THE BASICS: Every Member a Minister
4) When are you going to do this?
- In weekly Life Group gatherings
We have discovered that weekly Life Group gatherings are the ideal place for doing life together. When they happen less often than every week, it is easy to get distracted by life and simply neglect meeting with other believers, except on Sundays. When a Life Group gathering is balanced with social interaction, worship of God, Bible application and intercessory prayer, there are few things that are as powerful to help us walk with Jesus on a consistent basis. - In occasional conversations outside of the gatherings
Life is more than weekly gatherings. Real friendships are forged when we work at encouraging one another on a consistent basis, throughout the different stages of the year (and week.) Phone calls, texts, emails and even gathering for lunch or coffee can become wonderful tools of encouragement and growth. - In social situations
One of the things that stood out about the Church in the book of Acts was their gathering on an ongoing basis for food and life! Group members can help each other in reaching out with love to others through service projects, Matthew parties and life events throughout the year (birthdays, Christmas, etc…) - In Church settings (services, prayer meetings, retreats, etc…)
- The 10 Minutes BEFORE and AFTER (Connect, Invest, and Invite)
- The power of PRAYER
- “Is there anything I can pray about for you this week?”
- Follow up to the prayer
- Connection, encouragement, growth as God answers
- More can be accomplished in a weekend retreat than in a month of sermons
5) Where are you going to do this?
- For the majority, a home environment will be the best
- For a few, a work or public environment will have its advantages
- We may host ONE or TWO Life Groups at the Church to help new people take their first steps into a small group environment
Back to the Basics – Acts 2:42-47 NLT 42
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
By Russell Johnson