personal viewing and its purpose is to equip and encourage those who help lead and shepherd our church. We will be adding content like this to our Leaders Resource page. Because of the nature of the material, this page is password protected.

To access this page, go to ​https://pearlside.org/leadership-resources​ ​and enter the password: ​leader

Zoom Reimbursement

We will continue to reimburse Zoom "Pro Package" subscriptions for the months of October​. This will enable you to keep hosting virtual Zoom meetings and not neglecting to meet as a small group.

• If you would like to participate in utilizing Zoom Pro for your small group meeting, please email info@pearlside.org. We will then send you reimbursement instructions for the cost of your subscription.

• If you already have your October or previous months of Zoom Pro receipts (beginning of May 2020), kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org​.

First Responders Appreciation

On the weekend of November 27-29, 2020, Pearlside Church would like to recognize, pray for, and thank our First Responders. Please use the form below to let us know of the first responders that are in your small group or on your serve team.

First Responders include: Doctors, Nurses, Physician Assistants (PA), Certified Nurses Assistants (CNA), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Police Officers, and Firemen.

Please turn in all information by Wednesday, November 18 at 5:00pm. ​Link to form:​ ​https://pearlside.wufoo.com/forms/pearlside-church-first-responders/

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Sharing the Gospel

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - OCTOBER 2020

The early church served those that were in need due to hardship and crisis. We see throughout the New Testament that the disciples would provide food for orphans and widows, finances for the poor, and prayer for the sick. Serving others during crisis was important then, and we are so encouraged to hear and witness what our church and our members are doing now to help family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are so proud and we must continue to serve those in need!

However, as important as acts of kindness are, Jesus said the most essential thing the church does is sharing the Gospel and making disciples. In response to Jesus’ command to make disciples, the Apostle Paul wrote that each Christ-follower must take personal responsibility and ownership in sharing the Gospel with the unsaved, so they could have an opportunity to receive Jesus into their life.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14 NIV)

The early church was intentional and committed to presenting the Gospel to the unsaved that they served. These acts of kindness, led to Gospel presentations, which led to salvations, and thousands upon thousands of disciples of Christ being made. For us, as we serve and pray for unsaved family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates during these unprecedented times, let’s not hesitate to present the Gospel of salvation when God provides the opportunity to!

Application: 

Presenting the Gospel is simply sharing with an unsaved person the following: 

“The Gospel is the good news that God became Man in Jesus Christ. He lived the life we should have lived, and died the death we should have died in our place. Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving that He is the Son of God, and offering the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who repents and believes in Him.”

Along with the Gospel presentation above, please see the diagram below which visually explains the Gospel and gift of salvation through Jesus.

If someone is ready to commit their life to Jesus after hearing the Gospel and the gift of salvation, lead them into this prayer to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I believe you died on the cross for my sins, and on the third day rose again conquering sin and death. Today, I choose to turn from my sins, and follow you for the rest of my life. I declare that you are my Lord and Savior. Amen!”

1. Leadership Group Coaches: Take time to share and review with your leaders how to share the Gospel of salvation and lead someone to Jesus. Share your experiences in doing so, have others share their experiences, and answer any questions your leaders may have.

2. Small Group Leaders: Take time this week and share this teaching with your Small Group. Ask who God has placed on their heart to share the Gospel with. Encourage your SG to continue to pray for them by name, and to be bold and share the Gospel of salvation if God presents them an opportunity to.

Discussion Questions: 

1. Why do you think it can be easy for us to pray and care for others, but difficult to share the Gospel with them? 

2. Is there someone that is not saved that God may be calling you to share the Gospel with in this season so they can receive Christ and become a disciple? What steps of faith can you take to share the Gospel with them?

Prayer Points: 

1. Pray for one another’s current prayer requests and for a refueling of faith.

2. Pray that that the church would share the Gospel, and that those we are reaching would receive Jesus into their life and become disciples.

3. Pray that the virus would be crushed in our islands, and that those who are affected by this pandemic (health, finances, relationships, schooling, etc.) would experience breakthrough and come to know God. 

Announcements:

• Small Group Update
  With the State’s Honolulu Reopening Strategy Tier One, effective Thursday, September 24th, our small groups, in clusters of five, may once again meet in person. Social gatherings are acceptable at public parks and beaches with social distancing precautions. Keep in mind that restaurants are not yet open to groups of people from different households. Groups that prefer to meet online may continue to do so.
  

• Weekly Leadership Thought
  As another leadership resource, we wanted to give you access to our “Weekly Leadership Thought” that is shared with our pastoral staff and campus ministers. This is for personal viewing and its purpose is to equip and encourage those who help lead and shepherd our church. We will be adding content like this to our Leaders Resource page. Because of the nature of the material, this page is password protected. 

  To access this page, go to https://pearlside.org/leadership-resources and enter the password: leader
  

• Zoom Reimbursement
  We will continue to reimburse Zoom "Pro Package" subscriptions for the month of September. This will enable you to keep hosting virtual Zoom meetings and not neglecting to meet as a small group. 

  • If you would like to participate in utilizing Zoom Pro for your small group meeting, please email info@pearlside.org. We will then send you reimbursement instructions for the cost of your subscription.

  • If you already have your September or previous months of Zoom Pro receipts (beginning of May 2020), kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org.

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Wait and Witness

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - SEPTEMBER 2020  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve become accustomed to the four W’s given by our local and national government to stop the spread: wash your hands, wear a mask, watch your distance, and withhold from gatherings. However, as Christ-followers there are two disciplines in our faith we must always live out whether we are in the midst of a crisis or not - WAIT on God and WITNESS to others. And as we see throughout the Bible and in modern-day history, the church (God’s people) was always at its best during crisis when it rose up in prayer, waited on God’s timing, and shared God’s love with others.

WAIT on God.
In Exodus, the Israelites had escaped from Egypt. However, the Egyptian army was coming after them and the Red Sea prevented them from moving forward. In the midst of crisis, Moses encourages them to wait on God to move, which He does with the parting of the Red Sea. In Isaiah, we are reminded that God strengthens and upholds His people.

“As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. 11They said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, “Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians”? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!’ 13Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’ 15Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.’” (Exodus 14:10-16 NIV)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

WITNESS to others.
In Acts, the Apostle Paul - who himself faced persecution and imprisonment for his faith in God - shared with the church leaders in Ephesus that he was headed to Jerusalem to preach the gospel and share God’s love with others. This was a conviction that fueled all Paul did in life.

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24 NIV)

Regardless if we are in a pandemic or not, as disciples we must continue to trust in God’s timing and share God’s love with others. As Small Group leaders, it’s our responsibility to equip and encourage our SG members to do the same. We were made for such a time as this!

Discussion Questions: 

1. Is there currently anything specific you must faithfully wait on God for?

2. Who has God placed on your heart in this season to witness to and share His love with?

3. What practical steps can you take to be obedient in both areas?
   

Active Application:

1. Take time this week and share this teaching with your Small Group. Ask how they are personally doing in the areas of waiting on God and witnessing to others.

