June 2025 - Baptism of the Holy Spirit

As Pastor has mentioned on Sunday, the theme for the month of June is "The Baptism in the Holy Spirit." This powerful topic promises to deepen our understanding of God's supernatural empowerment and equipping for every believer.

As you may have noticed, I have a practice of aligning our small group newsletter with Pastor's monthly themes. This coordination ensures that whether our congregation is hearing from the pulpit on Sunday morning or gathering in your living rooms throughout the week, we're all being fed from the same rich spiritual table and moving forward together in unified focus.

The timing of this theme is particularly significant as Sunday, June 8th is Pentecost Sunday. I recommend re-reading Acts 2, as we continue to witness God's work in our midst. As you do, note the dramatic difference in Peter from Luke 22 where he denied knowing Jesus and tried to blend into the crowd, and also John 21 where he attempted to go back and blend into the normalcy of his past profession of fishing. Then observe Peter in Acts 2 where he stands out and boldly preaches his first message—and 3,000 were saved! What was the difference? The baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit isn't merely a doctrinal concept to discuss—it's a life-transforming reality that can revolutionize how your group members experience God's presence, power, and purpose in their daily lives.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit stands as one of the foundational experiences in our Pentecostal faith, yet many believers struggle to understand its significance or how to seek this powerful encounter with God. I encourage you to rewatch Pastor Rod's weekly messages and invite the members of your group to do so as well, as he guides us into deeper spiritual understanding and experience.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: A Guide for Small Group Leaders

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is distinct from salvation and represents a subsequent empowering experience for believers. Key scriptures include:

Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 2:4 - "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

Acts 19:1-6 - Paul's encounter with the Ephesian disciples demonstrates the distinction between salvation and Spirit baptism.

The Purpose and Benefits

The baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers believers for:

- Bold witness and evangelism - Supernatural courage to share the Gospel

- Spiritual gifts in operation - Manifestation of the nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

- Personal edification - Building up one's spirit through prayer languages

- Deeper intimacy with God - Enhanced prayer life and spiritual sensitivity

- Power for Christian living - Strength to overcome sin and live victoriously

Practical Points for Small Group Integration

 1. Create a Safe Environment for Questions

Many group members may have misconceptions or fears about the Holy Spirit baptism. Establish your group as a judgment-free zone where people can:

- Ask honest questions without feeling foolish

- Share past negative experiences or confusion

- Express their hunger for more of God openly

2. Teaching Through Personal Testimony

Nothing impacts hearts like genuine testimony. As a leader:

- Share your own Holy Spirit baptism experience authentically

- Invite other Spirit-filled believers to share their testimonies

- Include testimonies of healing, provision, and supernatural encounters

- Show how the Holy Spirit's power operates in everyday situations

3. Biblical Study Sessions

Dedicate 4-6 weeks to systematic study:

Week 1: The Promise of the Father (Luke 24:49, John 4:16,17, Acts 1:4-5, Acts 1:8)

Week 2: The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-31)

Week 3: Subsequent Baptisms in Acts (Acts 8:14-17, 10:44-48, 19:1-6)

Week 4: Paul's Teaching on Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14)

Week 5: The Fruit vs. Gifts of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 vs. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Week 6:  Walking in the Spirit Daily (Romans 8:1-17)

4. Address Common Concerns and Obstacles

"I'm not worthy enough"

- Emphasize that the Holy Spirit is a gift, not earned through good works (Acts 2:38-39)

- Share stories of ordinary people who received extraordinary power

Samson, Moses, Peter, 

"I don't speak in tongues"

- Explain that tongues is the initial evidence 

- Focus on receiving the Person of the Holy Spirit, not just the gifts

"I'm afraid of losing control"

- The Holy Spirit is a gentleman who doesn't force Himself on anyone

- God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32)

- Emphasize that we partner with the Spirit, maintaining our will

5. Ongoing Discipleship After Baptism

Spiritual Gifts Development:

- Teach on identifying and operating in spiritual gifts

- Create opportunities for members to practice gifts in safe environments

- Partner new Spirit-baptized believers with mature mentors

Prayer Language Cultivation:

- Encourage daily use of prayer language for personal edification

- Teach about praying in the Spirit during worship and intercession

- Share how tongues can be used for spiritual warfare

Lifestyle Integration:

- Show how to be led by the Spirit in daily decisions

- Teach sensitivity to the Spirit's voice and promptings

- Emphasize walking in both the fruit and gifts of the Spirit

The baptism of the Holy Spirit transforms lives, empowers witness, and releases supernatural gifts for the building up of the church. As you lead your small group into this experience, expect God to move powerfully among you.

