For those of you out there who would really like to study on your own, here are some resources. First, the manuscript from the first message in the series. Second, the resource sheet for the first two weeks of the Upside Down series. Third, an article from GQ magazine recommended by Kyle Kennedy. And if that’s still not enough, the scripture for tomorrow is Isaiah 61 with some highlights in Luke 4.
emlott said
If you’re following comments, please read Marcena’s idea for a prayer walk under the “About Northminster’s Blog” comments.
Marcena Harman said
Haven’t “digested” all the material as yet. But I’m working on it. Have scanned the manuscript, the resource page, and part of Kyle’s article about Jim Steele. I’m not as speedy as my younger counterparts, but will try to catch up as quickly as possible.
Believe we DO need to take the Lord’s message TO the people who don’t know HIM. There’s a fallacy in believing the adage “Build it and they will come.” Christ admonished us to “GO”, didn’t he?
Too, I do believe in the small groups. But am concerned that sometimes they’re becoming TOO comfortable. Don’t want some of the history to repeat itself at Northminster. (However, Northminster’s history of self-sacrifice in times gone by needs to be repeated … for the glory of the Lord!)
There’s so much I see that could be done. Since I’ve become less active physically than I’d like, I hesitate to speak. The “motor” is willing, but the “body” is breaking down.
But the Lord still reigns!
emlott said
That’s an interesting comment, Marcena. Would you say more about the danger of becoming too comfortable? Sammy often talks about the conspiracy of comfort and convenience. We humans are often looking only for the easy, comfortable way.
Elizabeth Peace said
Adding onto what Marcena said, my thought on small groups is that it tends to be overwhelmingly easy to form a “clique,” and/or create convienience in that we choose to spend our time with those who we find pleasant. Perhaps we are called to find deeper community with those we may find unpleasant or needy…
April Kennedy said
I would like to share about my current small group experience.
Throughout the fall and winter months, conversations were taking place all around Northminster about our need for community within our church and our need to reach the community around our church. It seemed like we had a handful of people who had a desire to really step up their personal involvement in these areas. People were getting excited through these conversations, and it was decided to invite this very diverse group of people together for a simple dinner to share their concerns and visions. Out of these conversations a small group was formed.
I like to think of us an action group. Discussion occurs, bible study takes place, but at the end, the focus goes back to what we are being called to do next as a group. This is not a comfort group. It is not comfortable to step out and move. There has been an openness in our group that is amazing. Tears shed over heartbreaks and dreams of what our church is and can be.
We are not a group of alike people, other than that we want to serve God in His church. Some have families, others don’t. There is a large range of ages. Our backgrounds differ greatly. All of these things make us a stronger group. We graciously put up with each other’s faults. We were not all close friends before joining together. We search out others in our congregation who want to study and serve along with us. We are bound together by our longing to see the church serving those in need.
While I do agree that groups could become cliques, I also think that when the focus is on God and His kingdom this is a lot less likely to occur. Sacrifices are made weekly, sometimes even more often, to be in real small groups.
There is nothing special or different about small groups from any ministry or “committee” of the church. Each depends on individuals joining together to be engaged and serve. Dedication is so important to the success that any group will produce. A small group has provided accountable dedication and opportunities for service within Northminster for me.
emlott said
I’ve been reflecting on the idea of being in small group with folks who are really different or hard to be around. I think that’s why small groups have been so formative for me. In a previous church, Nathan and I were in a Sunday School class with some great folks. We were all 25-35, we spent a lot of time together socially outside of church activities, and we agreed on most things politically, theologically, and socially.
Then I came to Northminster and joined my first small group. I was in group with a couple of people who had starkly, vastly, drastically different ideas from mine. So much so that we would get in the car, and Nathan knew the fumes were coming out of my ears. But I enjoyed spending time with these folks and grew to respect their faith and their spirits. Now are they wrong about some really key stuff, sure. (That’s a bit of a joke, if my typing doesn’t communicate the humor.) I know with one friend I was really able to say how I felt, hear how he felt, and continue to call him friend.
That experience has stretched me and changed essential things about who I am. It’s not easy to sit at the dinner table with people who feel passionately for something that you are passionately against, but it’s powerful to work through or around that and still be able to end on a note of love.