Hi Everybody!

We're approaching our Fall small group season. The LifeGroup Launch is a week from Sunday. If you're not a part of a small group, this is a way to find one.  Current groups will be beginning again and new groups will be created. The Fall LifeGroup Series goes for 8 weeks (Sep 25 - Nov 13). Our intent is for everybody to be connected and have relationships with others in the church family. So take your next step!

Several years ago the Leadership made the distinction and the choice to be a 'church of small groups' over a 'church with small groups.' This decision was made with the understanding that relational discipleship is the way to reach and grow people. We were convinced then, and still are today, that being together as the church in smaller groups is the way biblical community and life change happens. (I should probably write a few posts on that last sentence. There's a lot to that!)

In a 'church with small groups,' community groups are one of many ministry choices that we can be involved in.  It's an 'add-on' that some people will be involved in while others may not.

In our 'church of small groups,' being together is HOW we live and serve as the church. Because we want to live the way the New Testament teaches, our lives will be connected with one another as friends and family in the Body of Christ.  It is in our groups that we can…

• grow friendships
• grow in spiritual maturity through sharing the Word with each other
• be held accountable as believers in Jesus
• serve and provide loving care for one another
• be missional (living as missionaries in this community!), reaching out to those needing the Savior

So our small groups (LifeGroups, Encouragers, Men's Accountability, Discipleship Groups of 2 or 3) are not 'Add-Ons' to our ministry as Norkenzie, they are HOW we minister. They are not peripheral, but the core of who we are and what we do. Our groups are where discipleship has expression as we live out the 3Gs (Grow-Gather-Give). We then dismiss (Go!) into our community to be the church for those far from God. 

(Doesn't somebody have an 'Amen?')

I know there are plenty of reasons you may have had (or still have) to not be involved in the life of the church. I'm praying that God melts those away and that you take your next step and begin serving in and through your small group.

I love you people…
Neil

p.s. Along with the weekly LifeGroup Studies that are connected to Sunday's sermon, remember that we have a second small group offering this Fall in the Financial Peace University course.  The last hour of each FPU gathering will be small group based.  So either bring your LifeGroup or plan on joining a new one. The FPU Preview is September 28th.