Authentic Community: Six Practices of Christ-Centered Relationships

Stronger Relationships. Better Conversation. Deeper Impact.

AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY is a seven-session group study guide. These six practices taken from Ephesians 4:25-32 offer a Biblical perspective and practical application of how authentic community can be experienced within the Body of Christ, resulting in fruitful, Spirit-led relationships that fuel transformation and ignite mission.

For many followers of Jesus, real community is a familiar theory but a foreign experience.

Within the Body of Christ, the temptation to keep our relationships at a distance and preserve ourselves behind the safety of a false impression or religious facade looms all too real. Even for those who consider themselves a €œmature Christian,€ true authenticity can lie in uncharted territory. But for those of us willing to engage others on the journey and pursue deep connections from a genuine heart, a life of grace, joy, and freedom to be our €œtrue€ selves in Christ Jesus awaits.

The goal of this seven-session study is to help you fulfill the deep, God-given desire to live more authentically in your relationship with Christ and with others, embracing the person God has designed you to be.

The six practices of Christ-centered relationships will help your community discover how to . . .

1. SPEAK UP WITH HONESTY. [Acceptance] leads to security.
2. MAKE UP QUICKLY WITH OTHERS. [Restoration] leads to healing.
3. STEP UP AND DO MY PART. [Trust] leads to intimacy.
4. BUILD UP WITH MY WORDS. [Encouragement] leads to confidence.
5. KEEP UP WITH THE SPIRIT€S LEADING. [Accountability] leads to growth.
6. GIVE UP MY GRUDGES. [Forgiveness] leads to freedom.

Each practice includes a weekly session containing . . .

€ An INTRODUCTION at the beginning of each session, with insights and direction to help set the tone around the week€s €œpractice.€
€ 5 DAILY DEVOTIONALS that include Scripture and questions for individual study and reflection prior to each weekly group meeting.
€ GROUP TIME: NOTES page to jot down thoughts, ideas and experiences to highlight and share in your Group Meeting time.
€ GROUP MEETINGS that encourage sharing and reflecting on the daily readings, with questions for deeper discussion and application.
€ The LEADER€S GUIDE provides €œice breakers,€ ministry insights, teaching ideas, and helpful tips to assist anyone leading the group.
€ The MY RESPONSE page encourages participants to write down prayer needs and identifying next steps. Each group meeting will conclude with a time of prayer and ministry for needs within the group.