God can use a group's ability to be open to new people.
by Life Together
I'm really glad that our hosts were bold enough to take this step forward and open their home for the small group study. My cousin has just moved to town with her fiancée. I had asked my cousin if she and her fiancé would like to join the small group that my husband and I were going to be in, and they agreed. Then I had to ask our hosts if it would be okay that I had invited two more ...
Truly loving people in the midst of persistent sin is easier said than done.
by Life Together
When Allen first met Steve, they were in high school gym together. Steve was quiet and insecure, with few friends. Then Allen began to include Steve in his social life. At first their mutual love for partying drew them together. But as Allen started to grow spiritually, he lost interest in drinking and wild parties. In college, they drifted apart.
When Allen reconnected with Steve after college, Steve's ...
Small groups that thoughtfully use Scripture can serve an evangelistic purpose.
by Marilyn Kunz
It is now clear that large numbers of people have become Christians through peer-group discussions of the Bible. And when unchurched participants become serious about the Christian faith, they normally begin attending church, often the church of their group's initiator.
Whole churches have been built using this method, and the gospel has penetrated neighborhoods and workplaces that likely would not ...
Sharing your faith in Christ might not be as difficult as you think.
by Life Together
Does the very thought of sharing your faith with an unbeliever make you sweat? If so, as a leader you understand exactly what the rest of your group feels regarding evangelism. There's nothing more important for a leader than empathy.
Because you know how they feel, a principle you need to pass on to your group is how simple and natural it can be to offer Christ's love to people.
Plan on getting together with neighbors for a Christmas celebration and share God's greatest gift.
Sue Skalicky
The Christmas season is here, and life seems to have kicked into high gear. I know for me, the whirlwind of activity with my four kids, friends, family, church Christmas programs, office parties, and seemingly endless shopping can blind me to those who do not know the true meaning of Christmas. Yet, deep in my heart, I hear the distant cry of this multitude of people. John h. Sandford beautifully ...
Organize a prayer walk with group members lifting up needs in the community.
Sue Skalicky
I love the fall! I love the hint of coolness in the breeze and the landscape's slowly emerging colors as the quick growth of spring and summer gracefully glides to a halt. I marvel at the artistry of death as once vibrant, green leaves give way to bold, beautiful colors. I'm reminded of how God's love colored my life the moment I chose to follow Jesus; to die to myself so that he might live glamorously ...
Ways to encourage someone in your life who is overlooked
Sue Skalicky
Group Outreach
"Barney has a fan club!" His eyes were wide and a grateful smile spread across his face as he opened the package. Cold soda, crackers, brownies, new pens and a card of appreciation filled the colorful box given to our high school police officer in charge of ticketing cars in the student parking lot. The givers of the gift were nine students on the yearbook staff. On the first day of ...
Show a college student how much you care by giving him/her a gift basket.
Sue Skalicky
Group Outreach
Each year, in every community, teenagers fill out FAFSA forms, take or re-take SAT and ACT tests, and open their own checking account. These teens are America's college-bound youth and future leaders. As a high school teacher, I have written countless recommendation letters and offered counsel to many nervous seniors. These students are as different as the schools and occupations they ...
Here's a way to connect with others by taking a walk with God and praying for them.
Sue Skalicky
Group Outreach
Our home sits on the edge of the largest park in town. As I take my daily walk on the winding asphalt paths under towering cottonwoods, the people that populate the property captivate my attention. I watch young children playing on the playground, teens disc golfing, elderly walkers meandering, avid tennis players competing, and skateboarders of all ages practicing new jumps and moves. ...
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