Just a reminder about the Community Group Leaders Meeting this Saturday at Schuette's House at 4:30pm. We are going with the potluck theme so be creative and bring something for all to share.
Things to bring in addition to food and drink:
1. A couple of examples about things that have worked to get people involved in the discussion
2. Needs that would help your group function better
3. Anything else you can think of.
The hope is that these things would not only be worthwhile from an encouragement/fellowship standpoint but also from a training standpoint. But we will see what we can do with kids and families running around.
Hope your groups have been going well. I have had the opportunity to talk to some of you recently so to the others let me know how I can support you. Also try and give a heads up for Mike Gizzi and Hutch Goodman who have gone out to start new groups in recent weeks.
E
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
James 3 and other info
A couple of information messages first:
1. We are starting 2 new CG's starting the week of Feb 11th. Monday nights at The Goodman's and Sunday Evenings in Port Orchard at the Gizzi's. Help me spread the word to people on Sunday or in other conversations about the opportunities here to join these groups and experience community.
2. Community Group Leader Meeting, Feb. 23rd 4:30 pm till ??? at my house in Silverdale. Kids are welcome. Be thinking about what would be helpful during these times. Fellowship, Training (if so what kinds), Encouragement, Vision of Community Groups, etc. etc.
3. Question to ponder: We had a person who was a little thrown off by the message about being in the culture but not of the culture. Basically, is it bad to just listen to Christian music, have Christian friends, and go to Christian school if that is what is going to encourage you and help you with your personal holiness. I think we have a quick answer to this but these are the type of questions that will arise based on the wide-array of people God has brought into our body. How do we lead this person in answering this? Do we just give them the 5-minute disertation or do we ask them questions so they can be involved in the process. Do we pose the question for everyone to process? Give me your thoughts.
4. Great stuff to think about from James 3, this week. Please submit a question or two that you are planning to use to help spur on conversation in your group this week.
1. We are starting 2 new CG's starting the week of Feb 11th. Monday nights at The Goodman's and Sunday Evenings in Port Orchard at the Gizzi's. Help me spread the word to people on Sunday or in other conversations about the opportunities here to join these groups and experience community.
2. Community Group Leader Meeting, Feb. 23rd 4:30 pm till ??? at my house in Silverdale. Kids are welcome. Be thinking about what would be helpful during these times. Fellowship, Training (if so what kinds), Encouragement, Vision of Community Groups, etc. etc.
3. Question to ponder: We had a person who was a little thrown off by the message about being in the culture but not of the culture. Basically, is it bad to just listen to Christian music, have Christian friends, and go to Christian school if that is what is going to encourage you and help you with your personal holiness. I think we have a quick answer to this but these are the type of questions that will arise based on the wide-array of people God has brought into our body. How do we lead this person in answering this? Do we just give them the 5-minute disertation or do we ask them questions so they can be involved in the process. Do we pose the question for everyone to process? Give me your thoughts.
4. Great stuff to think about from James 3, this week. Please submit a question or two that you are planning to use to help spur on conversation in your group this week.
Friday, January 25, 2008
James 2:14-26
In an effort to provide you with some conversations starters for your groups next week:
In verse 2:14, James speaks of a person having faith without deeds and asks, "Can such faith save him?"
No. The Faith he is talking about here is more of one of “an understanding” not saving faith as we see in other texts. This is backed up further in the chapter when he talks about even the demons “believe” or I will show you my faith by my deeds.
What does Jesus say about faith and works (Matthew 7:26-27)?
Faith without deeds is no different than building a house on sand, which is quickly washed away.
Proper motivation is important in understanding the value of our works. What are we being asked to do and why? (1 John 3:16-18)
We are to reach out with the love of God to anyone in need, not with words, but with actions. We are to do so because Christ gave his life for us.
Give a modern example of the situation described in verses James 2:15-16.
Doesn't James 2:18 contradict Paul in Romans 3:28 when he writes "man is justified (saved) by faith without the deeds (works) of the law"?
Paul is speaking out against those who attempt to be saved by deeds instead of true faith. Paul was also speaking to Jews who believed that to be saved, one must obey the laws of Moses. While it is true that our deeds cannot earn salvation, true faith always results in a changed life and good deeds. Bottom line: faith brings us salvation; active obedience demonstrates that our faith is genuine.
Was Abraham saved by faith or works? (Genesis 15:3-6, Romans 4:3).
