Take
the risk! It’s well worth it...
Certainly, there are risks when deciding to meet regularly with a small
group for support, encouragement, and prayer—the risks of being misunderstood,
betrayed, or judged for our weaknesses. The question that one must answer
is: Are the benefits of small group commitment greater than the risks? ABSOLUTELY.
The Benefits of Life Group Commitment
- WISDOM & COUNSEL:
Proverbs 15:22 says that, “Plans fail for
lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” There is
nothing more valuable than the insights and perspectives of a group of
comrades during a time of decision-making.
- SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT:
What greater gift is there, than to have
a group of brothers and/or sisters in Christ to support and encourage
you in a time of crisis or need without the fear of rejection (Ecclesiastes
4:9-12)?
- RENEWED THROUGH PRAYER SUPPORT:
James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess
your sins to each other and pray for each so that you may be healed. The
prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Although our
confession to God brings forgiveness, confession of sin to one another,
followed by prayer, brings healing. That’s why the sharing of life,
including our struggles, sin and weaknesses, must culminate in prayer.
The greatest benefit for a life group is that you can share with other
followers of Christ who are committed to pray for each other.
- FUN & LAUGHTER WITH OTHER BELIEVERS:
God created us to enjoy Him and
to enjoy the life He gave us. Believers need to have the opportunity to
have planned and spontaneous recreation together.
The Purposes of Life Groups
- SPIRITUAL MATURITY—BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER—HEB. 4:12; PSALM
66:16-20
- RELATIONAL COMMUNITY—EPHESIANS 4:15-16; MATTHEW 18:20
Commitment to investing in each other and cultivating intimate community
through caring,
sharing, and praying.
- COMMITMENT TO SERVE—EPH. 6:7; 1 COR. 12:4-6; MATT. 5:16; 2 COR.
9:7
Commitment to investing in the internal ministries of service at Calvary
and the external ministries of service and outreach to the community.
- FELLOWSHIP OF SUFFERING –GALATIANS 6:2; JAMES 1:3; JAMES 5:16
As groups develop into stage four, the needs of individuals and of other
groups will become apparent, enabling groups and individuals to minister
to each other, and partake in the deepest form of community. (Phil. 3:8).
Joining a Life Group
- Contact the Life Group coordinator at Calvary Bible Church or fill out the Life Group Inquiry Form.
- A Life Group leader relevant to your life situation will contact
you and invite you to attend, or if you want to start a Life Group, Calvary
will help you initiate this process. After you find a group, make a commitment
to follow through for at least six weeks. After this time, evaluate and
determine if you want to continue meeting. If so, commit to do so for
one year.
- Develop a Life Group covenant and establish a plan for growth.
Consider doing a ministry project together. Pick an area of need, either
one of the internal ministries at Calvary or an outreach ministry into
our community. Many times the greatest opportunities for growth come from
serving someone who is hurting more than you (read Isaiah 58). As a group,
share in a service project to the needy or hurting.
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