Looking for the Leader Tips for a different session of The Ten?  They’re always right here on the blog.

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”” Exodus 20:17 (NIV)

Setup Ideas:

• Since your members don’t have participants guides, be sure and remind them to bring their Bibles. If you’d like, you can download a copy of this week’s Bible verses right here.
• There’s just one session left in The Ten (6-10).  There are several good options for a next study.  You’ll find a few ideas right here.  In addition, we’ll be posting a few recommendations over the next couple weeks.

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 10:

1. Be sure and watch the DVD first.
2. Take advantage of the Leader’s Guide on page 108.
3. Although we’d love to get everyone involved in the conversation, it’s often a good idea for the leader to go first on certain questions.  It helps provide a safe environment.  It also establishes the appropriate depth and length of answers.
4. Consider meeting next week to talk about the biggest learnings from The Ten.  That is often a great conversation and can be done with very little preparation.
5. Consider planning a potluck, game night, or some other reason to get together in two weeks.  One of the best ways to add new members is to invite them to a fun, relaxed setting where they can get to know your members.

Looking for the Leader Tips for a different session of The Ten?  They’re always right here on the blog.

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16 (NIV)

Setup Ideas:

• Since your members don’t have participants guides, be sure and remind them to bring their Bibles. If you’d like, you can download a copy of this week’s Bible verses right here.
• There’s just one session left in The Ten (6-10).  There are several good options for a next study.  You’ll find a few ideas right here.  In addition, we’ll be posting a few recommendations over the next couple weeks.

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 9:

• Two Truths and a Lie is a fun game.  Let your members know as they come in so they can be thinking up some whoppers.  Keep in mind, you should only be taking 5 to 10 minutes for the game.
• Be sure and look over the Leader Notes for this session.
• Remember, your own answers often determine for your group members the appropriate depth and extent of their answers.  If you are transparent…they will be.  If you tell the long version…so will they.
• The questions in this session seem to be very basic.  It will be easy to settle for the first answer or two.  Better to try and prompt your members to share further.  “That’s good.  That’s true.  What else?”

Looking for the Leader Tips for a different session of The Ten? They’re always right here on the blog.

“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15 (NIV)

Setup Ideas:

• Since your members don’t have participants guides, be sure and remind them to bring their Bibles. If you’d like, you can download a copy of this week’s Bible verses right here.

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 8:

• Keep in mind that your answer (the length and depth of your answer) sets the pace for everyone else.  If you have an answer for the first question (Did you ever steal something growing up?), you’ll be more likely to have good participation.
• There’s almost always more going on that you notice at first glance.  Be sure and prompt your group members to go deeper by asking, “Is there anything else in this story?”  For example, the question, “What all was involved in Jacob and Rebekah stealing Essau’s birthright and blessing?” is simple and complex at the same time.  Be sure and dig for the whole answer.
• The short story about the 4 shirts purchased at the top of 54 adds a whole new layer to this commandment.  Be sure and spend a few minutes here.
• The last question: “What lesson will you take away from this week’s study and how will it change your actions?” is a great question.  It might really pay off to have the group subgroup for this question and prayer.
• If you’ve been staying together each week for prayer time, consider subgrouping (men with men, women with women).  Separating into two or three groups of 3 to 4 will make a very big difference in terms of who prays and for what.
• Just before prayer time, remind your group that “this week we want to keep our prayers focused on our own needs and concerns.”  Your members will often be tempted to share prayer requests that are about their sister-in-law’s brother’s boss’s gardener.  Although it will seem riskier to ask for prayer that is more personal, it will be more engaging and will draw your members closer when they’re praying for each others needs and requests.

Looking for the Leader Tips for a different session of The Ten? They’re always right here on the blog.

“You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 (NIV)

Setup Ideas:

• Since your members don’t have participants guides, be sure and remind them to bring their Bibles. If you’d like, you can download a copy of this week’s Bible verses right here.
• Need to recommend a Bible for one of your members? Here are a couple good options: (1) Life Application Study Bible (NIV) or (2) Life Application Study Bible (NLT). Reasonable priced at Amazon. The Life Application study bible is very popular and is packed with notes, charts, etc. that will help readers understand the Bible. The NIV (New International Version) is a very accurate modern translation that is used frequently in Bible studies or small group studies. The New Living Translation (NLT) is a very accurate, freshly worded translation that is also frequently used in studies today.

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 7

• Keep in mind that whether you’ve had a previous marriage or not, many in your group have.  They may have some pain on this topic.
• If you’re trying to develop another facilitator for your group, asking them to study the “Cultural and Historical Thoughts” in advance and be ready to provide color commentary is a practical step you can take.  What you find in the study guide combined with the basic insights in a most study Bibles will enrich your group time.  Asking a group member to do the simple research will help expand the facilitator pool.
• Be sure and watch the DVD first.  FYI…the stalker returns and there’s more to the story than you might have thought!
• Consider sub-grouping for the questions on pages 35-37 (men in one group, women in another).