2. Encourage them to also take steps of faith to trust God’s timing in those areas and to continue to share God’s love with those He placed on their heart.
   

Prayer: 

1. Pray that one another would be faithful in waiting on God and witnessing to others. Pray by name those you are specifically praying for.

2. Pray that the virus would be crushed in our islands, and that those who are affected by this pandemic (health, finances, relationships, schooling, etc.) - would experience breakthrough and come to know God.
   

Announcements:

• Small Group Discussion Adjustment

  We also wanted to let you know that we are making small tweaks to our Small Group Discussion Guides in order to facilitate more processing of life as well as for more prayer. Please click here for the full update.
  

• Weekly Leadership Thought

  As another leadership resource, we wanted to give you access to our “Weekly Leadership Thought” that is shared with our pastoral staff and campus ministers. This is for personal viewing and its purpose is to equip and encourage those who help lead and shepherd our church. We will be adding content like this to our Leaders Resource page. Because of the nature of the material, this page is password protected. 
  
  To access this page, go to https://pearlside.org/leadership-resources and enter the password: leader
  

• Zoom Reimbursement

  We will continue to reimburse Zoom "Pro Package" subscriptions for the month of September. This will enable you to keep hosting virtual Zoom meetings and not neglecting to meet as a small group.

  • If you would like to participate in utilizing Zoom Pro for your small group meeting, please email info@pearlside.org. We will then send you reimbursement instructions for the cost of your subscription.

  If you already have your September or previous months of Zoom Pro receipts (beginning of May 2020), kindly email them directly to info@pearlside.org.

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Push People To Jesus

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - MARCH 2020  

Recap:

• How have you been utilizing the S.A.L.T. principle from last month’s guide? Share any experience you’ve had.

Before discussion, please view the video:

In this video, Pastor Steve Murrell briefly shares his journey to faith. As a teenager, he was introduced to Jesus through a divine connection. Ron, a new youth pastor, pursued Steve and other students with the gospel at their high school. Over the course of a year, Steve eventually gave his heart to Christ. Immediately following this conversion, Ron started a discipleship small group with Steve and other students. The goal of this group was to get these new believers to be established as disciples of Christ. Ron would ask them specific questions about reading God’s word and living God’s word. He would answer questions by pointing them back to God’s word for the answer. Ron would also ask personal questions related to moral holiness. This process of going deep into God’s word and practically living out God’s word became the foundation of Steve’s spiritual formation.

As small group leaders, our job is to push people to Jesus. We practically do this by pushing them to read God’s word and to follow up with how they are living out God’s word. The goal is to make disciples of Christ—helping others be dependent on God rather than on us small group leaders. This frees us from having to be the answer for people. We instead are motivating people to pursue Christ through prayer and His word for answers. As we push people to go deep into God’s word and hold them accountable to walk upright with God, we lay a solid discipleship foundation that gets them dependent on Him.

Discussion Questions: 

• What challenged you about what Pastor Steve shared in his discipleship journey?

• Are you being the answer for people or are you pushing people to God and His word for answers?

• How can you get those you lead to engage more with God’s word as a lifestyle?

Active Application:

• Ask those we’re discipling if they’re reading the bible. Ask what they’ve read and what did God speak to them about it. Always push them back to God’s word for answers.

• Ask how they’re practically living out the bible. Ask personal questions about struggles and issues relating to sin. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. Make sure to hold them accountable to living in freedom and truth.

Prayer: 

• Pray for those we lead to have a hunger for God’s word.

• Pray for God to stir in the heart of potential leaders in our group. Pray for them by name.

• Pray that Pearlside Church would be a church of disciple-makers that make disciple-makers.

Announcements:

• Pearlside Church Coronavirus (COVID-19) Perspective

Click here to read some pastoral insight to the current situation facing our state and nation.

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Being "Salt" Of The Earth

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - FEBRUARY 2020  

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands ALL of His disciples to share the gospel and also to make disciples. This was a mandate for EVERY Christ-follower, but we often view sharing the gospel as the responsibility of a select few. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls His disciples “salt of the earth.” A practical way to be salt is by using the S.A.L.T Principle, a simple and easy way to begin a conversation with someone. This can be done during a lunch break, before and after work, or during free time throughout the day:  

S - Start a Conversation

• Initiate a conversation with someone by politely and passionately saying “Hello” or “Hi!”

A - Ask Questions 

• After initiating the conversation, ask questions like, “How are you doing today?”, “How is everything going?”, ”How do you like work?”, “How is your family doing?", “What are you passionate about and enjoy doing?” Or, “tell me about yourself, tell me your story.” Questions give them permission to be open and let their guard down. 

L - Listen

• As they respond, make sure to be attentive, focus, and listen. Their answers give us an insight into what is going on in their lives, and what needs or burdens they may have. Listen deeply, showing empathy and care.

T - Tell Your Story

• After they share fully and were heard, often they will ask us to share our story. This gives us the opportunity to share our testimonies with them. Share a moment that relates to what they shared, and make sure to include how God was faithful throughout your situation.   

Following the S.A.L.T. principle, the key is taking time to pray for the needs of the person, which invites the Holy Spirit to move on their heart. Another key is to continue engaging this person with S.A.L.T. over time. As we consistently and intentionally create safe environments for openness, a genuine friendship will be built, and we become a bridge to them and God each time we hear their story, tell our story of what God has done in our life, and take the time to pray for them.   

Pastor Steve Murrell, President of our Every Nation family of churches, encourages every believer to share the gospel, “Imagine the church where every single person is out there being used by God no matter how old and no matter how long they have been saved.” If we want to see revival, every Christ-follower must evangelize and make disciples. This is not based on experience, knowledge, or perfection, but simply out of the overflow of loving God and loving others.  

Just as Jesus commanded and as Pastor Steve reminds us, if every church member engages those far from God with the S.A.L.T. principle, relationship, and prayer, we will see revival happen like never before. 

Discussion Questions: 

• As leaders, we set the example that our Small Group members follow. How can you apply the S.A.L.T. principle to your relationships (i.e. family, friends, co-workers, classmates, teammates, etc.)?

• Identify the people in your life that do not have a relationship with Christ. How can you regularly engage them with the S.A.L.T. principle in order to build relationships with them, pray for their needs, and eventually share the gospel?

• How will you practically teach, encourage, and keep your Small Group members accountable to regularly engage those far from God with the S.A.L.T. principle and prayer - just like you will be doing?

Prayer: 

• Pray that every Pearlside Church member would regularly engage those far from God with the S.A.L.T. principle and prayer.

• Pray that authentic friendships would form, the gospel would be shared, and our people would have the opportunity to personally lead unbelievers into a relationship with Christ.

• Pray that Pearlside Church would be a church of disciple-makers that make disciple-makers.

Announcements:

• Freedom Weekend
  A powerful class designed to allow God to speak His truth to us, draw closer to us, and transform us in a powerful way. The goal of this class is to help us arise out of our sin and its effects, into a new life of freedom and victory.

