Small Groups in September

Small Groups in churches didn’t originate in a megachurch in the Midwest or in Southern California. Neither did a professor in a seminary come up with the concept nor did a Christian publishing company start Small Groups to stimulate business.

Small Groups in churches began with Jesus, Who, from the larger group, gathered 12 “to be with Him and that He could send out.” (Mark 3:13-14) Small Groups formed soon after the church was founded in first century Jerusalem, implementing “house to house” groups from the 3000+ people comprising the church, an “instant megachurch.” (Acts 2:46)

Jesus and the early church recognized that significant growth towards maturity comes through the spiritual relationships forged in a Small Group.

Our elders, staff, and Small Group Ministry are encouraging every person at Eastmont, high school and older, to be involved in some kind of Small Group from September 19 through October 25. During those 6 weeks, we will offer to our congregation the opportunity to be in a Small Group that meets weekly. We will study together via DVD and workbook what the Bible says happens “When God’s People Pray.” This is an encouraging series taught by Jim Cymbala, pastor at Brooklyn Tabernacle. We encourage existing groups to do this study, meeting weekly during this time, then returning to their desired format after the series is completed. We will be forming new groups, with new, trained facilitators, for those weeks as well.

Our prayer is that our collective commitment to Small Groups during these weeks will help us mature in Christ, as well as strengthen Eastmont as a praying church – to God’s glory.

Watch for details for involvement towards the end of this month and the first part of September.

Perfect Example

Jesus provides the Perfect Example in everything.

His ministry (which was His life) provides the best example of emphasis as well. Jesus exemplified the balance of doctrine and duty --- of declaring the Gospel and doing good deeds --- of teaching people and serving people.

Matthew 9:35 summarizes a season of Christ’s ministry in this way: “Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.”

“Teaching” and “healing” --- communicating Biblical foundations for life and meeting immediate challenges in life --- addressing spiritual needs and physical needs.

The Church, the body of Christ, follows our Head if we have the same balance --- strong teaching and sensitive service.

The follower of Christ lives like our Savior if we strike the same balance --- sharing Truth and serving people. Christ-likeness contains both.