Your group has the potential to become a launching pad for Spirit-empowered believers who will impact their families, workplaces, and communities with the Gospel. Trust the Holy Spirit to do His work through your faithful leadership.

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"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." - John 14:16-17

May 2025 Multiculteralism

Celebrating God's Diverse Family

Dear Group Hosts,

As you may have noticed, I have been aligning our monthly newsletters with Pastor Rod's theme focus for the church. This month's theme is "Diversity and Multiculturalism." We are blessed to belong to a congregation with a rich history of being a multicultural community, and I would like to share some thoughts on how multiculturalism strengthens our community, enriches our understanding of faith, and how we can further embrace this strength in our small groups.

In today's increasingly connected world, our small groups have a wonderful opportunity to reflect God's heart for all peoples. This month, we focus on how multiculturalism strengthens our community and enriches our understanding of faith.

Devotional: "Every Nation, Tribe, and Tongue"

Scripture provides us with a compelling vision of God's kingdom in Revelation 7:9:

"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb."

What's remarkable about John's vision is that despite seeing a vast crowd—so numerous they couldn't be counted—all dressed identically in white robes and all waving palm branches in unified worship, he could still clearly distinguish their diverse cultural origins. John specifically notes they came from "every nation, tribe, people and language." This heavenly scene powerfully demonstrates that in God's kingdom, cultural identity isn't erased but celebrated, even as we are unified in Christ. When our small groups reflect this diversity, we're not merely implementing a contemporary social concept but bringing to life God's eternal vision for His church.

Jesus himself modeled multicultural ministry throughout His life and teaching. Though born into a Jewish context, Jesus repeatedly crossed cultural boundaries in ways that were revolutionary for His time:

• He engaged deeply with Samaritans, a group despised by the Jews

• He praised the faith of Gentiles, including a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:10) and a Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:28), holding them up as examples to His Jewish followers.

• His inner circle included people from diverse backgrounds—from Matthew the tax collector (who collaborated with Romans) to Simon the Zealot (who opposed Roman occupation).

• He ministered in Gentile territories like the Decapolis and reached out to people considered cultural outsiders.

• In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus explicitly directed His followers to make disciples of "all nations", establishing multiculturalism as a foundational principle of the church.

Jesus didn't merely tolerate diversity—He actively sought it out, challenging the cultural prejudices of His day and demonstrating that God's kingdom transcends cultural boundaries while honoring the unique perspectives each culture brings.

The early church itself demonstrated remarkable diversity, bringing together Jews and Gentiles, people of various social standings, and individuals from numerous cultural backgrounds. All of this is a powerful reminder that God honors cultural identities rather than erasing them.

God's design for His kingdom is inherently multicultural. When we embrace diversity in our small groups, we're not just implementing a modern social concept—we're aligning ourselves with God's eternal vision. The early church itself was remarkably diverse, bringing together Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people, men and women from various cultural backgrounds.

Practical Steps for Multicultural Small Groups

1. Create a welcoming atmosphere. Explicitly state that your group welcomes people of all backgrounds. Consider how your meeting space feels to someone from a different culture.

2. Learn about different cultures represented in your church. Take time to understand customs, and communication styles of various cultures in our congregation.

3. Incorporate diverse worship styles. Include songs, or readings from different cultural traditions occasionally.

4. Share meals together. Food is a universal language! Organize potlucks where members bring dishes from their cultural heritage.

5. Be aware of language barriers. Speak clearly, avoid complex idioms, and consider providing materials in multiple languages if needed.

6. Celebrate cultural holidays together. Learn about and acknowledge important cultural celebrations of your group members.

Reflection Question for Leaders

This week, consider: "In what ways might my leadership style or group practices unintentionally favor one cultural perspective over others?"

Remember, multiculturalism is about creating a genuine community where everyone belongs and the full richness of God's family is expressed.

April 2025 - Embracing the Resurrection

Embracing the Resurrection: A Small Group Leader's Guide to Easter

As small group leaders, we have a unique opportunity to help our members dive deep into the profound meaning of Easter. It's more than just a holiday— It is a time to reflect on Christ's ultimate sacrifice and His transformative resurrection. It represents the promise of new life, redemption, and the assurance of eternal salvation for those who believe. It’s a cornerstone of faith, a moment of triumph and renewal that touches countless hearts.