 WOMEN’S
Main Campus - ENLI 1
Saturday, March 7
(9:00am - 3:30pm)

MEN’S
Main Campus - ENLI 1
Saturday, February 22
(9:00am - 1:30pm)

• Marriage Seminar with Pastor Keith and Jennifer Tower | February 29

Join us for our upcoming marriage retreat.  At this retreat you can expect two things.  First, you’ll create a customized marriage plan, just for you - not generic to men and women, not broad for husbands and wives, but a specific plan for you and your spouse. Second you’ll unlock the key to intimacy.  You’ll be closer to your spouse than you’ve ever been before, equipped with tools to grow closer every day.  You’ll discover things you never knew about your spouse, or knew at one point and forgot.  Don’t miss this totally unique marriage experience.

Saturday, February 29, 2020
9:00am - 1:00pm
Main Campus - Worship Hall
(This seminar is for married couples.)

$20 per married couple
Couples Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 26
*Food will be provided.

Childcare:
$5 per child
Childcare Registration Deadline: Monday, February 24
*Food will be provided.

Parking will be available at Oihana Place, former Buzz's Steakhouse, on Ka'ahumanu Street and Kuahao Place.

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Empowering Others To Lead

LEADERSHIP GUIDE - JANUARY 2020  

“When every believer is a minister, it creates a healthier body.”
- Dave Browning, Deliberate Simplicity  

Throughout scripture, we see church leaders empowering other church members to oversee different areas of ministry. In Acts 6, the disciples were unable to preach the gospel because they were also tasked with the daily distribution of food to widows and orphans, which took up much time. Realizing that their number one role was to pray and preach the gospel, the disciples prayed for and empowered seven other church members to tend to the food distribution instead. With the disciples preaching and the other church members overseeing the food distribution, the church experienced accelerated growth, “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). The church grew because members were activated and empowered to lead and impact others.  

Similarly, as small group leaders, if we want to see more people come to know Jesus through our groups, we must get more of our members involved. Empowering everyone to have ownership in different areas of small group will allow us all more time to share the gospel, serve the needs of others, and celebrate together those we are praying for come into relationship with Christ.  

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’ 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:1-7 NIV)  

Discussion Questions: 

• What stands out to you from the main thought above? How has your mindset been when it comes to empowering others to have ownership in different areas of your small group? 

• Why do you think it’s important for us as small group leaders to constantly be looking for opportunities to empower our apprentice, assistant, and other members of our group? How do you think that helps them grow in their walk with God and in reaching out to others?

• Which of the following could you begin empowering others in your small group to do weekly? Take time to list who in your group could take ownership of some or all of these areas:

  • Facilitating a cluster of the small group discussion if your group is more than five people that day.

  • Discipling other members of the small group through the One 2 One app/book, Purpose Driven Life book, or through one-on-one discipleship moments.

  • Meeting with those attending small group for the first time before small group starts to get to know them and make them feel welcomed.

  • Gathering the week’s RSVP from small group members.

  • Turning in small group counts and summaries to your Leadership Group Coach.

  • Planning or hosting outreach events geared toward reaching new people and those small group members have been praying for.  

Prayer: 

• Pray that each Pearlside member in a small group would be activated in overseeing an area of their group, which would lead to continued growth in their personal discipleship and leadership.

• Pray that our small groups will experience a harvest of new believers that are passionate about growing in their relationship with God. 

• Pray that each member of our small groups would reach their “one” (a person far from God or a person who has drifted in their faith).

Announcements:

• Seek Week – January 14-16
  This will be three consecutive days where we will fast and pray corporately. We are turning ALL our small groups into prayer groups that week, and you can join us at any of our prayer pockets for a powerful time of worship and intercession. For prayer targets, times and locations, go to pearlside.org/seekweek.  

• Wednesday Prayer and Fasting in January
  As a church, we are going to add fuel to our faith with prayer and fasting every Wednesday in January to seek God corporately. We are taking one day a week for the month to put aside food to stir a greater hunger for God. We have a Wednesday Fireplace prayer pocket at 6:30pm at our Main Campus.

• Discipleship Track Our Discipleship Track is designed to lead people to a healthy relationship with God and others. Over the course of four weeks, you will gain a deeper understanding of the gospel which will transform your life, equip you for ministry in the church, and for influence in the world.

Thursday Cycle

Main Campus - ENLI 1
February 6 - February 27
(7:00pm - 9:00pm)

• Freedom Weekend
  A powerful class designed to allow God to speak His truth to us, draw closer to us, and transform us in a powerful way. The goal of this class is to help us arise out of our sin and its effects, into a new life of freedom and victory.

 WOMEN’S

Main Campus - ENLI 1
Friday, January 17
(7:30pm - 10:00pm)

-AND-

Saturday, January 18
(9:00am - 2:30pm)

MEN’S

Main Campus - ENLI 1
Saturday, February 22
(9:00am - 1:30pm)
 

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Mission and Vision

LEADERSHIP GUIDE – NOVEMBER 2019

Every church has both a mission and a vision to accomplish. Mission tells us why we exist and keeps our focus on what is most important. Vision gives us a glimpse of the future and helps us identify what it will look like, where it will happen and to a measure, who we will impact. At Pearlside Church, our mission and vision are:

Mission:
We exist to help people Know God, Follow God, Discover Purpose,
and Make a Difference while helping others do the same. 

Vision:
Make Disciples, Raise Leaders, and Plant Churches.

We want to do this locally, nationally, and internationally. God has called us to affect Hawaii, West Coast, South Pacific, parts of Asia including Japan, China, Philippines, Thailand, etc. We believe God has given us influence to impact children, youth, college/young adults, educators, coaches, government officials, the military, those in the marketplace, and the needy. We each play an essential part in making this happen because our individual God-given vision will fit in the larger vision God has for His church. We will never fulfill this call unless we are willing to get out of our comfort zones and participate in what God is doing.

Discussion Questions:

• What do you see as your individual part in the overall mission and vision of Pearlside Church? Has God placed a cause, a city, or a country on your heart?

• What are some next steps you can take to fulfill God’s call for your life?

• As a leader, what is a practical step you can take to lead your group towards participating in God’s mission and vision for our church?

Prayer:

• Pray for clarity of vision and that we would take steps to make a difference in the lives of others.

• Pray for a person that we are reaching to be a disciple and a person we are raising to be a leader.

Communications: 

• Main Campus Morning Parking

In order to make room for our first-time guests, families with infants and young children, and those with special needs, we want to encourage our leaders and members to park in the following area:

·      Our Corporate Office parking stalls

·      Street parking on Kaahumanu Street and Kuahao Place

·      Mary Savio Parking Structure (only available Sunday morning)

This will create space for new people to have a pleasant experience with our church.  

