The church is at it best when community happens. This means names are learned, stories are told and people are understood. Community means that relationships break the surface and deepen, and growth comes through shared experiences.
On this Sunday night, I am thrilled at the reports I have witnessed and heard about our small groups – we call them 242 Groups. Participation was high, and enthusiasm for the groups even higher. I think our church is taking the first steps to living out community with each other. It will take a while to build deep camaraderie, but we are off to a great start. As a pastor, I am so happy about this! I want 2009 to be the year we start living out community together.
Traditional local church structure is largely failing to meet the purpose of Christ’s church. I’d love to hear some more about the groups, the vision behind it, and the fruit it bears.
If we ever do that coffee, maybe we can talk about these things. By the way, when I saw you jogging downtown, it was way too cold to wear shorts.