Devotional: The Miracle of New Beginnings

Scripture Reading: John 20:1-18

"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned and said to him in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means Teacher)." - John 20:16

Reflection:

In the quiet of that first Easter morning, something extraordinary happened. Mary Magdalene, overwhelmed with grief, stood weeping outside an empty tomb. The darkness of Good Friday seemed to have the final word—until Jesus spoke her name.

"Mary."

Just one word. But in that moment, everything changed.

This is the heart of the Easter message: God knows your name. He sees your pain. He transforms your deepest despair into unexpected hope. The resurrection isn't just a historical event—it's a personal invitation to experience new life.

Consider the transformation:

• Grief became joy

• Defeat became victory

• Death became life

Personal Challenge: Where in your life do you need resurrection power? What tomb of hopelessness are you standing beside? Listen closely. Jesus is still speaking your name, calling you from darkness into light.

Understanding the Significance

Easter isn't just a single day, but a season of profound spiritual reflection. For many in our groups, this may be a time of mixed emotions—joy, wonder, and perhaps even spiritual uncertainty. Our role is to create a safe space for honest exploration of faith.

Preparing Your Group's Heart

Consider structuring your small group meetings around these key themes:

1. Reflection on Sacrifice: Spend time discussing the depth of Christ's love demonstrated through His crucifixion. Encourage group members to share personal reflections on what Christ's sacrifice means to them personally.

2. The Power of Resurrection: Help your group understand that Easter is not just about remembering a historical event, but experiencing the transformative power of Christ's resurrection in their daily lives.

3. Hope and Renewal: Some people enter the Easter season feeling weary or spiritually dry. Use this time to remind your group about the hope we have in Christ—a hope that brings new life and renewal.

Practical Small Group Activities

Here are some meaningful ways to engage your group during the Easter season:

• Personal Testimony Night: Invite group members to share how they've experienced resurrection power in their own lives—moments of restoration, healing, or unexpected hope.

• Interactive Scripture Study: Walk through the resurrection accounts in the Gospels, encouraging everyone to share their insights and questions.

• Prayer Stations: Create a special evening with prayer stations focusing on different aspects of Christ's journey—His suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate victory.

• Community Service Project: Embody the resurrection's transformative power by serving together, demonstrating Christ's love in practical ways.

Addressing Potential Challenges

Some group members might be:

• Struggling with doubt

• Experiencing spiritual burnout

• Dealing with personal challenges that make celebration difficult

Approach these situations with compassion. Remind them that the resurrection story is fundamentally about hope breaking through darkness, about life emerging from seemingly impossible circumstances.

A Final Encouragement

Remember, as small group leaders, we're not just facilitating a discussion—we're creating a sacred space for spiritual transformation. The Easter season is a powerful reminder that God is always at work, bringing life where there was once only death.

Let this season be a time of deep spiritual renewal—for you and for those you lead.

Christ is risen. Hope is alive.

March 2025 - Stewardship

Small Group Leader Newsletter: The Heart of Stewardship

Dear Small Group Leaders,

Thank you for your continued dedication to nurturing our church community through meaningful small group experiences. This month, we're focusing on stewardship—a concept that extends far beyond financial giving to encompass how we manage all that God has entrusted to us.

Understanding Stewardship

Stewardship is fundamentally about recognizing that everything we have—our time, talents, resources, relationships, and even our planet—belongs to God, and we are called to manage these gifts responsibly. As small group leaders, you have the unique opportunity to help members explore what faithful stewardship looks like in daily life.

Consider discussing these dimensions of stewardship in your next gathering:

• Time: The most precious non-renewable resource we have is time. Each of us receives exactly 24 hours each day—no more, no less. We cannot create additional time, save it for later, or recover what we've spent. How are we stewarding these limited, irreplaceable hours? Are we intentionally carving out time for what truly matters—worship that centers our hearts on God, service that extends His love to others, rest that renews our bodies and spirits, and relationships that provide community and accountability? Our calendars often reveal our true priorities better than our words ever could.

• Talents: Each of us has been uniquely equipped by God with specific abilities, natural aptitudes, and passionate interests that form our distinct contribution to the world. These gifts aren't random or meant solely for our benefit—they're divine investments entrusted to us for development and deployment. As faithful stewards, we're called not only to recognize and refine these talents through practice and learning, but to intentionally direct them toward serving others and strengthening Christ's body. When we use our professional skills, creative expressions, leadership capabilities, or relational strengths to meet needs and empower others, we transform personal abilities into kingdom impact. How might your particular strengths—whether publicly visible or quietly impactful—be more deliberately cultivated and offered as an act of worship and service? 

