Today our small group "birthed".
Not all of us have had the opportunity to go through this process, so let me explain how it has affected me. I must admit it is difficult. The people who have left our small circle will be greatly missed.
They have become part of my life.
They have become an intimate part of our Christian community.
The members of our small group have shared with them. We have explored the the truth of scipture, endured the mis-steps of each other, wept in prayer together,and shared some of the ugly, secret areas of our lives. Joined in the name of Christ our Lord to lift Him up supreme every week in a brick rancher in the city of Maryville.
Why do it? Why birth?
Well... the easy answer is because Doug / Chris said,
"Small groups must birth".
I am not disputing. I agree; they must birth.
But the all-consuming question of ..."why?"
Are you thinking....
It serves us no purpose to become so intertwined in the lives of each other only to severe the group into smaller components.
It is not comfortable for us to have to leave this circle of friends.
We share a closeness that has been beneficial.
It is very comfortable for us to stay the way we are.
We do not care to birth.
We do not want to birth!
WE REFUSE TO BIRTH!!
Yes, we have felt all this way. The problem is , ofcourse, this agenda is our own. We have discovered through the grace of God; we are invited to seek the will of God.
"and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" Gal 2:20
Therefore, it is possible that this small group of believers could be most effective if we yeild our little community over to the sovereign LORD of the universe.
It may also be extremely probable that an all-powerful, all-knowing God is capable of accomplishing more than we can foresee.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" Eph 3:20
Still not with me? I understand.
If you are looking to join a new small group,then you need to know the new small group is not near your house.
It is in Nepal. (Although, I am sure the Cronans would love to have you.)
May God bless the birth of our community and those we dearly love.
Amen, brother