• Holiday Planning for Small Groups

With the holiday season coming up, many of our small group members will be busier than usual. We are encouraging everyone to plan ahead so that small group attendance is not neglected during this busy time. Take a moment at your next small group to discuss with your members what you will do during these holiday weeks – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

• Men’s Freedom Weekend

Freedom Weekend is a powerful class designed to allow God to speak His truth to us, draw closer to us, and transform us in a powerful way. The goal of this class is to help us arise out of our sin and its effects, into a new life of freedom and victory. We have streamlined this class to one day happening November 23, 2019 from 9:00am-1:00pm at the Main Campus. To sign-up, click the button below or our Pearlside App.

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Up-reach, In-reach, And Outreach

Being consistent in service and small group weekly is essential for our faith — and the faith of our small group members — to grow. There are three key functions within small groups that are necessary to help us grow as disciples of Christ: 

• Up-reach: We connect “upward” with God through prayer and processing the Word together within the group. There’s power in prayer, and each group should take time to open and close in prayer. We also want the Word to be the focus in our conversations with one another, using it as a frame to point each other back to God.

• In-reach: Real change happens through relationships. Each group should take time to process God’s truth and how it applies to our lives. We want to create environments for honesty and transparency, learning from and encouraging one another as we grow to pursue Christ. Relationships formed within group shouldn’t be isolated to the group meeting, but extend beyond to everyday life.

• Outreach: God’s heart is for people far from Him, and each group should take time to share who they are reaching and pray for them as a group. Groups should also plan to strategically connect and invite those they are reaching to the group. This is an opportunity for our groups to think beyond ourselves and live on mission for God. The mission to reach people needs to be kept in the minds of the group as it can easily be buried in the busyness of life.

Discussion Questions:

• Which of the three functions does your small group need to improve on and why?

• What are some next steps you can take as the leader of the small group to grow in these areas?

Practical Application:

• With the holiday season coming up, many of our small group members will be busier than usual. In the past, we’ve experienced increased inconsistency in small group attendance during this time due to parties and events that coincide with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. We are encouraging everyone to plan ahead so that small group attendance is not compromised during the holidays. Take time at your next small group to discuss with your members what you will do during these holiday weeks - in particular, the week of Halloween for this month. Although the holidays can be very busy, it’s still important for us to be in services and small groups as it helps us grow in our faith.

Prayer:

• Pray that Pearlside members would continue to grow in their relationship with God, with one another, and with those far from God.

• Pray that our small groups will experience a harvest of new believers that are passionate about growing in their relationship with God.

• Pray that each member of our small groups would reach their “one” (a person far from God or a person who has drifted in their faith).

Communications:

• Small Group Best Practices
  To better ensure attendance and participation, we are encouraging all small group leaders to ask for an RSVP during the week leading into group and for leaders to follow up on the reason why members are not able to attend that week. Along with ensuring attendance and participation, following up helps to cultivate accountability and care for our members.

  Please make sure to start and end group on time and to save catch up discussion and fellowship after the discipleship guide and prayer is finished. This will help ensure enough time to go through the guide and also honor one another’s time.

• Pearlside 25th Anniversary - October 2019
  Throughout October, we will remember the past 25 years of God’s faithfulness in our church. We will also be looking forward to the next 25 years with a fresh vision for the future. We are calling all those who consider Pearlside to be their home church to be in both services and small groups to hear the heart of what God is doing in our church for years to come. Exciting things will be revealed, and you don’t want to miss it.

• Seek Week - October 22-24
  Join us for our annual time of corporate fasting and prayer. We will be praying for our friends and families, areas of influence, and future church plants. Main Campus prayer pockets will be 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Worship Hall.

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Why Small Groups Are a Must

Throughout the Bible, we see two main weekly meetings that the church was built on to help believers grow in their faith: the weekend service for the word and worship AND the weekday small group for relationship and discipleship. Similar to how a plane needs both wings to take flight, each disciple needs consistency in BOTH the weekend service and the weekday small group to gain altitude and grow in their faith. Here at Pearlside, we want to establish that small groups and disciple-making is an uncompromising core priority for us and that we are not a church with small groups, but we are a church OF small groups. 

Here are nine essential reasons why small groups are a must at Pearlside:

1. Small groups are the way our church is pastored. Each small group leader is covered by a staff pastor and each small group becomes our most immediate spiritual lifeline.

2. Small groups are where we process biblical truth for practical life application. What we don't process we tend not to live out. Studies show that we retain only 10% of what is heard over the pulpit, but 70% of what we discuss in a group.

3. Small groups are where we learn from one another. The synergy brings enlargement and broadens our understanding in a way like no other.

4. Small groups are where we share love, care, and support while developing encouraging relationships. The Bible teaches that we always grow together, but we never grow alone.

5. Small groups are where we experience regular prayer support for increased spiritual breakthrough and stronger spiritual protection. 

6. Small groups are a safer, warmer setting to invite unchurched and formerly churched people to as an entry or re-entry point to faith. 

7. Small groups can be a place to serve and a family with whom you can serve the church and community with. 

8. Jesus did life in the context of a small group and scripture encourages us to do the same. 75% of gospel accounts highlight Jesus changing the world one life at a time in smaller relational settings. 

9. The early church met in the home and temple: smaller AND larger settings. It was BOTH/AND not either/or. (See Acts 2:42-47 for the specific impacts)

Discussion Questions:

• Which of the reasons above stand out to you most and why? Were there any reasons that you weren’t aware of before today?

• Which of the reasons above do you need to implement in how you lead your small group? How do you think that would help with the discipleship of your small group members?

• What are some next steps you can take to bring more clarity and focus on how you and your small group sees the importance of the weekday meeting?

Prayer:

• Pray that Pearlside members would prioritize attending small group weekly.

• Pray that there would be a revival in our small groups of new believers and genuine discipleship of all small group members.

• Pray that each member of our small groups would reach their “one” (a person far from God or a person who has drifted in their faith).

Communications:

• Small Group Best Practices
  Please make sure to start and end group on time and to save catch up discussion and fellowship after the Discipleship Guide and prayer is finished. This will help ensure enough time to go through the guide and also honor one another’s time.

• Main Campus Parking
  Our heart is for people far from God and we want to be a church that is easy for guests to attend. One issue that we consistently face is the lack of parking in our Main Campus parking lot. We are asking leaders and those who are able to consider parking at Mary Savio or Buzz’s to free up parking in the main lot for guests and visitors. Let's park far so that people far from God can come near. 

• Financial Peace University
  This 9-week DVD course with weekly small group discussions and workshops have helped people “tell their dollar where to go” to get out of debt, save money, and plan for the future by following Dave’s “baby steps.”

Sundays, September 22 - November 17
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Church Corporate Office - 1st Floor

 Cost: 
$109.00  | Adult/Engaged/Married Couple
$69.00 |  Full-time College Student
FREE PREVIEW on Sunday, September 22

Limited to first 30 guests | Walk-ins available based upon space
Register by Wednesday, September 18 

• Marriage Huddle
  John and Lisa Bevere, nationally known Christian speakers and authors, teach biblical principles of marriage and share their personal stories of challenge and victory in their DVD “The Story of Marriage.” This two-day workshop includes viewing a section of the DVD, followed by small group discussions and related activities. These times of reflection and repentance have led to realignment and reuniting for many couples who have attended.

