If you are reading this, you have likely agreed to lead a small group through this study. Thank you! What you have chosen to do is important and will produce good fruit in the lives of the men you’re guiding and serving each week—and beyond. While the impact of this study on the group is ultimately not up to you, your role as a shepherd shows the men how to connect with one another in ways that are just as important as the questions and discussion. Your relational style demonstrates how to give and receive in relationship with other Christian brothers.

Toward this goal of facilitating deep, impactful relationships, Pain, Passion, and Purpose is a nine-session study built around this curriculum and small-group interactions facilitated by The Redeemed. This is where you come in. You have probably participated in a small group with The Redeemed already as well as received training before leading this group. As the group leader, you are invited to see yourself as the host of a gathering in your home, welcoming the other men and showing them warmth, acceptance, enthusiasm, and hospitality. Your job is to take care of your guests by managing all the behind-the-scenes details so that when everyone comes together each week, they can just enjoy one another and the discussions you help facilitate.

As the group leader, your role is not to cover (or answer) all the questions or teach in-depth about the focus of each session. Your job is to guide the experience and cultivate your small group into safe, welcoming community where participants can relax and be known for who they are. This is why your group sessions should focus on the process and what’s taking place presently in your group each week. Your role is not to teach, instruct, or force anything to happen. Instead, you model the kind of vulnerability, appropriate sharing, and attuned engagement you hope the men will want to risk with one another.

With this goal in mind, make sure everyone in the group has access to this curriculum and help any participants who have questions and concerns. Group members should feel free to keep an online journal just for their experience in this group, or they could print it at a local print shop. If cost is a concern and a participant needs a printed copy, please let us know, and we will send one to them. You will want to encourage them to bring it with them every week in case they want to refer to previous notes or questions as well as jot down new ones. This will keep everyone on the same page and help the process run more smoothly. Continuity and pacing help set the tone and mood for each group session. You want your guys to feel like they’re all on equal footing and valued for their contributions. Giving everyone access to all the material is a vital and practical way to ensure this group experience is worthwhile for each man.

Setting the Tone

As group leader, you’ll want to create a virtual environment that’s conducive to sharing and learning. This means making sure everyone knows how to access and utilize the operational aspect of logging in and joining the online group room each week. You may want to make suggestions or set guidelines about how to make sure backgrounds are not too noisy, busy, or distracting. You will likely want to offer a relaxed system or protocol for making sure everyone gets to talk and interact rather than talking over each other. Thinking through these practicalities ahead of time will make your group time more efficient and natural.

Your tone, voice, volume, demeanor, and body language are also important to consider as you set the mood for the group. You want to make it clear that you’re taking group time seriously by being prepared, present, and attuned to the group dynamics each session. This may require you to diverge from this curriculum and focus on one aspect or big idea for most of the session or to focus on one or two members who are clearly struggling or in crisis. You want to serve as a leader who’s confident in the game plan while attentive enough to call an audible.

Leading Your Group

Once everyone has arrived, it is time to begin the group. If you are new to small-group leading, here are some simple tips to make your group time healthy, enjoyable, and effective.

First, consider beginning the meeting with a word of prayer, and remind the group members to silence and put away their mobile phones. This is a way to say “yes” to being present to one another and to God.

Next, allow one or two minutes per person for the “Checking In” time. You may need less time in session one, but after that people will likely need more time to share their insights from the reflection exercises between sessions (see below). Usually you won’t answer the discussion questions yourself, but you should go first with the “icebreaker” question, answering briefly and with a reasonable amount of self-disclosure.

After the “Checking In” time, your group will move into “Exploring the Big Idea,” which allows you to emphasize the main point(s) of this session’s study. Next, you explore a relevant biblical passage by “Considering the Word” and then apply it by “Discussing the Truth.” Keep in mind that this is not intended to be a Bible study. Your role is only to open up conversation by using the material provided and inviting the group to engage.

