Big Push!
This month we have been doing a BIG push to help people get connected with in a small group environment. I believe this is crucial both to our church's growth AND our growth as individuals. Here are a few of the initiatives we are launching this month:
STARTING POINT GROUPS
They meet on campus on either Wednesday night or Sunday morning for 6-weeks. I'll be teaching either live or via DVD for about 15-20 minutes and then smaller groups will form to discuss the teaching for about 45 minutes. At the end of the 6-weeks we can help you find a long-term group OR those starting point groups may wish to stay together and meet off campus.
MEN'S GROUPS
On Monday, January 29th, a men's group studying, "Wild At Heart" will begin meeting. This is an awesome study and an awesome opportunity for guys to hang-out and connect
AREA BIBLE STUDIES (Students)
Since we've got students coming from all over our county and from different high schools, we're starting an Area Bible Study (ABS) in the northwest part of our county. The first meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 24th. This will be our pilot ABS but could begin an entire new approach to helping students connect. Contact Beth with questions.
As I have studied the Bible and other churches, prayed, and thought about this, I believe getting in a group is paramount to spiritual success and sustained growth as a church and a believer. In a group the truth of Christ is applied and experienced in a way that cannot happen on Sunday morning. Yesterday, I visited a guy in the local jail that part of our family. He was amazed that his small group had come to see him!! He had heard us teach and talk about grace, acceptance, and support BUT his group allowed him to experience it!! That experience is what we need.
Too many of us have grown up thinking that having Bible knowledge is equal to spiritual maturity ... we have a natural tendency to be a hearer and not a doer of the Word. Knowing the Bible is easier than doing the Bible.
However, in group life the Word of God is not only discussed and explained, it is applied ... it becomes personal; it becomes real to your life; it results in life change; and when lives are changed God is glorified and seen in us ... and that is what it is all about!
John 3:30