Friday, October 4 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm

-AND -

Saturday, October 5 | 9:00am - 1:00pm
Church Corporate Office - 1st Floor

Cost:
$30.00 per couple | $20.00 per single registrant (Food included)
Limited to first 20 guests | Register by Tuesday, October 1

Childcare available | $16.00 per child (Food included)
Register childcare by Wednesday, September 25

• Discipleship Track
  This class is designed to lead people to healthy relationships with God and others. It will give you a deeper understanding of the gospel which will transform your life, equip you for ministry in the church and for influence in the world.

WEDNESDAY CYCLE:

OCTOBER 2 - 23
Main Campus
(7:00pm - 9:00pm)

THURSDAY CYCLE:

OCTOBER 3 - 24
Main Campus
(7:00pm - 9:00pm)

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Getting Your Group Unstuck

You can sense it in the gathering and see it on the people. There is no life, the same few individuals attend, and it’s the same stories. The small group has gotten stuck. Don't worry, this happens to the best of leaders. The great news is that there are simple solutions to address this problem. Here are some practical suggestions that will help get your group unstuck:

1.    Reevaluate time and location.

A common reason why people can't make group is because of a change in schedule. A meeting time that worked in one season might not work in another. If there is a trend of inconsistencies in attendance, it might be an opportunity to reevaluate the meeting day and time with members. Another possibility is that members have gotten bored with the current meeting location. A simple change in scenery can bring new excitement to the group.

2.    Connect outside of group.

One of the motivations for a small group is discipleship through relationship. We grow in God by being in relationship with one another. If people are only connecting once a week in group, it might be a sign of a lack in relational depth. This provides an excellent opportunity to do something outside of group to spark a connection. Consider having a movie night, a BBQ, or something fun for group members as well as those they are reaching. 

Another reason a person stops attending group may be because of a personal struggle that they are facing. They could be discouraged or ashamed, which causes them to withdraw from the group. This is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with them over lunch or coffee. A personal touch of care, support, and prayer could be just what they need.

3.    Confront difficult people.

Often times, people stop attending group because of a difficult person within the group. This includes someone who dominates the discussion, is constantly negative, or even soliciting members for business. As leaders, we need to cultivate safe environments for connection. If we notice this happening in our group, we need to confront this individual about their behavior lovingly. 

4.    Recast vision.

Vision leaks. Over time, people forget the heart and motivation behind small groups. As leaders, we need to remind about why we meet as a group—to be disciples and to make disciples. Everyone naturally drifts inward, and fresh vision could be what is needed to inject life into group members. 

5.    Pray and pursue.

As leaders, we need to always keep the mission alive by continuously praying for lost people at each meeting. We also need to be making time to pursue them in our schedules consistently. This behavior is caught, not just taught. As leaders, we need to model and lead our members to live the actions that we want them to embody.

Discussion Questions:

·      What is one word that would best describe your small group and why?

·      Share with one another best practices that have helped in the past.

·      What is something that you can immediately apply from this discussion to bring life to your small group?

Prayer:

·      Pray for groups to get unstuck and back on mission.

·      Pray for those far from God and for those who have drifted to return.  

Communications:

• Main Campus Parking 

  Our heart is for people far from God, and we want to be a church that is easy for guests to attend. One issue that we consistently face is the lack of parking in our main campus parking lot. We are asking leaders and those who are able to consider parking at Mary Savio or Buzz’s to free up parking in the main lot for guests and visitors. Let's park far so that people far from God can come near.

• Jeff Kemp Youth Blitz – Friday, August 16 at 7pm in our Main Campus

  Calling out all parents and youth to hear from 11-year NFL quarterback Jeff Kemp. He will share his story to encourage and inspire young people towards the purposes of God.

• Elevate Night – Tuesday, August 20 at 7pm in our Main Campus

  Get a behind the scenes look of weekend production at Pearlside. This is an opportunity to discover and join the different creative teams that collaborate within our church.

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Creating a Safe Space for Discipleship

Over the years, we’ve noticed many people come through our church, get radically touched by God, but strangely stopped coming for one reason or another. One reason is that if people don’t have a “safe place” to be real, honest, and transparent, true spiritual transformation will not take place and people will stop growing and eventually stop following God.  Openness and transparency with God and others is vitally necessary for spiritual growth. Often our natural fear of being judged and falling short of expectations creates guilt and shame in us that causes us to “cover and hide” rather than to be open and honest. So how do we create safe environments for people to be open, honest, and transparent? How can we help people to feel loved and safe to “come out of hiding” in order to process life and truly experience spiritual transformation? Active Listening is a practical way to create this safe environment in our discipleship and small group settings.

Active Listening: A.I.R.

(Adapted from Betsy A. Barber, PsyD)

Attending: 

• We must be “absent from ourselves” to attend to the person. This requires putting aside our own emotions to be present for the other person.

• Have an open and receptive posture. People respond to our non-verbal cues far more than our words.

• Be mindful of:

  • Body language

  • Facial expression

  • Tone of voice

• The goal is to make the other person feel safe to share in a judgement free environment.

Inviting and Asking:  

• Invite the person to share and ask open ended questions to invite them to share further.

• Play ignorant, don’t assume anything.

• Asking questions demonstrates sincere interest in the person and makes them feel safe to share deeper.

• Respectfully ask, Who, What, Where, When, and How questions to stimulate their thinking.

• Avoid “why” because they may not know the answer.

• Asking questions and listening intently shows empathy and invites people to come out of hiding.

• Suspend giving advice or sharing “your experience” or perspective which can make the person feel unsafe.

Responding:

• Once the person has shared fully, we can now respond.

• Summarize what you heard them share: Example. “What I heard you say was ____.”

• Empathize: Give your best guess or hunch, “I can imagine you must be feeling ____.”

• This will help the person to feel heard as well as expose any gaps in communication.

• Lead: “What do you think the Lord is trying to say through this?”

  • The assumption is that the Holy Spirit has already or will speak to the person about what they should do. We are inviting them to listen to His voice. Often, they already know the answer.

• Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what He wants to reveal to the person.

  • Make room for the Holy Spirit to speak and confirm His word to them.

Activity:

Pair up. Discuss with one another a difficult challenge you faced this past week. As one person is sharing, the other actively faces the and attends to them for 30 seconds. After the 30 seconds, the person listening continues to listen but shifts their body away from the person speaking. Then reverse roles.

Discussion Questions:

·      What emotions did you feel when the person listening turned away from you? How did that affect the way you communicated with them?

·      In light of the Active Listening points, what area do you need to grow in? What can you do to create environments for transparency in group and discipleship meetings?

Prayer:

·      Pray that we would create safe environments for people to come out of hiding.

Communications:

• Main Campus Service Time Change – Starting Sunday, July 7, our College & Young-Adult service will be moving to 7:45pm.

