4Life: God’s Values for Living – identity, values, lifestyle, purpose
£35.00 (Approx)
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Overview
What does it say on the tin?
Do you want to … know God better? Find your place in his plans? Have your value system transformed? Have some help along the way? Take the risk. Follow this guide for a deeper journey into the Christian life.
4Life Group Notes are written to be used alongside ‘4Life‘ by Mark Powley. 4life was originally written to be used in four 1-to-1 meetings with another Christian. These Group Notes make the same material accessible to small groups over a 10-week / 10-session course (technically it should be renamed 10Life!).
Why Use 4Life Group Notes? To establish solid foundations for discipleship; To take groups deeper in honesty and fellowship; 4Life Group Notes can be used with small groups at all stages of development, including after an introduction to Christianity course (Alpha), when seeking to follow Cell Church principles, or just when a group wants to become more committed and outward looking.
What do you get and how?
A5 book plus A5 booklet of same name for group notes. Sessions:
- Introducing 4Life.
- New Life.
- New Identity.
- New Foundations.
- New Values.
- New Habits.
- New Lifestyle.
- New Power; New Purpose.
- Review.
Timings suggested (90 minutes per session). To buy (need to scroll down) from celluk.org.uk.
Who is it for?
Small groups, Enquirer, Beginner, Growing Christians.
Cost?
£35.00 for 8 copies plus Group Notes.
Review
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What is the overall quality of the material?
Good glossy format books which both have clear layouts.
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
Overall aim is lives which are ‘genuinely being transformed by God at every level. Specific and helpful aims given for each session.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
Booklet of Group Notes recommend a simple format of the 4Ws: Welcome, Worship, Word, Witness; plus good suggestions for running the group well. Clear and easy-to-use notes for each session. Nice layout.
Who could lead it?
A leader with some experience, and the ability to encourage honest responses and difficult questions. Plus the confidence to bring those things to God in shared prayer, expecting Him to respond.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
Participants need a copy of the book each rather than the booklet. It is expected that the participants will work through the 5 readings between each session, and if possible, form mini-groups to work through in detail the book material between the sessions. Each page divided into two columns of text. Some font is extremely small. But layout, including icons, is clear. Further material for working through after the sessions is included (though the layout is rather dense here).
How good is any digital material?
N/A
How much prep will I have to do?
Straight challenge to walk the talk, and model taking the 4life material seriously, plus praying for the group. Preparation of worship and familiarisation with session.
Is there website support? Links?
www.Celluk.org.uk but no extra specific resources for 4Life as a group course. Other discipleship resources available, including a mentor-based course which includes the 4Life book.
Is it dated?
No.
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How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
Worship, discussion and prayer together. Opportunities to share and support each other. If mini-groups are also formed, this element will be even better.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
Some creative elements, such as the use of tea lights, writing one's own prayer. Mainly reading, discussion and worship.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
Should suit a wide range of people, as far as Christian experience is concerned. Something for everyone. Very accepting and encouraging material. Would only suit an enquirer who had had some introduction to Christianity already.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
Strong focus on action in response to the biblical material and topics; and on prayer together for the same reason. Between-session mini-group sessions, and/or interaction with the relevant chapter.
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How much of the material is Bible-based?
Main focus of each session.
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
One Bible passage per session, relevant to topic, which is followed by three or four questions based on the passage. Basis for whole session.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
Questions are focused on understanding and application. Challenges of being human explored in this context.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
Evangelical.
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How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
Progression from recognising the current quality of one's relationship with God, to realising more fully the liberating implications of this, in terms of values, lifestyle, prayer, worldview, and purpose.
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
Realistic about challenges of living as a Christian plus need for power of Holy Spirit. Gifts and hindrances honestly examined.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
Opportunity to grow or evaluate one's faith and its implications emotionally, spiritually and practically.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
Recognition of the ‘baggage' that people collect in real life, emotionally and spiritually. Opportunities to begin to deal with it.
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How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
This is implicit in the approach of the course which encourages all to find their God-given purpose and live it out in the world. The book ends the main chapters with a clarion call to tell others about Jesus.
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
Recognition that working for justice in society is a divine imperative; that there is huge potential in living as a Christian at work and play; that we all have a calling to fulfil in the real world.
How well does it connect with global issues?
Not a focus.
How well does it encourage global mission?
Implicit, and examples given of those who have gone to serve God overseas.