During the group discussion, encourage everyone to participate, but make sure everyone knows (especially as the questions become more personal) that he does not have to do so. As the discussion progresses, follow up with comments such as, “Tell me more about that,” or, “Why did you answer the way you did?” This will allow participants to deepen their reflections and will invite meaningful sharing in a nonthreatening way.

You have been given multiple questions to use in each session, but you do not have to use them all or even follow them in order. Feel free to pick and choose questions based on either the needs of your group or how the conversation is flowing. Also, don’t be afraid of silence. Offering a question and allowing up to thirty seconds of silence is okay. It allows people space to think about how they want to respond.

As group leader, you are the boundary keeper for your group. Do not let anyone (yourself included) dominate the group time. Keep an eye out for group members who might be tempted to “attack” folks they disagree with or try to “fix” those having struggles. These kinds of behaviors can derail a group’s momentum, so they need to be shut down. If that happens, try to kindly but clearly redirect them in the moment. You might say something like, “Thanks for sharing what worked for you, but let’s stay away from recommending fixes for now,” or, “Hey, I don’t think that’s going to make this is welcoming space for everyone—let’s stay focused on the question here.” If this continues to be an issue, consider connecting with that member outside of the group or reviewing The Redeemed’s small group guidelines together. Model active listening and encourage everyone in your group to do the same. This will make your group time a safe space and foster the kind of community that God can use to change people.

After the group discussion time, you move into a “Wrap-up Activity” that facilitates participants considering what they will take away from the session and how they will apply it to their lives. You then conclude your session with group prayer. Encourage the men to pray for one another in the days between sessions and let them know you are praying for them as well.

Also, it may be helpful to take time before or after the closing prayer to go over that week’s reflection exercises activities. This will allow people to consider what they would like to try or ask any questions they have so everyone can depart confidently. You will also want to ask the men to read through the material for the next session prior to the group meeting.

Sharing Reflections from Between Sessions

Each week, group members are invited to complete the between-sessions personal reflection exercise. Try to help them see the benefit of this personal time outside of group as a way to explore what’s going on inside them as well as what God might be showing them and teaching them. Your job at the beginning of each week’s session is to help the men debrief the previous week’s experience during the “Checking In” section. You don’t want this to consume too much time, but you want to offer the opportunity for participants to share their process with the group.

Debriefing something like this is a bit different from responding to questions based on solely on content ideas and Scripture, because this comes from the participants’ lives in real time. The basic experiences that you want the group to reflect on are:

• What brought you joy?

• What was the hardest thing you faced?

• What did you learn about yourself?

• What did you learn about God?

While there are specific debriefing questions written to help process each activity, the “Checking In” time is designed to explore these broader questions about participants’ lives. Feel free to direct it accordingly while staying mindful of your time for each session.

So much of your leadership comes from just your willingness to love and serve the men entrusted to you in your group. Thank you again for taking the time to lead them in pursuit of authentic relationships and a deeper faith. May God bless your efforts and dedication and make your time together in Pain, Passion, and Purpose rewarding for each man, including you, and fruitful for his kingdom.

Outlines for Sessions

The following outlines are provided to give you an idea how to focus and use your group time as effectively as possible. While these are not rigid guidelines, they can help you manage the pace to ensure the main points get covered and that everyone engages and participates. These are simply provided to help support your own sense of how to structure your group’s time together for the greatest personal and communal impact.

DISCUSSION GUIDES

CONTENTS

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6

Session 7

Session 8

Session 9

Session 1

Theme: Exploring Life Experiences That Shape Us

Preparation for Leaders

• Ensure you are familiar with Zoom features (e.g., muting/unmuting, screen sharing).

• Prepare an environment for open and respectful sharing.

• Have a Bible ready for Scripture readings.

Session Outline

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (10 minutes)

• Welcome everyone warmly.

• Lead a brief prayer asking for God’s guidance in sharing and listening.

2. Icebreaker (5 minutes)

• Questions for discussion:

1. "What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling about today’s discussion?"

2. Encourage brief responses from each participant.

3. Exploring the Big Idea (20 minutes)

• Explain the session’s focus: Reflecting on life experiences and how they shape our relationships with ourselves, others, and God.

