(1) Lead as our Lord would lead! (See II Timothy 2:23-26.)

(2) The facilitator (the founder or appointed coordinator of the group) texts notices a day or two before the meeting including the lesson title, the time of the meeting, the location, and the leader of the meeting.

(3) The leader reads the lesson title, section title, and then the section question. Next, all take turns reading all the Scriptures and footnotes for each section. Then have each member answer the question at the end of the section. Do the same for each section.

(4) For new groups or new members, do not force the members to read. Ask for volunteers, even in prayer time.

(5) Explain that we use the Life Application Bible (any version) for our text and that “fn” stands for footnote. Since the studies are from different editions, the numbers on the footnotes (fn) may vary.

(6) Leaders lead! Talk little! Read little!

(7) Start on time. Cover the material. End on time.

(8) A must: Be committed to confidentiality in your group!

(9) Always ask the question at the beginning (“How did you see God working in your life this week?”) and be accountable to each other inprayer time. (James 5:16).

(10) Leaders leave time at the end of the meeting for the facilitator to ask each member how the group can pray for him and close with each member praying for only one other member’s prayer requests.

(11) Time is short. Do not bring extra material! Do not discuss politics or make disparaging remarks about churches.

(12) Encourage each member to do the preparation and personalize the answers to the questions in the lesson by using “I” not “you” in the answers.

(13) Before the meeting, do your preparation and pray for your group!

(14) Develop chemistry! Be yourself. Be vulnerable. Emphasize the message, not the messenger!

(15) Rotate leaders when appropriate, but make sure they lead under the guidance of “Leadertips.” Do not insist on members leading that do not feel comfortable doing so.

We use the Life Application Study Bible as our text. Application is putting into practice what we already know. The footnotes (fn) in this Bible not only give knowledge and understanding, but they also point to application. Many versions are available. However, most people prefer the large print version. It may be ordered from Christian Book Publishers at 1-800-247-4784 or online.

New Covenant Presbyterian Church (EPC) in Mandeville, Louisiana has a member with a ministry of going online and buying used Application Study Bibles and donating them to new Team Discipleship groups. You may have someone in your church that would volunteer to do that for new groups.