This is a lesson that I created for a small group that was transitioning to the new year. I wanted them to reflect on the past year by having each person fill out their life chart for the past year, graphing their highs and lows and pinpointing their major life events of the year.
After completing the their life chart, they were to share it with their small group. My goal here was to help build connections within the group, foster honest sharing and creating greater empathy and understanding with each other.
The next phase was for them to consider Paul’s words in Philippians 3:8-14. Forgetting what is behind and striving for the things ahead. Each person was to write down the area(s) of growth they sensed God was leading them to grow and mature in for the next year and to write down one step or process they were willing to do to accomplish it. Goals without steps to accomplish it are just good ideas or intentions (to realize goals as followers of Christ, we must take action by the leading and power of the Spirit).
Finally, each person was to share what they wrote down and pray for each other as they go about accomplishing it in the power of God. It was my hope that they would continue to pray and support each other in the new year to come.
Feel free to use and adapt this lesson to your ministry needs. If you have questions or insight for this lesson, please submit it in the comments sections below. Let’s continue to grow and strengthen our community of faith!
-Mike