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Psalm 139:23-24 aloud.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you know the story of your life? Why that score?"

2. "What’s one significant experience that has shaped how you respond to challenges today?"

3. "What value do you see in pursuing self-discovery? What makes it difficult or uncomfortable?"

(Encourage everyone to share briefly and allow space for dialogue.)

4. Considering the Word (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read 2 Corinthians 11:21-30 aloud.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "What stands out to you about Paul’s recounting of his life experiences?"

2. "What are some challenges you’ve faced that have shaped your relationship with God?"

3. "How might sharing your story with others bring healing or growth?"

5. Wrap-Up & Takeaways (10 minutes)

• Closing question: "What’s one takeaway from today’s discussion that you can reflect on or apply this week?"

• Encourage group members to write down their responses and, if comfortable, share them with the group.

6. Prayer Requests & Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

• Invite members to share any prayer requests.

• Close in prayer, asking God to strengthen the group as they reflect on and share their stories.

Between Sessions

Before the next session, participants are encouraged to reflect and engage with some questions provided in the curriculum. This week, they’ll be creating a personal timeline of significant life events, focusing on moments of pain, joy, and growth.

Session 2

Theme: Processing Your Pain

Preparation for Leaders:

• Ensure familiarity with Zoom features (e.g., muting/unmuting, breakout rooms).

• Set a tone for open and respectful sharing.

• Have a Bible ready for Scripture readings.

Session Outline

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

• Greet participants warmly.

• Pray for openness and healing in sharing.

2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

• Questions for discussion:

1. "What was one of the spoken or unspoken rules in your family growing up? How was it enforced?"

2. "What is one of your default defenses that began in childhood? What event reinforced it?"

3. Exploring the Big Idea (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read John 5:1-9 aloud.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "Why do you think Jesus asked the man, ‘Do you want to get well?’ How does this relate to our role in healing?"

2. "What pain have you carried that continues to weigh you down? How might Jesus’ question apply to you?"

3. "How has your pain shaped your responses to relationships or conflict?"

4. Sharing Personal Stories (20 minutes)

• Guided Sharing:

1. Invite each participant to share a 3-5 minute summary of a significant painful experience and how it has influenced their life.

2. Remind participants to listen without interrupting or judging.

• Questions for Reflection:

1. "What was it like to share your story?"

2. "How does hearing others’ stories change your perspective on your own?"

5. Wrap-Up & Takeaways (5 minutes)

• Closing Questions:

1. "How do you view your past pain differently after today’s session?"

2. "What’s one step you can take this week to surrender your pain to God?"

6. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

• Invite participants to share prayer requests.

• Pray for healing, courage, and growth as the group continues to process and surrender their pains to God.

Between Sessions

Before the next session, participants are encouraged to reflect and engage with some questions provided in the curriculum. This week, those questions ask them to reflect on the experience of sharing their story with the group.

Session 3

Theme: Understanding Your Personality

Preparation for Leaders:

• Familiarize yourself with the session content and Scripture references.

• Prepare a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for open sharing.

• Have a Bible ready for reading aloud.

Session Outline

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

• Greet participants warmly.

• Pray for wisdom and openness as the group explores their personalities.

2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

• Questions for discussion:

1. "What three words best describe your personality right now? Who do they reveal you to be?"

2. "If your personality were represented by an animal, which one would it be and why?"

3. Exploring the Big Idea (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Proverbs 4:23.

2. Read Romans 13:14.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "What thoughts and feelings arise when you consider that you might be living out the 'wrong story' about yourself?"

2. "What limitations have you experienced because of the story you’ve been telling yourself?"

3. "How would embracing the truth of who God made you to be change your life?"

4. Considering the Word (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Acts 17:24-28.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "How does this passage remind you that you’re part of a bigger story?"

2. "What does it mean to you personally to know that in God you live and move and have your being?"

3. "Who in the Bible (other than Jesus) do you relate to in light of your personality? What have you learned from their story?"

5. Wrap-Up & Takeaways (10 minutes)

• Closing Questions:

1. "What do you need from the group to help you understand your personality more accurately and objectively?"

