Running Partner Guidelines

The purpose of Spiritual Running Partners is to provide the encouragement, pacing, and motivation we all need to grow in our relationship with Christ. Commit to meeting regularly (suggested at least 2x a month) to share honestly what is going on in your life (where you are struggling, being challenged, celebrating) and commit to praying for each other and encouraging each other on in faith.

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?