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Jun
17
F Leader , I Leader , Susan Hill

The Case for Community

By Susan Hill

We all know a lone ranger who prefers time alone to an evening spent with a group of friends.   But the reality is, no matter whether we are an outgoing extrovert or a quiet introvert, we all need biblical community. There is not a single example in Scripture of a spiritual hermit or one who followed Christ alone. God created us to be a part of community.
This is one of the reasons LIFE Groups play such an important role in discipleship. Biblical community is necessary to become the kind of Christ followers God intends for us to be. While there are multiple examples of why we need to be a part of biblical community, here are just a few:

  • We need the accountability and protection that a LIFE Group provides. The enemy is fierce. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.”
  • LIFE Groups provide a place to grow in our understanding of the Word and have fellowship with other believers. This is the precedent set in the New Testament. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
  • Life can be difficult and when we go through tough seasons, we need to be surrounded by other believers. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Those who are disconnected from biblical community are vulnerable. As you think of people God has placed in your sphere of influence, consider those who are unconnected and invite them to your LIFE Group. Encourage your group members to do the same. Everyone needs to be actively engaged in biblical community.
As a LIFE Group leader, you are making an enormous spiritual investment in the body of Christ and in the lives of those you lead. Be encouraged that this commitment is time well spent and your contribution matters a great deal.

Jun
1
F Leader , I Leader , Susan Hill

3 Summer Ideas for Building Community in Your LIFE Group

By Susan Hill 

We all know that social outings are a great way to build community in your LIFE Group. There is something about getting outside of the space that the group typically meets in that provides group members with an environment to build closer relationships.

With the summer months upon us, here are 3 ideas for social outings for your LIFE Group:

  1. Plan a picnic lunch after church at a local park. Pick a central location and ask everyone to bring a covered dish. Encourage group members to bring their children and extended families. This is a great way to get to know one another and get outside and enjoy the weather.
  2. Have a cookout at a group member’s home, preferably at a location where you don’t typically meet. For group members with limited space, it’s much easier to host a gathering in the summer months since outside yards and patios can be utilized. Also, this is a great opportunity to invite unconnected neighbors to meet people in your LIFE Group.
  3. Consider signing up as a group to serve in the community. Summer months offer more opportunity with local service projects that might include basic house repair for the elderly or yard projects. Check with Adult Discipleship or Missions for various ways your LIFE Group can serve in the community.

 
Summer months are a great time to plan activities outside of group and spend time getting to know each other. People attend LIFE Groups to grow in their relationship with Christ and to connect in biblical community. Also, social outings have the potential to be evangelistic in nature, because unconnected people will often attend a social gathering much quicker than they will agree to come to church or LIFE Group. Let’s be sure to provide multiple opportunities for people to connect.