2. "What’s one specific aspect of your personality you want to invite God to help you address and transform?"

6. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

• Invite participants to share prayer requests.

• Pray for understanding, transformation, and embracing God’s truth about each man’s identity and purpose.

Between Sessions

Before the next session, participants are encouraged to reflect and engage with some questions provided in the curriculum. This week, they will have prompts to think about their understanding of their personality.

Session 4

Theme: Assessing Your Spiritual Gifting

Preparation for Leaders:

• Familiarize yourself with the session content and Scripture references.

• Create a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for open sharing.

• Have a Bible ready for reading aloud.

Session Outline

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

• Welcome participants and set the tone for meaningful discussion.

• Pray for insight, openness, and encouragement as the group explores spiritual gifting.

2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

• Questions for discussion:

1. "What would you like to share from your reflections on last week’s session?"

2. "On a scale of 1 to 10, how aware are you of your spiritual gifting and purpose? What influences your score?"

3. Exploring the Big Idea (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Ephesians 2:10.

2. Read Romans 12:6.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "How does the idea that your design reveals your destiny resonate with you?"

2. "Which of your natural gifts and passions have you recognized as aligned with God’s purpose?"

3. "How have your life experiences, both good and painful, shaped your sense of purpose?"

4. Considering the Word (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Romans 12:3-8 aloud.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "Why does Paul caution against arrogance or insecurity when thinking about our gifts?"

2. "What challenges or obstacles have you faced in embracing your spiritual gifts?"

3. "How have the gifts of others in this group inspired or supported you?"

5. Wrap-Up & Takeaways (10 minutes)

• Closing Questions:

1. "What is one new insight about your spiritual gifting or divine purpose that you’ve gained today?"

2. "What support do you need from this group to better steward your gifts and fulfill your purpose?"

6. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

• Invite participants to share prayer requests.

• Pray for clarity, courage, and opportunities to serve others using their unique spiritual gifts. Thank God for each participant’s purpose and the strength found in Christian community.

Between Sessions

Before the next session, participants are encouraged to reflect and engage with some questions provided in the curriculum. This week marks the halfway point in the study, so they will be reflecting on the relationships forming with the other guys in the small group.

Session 5

Theme: Connecting Passions to Purpose

Preparation for Leaders:

• Familiarize yourself with the session content and Scripture references.

• Create a welcoming, respectful atmosphere for open sharing.

• Have a Bible ready for reading aloud.

Session Outline

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

• Greet participants warmly and set the tone for meaningful discussion.

• Pray for insight, encouragement, and clarity as the group explores their God-given purpose.

2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

• Questions for discussion:

1. "What’s one thing you’d like to share from your between-sessions study last week? How has God been moving in your life?"

2. "Who was your favorite superhero growing up, and why did you especially like this character?"

3. Exploring the Big Idea (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "What are some ways you see your pains, passions, experiences, personality, and spiritual gifting intersect in your purpose?"

2. "What are some of the enemy’s lies that tempt you to doubt who you are and how God has made you? What truths from God’s Word dispel these lies?"

4. Considering the Word (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 from The Message translation:

“God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful:

wise counsel
clear understanding
simple trust
healing the sick
miraculous acts
proclamation
distinguishing between spirits
tongues
interpretation of tongues.

All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.”

• Discussion Questions:

1. "What have you been given that reveals more of who God is? How does this manifest to those around you?"

2. "What benefits do others experience when you live out your divine purpose?"

3. "When have you recently been aware of living out your purpose? What was the context, and how did you contribute?"

5. Wrap-Up & Takeaways (20 minutes)

• Self-Reflection & Discussion:

1. "If you had to sum up your God-given purpose, what would you say?"

2. "What evidence supports this conclusion?"

3. "If unsure, ask the group for feedback to gain clarity."

6. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

• Go around the group and share prayer requests, including updates on any ongoing requests.

• Pray together, thanking God for his unique design and divine purpose for each participant. Ask for protection against lies and for courage to serve with purpose and authenticity.

