The purpose of running together is to provide the encouragement, pacing, and motivation we all need to grow in the Way of Christ.
Be a listener
Scripture calls us to ‘be quick to listen and slow to speak’ (James
1:19, NIV). We will resist the impulse to fill the air with hollow words.
If we have nothing to say, we will say nothing.
Be gracious
Scripture exhorts us to “Forgive whatever grievances you may have
against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians
3:13). We will extend grace to each other, resist comparisons, and
seek to encourage each person in their current season of life and
maturity.
Be truthful
Scripture tells us that Christ came ‘filled with grace and truth’
(John 1:14). We will offer truth with sensitivity, but we will not shrink
from exhorting each other truthfully, and we will not encourage
perpetual falsehoods in each other’s lives.
Be sensitive to God’s Spirit
Scripture tells us that God’s Spirit will ‘guide you into all truth’
(John 16:13, NIV). We will not take this to presume upon God’s
Spirit or assume all we say or think is from God’s Spirit, but we will
listen for God’s guidance and God’s voice in each other and in
our inner-persons.
Be gentle
Scripture tells us that when assisting a brother or sister struggling
with sin, we are to ‘restore them gently’ (Galatians 6:1). We are
aware of our own shortcomings and will not expect perfection
from each other. When needed, we will work gently with each
other to point each other toward a better way.
Be multipliers
Scripture tells us we are to take what we’ve discovered and ‘entrust
it to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others’ (2
Timothy 2:2). As running partners, we will multiply. We will expand
our influence by expanding and multiplying our relationships.
Be sensitive with sensitive information
Scripture tells us ‘a gossip betrays confidence, but a trustworthy
person keeps a secret’ (Proverbs 11:13). This is not some sort of secret
society, but we will handle sensitive information sensitively. We will
guard each other’s privacy and be trustworthy with each other’s
vulnerability.
RUNNING PARTNER MEETING
After initiating the meeting, give time to each of these areas
of training.
Initiate Time Together
• Read aloud the Running Guidelines
• Ask God to guide your conversation
Life Transparency
What do you think God is trying to do in your life right now?
Which area below are you celebrating or struggling in?
• Loving God: as a personal relationship with trust and obedience
to Him
• Building Character: experiencing the fruit of the Spirit
• Loving People: having healthy relationships
• Being the Body: using my time, gifts and resources to serve others
What sin have you been conscious of this week?
What’s one thing you will intentionally do to take steps of growth?
The Scriptures are my Guide
What Scripture did you read this week?
How was God speaking to you through your readings?
What are you going to read in the Scriptures next?
Life with God for Others
• Who are two people you know that are not currently experiencing
a connected life with God that need prayer?
• Pray for these people every meeting that God would enter into
their life situation in a real way.
Have you said the “last 10%” in this meeting or have you held
back today?