Word. This is the heart of your agenda. State the objective of the Word time in the agenda. For our example, you could write:
Objective: home groups members will identify the things God is calling them to leave behind and bring these things to Him in prayer as they reach out to the new things Christ has in store for them.
The most common error in agendas for home groups is including too many discussion questions. Most cell leaders feel obligated to cover all the questions you include. A good Word time has only three or four questions. If cell leaders try to cover more than that, the extroverts in the group will dominate the meeting. By using fewer questions and sitting on them, everyone is drawn in and interacts with the passage. This is crucial because introverts often have more profound answers. (They are actually thinking about the questions!)
Questions should focus on the main meaning of the passage and its application. Here are four questions that can be used repeatedly with some variation:
1. What stands out to you in this passage?
2. What seems to be the main point of this passage?
3. Can you illustrate this truth from an experience in your life?
4. What is God saying to you right now?
For our sample passage of Philippians 3:12-14, you could use the suggestions below in an agenda:
1. Have someone read Philippians 3:12-14.
2. Ask: “What stands out to you in this passage?”
3. Ask: “What is something you gave up to follow Christ?” Note that some people give up obvious and ugly sins to follow Christ, but others like Paul have to give up things like religious legalism and self-righteousness.
4. Discuss: “What are some obstacles that prevent Christians like us from going on with God today?”
5. Move into smaller groups with three or four men or women in each group to share and pray together around this question: “What is God asking you to leave behind, and what is God calling you to reach for in the year ahead?”