• Discipleship Track – This class is designed to lead people to healthy relationships with God and others. It will give you a deeper understanding of the gospel which will transform your life, equip you for ministry in the church and for influence in the world.

THURSDAY CYCLE:

JULY 11 - AUGUST 1
Main Campus - Worship Hall
(7:00pm - 9:00pm with Live Teaching & Food)

Childcare fees for children in 6th grade and under for all four weeks:

$20 for one child | $8 for each additional child
No refunds will be given if you are no longer able to attend.

Childcare registration deadline for JULY Discipleship Track - Wednesday, July 3

• Pearlside Youth Camp – It’s summertime which means two things: (1) You’re on summer vacation and (2) YOUTH CAMP IS NEAR! This year, we’re having TWO back-to-back camps, one for Middle School and one for High School. Every year, God exceeds our expectations and every student leaves changed and transformed for Christ. So mark your calendars, start saving some money, ask God to prepare your hearts, and we’ll see YOU at camp!

Middle School | July 25-27

Camp Pu`u Kahea Conference Center
Cost: $140

High School | July 27-30

Camp Pu`u Kahea Conference Center
Cost: $175

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10 Marks of Effective Group Meetings Revisited

In April, we discussed the 10 Marks of Effective Group Meetings when leading our Grace Groups, which are our primary means for discipleship. We also discussed the specific areas we as leaders could improve on in order to elevate the environment of fruitfulness and growth in the discipleship of our GG members. Below is a review of the 10 marks:

1.    The leaders are prepared by reviewing and understanding the GG guide and preparing their responses to the questions. 

2.    There is a healthy relational atmosphere before the meeting starts and after it ends. New people are made to feel comfortable. 

3.    The group meeting starts and ends at a designated time. (1-1.15 hrs max) 

4.    The group size is managed to ensure everyone is comfortable and participates. 

5.    The Grace Group Discussion Guide is used and the group leader keeps the group on topic. 

6.    The main thought and passages are clearly understood by everyone. Everyone engages in the discussion. 

7.    The tripod sets the tone for transparency. 

8.    Personal takeaways and applications are clear for each person. 

9.    The group closes in prayer being sensitive to the new people in the group. 

10. Discipleship of new people happens outside of the group meetings using approved materials (PDL, O2O, PB, etc.) 

Discussion Question: 

·      Which of these best practices did you identify as ones you needed to improve last month? Share updates on how that has been going and any positive impact that it has created in your Grace Group meetings and the discipleship of the members.

·      Are there any best practices you’ve realized you still need to improve? What are some practical next steps you can take to immediately address them?

Prayer: 

·      Pray that our members remain focused on loving God and loving others this Summer season.

·      Pray that our members would make consistent time in their week to reach out to the person or people God has called them to this year.

Communications:

• Growth Track – NO classes in June - (Main Campus, Cityside, and Kaneohe ONLY). Classes resume in July.

• Marriage Huddle – Like a new car, a marriage traveling together upon the road of life will eventually encounter bumps or potholes that may bring misalignment or friction into the marriage relationship. In the Marriage Huddle, John and Lisa Bevere, nationally known Christian speakers and authors, teach biblical principles of marriage and share their personal stories of challenge and victory in their DVD “The Story of Marriage.” This two-day workshop includes viewing a section of the DVD, followed by small group discussions and related activities. These times of reflection and repentance have led to realignment and reuniting for many couples who have attended.

  Friday, June 28 | 7:00pm - 9:00pm
  Saturday, June 29 | 9:00am - 12:30pm
  Corporate Office (1st floor)

  $20.00 per single registrant
  $30.00 per Engaged/Married couple
  $20.00 per person for walk-in’s

  Food will be provided on both days | Walk–in’s accepted based on availability

  Register by Tuesday, June 25 (Limited to first 30 guests)

  Childcare available | $16.00 per child
  Walk-in childcare not accepted | Snack will be provided for both days

  Childcare registration deadline - Friday, June 21

• Discipleship Track – This class is designed to lead people to healthy relationships with God and others. It will give you a deeper understanding of the gospel which will transform your life, equip you for ministry in the church and for influence in the world.

THURSDAY CYCLE:

JULY 11 - AUGUST 1
Main Campus - Worship Hall
(7:00pm - 9:00pm with Live Teaching & Food)

Childcare fees for children in 6th grade and under for all four weeks:

$20 for one child | $8 for each additional child
No refunds will be given if you are no longer able to attend.

Childcare registration deadline for JULY Discipleship Track - Monday, June 24

• Freedom Weekend – This powerful class is designed to allow God to speak His truth to us, draw closer to us, and transform us in a powerful way. The goal of this class is to help us arise out of our sin and its effects, into a new life of freedom and victory.

Prerequisites:
- Must belong to a Grace Group and attend regularly
- Must have completed the first three chapters of One 2 One Book with a leader OR attended all steps of the Growth Track

MEN'S

FRIDAY, JUNE 21
Corporate Office - Mauka Room
(7:30pm - 10:00pm)
- AND -
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Corporate Office - Mauka Room
(9:30am - 2:00pm)

WOMEN'S

FRIDAY, JULY 12
Corporate Office - Mauka Room
(7:30pm - 10:00pm)
- AND -
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Corporate Office - Mauka Room
(9:00am - 2:30pm)

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“You Gotta Develop Relationships!”

University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban recently spoke about his leadership philosophy at the American Football Coaches Association’s 2019 convention in San Antonio, Texas. He stressed that good coaches have real, meaningful relationships with the members of their team. The truth is that Saban’s historic on-the-field success has come in part due to how he treats his players off-the-field. He motivated coaches across the nation to do the same, saying that if you treat players right, good things will follow.

“There are three guys that played for me at Michigan State way back when, standing back here waiting to see me. And I’m happy to see them, and I’m concerned about them,” he told the convention attendees. “Because they weren’t my guys for three years, four years or five years. They’re my guys forever. And that’s the way we should all feel about what we do.”

Saban added that he believes coaches have “a responsibility and an obligation to help” their players. He said, “They need us. I mean, how many guys do you coach that have two parents at home? How many guys do you coach that don’t have any parents at home? That’s us. That’s who we are. That’s what we need to take responsibility for and be there.”

“And there’s really only one way you can do it: Develop relationships with these people. You gotta develop relationships,” Saban continued. “How much time do you spend developing relationships with your players?”

Saban then said that while he can and does give inspiring speeches to his team as a group in order to motivate them, it is individual conversations and relationship-building that has the most positive impact on-the-field and off of it.

“If I’m going to talk to a group of guys, they may or may not listen. I may make all the right points, but if you make it about them and you sit down and have that relationship with them, they’re going to respond to you. Because these players don’t do what you tell them just because you tell them to do it. They don’t do that anymore. I would do that when I played, alright. But they don’t do that anymore. You gotta have a relationship with them. They gotta trust you, they gotta respect you, and you gotta build that,” Saban explained.

