So this last Sunday I was given the opportunity to share with the church my thoughts and responses to Community Groups. I was asked 3 questions. As I sit and ponder what I said I can not remember, as it is all a blur now. I would like to take this time to go into more detail about what I meant to pass along.
The simple idea of Community Group/Bible study during the week is a beautiful opportunity to grow together in Christ. God calls us to live as communal people here are bible verses:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrew 10: 24-25."
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." Ephesians 4:15-16
So from these verses, it proves that surrounding yourself with other believers is what God asks and desires for us so that we can grow in our relationship with Him.
Here are the questions I was asked. I will respond to each question in much more detail :)
Question 1: As you know, at King's Church, we apply the 'closed group' model of small groups. What that means is, once groups get going, we close the group off for the next 10 weeks. We feel like this is the best way to ensure a safe environment for sharing & encourages transparency, has that element been important in your experience with cg?
Answer: Yes. Closing the group off has been extremely important to me, for it allows me to eventually let down my natural wall. I have been rejected by so many people in my past that it's hard for me to trust others and share intimate things right off the bat. I feel that if you can spend time with your group, and not have a flow of others joining in on any given day, it will allow for a more intimate setting. All members will be able to let their natural walls to crumble and allow God's hand at bringing the group closer. I think that if others were allowed to join in you wouldn't grow as close as you were meant to. If this were the case at each meeting, you would just share topical stuff. CG is intended to provide a safe place to grow closer with each other in God's word, in our lives and spiritually. I think allowing others in you would get a "spiritual high" from participating, but would not allow growth on anyone's behalf. That is just NOT what God wants.
Question 2: How has CG impacted your faith? For those that have followed my blog, you will see the impact CG has had on my life in the last 4 years. For those who are just joining on my adventure here's how I would respond?
Answer: CG has been my family away from family. It has allowed me to grow spiritually beyond measure. The women in the group have Cried with me, Prayed with me, Jumped for Joy with me. There has never been judgment, rejection or regrets. They have been the earthly model of Christ love and friendship. This is exactly what CG is designed for.
Question 3: Any words for those who are on the fence about whether or not to join cg?
Answer: As I said yesterday at church. " Just do it, you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain!"
Having answered all 3 questions on here, I urge you if you are not connected to a weekly group in your area get connected! Ask God to show you where you need to be, ask God to provide you with a group that will encourage growth in all areas of your lives. Allow God to show you his earthly family!
Stay tuned for more when God calls me to write again!
The simple idea of Community Group/Bible study during the week is a beautiful opportunity to grow together in Christ. God calls us to live as communal people here are bible verses:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrew 10: 24-25."
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." Ephesians 4:15-16
So from these verses, it proves that surrounding yourself with other believers is what God asks and desires for us so that we can grow in our relationship with Him.
Here are the questions I was asked. I will respond to each question in much more detail :)
Question 1: As you know, at King's Church, we apply the 'closed group' model of small groups. What that means is, once groups get going, we close the group off for the next 10 weeks. We feel like this is the best way to ensure a safe environment for sharing & encourages transparency, has that element been important in your experience with cg?
Answer: Yes. Closing the group off has been extremely important to me, for it allows me to eventually let down my natural wall. I have been rejected by so many people in my past that it's hard for me to trust others and share intimate things right off the bat. I feel that if you can spend time with your group, and not have a flow of others joining in on any given day, it will allow for a more intimate setting. All members will be able to let their natural walls to crumble and allow God's hand at bringing the group closer. I think that if others were allowed to join in you wouldn't grow as close as you were meant to. If this were the case at each meeting, you would just share topical stuff. CG is intended to provide a safe place to grow closer with each other in God's word, in our lives and spiritually. I think allowing others in you would get a "spiritual high" from participating, but would not allow growth on anyone's behalf. That is just NOT what God wants.
Question 2: How has CG impacted your faith? For those that have followed my blog, you will see the impact CG has had on my life in the last 4 years. For those who are just joining on my adventure here's how I would respond?
Answer: CG has been my family away from family. It has allowed me to grow spiritually beyond measure. The women in the group have Cried with me, Prayed with me, Jumped for Joy with me. There has never been judgment, rejection or regrets. They have been the earthly model of Christ love and friendship. This is exactly what CG is designed for.
Question 3: Any words for those who are on the fence about whether or not to join cg?
Answer: As I said yesterday at church. " Just do it, you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain!"
Having answered all 3 questions on here, I urge you if you are not connected to a weekly group in your area get connected! Ask God to show you where you need to be, ask God to provide you with a group that will encourage growth in all areas of your lives. Allow God to show you his earthly family!
Stay tuned for more when God calls me to write again!
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