For Microgroups and Large Groups
How to Use Each Module
How to use each module of Centered and Soaring
Features of each module
- A transferable concept of the Christian life.
- For use in microgroups of 3–4 people. When used in larger groups, plan to allow people to move into microgroups for discussion.
- Five lessons:
- A short video — watch alone or with a group
- A Learner Guide — to foster growth in the transferable concept.
- A Go Deeper Guide for those who want additional insight.
- Don't be in a rush. Each module is designed for five weeks but you may expand or contract the number of weeks as fits your situation. True transformation often requires repetition and reflection.
- Remember, the concepts are not just ideas to read about. They are lifestyle practices of Jesus that we want to do in our own moment-by-moment lives and pass them on to others.
Meet In-person or Online
Microgroups can meet in-person in many types of places — homes, church buildings, restaurants, parks and so on.
Both micro and larger groups may meet online, using apps like Zoom, Facetime and Teams. If it's a larger group, use the feature of the app that allows people to spend some of the time in chat rooms (microgroups).
Steps to taking the adventure of one of the modules
- Get Together — Gather people – sign up at CenteredandSoaring.com/signup
- Get Changed — Pray for deeper intimacy with Jesus, becoming like him.
- Get Going — Set dates and begin.
Adapt these schedules to best work with the people who will participate.
Schedule for a 75-minute microgroup (3–4) or a small group (8–10)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5 min | Gather — Brief welcoming chit-chat. |
| 10 min | Coaching — Encourage the group to learn and live the concepts. Think of how a coach would work with a team: "let's hang in there, dig deeper and do better." Serving is less about ability and more about availability to Jesus. First meeting: leader explains the goal and process. Following meetings: "How did your practice of last week's lesson go?" |
| 15 min | Word — Watch this week's lesson video. You may agree to watch it before the microgroup meets. |
| 20 min | Share — Everyone may speak, but don't have to. Discuss the questions in the Learner Guide. Focus on progress in living the transferable concept. Prayer — Pray for each other; everyone is welcome to pray. |
| 15 min | Invite people to share blessings and needs (prayer requests). |
| 10 min | Invite short prayers. Thanks for blessings and help for needs. |
Schedule for a 90-minute meeting of larger groups
Large groups (12 or more) work well for teaching, singing and enthusiasm. Microgroups (3–4) excel in depth of sharing, personal encouragement and friendship. Use large group—small group balance: time in the larger format and move into microgroups during the same meeting.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10 min | Large Group Gathers — Welcome, brief announcements, open with prayer. Worship — sing one or two worship songs. |
| 15 min | Coaching — Encourage the group to learn and live the concepts. First meeting: explain goal and process. Following meetings: "How did your practice of last week's lesson go?" (I Thessalonians 2:12) |
| 15 min | Word — Watch this week's lesson video (10–15 min). |
| 1 min | Get into microgroups (3–4). 5–6 works but need more time. |
| 30 min | Share — Everyone may speak, but don't have to. Discuss the questions in the study guide. Focus on progress in living the transferable concept. |
| 20 min | Prayer — everyone welcome to pray. Share blessings and needs (10–15 min). Invite short prayers. Close with an upbeat worship song. |
Take the adventure the Lord has for you!