Transformation Groups encourage spiritual growth through accountability, prayer, and Bible reading.
1. Stay Accountable.
When you gather, ask one another the following 5 suggested questions.
(Feel free to modify).
- How much of the Bible reading did you complete?
- What stood out to you in your reading? Did it contain any commands to obey or truths to believe? What is your response?
- Since we last met, how have you been a testimony to the greatness of Jesus in both word and action?
- Do you have any sin you need to confess? (Consider areas such as finance, sexual morality, relationships, forgiveness, addictions, gossip, media, obedience to God, etc.)
- How can I best pray for you?
2. Pray for Others.
Conclude your time by praying for others
(and one another).
- Share a few names of people who don't yet know Jesus.
- Pray together for the names mentioned (see Scripture Prompts below).
- Pray also for one another.
3. Read the Bible.
Finish up by agreeing on a portion of Scripture to read during the next week.
- 30 (+/-) chapters
- see Bible Reading Examples listed below
- Scripture is read individually during the week, then discussed corporately when group gathers.
- If reading isn't completed by every member, the group agrees to re-read that same portion the following week.
For More Information
Check out Neil Cole's book, "Cultivating a Life for God: Multiplying Disciples through Life Transformation Groups," or read the most relevant portions (chapters 7-8) right here.
Bible Reading Examples
- Acts is 28 chapters; read Acts once throughout the week
- Romans is 16 chapters; read Romans twice throughout the week
- Genesis is 50 chapters; divide it in half (first half the first week, second half in a following week)
- James is 5 chapters; read it 6 times throughout the week
- The Sermon on the Mount is 3 chapters, read those chapters 9-10 times during the week
Scripture Prompts
- I pray, Lord, that You draw (name) to Yourself. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:44, NIV)
- I pray that (name) seeks to know You. “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” (Acts 17:27, NIV)
- I pray that (name) hears and believes the Word of God. “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NIV)
- I ask You to prevent Satan from blinding (name) to the truth. “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4, NIV)
- I ask You to send someone who will share the Gospel with (name). “Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”” (Matthew 9:37–38, NIV)
- I also ask that You give me the opportunity, the courage, and the right words to share the truth with (name). “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:3–6, NIV)
- Lord, I pray that (name) turns from their sin. “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”” (Acts 17:30–31, NIV)
- Lord, I pray that (name) would put all of his/her trust in Christ. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12–13, NIV)
- Lord, I pray that (name) will confess Jesus Christ as Lord of their life. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9–10, NIV)
- Lord, I pray that (name) will take root and grow in their faith. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6–7, NIV)
- Lord, I pray that (name) will bear much fruit for Your glory. “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15, NIV)
Tips for Success
- There is no need for extra curriculum, a leader, or special training; your group only needs this webpage and a Bible.
- If a group reaches 4 people, divide into two groups rather than create a larger group.
- Keep what is shared in a group, such as confessed sin, completely confidential.
- If your group has to reread the same passage (because someone didn't complete the reading) it's a GOOD thing, not punishment. The Holy Spirit may have something he wants you all to understand as a result of reading the passage again.