Between Sessions

Before the next session, participants are encouraged to reflect and engage with some questions provided in the curriculum. This week, those questions encourage them to reflect on their purpose and how they feel about that.

Session 6

Theme: Navigating the Intersection

Preparation for Leaders:

• Familiarize yourself with the session content and Scripture references.

• Create a welcoming, respectful atmosphere for open sharing.

• Have a Bible ready for reading aloud.

Session Outline

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

• Greet participants warmly and set the tone for meaningful discussion.

• Pray for insight, encouragement, and clarity as the group explores their God-given purpose in community.

2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

• Questions for discussion:

1. "What’s one thing you’d like to share from your between-sessions study last week? How has God been revealing more about your unique purpose?"

2. "When have you felt like you were part of a group or fellowship of men who genuinely knew, accepted, and cared about you? If you haven’t experienced this, what has kept it from occurring?"

3. Exploring the Big Idea (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Colossians 2:19.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "How have the men in this group helped you belong to a purpose bigger than yourself?"

2. "What are some ways you’ve grown spiritually, relationally, or personally because of this group?"

4. Considering the Word (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Luke 2:41-52.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "When have you taken a risk to fulfill your God-given purpose that others didn’t initially understand? How did you handle their response?"

2. "What does Jesus’ response to his parents in this passage reveal about his identity and mission?"

3. "How does being known and encouraged by others, including the men in this group, help your spiritual growth and maturity?"

5. Wrap-Up & Takeaways (20 minutes)

• Self-Reflection & Discussion:

1. "What are some ways you’ve intentionally pursued growth in the past? What have you learned about what works best for you?"

2. "On a scale of 1 to 10, how aligned are your current schedule and routines with your spiritual growth and purpose? What’s working, and what needs improvement?"

6. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

• Go around the group and share prayer requests, including updates on any ongoing requests.

• Pray together, thanking God for the unique design of each man and the shared growth of the group. Ask for courage and clarity as participants continue to navigate their divine purpose.

Between Sessions

Before the next session, participants are encouraged to reflect and engage with some questions provided in the curriculum. This week, those questions help them continue thinking about their purpose — especially what surprises them about their purpose and what questions or concerns they have.

Session 7

Theme: Overcoming Challenges & Obstacles

Preparation for Leaders:

• Familiarize yourself with the session content and Scripture references.

• Create a welcoming, respectful atmosphere for open sharing.

• Have a Bible ready for reading aloud.

Session Outline

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

• Greet participants warmly and set the tone for meaningful discussion.

• Pray for strength, clarity, and encouragement as the group explores overcoming obstacles.

2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

• Questions for discussion:

1. "What’s been lingering with you from your between-sessions study last week? How has God’s Spirit been speaking into your life?"

2. "What obstacle, big or small, are you facing right now? How is it affecting your ability to live out your God-given purpose?"

3. Exploring the Big Idea (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Romans 8:38-39.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "When have you struggled with feeling like a failure rather than recognizing that you simply failed at something you attempted?"

2. "How do you think God views the times you have failed? How does this contrast with how you view failure?"

4. Considering the Word (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "What does it mean to you to ‘take captive every thought’? How does this help you overcome daily challenges?"

2. "What are some strongholds or false beliefs you’ve had to demolish to live out your God-given purpose?"

3. "What practical ways can you rely on God’s power to overcome challenges? How can this group help you?"

5. Wrap-Up & Takeaways (20 minutes)

• Self-Reflection & Discussion:

1. "What’s one false assumption or inaccurate belief from your old story that still lingers? How does it inhibit your growth?"

2. "What truth from God’s Word dispels this old belief?"

6. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

• Go around the group and share prayer requests, particularly related to challenges participants are facing.

• Pray together, thanking God for his strength and truth. Ask for courage to demolish strongholds and walk confidently in his purpose.

Between Sessions

Before the next session, participants are encouraged to reflect and engage with some questions provided in the curriculum. This week, they will be reflecting on the strongholds or challenges that may be holding them back.