• Treasure: Matthew 6:21 reminds us, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This profound truth reveals that our financial decisions are ultimately spiritual decisions. Our bank statements and spending habits provide an unfiltered window into what we truly value, often speaking more honestly than our words ever could. Every dollar directed represents a small piece of our life's energy and attention intentionally invested. When we examine our spending patterns, saving habits, and giving practices, what story do they tell about our deepest priorities? Are our financial choices aligned with our professed faith values, or do they reveal competing allegiances? God invites us not into guilt-driven giving, but into the freedom of generous stewardship—recognizing that all we have is ultimately His, entrusted to us for purposes greater than mere accumulation or consumption. How might our relationship with money better reflect our relationship with the One who provides it all?

Creation: Genesis 2:15 tells us, "Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it." Long before humanity built cities or established economies, God assigned us our first vocation—to be caretakers of His magnificent creation. This divine appointment wasn't merely about preservation but about responsible stewardship of earth's intricate systems, abundant resources, and breathtaking beauty. Now I am not a “radical environmentalist” however I do believe whether through intentional consumption habits, or sustainable practices in our homes and communities, we participate in God's ongoing redemptive work. How are our everyday choices—from the products we purchase to the spaces we inhabit—honoring this original commission? In what ways might we better tend this extraordinary planet, ensuring its wonder and resources remain available for generations to come, all while pointing back to the ultimate Artist who designed it?

Practical Ways to Explore Stewardship in Your Group

1. Share testimonies about how members practice stewardship in different areas of life

2. Study biblical passages about stewardship together (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 16:1-13, 1 Peter 4:10)

3. Consider a group service project that allows members to steward their time and talents together

4. Discuss practical budgeting and financial management from a biblical perspective

Devotional: The Faithful Steward

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." — 1 Peter 4:10

When we hear the word "stewardship," our thoughts often turn immediately to money. But Peter reminds us that we are stewards of "God's grace in its various forms." This grace manifests in countless ways—through spiritual gifts, natural talents, material resources, relationships, and opportunities.

Take a moment to reflect on the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. In this story, a master entrusts his property to three servants before departing on a journey. The first two servants invest what they've received and produce a return, while the third buries his portion out of fear.

What strikes me about this parable is not just the contrast between the productive and unproductive servants, but the master's response: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

The goal of stewardship isn't merely productivity—it's faithfulness. And the reward isn't just more responsibility, but shared joy with the master.

As you lead your groups this month, I encourage you to reflect on this question: How might faithful stewardship of what God has given us lead not just to responsibility, but to deeper joy and communion with Him?

May we all grow in recognizing the gifts God has entrusted to us, and in managing them with wisdom, generosity, and faithfulness.

February 2025 - Missions Month

Missions Month Newsletter for Small Group Leaders

Greetings Group Leaders,

February is an exciting time here at Cooper city Church of God because it is Missions month! This is a wonderful opportunity to focus on the vital work of missions and inspire our small groups to participate in God's global mission.

Don’t miss Missions Week; February 26 to March 2! What is Missions Week? It is a special time of connection and celebration, as we highlight the incredible work of missionaries around the world. Before and after each service, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our missionaries, hear their inspiring stories, and witness their passion for spreading the Gospel. Be encouraged by powerful messages from our guest speakers and take part in supporting global missions

 One of the highlights is the opportunity to host a missionary in your home. This unique experience allows you to hear firsthand stories of God's work around the world and to build meaningful connections with those who have dedicated their lives to missions. If you are interested in hosting a missionary, please see the link below for more information:

 https://subspla.sh/yqqg7n2

Additionally, let's not forget the call to “multiply your talents.” Pray and ask God to give you creative ideas to multiply what was given to you so you can give back to missions. Place all of your increase in the offering envelope provided and return it on March 2 during the Missions Week Sunday service.

