Rooted is a 10-week study and many of our small groups will be taking this journey on their schedule so not every group will be on the same week at the same time. Each week has a different focus with some extra activities to help put what you are learning into practice. As a group, there will be times when you will plan for your group - our staff is here to help! Drew will work with small group leaders each week and the rest of our staff will help with ideas for serving, connecting, and celebrating. We are excited for over 400 people at Calvary to go through Rooted and how God will use this to deepen our faith, strengthen our faith, and impact our community.

WEEK ONE: What is Rooted?

This is the week to get acquainted with the rhythms of rooted - the daily devotions, prayer times, sharing faith stories, and looking ahead to what is coming. There is nothing to prep for Week 1 - just show up with your Rooted book and your Bible!

WEEK TWO: Who is God?

In week 2 you will look at any false beliefs you have about God and truths you learned this week. Each of us comes from different backgrounds and the goal for this week is to evaluate our “religious baggage” and focus on the truth of scripture so that we can know the one true God. For some, this will be a challenge as you may have experienced a lot of false teaching. If that’s you, here are a few options to consider:

• Seek out a Spiritual Formation Director or set up a time to meet with one of our staff.
• Read “The Good and Beautiful God” by James Bryan Smith.
• Make a list of your questions about God and set them aside to return to at the end of Rooted.

WEEK THREE: How Does God Speak to Us?

This week your group will plan a prayer and fasting experience or incorporate that time into your regular meeting. Your group leader will give you more details about ideas for fasting. If prayer and/or fasting are spiritual disciplines you want to learn more about, consider attending one of our Spiritual Formation Retreats.

Did you know that Calvary has a prayer team that receives emails every time someone shares a prayer request with the group? You can share prayer requests or join the team on the Info Hub.

WEEK FOUR: Where is God in the Midst of Suffering?

During week 4 you will explore one of the most challenging topics in our faith - suffering. We encourage you to be vulnerable with your group but if you aren’t at that place, here are some other ideas:

• Choose one person from your group to confide in.
• Find a Christian counselor from our list on the Info Hub.

WEEK FIVE: There is an Enemy
In your daily devotions leading up to group time this week, you will work to identify different strongholds in your life. For some, this may be a brand-new concept and for others, it could already be a part of your routine. This may be another week where you recognize the need for a counselor or a weekly support group. Learn more about our Celebrate Recovery program and find freedom from strongholds through Biblical principles.

WEEK SIX: How Can I Make the Most of My Life Pt. 1
As you and your group continue to experience what God is doing in your lives, a natural response is to serve others. This week the group will look at how God has gifted each person and ways that you can serve others. Your leader will give you links to free online spiritual gifts tests to help you discern your gifts and how God has wired you to serve. As a group, you will already have talked and prayed about a group serving project and hopefully this week or soon after, you will accomplish this together! Our Missions Pastor Amy Anthony is here to help your group with ideas for how to serve with one of our local partners or to meet a specific need that your group feels called to meet.

• Our Love Your Neighbor group at Calvary is a great way to get involved with serving in our church and community. This is a group on our church center app where we post simple needs that you can help to meet. This could include dropping off groceries, mowing a lawn, simple car repairs, someone needing kids' clothing, etc. As the church is made aware of needs through local schools and organizations or as people reach out to Calvary for help, needs are posted in the group and those who can repond, do!
• Don’t forget to take the online spiritual gifts test

WEEK SEVEN: How Can I Make the Most of My Life Pt. 2
Week 7 follows up on what you learned in week 6 by looking at how you are called to serve within the church. Many of you are likely already serving but this is a great week to reevaluate and ask God to show you if there are any changes He has for you. If you aren’t already serving, you can get started by filling out the serving interest form and one of our staff will get you connected!

WEEK EIGHT: How does God View Money?
As we near the end of our Rooted journey, the focus turns to stewardship and money. The Rooted workbook has some guidelines for budgeting and giving but those are not Biblical mandates - just one option based in Biblical wisdom. One of the suggestions in the Rooted book is to sign up for a financial class through your church. Starting in late March, we will offer a 12-week Financial Peace University course that may be a good option for you. We can also help you find a one-on-one mentor or direct you to personal studies on budgeting.

Right Now Media, a free resource for Calvary Church, has this study related to finances:

MoneyWise - 6 Session Study

WEEK NINE: Why and How Should I Tell Others?
God is doing a work in your life! During this Rooted study you had an opportunity to share your story with your group and this week you will work on how to share that story with others. If you have no idea where to start, this week is for you! Resources will also be available this week for you to invite others to church.

WEEK TEN: Why is the Church Important?

It’s time to celebrate! This week your group will plan to celebrate together as you wrap up your Rooted experience. Your group leader will incorporate a time of communion into your celebration and we are ready to talk to anyone who wants to take the step of baptism!