Session 8

Theme: Putting Purpose into Action

Preparation for Leaders:

• Familiarize yourself with the session content and Scripture references.

• Create a welcoming, respectful atmosphere for open sharing.

• Have a Bible ready for reading aloud.

Session Outline

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

• Greet participants warmly and set the tone for meaningful discussion.

• Pray for wisdom, guidance, and intentionality as the group explores how to put purpose into action.

2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

• Questions for discussion:

1. "Do you generally like to plan out the details of a trip, project, or new venture? Or do you tend to improvise more and fly by the seat of your pants? What are the advantages and limitations of each approach?"

2. "When you think about putting your purpose into action, what thoughts and feelings rise up within you? Excitement? Uncertainty? Fear? Something else?"

3. Exploring the Big Idea (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Luke 16:10.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "How do you see the connection between faithfulness in small things and larger opportunities to live out your purpose?"

2. "What resources or habits in your life right now are helping you move toward putting your purpose into action? What feels like a barrier?"

4. Considering the Word (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Matthew 7:24-27.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "How do the habits you form and rely on each day contribute to the foundation of your life? Are they providing stability and positive reinforcement?"

2. "Which habits in your life are distracting you from your priorities and pulling you away from God’s plan?"

3. "When have you had to change a habit because it wasn’t helping you withstand the storms of life? How did you change it?"

5. Wrap-Up & Takeaways (20 minutes)

• Self-Reflection & Discussion:

1. "What’s one habit you know you would like to change or eliminate from your life?"

2. "What’s one productive habit you would like to add?"

6. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

• Go around the group and share one personal request related to what participants want to change in their habits and lifestyle to live out their purpose more effectively.

• Pray together, thanking God for his guidance and provision. Ask for the strength to follow through and live intentionally.

Between Sessions

Before the next session, participants are encouraged to reflect and engage with some questions provided in the curriculum. This week, the questions help participants reflect on their experience in the group and prepare for it to wrap up soon.

Session 9

Theme: Sharing in Celebration

Preparation for Leaders:

• Familiarize yourself with the session content and Scripture references.

• Create a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere for reflection and sharing.

• Have a Bible ready for reading aloud.

Session Outline

1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

• Greet participants warmly and set the tone for meaningful celebration.

• Pray for gratitude, joy, and reflection as the group celebrates growth and shared experiences.

2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

• Questions for discussion:

1. "How would you define or describe the meaning of blessing based on what you’ve observed and experienced in your life?"

2. "What’s one blessing you have received by participating in this group with these particular men?"

3. Exploring the Big Idea (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read Matthew 25:23.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "How does recalling all that God has done in your life motivate you to keep going during hard times?"

2. "What have you overcome with God’s help to get to where you are now? What victories can you celebrate with your brothers in this group?"

3. "How could creating an Ebenezer inspire you to persevere and stay focused on God’s faithfulness?"

4. Considering the Word (15 minutes)

• Scripture Reading:

1. Read 1 Samuel 7:10-17.

• Discussion Questions:

1. "How does blessing others honor God’s work in their lives and encourage them to live out their purpose?"

2. "What would be an appropriate Ebenezer for yourself or another man in this group?"

3. "What has this group taught you about God’s design for community and encouragement?"

5. Sharing Blessings & Wrap-Up (20 minutes)

• Self-Reflection & Discussion:

1. "What thoughts and feelings are stirring as this group study ends? Why do you suppose you’re feeling this way?"

2. "How are you a better man—more honest, vulnerable, compassionate, courageous—than when you began this group?"

6. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

• Go around the group and share prayer requests one last time before praying together.

• Thank God for the journey you’ve taken together. Ask the Spirit to guide and protect each man as they continue pursuing their God-given purpose.

After the Last Session

Instead of a between-sessions reflection, participants are encouraged to reflect on their experience in study. Prompts in the curriculum ask them what they are grateful for from this experience, how they have changed during this study, and what they want to carry forward.

This guide supports participants in celebrating their growth and acknowledging God’s faithfulness, fostering an ongoing commitment to community, encouragement, and purpose.