Connect

I hope you were in church this weekend to hear Ben speak on the importance of being connected in a small group or class with others. This truth resonates in our souls, we are created to exist in community with others. We instinctively crave connections with others. Without community we suffer physically, mentally, and spiritually. Over the weekend I read The Prodigal God, by Timothy Keller. In it he writes:

Christians commonly say they want a relationship with Jesus; they want to “get to know Jesus better.” You will never be able to do that by yourself. You must be deeply involved in the church, in Christian community, with strong relationships of love and accountability. Only if you are a part of a community of believers seeking to resemble, serve, and love Jesus will you ever get to know him and grow into his likeness.

I think this is an excellent summary of what we know to be true. As group leaders you are making it possible for others to get to know Jesus and to grow in his likeness.

I had two interesting conversations this weekend with “mature” Christians. Two men, both who love and serve the Lord, and neither one of them are currently plugged into a group. What surprised me is that I assumed they were both in groups, they have been in the past and know that’s where growth and real life transformation takes place. The lesson for me was simple. Be proactive, ask and invite, encourage everyone to be in a group, especially the ones we think already are.

Thanks for your time and effort to make this semester’s Group Life launch successful.