Every week, as we get started with our community group, I feel like the discussion is going to tank. We typically get off to a slow start, and I get concerned that it’s going to be awkward as we get into the meat of our discussion. Somewhere by the middle of our time, though, somebody shares a thought that leaves them vulnerable and transparent, or poses a tough question that we have to wrestle through. Our group is very willing to go there, too, to the tough issues of life. It’s really begun to bring our group closer, and I’m starting to see what “doing life together” is all about.
Right now, we’re going through the book of James. We’re using a curriculum called “Live at Five”, but I’d be satisfied just looking to the Scriptures. There’s nothing wrong with the DVD and questions (though the DVD is a bit cheesy and forced at times), but the discussion has been so dynamic because our group is reading through James every day. Whatever chapter we’re talking about, we read that chapter in preparation for our group meeting. I’m seeing some great spiritual growth in so many of the group members.
I’m pretty passionate about helping people experience authentic, God-centered, Biblical community. Experiencing that myself makes me even more of a believer in it. I need it. You need it. It is both a need and a responsibility of all believers to be involved in other’s lives. Here at our church, that happens most often in community groups. Where does it happen for you?
