Blog

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.… Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart…” Acts 2:42 & 46

This model of the early church is as valid today as it was in the first century. In many ways it may be even more so considering the mobility we enjoy and the demands that compete for our attention. Being able to gather together with one another in true fellowship to encourage, nurture, worship, and be on mission together is life giving.

Without a doubt, we are blessed every Sunday at Mountain Christian with excellent teaching and uplifting worship. Having attended many different churches over the course of our lives, we love the ability to celebrate communion each week. We are grateful, Mountain Christian calls us to this remembrance regularly, just as Christ commanded.

Small groups are inherently different. As we gather in our home, we are able to experience life together in a more intimate setting. Sharing a meal together, worshiping in prayer and singing, growing in our knowledge of God’s Word through interactive inductive Bible study, and finding opportunities to serve the church and community together are all elements that bind us more closely together. We love one another and demonstrate that in coming alongside with help when needed, whether it is serving each other with meal preparation or helping with auto repairs or household moves. And we love one another by praying for our needs, concerns, and burdens.

Small groups have been an important element of our Christian walk since our introduction to them in college ministry. Rarely have we not participated in or led a small group. They have been instrumental in helping us to mature as believers and to develop deep community in the churches we have found ourselves in across the country, from Wyoming to Virginia to California to New Mexico. When we think of these church bodies (most of them quite large), we do not necessarily remember the pastors. But we remember vividly Rye and Cathy, Lissa, John and Lori, Kevin, Dan and Dolly, Brenda. These individuals walked with us through major life changes, times of disappointment and struggle, as well as moments of victory and celebration. They admonished and encouraged us and shared their lives with us.

We love the small group we are blessed to lead now and the beautiful people we call brothers and sisters who join us faithfully. (You know who you are.) We love watching and experiencing the Lord revealing Himself anew as we study His Word. We love hearing, knowing, and participating in the work He is doing in each of us.

If you do not already participate in a small group community, may we encourage you to seek one out or start your own.