Everyone has influence. It is how we leverage that influence in the lives of others that defines our lives. Choosing to do nothing with our influence is the same as negatively using our influence. We may be the only person who has the opportunity to reach a particular individual. How will you impact your world? This month is about pulling the whole year together and making a personal plan to fulfill God's command to each one of us to "Go and Make Disciples."

Leader Guide 

• This is a very important assignment, and it will take your group time to look back over the entire year. Consider having a year-end event to share this assignment.

• Take time during your weekly meetings to discuss different parts of the information gathering. You could discuss the journal summaries, favorite book, or assignment in separate meetings. This will help them to get started gathering early instead of waiting until the last minute.

• Save the Personal Ministry Plans (10 Strategic Goals) for the final night or year-end event.

• Encourage your group to be realistic with their goals, but at the same time to go for it.

• Have a scripture memory contest. Let them know in advance so they can prepare. Maybe give out a prize. Make a big deal about it.

• Discuss the Impact Zone illustration. Ask them to answer the three questions and challenge them to take ownership of the influence that God has given them.

• As a part of their personal ministry plan, encourage them to partner with a local ministry by taking one of the following steps:

  • • Go on a mission trip

    • Serve or Lead a Discipleship Group

    • Give financially to help support the ministry to make disciples.

Bible Reading Plan – Talking Points 

• Discuss 1 Timothy 4:8.  

• Look at 1 Timothy 6:11-12 - The Man or Woman of God is known by what they (1) Flee from, (2) Follow after, (3) Fight For, (4) Faithful to

• 2 Timothy 2:2 is a great discipleship verse picturing four generations. Ask your group what role this should play in their life.

• 2 Timothy 3:16 is a truth worth building our life on. Do you believe what the Bible says about itself? Do you believe in absolute truth? Discuss the significance of this verse.

• 1 Peter 5:5 says, "God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble." In what ways are we proud or humble?

Book Recommendations: Spiritual Leadership

(1) Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. This book stands as a proven classic for developing Christian leaders. It is highly recommended.

(2) Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. This work is a passionate call for this generation to make their lives count for eternity

(3) Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt. David Platt challenges you to consider how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus said about being his disciple, inviting you to believe and obey what you have heard.

(4) Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman. Fans want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits but not so close that it requires sacrifice, while followers are all in and completely committed to Christ. Not a Fan gives you the tools you need to determine exactly where you stand regarding your relationship with Jesus.