Link to Ted Edwards Home Page
When Jesus began His public ministry, He called together a group of twelve
men and started a small group. While its true that Jesus ministered to
multitudes during the three and a half years
the majority of His time was
spent with these twelve men in a small group. Jesus taught them on a daily
basis as they laughed together and cried together. As a group of 13
individuals, they went through joyful, triumphant moments together and also
moments of seeming hopelessness and despair. Jesus listened to them and
ministered with them and to them.
Jesus modeled for us something we all need -- we need each other. We all
need significant relationships where we are accepted and loved. And at the
same time, we can demonstrate acceptance and love toward other people. If
this is the way Jesus ministered to people while on earth, perhaps we should
do the same. None of us are fully equipped to live a high quality life as
"islands unto ourselves." Feelings of isolation, personal weaknesses, blind
spots, limited capabilities, and lack of experience all point to one
need--interdependence. Jesus knew that relationships within small groups
are important for us to connect with others. These relationships play such
an indispensable role in Christian growth.
We are planning a Small Group Seminar on Saturday-Sunday, October 23-24.
Make plans now to take part in this small group seminar at West-Ark that
will help us learn how and why Small Groups connect people relationally ...
for the purpose of growing in Christ-likeness.
The West-Ark staff and Eldership are looking forward to this weekend as a
way to encourage us to the possibilities of how God is going to use our
congregation in His Kingdom as we begin a new Millennium.
See you in Bible Class!!!
Link to Ted Edwards Home Page