The progression seems simple enough –
We are spiritual beings first therefore real meaning of life is going to found in the spiritual.
We were created and designed for intimate relationships. Relationships have great meaning to us.
God designed these relationships to be both vertical (with Himself) and horizontal (with others).
The best way to develop and deepen these spiritual relationships is in the context of a smaller group.
The purpose of a Life Group is to connect with God and others for the purpose of life change – to look more like Jesus.
2 Incomplete Small Group Experiences that get confused for a Life Group.
#1 – Ministry Teams – groups that are organized and function around a task.
#2 – Bible Studies – groups that are focused on knowledge.
It’s possible to be active in both of these of groups and never connect with God or experience life change.
The key to it all is authenticity. When we take off our mask and reveal who we really are – our hurts, fears, failures.
The mask we wear is a double-edged sword. We wear it because it does offer some form of protection. One of the greatest fears we have as people is if they knew who I really was, they wouldn’t want anything to do with me.
The same mask that offers a little protection is also the exact thing that prevents true healing. Jesus will always demand that the mask come off first.
Mark 5 is a tragic tale of an entire community that didn’t want to be authentic.
Authenticity will cost you something. It’s expensive. It’s worth it – but it does cost something.
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One comment
Pastor English, sounds like you have other good serious plan for your people at Western Hills Baptist Church. God is awesome and God has plans for WHBC.God bless your life.