Similarly, we need to build relationally with people in discipleship. Jesus invested three years of his life into the disciples, and they became the foundation for a global movement that is still making an impact today. A meaningful relationship doesn’t happen accidentally, it takes intentional effort and consistency. Let’s do our part and invest quality time in the people God has placed in our lives.

Discussion Questions:

·      What stood out to you from Nick Saban’s speech?

·      Who is God calling you to building relationally with in discipleship? What practical step will you take to make this happen consistently?
 

Prayer:

·      Pray specifically for the person God has placed on your heart to build with.

·      Pray that our members would make consistent time in the week to build relationships and make disciples.

Communications:

• Discipleship Track – This class is designed to lead people to healthy relationships with God and others. It will give you a deeper understanding of the gospel which will transform your life, equip you for ministry in the church and for influence in the world.

WEDNESDAY CYCLE:

JULY 10 - JULY 31
Main Campus - Worship Hall
(7:00pm - 9:00pm)

THURSDAY CYCLE:

JULY 11 - AUGUST 1
Main Campus - Worship Hall
(7:00pm - 9:00pm)

Childcare fees for children in 6th grade and under for all four weeks:

$20 for one child | $8 for each additional child
No refunds will be given if you are no longer able to attend.

Childcare registration deadline for JULY Discipleship Track - Monday, June 24

• Freedom Weekend – This powerful class is designed to allow God to speak His truth to us, draw closer to us, and transform us in a powerful way. The goal of this class is to help us arise out of our sin and its effects, into a new life of freedom and victory.

Prerequisites:
- Must belong to a Grace Group and attend regularly
- Must have completed the first three chapters of One 2 One Book with a leader OR attended all steps of the Growth Track

MEN'S

FRIDAY, JUNE 21
Main Campus - ENLI 1
(7:30pm - 10:00pm)
- AND -
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Main Campus - ENLI 1
(9:30am - 2:00pm)

WOMEN'S

FRIDAY, JULY 12
Corporate Office - Mauka Room
(7:30pm - 10:00pm)
- AND -
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Corporate Office - Mauka Room
(9:00am - 2:30pm)

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10 Marks of Effective Group Meetings

Small groups are the primary means for discipleship at Pearlside. The following 10 practices, when consistently applied in the context of small group, will create an environment that leads to fruitfulness and growth in discipleship.

1.    The leaders are PREPARED by reviewing and understanding the GG guide and preparing their responses to the questions. 

2.    There is a healthy relational ATMOSPHERE before the meeting starts and after it ends. New people are made to feel comfortable. 

3.    The group meeting starts and ends at a DESIGNATED time. (1-1.15 hrs max)

4.    The group SIZE is managed to ensure everyone is comfortable and participates.  

5.    The Grace Group Discussion Guide is used and the group leader keeps the group on TOPIC.

6.    The main thought and passages are clearly understood by everyone. Everyone ENGAGES in the discussion.  

7.    The TRIPOD sets the tone for transparency.

8.    Personal takeaways and APPLICATIONS are clear for each person.

9.    The group closes in prayer being SENSITIVE to the new people in the group.

10.  Discipleship of new people happens OUTSIDE of the group meetings using approved materials (PDL, O2O, PB, etc.)

Discussion Question:

• Which of these best practices do you most need to apply to your leadership and why? 

Prayer:

• Pray that our members would make consistent time in the week to be a disciple and to make disciples.

The Weekday Walk

In Matthew 28, Jesus told his believers to “go and make disciples of all nations” - a commandment that remains the same today for every believer. We see in Acts 2 how the early church practically lived this out:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers WERE TOGETHER and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. EVERY DAY they continued to MEET TOGETHER in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate TOGETHER with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number DAILY those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47 NIV)

Verse 47 says the disciples were “enjoying the favor of all the people” and that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Why? Simply because of their genuine and authentic love for God, one another, and the lost. Arguably the most important detail from this passage - this love was displayed as they met TOGETHER DAILY. The early church made consistent time throughout the week to walk, connect, impart, and invest in discipleship. God honored their obedience and grew His church.

Every Christ-follower is called to make disciples. As group leaders, we must remind ourselves and our group members that evangelism and discipleship is a weekday walk. Often times, we rely solely on an invitation to a weekend service as the extent of our discipleship. Although important, by itself it is insufficient and impersonal. Discipleship is an ongoing personal journey as we walk with someone to be more like Christ. Therefore, like the early church, we must make consistent time in the week to spend with an unsaved person we are reaching and/or a new believer we are discipling.

Discussion Questions:

• Do you and the members in your group consistently make time in the week to walk with someone in the process of discipleship or do you rely solely on the weekend services to do that? Why or why not?

• What can you do to keep yourself and your group members accountable to walk with someone during the week to help them grow in their walk with God?

Application:

• The next time you meet with your group, discuss with them who they are going to reach and disciple. Have each member discuss with one another their game plan to make consistent weekly time with this person.

Prayer:

• Pray that our members would make consistent time in the week to make disciples.

• Pray that first-time guests or visitors would radically encounter the presence of God and get connected to someone for discipleship.

Leading Like A Shepherd

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4 NIV)

As Christian leaders, we desire to lead people to where God wants them to be which is noble and right, but we must remember that we are to do it Jesus’ way. The Apostle Peter here reminds us that Jesus’ way is to lead like a shepherd of God’s flock. In his book, Lead Like a Shepherd, Dr. Larry Osborne outlines three leadership principles gleaned from the way shepherds lead sheep in contrast to the way that cowboys lead their cattle.

1.     Shepherds lead by relationship.

Shepherds care for their sheep so well that the sheep learn to trust in the shepherd’s voice. This trust enables the shepherd to lead the flock from the front guiding the sheep by the sound of his voice and his example.

In contrast, cowboys lead from the back of the herd using dogs who “nip at the heels” of the animals to keep them moving at the cowboy’s desired pace. They also lead with a whip and a gun, controlling the flock by fear and intimidation.

Like shepherds, leaders must care for and build relationally with those they lead. People willingly follow those whom they know care for them and lead from the front which is leading by example.

2.     Shepherds lead at a measured pace.

Shepherds move their flocks at the “speed of the sheep.” They ensure that all of their sheep get to their destination at a pace that is best for the sheep, not the shepherd. They don’t become angry with stragglers because they understand that every individual has a different pace.

Shepherd-like spiritual leaders take their cues from Jesus. They’re filled with compassion and concern for the weak and burdened. They offer help, rest, and a lighter load; not a tongue-lashing or a spiritual beatdown[1]. 

[1] Lead Like a Shepherd, by Dr. Larry Osborne. P. 136.

In contrast, cowboys drive their herds as fast as possible, and get frustrated with stragglers because they need to get the herd to market. If an animal falls behind and is unable to be coerced to keep up with the rest, they are often left behind or shot as to not impede the speed of the herd because for them, “time is money.”

Like shepherds, leaders need to meet people where they are and graciously lead them to where God wants them to be. Leaders don’t acquiesce and appease the sheep, letting them stay as they are, but lead them to God’s destination at a reasonable pace.

