Believe it or not, as a kid I did not always sit well through church services. Often, I would try to find excuses to “go to the restroom” and then hang out in the lobby of First Assembly of God in Binghamton. In that lobby stood a giant cork wall with pictures and brochures, and one whole section was devoted to “Home Fellowships.” These photos featured groups of people sitting around tables and smiling. It wasn’t until I left for college that I realized the power of these photos. They were church small groups.
In college I took a class quite simply called “Small Group Ministry,” and we had to be in a small group during the class. So I met weekly with 4 other classmates, and soon those weekly meetings reminded me of the pictures I saw in the church lobby as a kid. We prayed together, engaged the Bible, served together, and challenged each other towards spiritual growth.
This past Sunday we talked about Colossians 3:12-17 and explored how our relationships are a barometer of our spiritual growth. So much of what God does inside of us manifests in our relationships with other people. When we practice Browncroft’s spiritual habit of “spend time with others,” we live with intentional relationships meeting on a regular basis and challenging others to become who Jesus created them to be.
Perhaps in this season God wants you to take a spiritual risk — one that could make a significant difference in someone else’s life.
Small groups create intentionality. When you meet weekly with a group of 10-12 people, you get to know them and become known. Something powerful happens when we pray together and engage the Bible. Something remarkable happens when we serve together and celebrate times that we share our faith with others.
On Sunday, I challenged all of us to get involved in a small group and suggested a few ways to take a next step on that path:
Summer Groups
First, find a group. Maybe you just started attending Browncroft. Or perhaps you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to find a small group. Well, this is your invitation! Now’s the time to take a first step.
We launch Summer Groups on Sunday, June 26. While many small groups break for the summer, these 10 groups are exciting short-term opportunities for all! Each have a specific focus that may be of interest to you. And I am confident they will help you grow and connect with other Browncrofters.
Click below to learn more and sign up for a summer group.
Start a Group
Second, consider starting a small group. Many who have attended Browncroft or other churches for a long time might wonder what’s your next step in life-change in Jesus. Yes, we can learn more about the Bible and pray as individuals. But God also challenges us to grow in uniquely powerful ways when we lead a small group. Perhaps in this season God wants you to take a spiritual risk — one that could make a significant difference in someone else’s life. If you’re feeling a tug on your heart and you’d like to explore possibilities further, our next small group training is on Sunday, August 21.
Click the button below to learn more and register for this training.
ROOTED
Third, our next 10-week cohort of ROOTED begins in September. ROOTED provides a life-changing experience for new and existing small groups by focusing on 7 rhythms — daily devotion, prayer, freedom from strongholds, serving the community, sacrificial generosity, sharing your story, and celebration. Already 500 individuals from Browncroft have participated, and we would love to see everyone in the church experience ROOTED.
Click the button below to reserve your spot in ROOTED this coming September!
I’m praying for you as you consider how you grow in the spiritual habit of “spend time with others.” May you continue to experience life-change in Jesus.