By faith when he believed that Sarah would have children that would inherit the earth. Furthermore, Abraham's act of faith (Genesis 15:6) occurred before he offered up Isaac, which was only a proof of the genuineness of his faith.
Chronology is important when it comes to faith and works. Explain this example noting the sequence (Eph 2:8-9 and Eph 2:10).
First: God loves you so much that He is willing to save you by His grace. Second: you must have faith and believe in God's grace. Third: you must act on your faith.
Was there a similar sequence in Abraham's story in James 2:21-24?
Yes. Take time to understand it. The whole story is in Genesis, chapters 12 to 23, but look especially at 15:6.
Summarize the story of Rahab the prostitute in James 2:25 (Joshua 2:1-24 and 6:17-27, Hebrews 11:31).
Briefly, when Moses' spies came to Jericho, she hid them and helped them escape. In this way, her deeds demonstrated faith in God's purpose for Israel. As a result, she and her family were saved when the city was destroyed.
Do Paul's words in Colossians 3:23-24 and 2 Corinthians 5:10 provide motivation for letting your deeds demonstrate your faith?
In Colossians, Paul tells us that we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward and then in 2 Corinthians he says that in the final judgement, we will be held accountable for our actions while in human form, (not just for our faith).
What are some examples of works that pass through the fires of God's judgement and are rewarded as described in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15?
Other Questions to Think about:
1. Improper motives that get you involved in doing good works.
2. Excuses you have given the Lord for not being more involved in His service.
3. Does your life prove (or lack evidence) mirror James 2:18.
In verse 2:14, James speaks of a person having faith without deeds and asks, "Can such faith save him?"
No. The Faith he is talking about here is more of one of “an understanding” not saving faith as we see in other texts. This is backed up further in the chapter when he talks about even the demons “believe” or I will show you my faith by my deeds.
What does Jesus say about faith and works (Matthew 7:26-27)?
Faith without deeds is no different than building a house on sand, which is quickly washed away.
Proper motivation is important in understanding the value of our works. What are we being asked to do and why? (1 John 3:16-18)
We are to reach out with the love of God to anyone in need, not with words, but with actions. We are to do so because Christ gave his life for us.
Give a modern example of the situation described in verses James 2:15-16.
Doesn't James 2:18 contradict Paul in Romans 3:28 when he writes "man is justified (saved) by faith without the deeds (works) of the law"?
Paul is speaking out against those who attempt to be saved by deeds instead of true faith. Paul was also speaking to Jews who believed that to be saved, one must obey the laws of Moses. While it is true that our deeds cannot earn salvation, true faith always results in a changed life and good deeds. Bottom line: faith brings us salvation; active obedience demonstrates that our faith is genuine.
Was Abraham saved by faith or works? (Genesis 15:3-6, Romans 4:3).
By faith when he believed that Sarah would have children that would inherit the earth. Furthermore, Abraham's act of faith (Genesis 15:6) occurred before he offered up Isaac, which was only a proof of the genuineness of his faith.
Chronology is important when it comes to faith and works. Explain this example noting the sequence (Eph 2:8-9 and Eph 2:10).
First: God loves you so much that He is willing to save you by His grace. Second: you must have faith and believe in God's grace. Third: you must act on your faith.
Was there a similar sequence in Abraham's story in James 2:21-24?
Yes. Take time to understand it. The whole story is in Genesis, chapters 12 to 23, but look especially at 15:6.
Summarize the story of Rahab the prostitute in James 2:25 (Joshua 2:1-24 and 6:17-27, Hebrews 11:31).
Briefly, when Moses' spies came to Jericho, she hid them and helped them escape. In this way, her deeds demonstrated faith in God's purpose for Israel. As a result, she and her family were saved when the city was destroyed.
Do Paul's words in Colossians 3:23-24 and 2 Corinthians 5:10 provide motivation for letting your deeds demonstrate your faith?
In Colossians, Paul tells us that we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward and then in 2 Corinthians he says that in the final judgement, we will be held accountable for our actions while in human form, (not just for our faith).
What are some examples of works that pass through the fires of God's judgement and are rewarded as described in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15?
Other Questions to Think about:
1. Improper motives that get you involved in doing good works.
2. Excuses you have given the Lord for not being more involved in His service.
3. Does your life prove (or lack evidence) mirror James 2:18.
Monday, January 21, 2008
James 2:1-1-13
Here are some thoughts for groups this week:
Q: How do we maintain a mindset of grace as an individual, community group, church?
