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.