Journey on the Go
“Investing into relationships is one of the greatest things we can do! From the beginning, we see that God’s design is for us to do life together. We can’t do life alone! Life is most rewarding when we live it the way God designed it. One of the greatest tactics of the enemy is to isolate people because isolation leads to desolation. Doing life together is so important because that is how we grow, stay encouraged and empowered. Everything rises and falls on your fellowship with Christ. Find your God given mission and purpose in life and bring others with you.”
Pastor James Greer
JOURNEY ON THE GO MODEL
During Jesus’ ministry He traveled from place to place with 12 men. During that travel they had fellowship, a spiritual component, discussions, and prayer.
As they went, they found their mission and accomplished their God given purpose in life.
Journey on the Go is based on that idea! The exciting thing about Journey on the Go is it will help you find YOUR mission and purpose in life.
Wouldn’t you like to bring some friends or family on this mission and journey with you?
SCRIPTURAL BASIS FOR JOURNEY ON THE GO
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47
WHY JOURNEY ON THE GO?
LIFE CHANGE HAPPENS IN THE CONTEXT OF RELATIONSHIPS.
We are created for relationship. Relationships define us, grow us, challenge us, strengthen us, and bless us.
THE CHURCH MUST GROW LARGER AND SMALLER AT THE SAME TIME.
As the church continues to grow, healthy relationships become increasingly important. In a large church it’s easy to feel disconnected, however doing life together creates a sense of community and belonging.
WE ARE A CHURCH OF CONNECTION & COMMUNITY.
Doing life together keeps us connected and this is the most effective way to make disciples. Doing life with others provides opportunities to equip people to take their next step in their Journey with Christ.
GETTING STARTED
#1 - CHOOSE A LOCATION
You can choose where you want to host your meeting. Possibilities for meeting location may include…
- Your Home
- Library Conference Room
- Recreation center
- A Park
- Restaurant
- Coffee Shop
#2 - SCHEDULE YOUR MEETING
Once you’ve chosen a place to meet, now it’s time to choose a day and time to meet.
- You can meet any time, morning, afternoon or evening.
- Be consistent in your meeting times.
- Respect people’s time by starting and ending on time. (5 minutes to 1-hour meet time is ideal)
- It’s hard to accommodate everyone’s schedule, choose a time that works for most and stick with it.
#3 - INVITE PEOPLE TO ATTEND
Finally, once you have chosen a location and time to meet, now it’s time to invite people to attend!
- Start with people who are already in your sphere of influence (co-workers, friends, neighbors).
- Find people around you who are new to the church, new believers, or have shown interest in getting involved.
- Look for people who you think you can help draw out their potential
- Pray for God to send people to you who haven’t already discovered.
- Use the “Circles of Life” chart to think about who you can invite to attend your gathering.
Preparing for Journey one the Go
As you gear up for your meeting, here are a few things to consider doing that will build success.
- Invite people to attend
- Email, call, or text the day before you meet as a friendly reminder
- Create name tags
- Have food and snacks available when appropriate
- Create an inviting environment (clean, conversation, worship music, warm lighting)
- Pray over room.
WHAT “JOURNEY ON THE GO” LOOKS LIKE
Gather Together
This doesn’t have to be a lot of people! Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” We recommend meetings consist of 2 to 10 people.
Casual Fellowship
This is simply a laid-back time for people to talk and get to know each other. Casual fellowship will strengthen relationships as well as help people relax.
Spiritual Component
This is what differentiates your gathering from your neighborhood supper club. We know the word of God is powerful, it’s what transforms us! Journey on the Go is centered around a simple to use bible-based curriculum or devotion.
Discussion
Here is where the growth happens! As individuals interact and discuss what they got out of the lesson or devotion, they will be empowered and discover how to implement biblical principles into their lives.
Prayer
Ask for prayer requests from those in attendance and pray at the beginning and/or the end of each meeting. Don’t let this scare you if you aren’t used to praying in front of others. You don’t have to be a theologian to pray. Your prayers don’t have to be drawn out or eloquent, simply let God know your heart.
JOURNEY ON THE GO DYNAMICS
Give time for discussion. Avoid doing all the talking. A good guideline is the “70-30” rule. Approximately 70% of the speaking should be from members and 30% from the facilitator.
Keep the discussion possitive. Carefully lead the conversation back to the topic when tangents occur. When sensitive issues or complex questions arise, follow up one-on- one after the meeting.
Steer the discussion in a direction where everyone can participate. Remember that some people may not grasp phrases and biblical concepts that are common to others.
Men should minister to men and women to women. Couples may minister to a single.
Prayer requests and needs should be kept within the confides of your meeting as much as possible. Avoid “holy gossip”.
Avoid doing all the talking. A good guideline is the “70-30” rule. Approximately 70% of the speaking should be from members and 30% from the facilitator.
Things to Do
- Fellowship
- Spiritual Component or Lesson
- Discussion
- Prayer
Things to Avoid
- Business
- Offerings
- Unapproved Speakers or Materials
- Controversial Topics
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE
We believe you can win at Journey on the Go if you can effectively LEAD:
LOVE YOUR PEOPLE
Pray for them daily, show genuine concern for their needs, follow up with them over prayer requests.
ENGAGE EVERYONE
Ensure your time and focus are spread equally throughout your time together.
ASK FOR FEEDBACK
As you meet, it is essential to ask for honest feedback. If there are frustrations or concerns, make adjustments as needed.
DISCIPLE THEM
As you meet, your primary role is to assess the spiritual condition of those you’re doing life with and help them take the next step in their walk with Christ.