3.     Shepherds know and pursue their sheep.

Shepherds know each of their sheep and know when one is missing. If one gets lost or wanders off, the shepherd will leave the flock in a pen to pursue the lost sheep. Shepherds care for each of their sheep and do everything in their power to get them to their destination.

If one of a cowboy’s herd gets lost or falls behind, it is usually left behind. It is financial loss for the cowboy for sure, but not as big of a loss as if the rest of the herd does not make it to market in time.

Like shepherds, leaders need to know those they lead individually and take the time to lead individuals not just groups. This involves significant time; therefore, leaders need to shepherd through other leaders multiplying their effectiveness.

Discussion Questions:

·      From the above leadership principles outlined, which one stands out to you the most and why?

·      When have you led more like a cowboy than a shepherd? What can you do to lead more like a shepherd than a cowboy?

Prayer:

·      Pray for wisdom and understanding to lead like a shepherd.

·      Pray for the current people in our groups that we lead.

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Slow Down For Loving Union

In Matthew 28, Jesus calls every believer to “go and make disciples of all nations.” And as we begin a new year, we must remember God’s amazing call of discipleship for Pearlside through planting churches locally, nationally, and globally, while also impacting different areas of society with the gospel such as government, military, education and the next generation. As leaders, we all know that it starts with discipleship, which does take time, energy and effort while balancing other aspects of our life.

In the book “Emotionally Healthy Leader,” author Peter Scazerro acknowledges the importance of upholding Jesus’ call to make disciples, but warns leaders that it is dangerous to do all the tasks and responsibilities of ministry without having a “Loving Union” with Jesus.

Scazerro defines a Loving Union with Jesus as “allowing the will of God to have full access to every area of our lives, including every aspect of our leadership - from difficult conversations and decision-making to managing our emotional triggers,” and that, “Cultivating this kind of relationship with God can’t be hurried or rushed. We must slow down and build into our lives a structure and rhythm that makes this kind of loving surrender routinely possible.” (p. 120)

Not slowing down to develop this Loving Union with Jesus will eventually have a negative impact on those we lead and disciple because we are not leading from our relationship with Jesus, but rather from our own flawed-abilities.

Scazerro states, “We can serve Christ in our own energy and wisdom. We can expand ministry or a business without thinking much of Jesus or relying on him in the process. We can boldly preach truths we don’t live. And if our efforts prove successful, few people will notice or take issue with the gaps between who we are and what we do.” (p. 117)

One practical way to develop a Loving Union with Jesus is to develop a rhythm throughout the day and week in order to meet with Jesus personally to pray, reflect, and listen to His voice on how to best lead and disciple those you cover, while also allowing Him to refresh, refuel and renew your spirit.

This is something we learn from Jesus. He would leave the masses He’d minister to, go to the mountains to pray and be with God in the mountains alone. This will require setting aside ministry and the busyness of life in order to have a Loving Union with Jesus for a duration of time (i.e 20-30 minutes).

We are believing 2019 - the 25th year of Pearlside’s existence - to be a banner year of establishing believers, equipping disciples, and empowering leaders that sets us into the next 25 years and beyond. In order to do so we are hoping every leader of our church will lead and disciple from a Loving Union with Jesus.

Discussion Question & Active Application:

·      Do you have a Loving Union with Jesus in your personal ministry (Leadership Group, Grace Group, discipleship, evangelism, etc.)? Share with one another why you think you have a hard time or an easy time having a Loving Union with Jesus in ministry.

·      How can you practically develop a rhythm throughout the day and week listed above to develop a Loving Union with Jesus in your personal walk with God and the Grace Group leaders and members you oversee.
 

Prayer:

·      Pray for one another to commit to having a Loving Union with Jesus in their personal life and in their ministry.

·      Pray by name those you are personally reaching out to.

·      Pray that each member of Pearlside would commit to walking the one person God has placed on their heart through the discipleship process.

Communications:

·      Sunday service times at our Main Campus are now 7:30am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 6:00pm, and 7:30pm.

·      Growth Track cycles begin the first Sunday of each month. Please encourage your leaders to walk in those who recently committed their life to Christ or are new in their faith to attend our Growth Track. Please see Pearlside.org or our Pearlside App for more information.

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The Need For Feedback

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, ‘I am pregnant.’”
(2 Samuel 11:1-5 NIV)

David sent away all of the people who he would listen to. He had no one around who was able or willing to tell him the truth. He had only “yes-men” around him. If we are going to be who God called us to be and fulfill His vision, we need to ensure that we have people who are willing and able to tell us the truth and people who we will listen to. David had people around him, but no one who could tell him the truth, and no one he’d listen to. In order to become who God has called us to be, we need to continually be growing in our own leadership and character. Therefore, we need to position ourselves to receive input and feedback from those around us.

1. Leaders must be able to receive feedback and correction from various sources:

• Leaders and mentors.

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Hebrews 13:17 NIV)

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14 NIV)

 We need leaders we can receive from who will speak into our lives and challenge us. We need to submit to their leadership. Submission is only submission when we don’t agree and God will put us in situations where our wills are crossed to teach us to submit. We need to seek out godly leaders and mentors to speak into our lives.

• Those closest to us. (Galatians 2:11-14 NIV)

People who see us on a consistent basis (our spouses, our closest friends, and coworkers) know us best and can give us the most accurate feedback on our character and spiritual health. We typically perform for those above us and our real selves come out to those closest to us. We need to give them permission to give us feedback and correction.

• Those we lead.

Do we hear feedback from those we lead? If not, we may have unintentionally created a culture where people don’t feel safe to push feedback up to us. When we don’t receive feedback, we assume no news is good news. In reality, no news over a period of time is more likely a signal of bad news. To be deceived is to be unable to see, and we need feedback from those who see our blind spots.

2. Leaders must be able to give feedback and correction to others in constructive ways.

• To those above us. (Lead Up)

• To coworkers and those close to us. (Lead Across)

• To those we lead. (Lead Down)

3. We must raise up other leaders who can receive and give feedback and correction.

We need to create a culture where failure isn’t fatal and feedback and correction is consistent and redemptive.

Discussion Questions:

• When was the last time you received feedback from your leaders, mentors, coworkers or those closest to you and those you lead? What happened and how did you grow from it?

• Self-Assessment. How well do we receive feedback from others? Do you dismiss it? Do you consider and receive it? Who do we have closest to us who can give us real feedback?

Prayer:

• Pray for humility to receive feedback from others.

• Pray for courage to give loving feedback to others.

Communications:

• Adopt an Ohana: We will not be receiving monetary donations this year. However, we are looking for groups and individuals to serve at the “Fun Fest” happening November 24, 10:00am to 1:00pm, at the Waipahu United Church of Christ. If you’re interested in serving, visit the Adopt an Ohana table after any of our weekend services for more information.

• Growth Track: Due to the busyness of the holiday season, we will not be having Growth Track in December. The new cycle will begin in January of 2019.

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