BREAKING STRONGHOLDS
LEADER’S GUIDE
Welcome to the Breaking Strongholds Ministry Team. We believe that engaging in the story and discussion questions as a group is the best way to internalize the truths we present. YOU are the person who makes that happen. Thank You!
First–An Important Note
There may be people attending your group who are in crisis themselves or have started to realize they see the signs of suicidal ideation in a friend. While we believe this series and study can help you and those you love, they are not a replacement for licensed professional mental health intervention. As a group leader, please compile a list of local physicians, counselors, and other mental health professionals in your area to have on hand for the group meetings. Also, note that the National Suicide Hotline and Text Number are located at the bottom of each page of this study guide.
STAY HERE - ACT Online Suicide Prevention Training
In the study, we suggest all leaders and participants go through the FREE online Stay Here course called ACT Suicide Prevention Training, which takes less that an hour to complete. Please consider going through this course prior to leading the small group. As a result, you will be more equipped and prepared to answers questions and lead the group discussions.
To study scripture related to the story, you will be introduced to the Sevenapples App, created by Pastor and teacher Justin Ulmer. The Sevenapples App exists to help people discover who God created them to be. This free app features engaging artwork that relates to scripture. Please download the Sevenapples App from your App Store either on your phone or computer BEFORE the first group gathering. Click on the Breaking Strongholds picture on the front page of the app. Here, you will find all sections related to each Breaking Strongholds episode. REMEMBER - Always swipe to the “Left” to see the scriptures to study during the week. Simply swipe back to the “Right” to go back to the home page.
Leader Checklist and Prep Work:
Subscribe to the Reflective Media Productions YouTube Channel. You will find all four episodes of Breaking Strongholds Season 1 located on our channel.
The Breaking Strongholds Season 1 Study Guide and Discussion Questions are located online.
Download the Sevenapples App on your phone.
Watch the episodes and review the study guide as you go. The “Meet the Actors” short videos for the study guide are on the Reflective Media Productions YouTube Channel and are linked to the study guide.
Before leading the group, we suggest you complete the 50 minute ACTS Suicide Prevention Training.
Choose your Breaking Strongholds Watch Party dates, invite people, and gather!
Each Episode Study Guide has 5 Sections:
As You Watch
Watch the Episode
Talk It Over
Meet The Actor (Short Video)
Take-Away Challenge - Sevenapples App, to help people discover who God created them to be through God’s Word.
Going Deeper - We encourage you to watch specific sermons from the powerful series, The Gospel According Twenty One Pilots, created by pastor Justin Ulmer, who plays the “youth pastor” in Breaking Strongholds. Each sermon will strengthen your identity and purpose in Christ.
Suggested Times for the Study Group Schedule: (1 1/2 to 2 hours)
10 min - Meet. Greet. Eat. (If you have planned on having refreshments)
5 min – Pray. Help the group locate the Study Guide Questions for the episode on the website. NOTE: For Episodes 2-4, discuss the scriptures from Sevenapples App from the previous week and how God used them in your life that week.
5 min - Read the “As You Watch” questions.
40 min - Watch the Breaking Strongholds episode.
5 min. Short break here if needed.
30 min – Talk It Over: Discuss all the questions in the study guide, including the “As You Watch” questions. Since each group is unique, we highly encourage group leaders to go further by applying more scripture for the group to discuss.
5 min – Watch the “Meet the Actors” video related to that episode. You can link directly to each “Meet the Actor” video within the study guide. Also, these videos are located on the Reflective Media Productions YouTube Channel.
10 min – Help the group identify and download the Sevenapples App on their phones. Next, show them where the Breaking Strongholds study is located on the app. Help them become familiar with the app. Remember, swipe “left” to find the episodes and the scriptures about each episode. Encourage your group to engage with the scriptures throughout the week.
5 min - Talk about the Going Deeper Section and Close in prayer. Encourage the members to pray for each other throughout the coming week.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or Text “Home” to 741741