Looking for the Leader Tips for a different session of The Ten?  They’re always right here on the blog.

“You shall not murder.”  Exodus 20:13 (NIV)

Setup Ideas:

• Since your members don’t have participants guides, be sure and remind them to bring their Bibles.  If you’d like, you can download a copy of this week’s Bible verses right here.
• Need to recommend a Bible for one of your members? Here are a couple good options: (1) Life Application Study Bible (NIV) or (2) Life Application Study Bible (NLT). Reasonable priced at Amazon. The Life Application study bible is very popular and is packed with notes, charts, etc. that will help readers understand the Bible. The NIV (New International Version) is a very accurate modern translation that is used frequently in Bible studies or small group studies. The New Living Translation (NLT) is a very accurate, freshly worded translation that is also frequently used in studies today.

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 6

• Be sure and watch the DVD session in advance.
• Look over the Leader Notes beginning on page 88.  Although the session notes begin on page 91, you might want to refresh your memory about the goal of each session.
• Great first question in this session: What’s worse?  A guilty person being set free or an innocent person being put away?
• The crazy frozen billionaire (Actress Christinna Chauncey) from the first episode is back.  Extra bonus info…she appeared in Men of a Certain Age recently as Ray’s sister-in-law.  A little freaky to see her open the front door!

Looking for the Leader Tips for a different session of The Ten? They’re always right here on the blog.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12 NIV

Setup Ideas:

• This is week 5 of The Ten (1-5).  If you haven’t ordered The Ten (6-10), you can do that right here and pay by credit or debit card.  Or you can stop by the Community Life booth this weekend and pay with cash (exact change preferred) or check.  It is available at our price for $16.
• Since your members don’t have participants guides, be sure and remind them to bring their Bibles.  If you’d like, you can download a copy of this week’s Bible verses.
• Need to recommend a Bible for one of your members?  Here are a couple good options: (1) Life Application Study Bible (NIV) or (2) Life Application Study Bible (NLT).  Reasonable priced at Amazon.  The Life Application study bible is very popular and is packed with notes, charts, etc. that will help readers understand the Bible.  The NIV (New International Version) is a very accurate modern translation that is used frequently in Bible studies or small group studies.  The New Living Translation (NLT) is a very accurate, freshly worded translation that is also frequently used in studies today.

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 5

1. Be sure and watch the DVD session first.  This one has a powerful personal message for any of your group members whose relationship is strained with their parents.  Important:  If you do have members whose relationship is strained (there may be abuse, they may have been put up for adoption, etc.), this is an opportunity to be sensitive and caring.  It’s often a good idea to push pause on the discussion, say, “Let’s take a moment right now as a group and pray for ______ and their relationship with their _______.”
2. Take advantage of the Leader’s Notes on page 107 in your study guide.
3. As always, give some thought to your answer to the warm-up question on page 75.  If you have a short example, your members will probably follow suit.  Remember, this is a warm-up question.  Not intended to spend more than 5 to 10 minutes here.
4. Each week there are “Extra Questions” at the end of the section.  This week’s extras includes a really great question for all groups: “If you are a parent, what would it feel like to be honored?  Knowing what you know now, how do you honor your parents differently?  Or how do you wish you had honored your parents differently?

Looking for the Leader Tips for a different session of The Ten?  They’re always right here on the blog.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8 NIV

Setup Ideas:

• This is week four of The Ten (1-5).  Don’t forget to order your copy of The Ten (6-10).
• Since your members don’t have a participant guide, be sure and remind your members to bring their Bible.  If you’d like, you can download a copy of this week’s Bible verses.

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 4

1. Be sure and watch the DVD session first.
2. Take advantage of the Leader Notes on page 103 in your study guide.
3. Remember, you help establish for the group the appropriate length and depth of an answer by the way you lead off.  For example, the first question on page 59 is just a warm up.  Since it’s a warm up, what’s needed here is not a long story.
4. The Leader Notes make a great suggestion to have everyone pick out a single day and make a list of everything that did that day (include mealtimes, appointments, work and fun, driving, etc.).

How’s it going?  How was your holiday?  Did your group make it back together?  Ready to continue in your study of The Ten?

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”  Exodus 20:7 NIV

Setup Ideas:

• If you’ve taken some time off for the holidays, be sure you call your members this week to remind them about your upcoming meeting.
• Since your members don’t have a participant guide, be sure and remind your members to bring their Bibles (or print off a few copies of this week’s Bible verses).

