Jamie’s Blog to Shepherds

The more I talk to Shepherds the more I understand it is about building relationships. Not every person is the same, not every person can attend every week, etc… However, the fact that our shepherds know where these people are by staying in contact with and the person knows that they belong even when they are not there, drives at the heart of what we are trying to accomplish.

Life transformation happens in many different ways, but it happpens most when people follow the lead of the shepherd and begin to invest in one another’s life. It’s about building genuine relationships. It has been said that people are not spiritually open until they have been realtionally accepted. Meeting people where they are and encouraging them to follow God’s direction for their life is the beginning of life transformation. God bless you for your efforts in building relationships with your group.

Over the last few weeks our sermon series have been speaking right to the heart of many people. We are dealing with real life issues such as death, the grieving process, circumstances, lack of fulfillment and satisfaction in the lives of our people. Many people have responded to these issues publicly and privately. The good news is that people are beginning to wrestle with the message that is being communicated.

This is where I get to stress the vision and importance of the Compass material. The study guides are designed to go right along with the message. By doing so, our members are able to get a firm grasp on the message of the week. And this allows the C-Group environment (because of the size) and its members the opportunity to share their personal experiences.

We often times receive requests to do other studies. There will be future opportunities for this to occur at different times throughout the year. However, our bread and butter must continue to be the Compass material. There are so many issues that people deal with on a daily basis. This format allows us to stay on a subject for a week to hear, study, share and process what is being taught. I have to believe that in the last month there hasn’t been a single person who hasn’t experienced personally some the issues that have been preached.

This is the environment that gives our people permission to wrestle with these issues and to do so with a group of believers who love and care for them. Is there anything wrong with doing another type of study? Of course not, but there is a greater opportunity when a person has time to reflect for a week. It too is great that as an entire membership we understand exactly what is being communicated so we learn together as a unified body. In other words, this week, we as a body of belivers are learning…….(fill in the blank).

Hope this helps. Have a great day.

We had a great service yesterday. In all 3 services Jeff simply invited anyone who is hurting to come down, followed by others who aren’t hurting (at the moment) to come and pray over those who responded. It was such a moving experience for many, me included. We have all been through tough circumstances. We all can identify. And life change begins to happen in our church when the environment that is created is an environment of transparency.

Many people in churches across the country come to church every Sunday wearing masks. We have our “hey good to see you, I’m great how ’bout you” mask on most of the time. We walk away from church having listened, but having not been heard. It’s only when we begin to be real with ourselves and each other that lives begin to be healed. God never intends for us to carry our own burdens. Sure, we all will have to weather life’s storms. But God provides first, himself, and secondly, others. It’s up to each of us whether or not to let anyone in.

Yesterday, many people surrendered to the God’s invitation and we all saw the result. That is the definition of community. And that is the goal. Will it happen every single week in your group? Probably not; but for our members to understand that there is an environment that exists where people are welcomed to come as they are and to be lifted up by their brothers and sisters, is what the role of the of a community group should be.