Begin your small group with 10-15 minutes of catching up from the past week around a light snack or meal. Be sure everybody has a chance to share.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is called the Shema (Shema literally translates to “Hear!”). The Shema is the central doctrine of Old Testament Jewish faith. When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus quotes the Shema. Immediately following the Shema is a mandate to pass it to the next generation by letting its truth be lived in every area of life. This series is all about living out our faith for the next generation Sunday-Saturday.

Parenting is a team effort. Grandparents, friends, aunts, uncles, and neighbors play a vital role in the development of children. I need help with my kids and so do you.

Open by praying God will help each member to be an encourager, supporter, influencer, and guide to a younger person in their walk of faith.

Susan deep down in her heart knew she should be investing in a young person’s life. But she didn’t know where to start. Someone suggested making a list of young people she could impact. Then she could decide whom she would make a connection. After she made the list there were two names that rose to the top of the list. One was Julie who attended Susan’s church occasionally but didn’t seem to have any friends. The other was Barb who was a single dad’s daughter in the neighborhood but didn’t seem to attend any church. She didn’t know much more about Barb and her situation. Who would you encourage Susan to pursue? Why?

As a small group, read again Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

1. In what ways do parents need help in raising a child?

2. What is the difference between a helicopter parent and a wise parent in regards to how parents approach influencing their child’s world?

3. What do you think the role of grandparents, other family members, and neighbors play in the life of children?

4. If you don’t have a supportive family, what are ways you can bring other adults into the life of your children?

5. What can you do this week to bring an influential person into the life of your children?

6. What do you need to give up to prioritize investing in young people around you?

7. Who is one person in your world that you can begin to influence today? Share the name and their story with the group.

8. How can others in your group help you to be effective in influencing a young person in your world?

As a group, pray that God will help each member to become intentional at investing in the lives of the next generation.

(Make sure someone makes a list of the prayer requests then emails them out that week.)

Baptism Weekend on October 22 & 23. Invite group members to consider being baptized if they haven’t since they said YES to Jesus.