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 3:

• Be sure and watch the DVD before your meeting.  We had one report of a DVD that skipped on session 3, so don’t take that chance.  Watch it ahead of time to make sure that it works…and to prepare for the discussion.
• Take advantage of the Leader Tips on page 99 in your Study Guide.  You’ll find some great ideas there that will help you prepare and be more confident.  In fact, if you’re looking for a way to include some other members of your group as facilitators…it’s a good idea to let them in on the secret of the Leader Tips!
• Note that before you watch the DVD, you share the short reading on page 42 and then ask the question on page 43.  I’ve had a nickname or two.  You probably have to.  Be sure and think about your answer.  This question is really only a warm-up and should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes.
• Be careful as a leader to help your group avoid criticizing churches they may have attended in the past.  It may be a challenge, but it will help everyone benefit from this session.  Feel free to put it on me or Pastor Tim (i.e., Pastor Mark encourages all of us to not spend our time criticizing other churches or ministries).

Did you get started on The Ten?  Hopefully you had a great discussion in session one on the first commandment, No Other Gods, Only Me.  Here are some tips and ideas for session 2.  And remember, you can always come back to the Parkview GroupLife blog and find these Leader Tips later.  They’re in a special category called The Ten: Leader Tips and Ideas.

If You’ve Not Decided to Use The Ten:

Whether your group is brand new from 40 Days or you’ve been meeting for several years, you ought to take a look at The Ten, an engaging study of the 10 Commandments.  Although it will not accompany a weekend message series (like 40 Days of Purpose), I’ll be writing tips and ideas every week.

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.”  Exodus 20:4 NLT

Setup Ideas:

• Since your members don’t have a participant guide, be sure to encourage them to bring a Bible.  If you have access to a printer, you can print copies of this week’s Bible verses.
• Especially if you’ve taken any time off, be sure and call your members to remind them about your upcoming meeting.

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 2:

• Be sure and watch the DVD before your meeting.  We had one report of a DVD that skipped on session 3, so don’t take that chance.  Watch it ahead of time to make sure that it works…and to prepare for the discussion.
• Take advantage of the Leader Tips on page 94 in your Study Guide.  You’ll find some great ideas there that will help you prepare and be more confident.  In fact, if you’re looking for a way to include some other members of your group as facilitators…it’s a good idea to let them in on the secret of the Leader Tips!
• Note that before you watch the DVD, you share the short reading on page 26 and then ask the question on page 27.  Be sure and think about your answer.  This question is really only a warm-up and should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes.
• Great idea to ask the questions on page 32 before you read the passage.
• The questions on page 37, “What idols have you created in your life? Have they performed as expected?” and “How will you destroy these idols, and what will you replace them with?” are truly some of the most important questions you will ever ask.  Your answers will determine the depth and authenticity of your members’ answers.

Ready to get started on The Ten?  (Whether your group is brand new from 40 Days or you’ve been meeting for several years, you ought to take a look at The Ten, an engaging study of the 10 Commandments).

“You shall have no other gods before me.”  Exodus 20:3

Can you name all 10 of the 10 commandments?  A 2007 survey done by Kelton Research showed that Americans “recalled the seven ingredients of a McDonald’s Big Mac hamburger and members of TV’s “The Brady Bunch” more easily than the Bible’s Ten Commandments.”

Setup Ideas:

• Since your members won’t have a participant guide, it’s a good idea to suggest that they bring a Bible.  If you have access to a printer, you can print this week’s Bible verses.
• Especially if you’ve taken any time off since your last meeting, be sure and give your members a call to remind them about your next meeting.
• Starting a new study is always a good opportunity to invite a few new members.  If you’ve had members drop out, a new study provides a natural way to invite them to rejoin the group.
• A new study also presents an opportunity to review your small group agreement.  The simple reminder of “how we’ve agreed to do things” can go a long ways in helping your group continue to develop into a healthy environment.  Need a new copy of the Small Group Agreement?  You can download one right here.

Top Tips and Ideas for Session 1:

• Watch the DVD session before your meeting.  It’s short.  Less than 15 minutes.  You’ll want to see in advance where the video goes.
• Be sure and take advantage of the Leader’s Notes that begin on page 91.  Looking over these notes in advance will make it easier for you to guide conversation after the video.
• Note that you start session 1 off with the short reading on page 10 and then the question on page 11 BEFORE you watch the video.  Think about your answer to the lead-off question ahead of time.  Be sure you can explain why you admired that person.  Keep in mind that your answer sets the tone for everyone else.
• Keep in mind that it will be tempting to talk about the film longer than needed.  Allow some time to talk about the “mistakes the woman in the film made” and then move on to the Bible passage on page 14.
• It is more than okay for you to mention to the group that you have the Leader’s Guide in the back!  In fact, if you point that out, your members will be much more likely to take a turn leading the next discussion!