Greetings,
Summer is almost over and we completed our sermon series on cultivating community. I have been thinking and praying a lot about what we have learned throughout this series and how to apply it all to Way of Life daily. I know that our leadership at Way of Life is determined to provide opportunities to cultivate community and we are praying about what that looks like. However, after this series I think we all realize that the responsibility to be committed to each other in deepening our relationships and our faith in Jesus must come from all of us.
I want to invite you to gather together for “authentic fellowship” in your homes. What is “authentic fellowship”? I think it is what the early church experienced in the book of Acts and I think it is what our current society craves. In general it is devotion to each other. It is knowing each other well enough that we aren’t surprised by our sins and we can celebrate together our growth in discipleship. Authenticity assumes a level of transparency and intimacy that requires trust and trust must be built over time and time requires a commitment. Fellowship is mentioned in the New Testament and the root words are metocos and koinonia.
Fellowship based on these words means that we are to be devoted to each other in relationship, even more in partnership, and still deeper in companionship as well as in stewardship. So, our desired goal as a fellowship is to be walking so intimately with each other that we can not imagine being apart from one another.
This fall would you consider being a part of or starting a fellowship in your home or in some location? We have a few that will begin shortly. The structure for a group is simple but profound. Devote yourselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, break bread, and pray together. My hope is that you would invite those that are around you that are not a part of Way of Life or any church to join in. Imagine the possibilities of seeing people around you experiencing freedom that comes from knowing Jesus because you invited them to read the word of God with you in your home and be a part of something authentic and life-giving!
I think Jesus is going to do something big through Way of Life, especially the more devoted we get about living in authentic fellowship.
Here's a few groups you can plug into. If you have an idea for a new group, please contact me right away! If you are interested in hosting, but not leading, or vice versa, we can connect you with others so you can partner in facilitating a group.
This fall would you consider being a part of or starting a fellowship in your home or in some location? We have a few that will begin shortly. The structure for a group is simple but profound. Devote yourselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, break bread, and pray together. My hope is that you would invite those that are around you that are not a part of Way of Life or any church to join in. Imagine the possibilities of seeing people around you experiencing freedom that comes from knowing Jesus because you invited them to read the word of God with you in your home and be a part of something authentic and life-giving!
I think Jesus is going to do something big through Way of Life, especially the more devoted we get about living in authentic fellowship.
Here's a few groups you can plug into. If you have an idea for a new group, please contact me right away! If you are interested in hosting, but not leading, or vice versa, we can connect you with others so you can partner in facilitating a group.
Gospel of John (Adult Bible Study) -- Sundays, 9:00-10:15am @ Battle Creek Elementary (ongoing)
Corporate Prayer -- Sundays, 7pm @ the Robertson's (moves to 6pm beginning Sept. 8)
Character Studies (Adult Bible Study) -- Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm @ Matt & Liz Jones' house (starts Sept. 17)
Men's Group -- Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm @ Robertson’s (starts Sept. 11)
Youth Group (Middle & High School) -- every other Wednesday, 6:30-8pm @ Edelblute's house (starts Sept. 11)
Character Studies (Adult Bible Study) -- Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm @ Matt & Liz Jones' house (starts Sept. 17)
Men's Group -- Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm @ Robertson’s (starts Sept. 11)
Youth Group (Middle & High School) -- every other Wednesday, 6:30-8pm @ Edelblute's house (starts Sept. 11)
If you would like info on joining a group, just send us an email and we'll get you connected.
Love ya,
Love ya,
Chris