In case you missed it, here are some ideas from the pastor’s sermon:

Creative Ways to Multiply Your Money:

1. Bake cookies or brownies and sell them.

2. Buy soap and wax and wash cars.

3. Use coupons for your next grocery purchase and add the savings to your talent.

4. Buy gas for your vehicle and transport someone to an appointment for a small fee.

5. Pool your money together with another family or group and work on a fundraising project to gain an increase.

6. Offer to go shopping for someone who is too busy or a shut-in who can’t get out.

7. Buy a share of stock that you expect to go up in the next 30 days.

8. Put your money on deposit to earn interest.
   Cut off your cable TV for 30 days and add the savings to your talent.

9. Skip a meal you would ordinarily eat out and add the savings to your talent.

10. Purchase something valuable at a garage sale or flea market and sell it for a profit.

11. Have a garage/yard sale to get rid of things you don’t need or use and add the profit to your talent.

12. Purchase paint and go around the neighborhood painting house numbers on curbs for a small fee.

13. Make something with your hands and sell it.
    
    

As small group leaders, you have the power to ignite a passion for missions within your groups. Here are some practical ways to get your groups involved:

1. Prayer: Cultivate a culture of prayer, dedicate time in your meetings to pray for missionaries and mission projects. Encourage group members to adopt a missionary or mission organization to pray for regularly.

2. Education: Share stories and testimonies of individuals and groups involved in mission work. Connect with a missionary and write letters of encouragement on a regular basis.
   Local Outreach: Identify local needs and organize outreach activities. Simple acts of service can make a significant impact and demonstrate God's love to those around us.

3. Mission Projects: Plan a mission project that your group can undertake together. Whether it's supporting a local shelter, organizing a community clean-up, or sending care packages to missionaries, these projects can make a tangible difference.
   
   

Devotional: Embracing the Great Commission

> "19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," - Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)

In Matthew 28:19, we find one of the most profound and challenging commands given by Jesus to His followers: it is known as the Great Commission. This mandate calls us to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. It is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to share the Gospel and extend the reach of God's love and grace.

The Great Commission is not just an instruction for a select few; it is a calling for every believer. Jesus' words remind us that the mission field is vast and diverse, encompassing every nation and culture. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people from all walks of life, sharing the transformative message of Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on the Great Commission, let's consider the following principles:

1. Obedience to God's Call: Jesus' command to go and make disciples, requires us to be obedient to His will. This means being willing to follow wherever He leads, whether it is to our next-door neighbor or to a distant land.

2. Inclusivity and Diversity: The call to make disciples of all nations emphasizes the importance of inclusivity. We are to reach out to people of every race, ethnicity, and background, recognizing that the Gospel is for everyone.

3. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised to be with us always, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. We do not go alone; we go with the presence and power of God.
   
   

Applying These Principles in Our Lives:

1. Local Outreach: Start by reaching out to those in your local community who may not yet know Jesus. This can include neighbors, coworkers, or people you encounter in your daily life. Share the love of Christ through acts of kindness, genuine conversations, and invitations to church events.

2. Global Missions: Consider supporting global missions by praying for missionaries, contributing financially, or even participating in a mission trip. Learn about different cultures and seek to understand their unique needs and challenges.

3. Disciple-Making: Focus on building meaningful relationships with those you disciple. Teach and mentor them in the ways of Christ, encouraging them to grow in their faith and to disciple others in turn.
   
   

May this Missions Month be a time of renewed commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving others. Let's inspire our small groups to embrace the call to missions with enthusiasm and dedication.

January 2025 - Starting the Year Right

Starting the Year Right: Setting Goals for Your Group and Personal Life

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. For small group leaders, this season offers a chance to set new goals, both for your group and your personal spiritual journey. Here’s how you can start the year right and make meaningful progress together.

Goal Setting for Your Group

1. Reflect on Last Year: Begin by looking back at the previous year. What worked well? What challenges did you face? Take note of the highs and lows to better understand where to focus your efforts.

2. Set Clear Objectives: Establish specific, measurable goals for your group. This could include increasing attendance, fostering deeper relationships, or embarking on a new service project. 

3. Encourage Participation: Involve group members in the goal-setting process. This creates a sense of ownership and commitment to the goals.

4. Plan Activities and Studies: Outline a plan for the year with Bible studies, social gatherings, and outreach activities. Having a structured plan can keep your group engaged and growing.

5. Pray Together: Cover your goals and plans in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and blessing on your efforts.

Personal Goals for Spiritual Growth

1. Daily Devotions: Commit to a daily time of prayer and Bible reading. This personal time with God is foundational to your spiritual health.

2. Accountability: Find a trusted friend or fellow leader to share your goals with and hold each other accountable.

3. Serve Others: Look for ways to serve both within and outside your small group. Serving is a powerful way to grow in Christlikeness.

