My First Post-Random Current Thoughts...

I have such respect for all of you. I love being a part of a group of people who share a similar heartbeat as I - community.

I haven't posted before now because I felt that what I say might come across as negative or wimpy (like maybe I just couldn't get the job done). I have been involved in small group ministry for the past 11 years. In that time, I have seen friendships develop, lives change, church growth happen. In that time, though, I have also seen people get hurt, marriages disintegrate, and decline in church attendance. Our 'system' seems to be lacking.

When our new pastor arrived in January, we sat down together and I shared some of my concerns with him. He was surprised to hear that the person in charge of the Small Group Ministry had serious questions about how to proceed in this area. Thankfully, he is very open and we dialogue weekly about where God is leading us.

New Hope is shifting away from an attractional model of ministry. Our weekend gatherings are becoming more of a celebration of what God is doing in individual lives throughout the week and a challenge for each of us to live missionally in the space God has given us.

For me this somewhat undefined space is uncomfortable; since I like to have everything in a row, neatly tied up with a snappy looking bow. But as we proceed, here are some of the things we are moving toward...

We are looking at ways to help individuals rally around the dream that God has given them. We are considering building some groups around specific missions. For example, if your heart breaks when you see aids orphans in Africa, then you gather with people of similar passion and figure out a way to make a difference. The care for one another then becomes a byproduct rather than the focus of the group.

One thing we are considering is using 'pot parties' to bring it home. The pot represents the group of people or specific neighborhood or need that becomes the focus. You pray for that group, put money in the pot and figure out a way to make a significant difference.

We are also using the internet to facilitate men's groups and general reading groups. Right now we have a group of men going through a gospel together. And an online book club is slated to begin that will take a look at Brian McClaren's A New Kind of Christian among others.

I am currently reading "The Relational Way" by M. Scott Boren.

I am encouraged by it because while it recognizes the need for structure, it also acknowledges that the structure can never supersede God's Holy Spirit. And emphasizes that we are called not merely to life change, but to kingdom change.

I don't know how the next Willow Group Life Conference will actually be, but the promos look soooo appealing to me. Are any of you planning to go?

I am encouraged by the response our local church has to the shift and I am curious what you all think. I know I am no pioneer here. I am very aware of my 'normalness,' but I also feel a call for those of us who share a similar heartbeat to step up and show others the difference we can make.