Once again James seems so timely for our group. Because in essence community groups are about us learning how to do grace. As we begin to meet and interact with people, face to face, not via blogs we are confronted with having to learn, grieve, and feels peoples stuff and also having to deal with our stuff as well. I think we need to continue to build the mindset in our body, that although we come together from across the peninsula on Sunday, that time is meant for equipping, teaching, encouragement, conviction (if the holy spirit instigates), and worship. Being the church really comes out when we get together with each other and share our victories, struggles, and ideas.
As community group leaders, we don't have to have a doctorate in theology, we just have to be vulnerable to love people and practice showing everyone a lot of grace. As we get to know each other, somehow it becomes easier.
I hope you have a good week. Feel free to comment or post if you feel it is helpful and encouraging. E
Q: How do we maintain a mindset of grace as an individual, community group, church?
Once again James seems so timely for our group. Because in essence community groups are about us learning how to do grace. As we begin to meet and interact with people, face to face, not via blogs we are confronted with having to learn, grieve, and feels peoples stuff and also having to deal with our stuff as well. I think we need to continue to build the mindset in our body, that although we come together from across the peninsula on Sunday, that time is meant for equipping, teaching, encouragement, conviction (if the holy spirit instigates), and worship. Being the church really comes out when we get together with each other and share our victories, struggles, and ideas.
As community group leaders, we don't have to have a doctorate in theology, we just have to be vulnerable to love people and practice showing everyone a lot of grace. As we get to know each other, somehow it becomes easier.
I hope you have a good week. Feel free to comment or post if you feel it is helpful and encouraging. E
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Welcome
Welcome to the community group leaders forum. My hope is that this can help with communication between us, the leaders of community groups at Seaside.
I think I have had individual conversations with all of you at one time or another, but in review, the purpose of community groups is to build community. We do that by getting together, helping people feel connected to the church, not just a thing you come to on Sunday, by having a forum where we can share our stories and talk about what God is teaching us through His word. There is no secret formula and I am sure each one of us goes about it a little different. I am hoping though that some of us can share ideas that helped promote conversation and help bring people together in our groups. I will try and post some sample questions each week that might give you some ideas if you are stuck. Please feel free and add to them and share what you think has been helpful, etc.
On sunday I am going to be passing out a costco-sized bag of decaf and regular coffee for each one of you to use for community groups. I know this is sometimes a financial drain on the hosts so hopefully this helps.
One idea I had that seemed to be great that I thought I would share. We started hosting/leading the group on Thursdays and to start it off we went around and had people share a short version of their story. What I mean by that is more than, their name and occupation and how long they have been coming to Seaside. Anyway, it was a great experience and I came away with it with the idea that grace happens when we know peoples stories. So give it a try if you haven't already.
The current leaders are:
Eric S. (thursdays)
Mark K. (tuesdays)
Pat D. (Fridays)
Dave S. (Fridays)
Currently in the plan is a north group starting probably on Sunday night lead by Chris S.
Please be thinking about who could be potential leaders in your current groups, so when the time comes we can send them out to start new groups.
Thanks for being willing to serve in this way. I am looking forward to the dialog. Eric
I think I have had individual conversations with all of you at one time or another, but in review, the purpose of community groups is to build community. We do that by getting together, helping people feel connected to the church, not just a thing you come to on Sunday, by having a forum where we can share our stories and talk about what God is teaching us through His word. There is no secret formula and I am sure each one of us goes about it a little different. I am hoping though that some of us can share ideas that helped promote conversation and help bring people together in our groups. I will try and post some sample questions each week that might give you some ideas if you are stuck. Please feel free and add to them and share what you think has been helpful, etc.
On sunday I am going to be passing out a costco-sized bag of decaf and regular coffee for each one of you to use for community groups. I know this is sometimes a financial drain on the hosts so hopefully this helps.
One idea I had that seemed to be great that I thought I would share. We started hosting/leading the group on Thursdays and to start it off we went around and had people share a short version of their story. What I mean by that is more than, their name and occupation and how long they have been coming to Seaside. Anyway, it was a great experience and I came away with it with the idea that grace happens when we know peoples stories. So give it a try if you haven't already.
The current leaders are:
Eric S. (thursdays)
Mark K. (tuesdays)
Pat D. (Fridays)
Dave S. (Fridays)
Currently in the plan is a north group starting probably on Sunday night lead by Chris S.
Please be thinking about who could be potential leaders in your current groups, so when the time comes we can send them out to start new groups.
Thanks for being willing to serve in this way. I am looking forward to the dialog. Eric
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