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks; give careful attention to your herds.” PROVERBS 27:23
“JOURNEY ON THE GO” SUCCESS TIPS
Spend Time individually with members between meetings.
Foster communication outside your meeting. Have your members exchange contact information and encourage them to fellowship outside the meeting.
Engage in a serve project or outreach during the semester.
Rally your people around a member going through crisis. Use wisdom and be sensitive!
Pray for your members. Tell them you’re praying for them and encourage them to pray for each other.
Develop a co-leader. This may be the most fulfilling accomplishment of leadership: helping someone find his/her purpose in God by learning to help others.
A co-leader is optional but can be a huge benefit! A co-leader can take the reins when you are away or be ready to step up as needed. A co-leader’s role is the same as the leader’s role in caring and praying for your members.
“Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. You are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life, that is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.” Rick Warren
Download the JCPINEVILLE App
Search “JCPINEVILLE” in your phone’s app store or click a download link below.
WHAT SHOULD WE TALK ABOUT?
It’s more than just getting together…
When we hear the word of God and apply the word of God, that is when transformation takes place! That’s why we ask every Journey on the Go meeting to incorporate a spiritual component.
To help you with this we’ve made accessing bible-based curriculum very EASY and user friendly! 3 options to choose from.
#1 - Use the current Group Curriculum
There is a 15-30 minute video you can watch with your group and there is a Leader Guide with questions to go over with your group. Access it in the JCPINEVILLE App.
#2 - Review the Sermon Outline
Review the sermon from Sunday and share personal insights with each other. Access it in the Sermon Library on the JCPINEVILLE App.
#3 - Read a Devotion
Get a devotion from Pastor James’ blog and share personal insights with each other. Access devotions on the JCPINEVILLE App.
TRACK ATTENDANCE
Tracking Your Attendance
Numbers are important because every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God. What matters to God should matter to us. That is why we track numbers and names!
How to Track Your Attendance
In the Journey Church App, click the Track Attendance Icon. Fill in the required fields then hit submit.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
SOME FUN IDEAS
One of the purposes of Journey on the Go is to develop relationships and a sense of community. Therefore, it’s important to involve your members in other activities outside of your regular Journey on the Go meeting.
In order to get beyond certain perceived or actual barriers between relationships, you need to periodically do fun, social activities. Below is a list of ideas to consider when planning an activity.
- Summer barbecue pool party
- Game night: Outburst, Encore, Pictionary, Charades
- Fall hay ride
- Bowling
- Christmas Party
- Progressive dinners
- Sports activity: volleyball, horseshoes, badmiton
- Roller skating
- Miniature golf
- Have a birthday party together for a member
- Attend a concert or sporting event
- New Year’s Eve party
- Day at the park
- Camping
- Shopping Day
- Movie night
- Day trip (Christmas lights in Natchitoches, etc.)
DISCUSSION STARTERS
Below is a list of questions that you can utilize to kick off conversations within your meeting.
These questions are especially useful if you have people who are new and you are seeking to get to know them a little better.
- What is the one thing about you that is unique?
- Who is someone who has influenced your growth as a Christian? What did they do?
- How did you end up at this Journey on the Go meeting?
- What is your favorite childhood memory?
- Where did you live when you were growing up?
- What is your earliest recollection of God?
- What did you want to be when you grew up?
- Where is the farthest place you have ever traveled?
- When is a time during the week that you can relax?
- What do you like most about your life’s calling?
- What is the one thing that gives you satisfaction?
- What is your greatest joy in your faith?
- If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be and why?
- Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world, and why?
- How would you like to see your closest relationship develop in the next year(s)?
- What area of your faith would you like to work on in the next few years?
- If you could have three wishes come true, what would they be?
MY NEVER AGAIN LIST
We know that doing life with others can be intimidating and a little scary at first. Many times you may feel inadequate, but God tells us through His word that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness.
As you read and recite these declarations, allow God’s word to fill you with faith for the work He has called you to do.
- Never again will I confess that “I can’t” for “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
(Philippians 4:13) - Never again will I confess fear for “God hath not given me the spirit of fear but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Never again will I confess doubt or lack of faith for “God hath given to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) and “this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)
- Never again will I confess weakness for “The Lord is the strength of my life.” (Psalms 27:1) and “the people that know their God shall be strong.” (Daniel 11:32)
- Never again will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life for “Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
- Never again will I confess defeat “For God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus.” (2 Corinthians 2:14) and “we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
- Never again will I confess worries and frustrations, “For I am casting all my cares on Him who careth for me.” (1 Peter 5:7)
- Never again will I confess that anything is too hard or impossible for the Lord for “There is nothing too hard for the Lord.” (Jeremiah 32:17) and “With God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
“JOURNEY ON THE GO” SUPPORT
Coaches Are Here to Serve You
Journey on the Go facilitators will be connected with a coach. Your coach is there for prayer covering, support, and a direct line of communication. Coaches serve by…
- Praying for you, your members, and meetings daily
- Equipping and encouraging facilitators
- Providing care for facilitators and their members through prayer, social interaction, and attention to special needs
- Visiting your meeting at least once during the semester
- Helping raise up new facilitators
If You Need Assistance
If you encounter a difficult situation within your meeting, please know that you are not alone. If you are unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to ask! Your coach can advise you, so feel free to reach out if needed.
- If you have a member experiencing difficult life circumstances, emotional issues, or personal needs that are beyond what you feel comfortable trying to address, don’t attempt to bear the burden on your own! Your coach can help!
- Contact us if you have a member that may need personal counseling or ministry in addition to your Journey on the Go meeting.