|
|
|
Missional Life Groups
For many of us, when we hear the word mission, we think of selling all that we own and moving to a distant country to spread the gospel and serve the people. This is a true concept of missions, but it is not the complete picture. We have all been called to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), though most of us are called to achieve this where the Lord has placed us; in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, places of employment, etc. Our Life Groups provide an opportunity and encourage each of us to not only fulfill the Great Commission but also to live out the Great Commandment (Mark 12:29-31). We do this in at least three distinct ways; serving, sharing and studying. Each Life Group prays about, discusses and chooses a local group of people to whom it will serve and share the love of Jesus Christ. This is not your typical charity group. Rather it is group of men, women and children whose lives have been transformed by the grace of God and who are driven by the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. So as we go out we look to meet not only the physical and emotional needs (James 2:16) of those we serve, but more importantly attending to their eternal spiritual needs through sharing the gospel in our actions and words. In addition to “going out” these Life Groups also come together weekly in our homes in small numbers (usually between 4 to 12 people) to grow in the knowledge and faith of our God through the study of His Word and the encouraging of one another in fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). It is in these Life Groups that we make disciples. What is a disciple? Simply a disciple is a learner. We must study the Word of God (John 17:17) if we are to live the life that we have been called to (Romans 10:17). God has also given us the church through which he has gifted men and women to equip and minister to one another. These smaller informal gatherings provide a more personal environment for us to love, serve and teach one another. Christians are life-long students and the Life Groups are the lab sessions. So what we mean by Missional Life Groups is a small group of people living life together on a common mission; to study all that God has revealed, to share the good news that has been revealed and to serve our neighbors. We hope you will consider going on mission with us. To view a list of groups that are currently living life on mission together click here. If you would like to hear our passion for Missional Life Groups more fully explained click on the following link to hear the sermon. |