4. Continue Learning: Invest in your own growth by reading Christian books, attending workshops, or listening to sermons and podcasts.

To ground our goals in Scripture, let’s look at Proverbs 16:3:

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." - Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

As we journey through life, we often find ourselves setting goals, making plans, and striving to achieve them. It's natural to want to map out our future and work towards our aspirations. However, as Christians, we are called to a higher way of planning and decision-making—one that involves placing our trust in God.

Proverbs 16:3 reminds us of the importance of committing our endeavors to the Lord. This verse speaks to the essence of surrender and trust. It encourages us to not just seek God's blessing on our plans but to fully entrust our plans to Him. When we align our goals with God's will and seek His guidance, we can be assured that He will establish our steps.

Commit to the Lord: Committing our plans to God means more than just a quick prayer before we start something new. It requires that we:

• Surrender: The Hebrew word for "commit" is "galal," which means to roll or to roll away. it suggests a deliberate action of transferring one's burdens, plans, or works onto the Lord. This act of commitment is not passive but requires an active decision to trust God with the outcomes of our endeavors. Historically, this reflects the ancient practice of rolling heavy burdens onto beasts of burden, symbolizing the transfer of weight and responsibility. Spiritually, it calls believers to a deep trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. (Berean Study Bible)

• Trust: Believe that God knows what is best for you, even when things don't the way you expected.

• Obey: Be willing to follow God's direction, even when it leads you down an unfamiliar or challenging path. Don’t run from difficulty, embrace what God Led you to do and push forward.

Establish Your Plans: When we commit our plans to the Lord, we can trust that He will establish them. This doesn't mean that everything will be easy or that we will always get what we want. Rather, it means that God will guide us, provide for us, and use our efforts for His glory. It means our plans will be rooted in His purpose and will bear fruit in His timing.

• Pray: Begin each day by dedicating your tasks and goals to God. Ask for His wisdom and guidance.

• Seek His Word: Let Scripture shape your decisions and plans. Spend time in the Bible to understand God's principles and promises.

• Be Open: Be willing to adjust your plans according to God's leading. Sometimes, God may close a door to open a better one.

May this new year be a time of growth, unity, and deepening faith for you and your small group. Let’s embark on this journey with a heart full of hope and expectation, trusting that God will do amazing things in and through us.

August 2024 Newsletter: Building a Strong Team

Dear Small Group Leaders,

As we step into August and in preparation for our upcoming semester, our focus this month turns to the crucial role of teamwork in leadership. This month's topic, "Building a Strong Team," draws inspiration from the example of Nehemiah and the Israelites rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Leadership of any kind (including Small Groups) can often feel overwhelming, but even the greatest leaders in the Bible understood the necessity of fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging their teams.

In Nehemiah 3, we see a detailed account of how Nehemiah organized the people to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Each family and group took responsibility for repairing a specific section of the wall, working side by side. Nehemiah 4:13-23 further emphasizes the importance of teamwork as the people worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other, staying vigilant against potential threats. Nehemiah's leadership and the people's willingness to work together made the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding the wall a reality. This story illustrates the importance of unity, shared responsibility, and perseverance in achieving a common goal.

3 Lessons for Building a Strong Team

Nehemiah's approach to leadership highlights three key elements of building a strong team through encouragement that you too can follow. First, he inspired confidence and determination in the people, motivating them to work despite the challenges. Second, he fostered a sense of community and shared purpose, which united the people in their efforts. Third, he recognized and celebrated the contributions of each group, which boosted morale and commitment.

1. Inspire Confidence: Throughout this semester, encourage your group members by recognizing their strengths and expressing faith in their abilities. Your confidence in them can motivate them to strive for excellence, overcome obstacles and encourage their faith. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." YOU have within you the ability to change someone’s perception and day!

1. Foster Community: Create an environment, within your group, where everyone feels valued and connected. Promote a sense of belonging and shared purpose, reminding your team that they are working together towards a common goal. David wrote in Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"

1. Celebrate Contributions: During your small group session, acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and achievements of those in your group. Showing appreciation boosts morale and reinforces the value of each person's contribution to the team. Tip: Take 5-10 minutes each meeting to celebrate the wins in your group.

As you prepare to lead your small groups this upcoming semester, remember that effective teamwork is a reflection of the body of Christ working together in unity. Just as Nehemiah was able to accomplish more by building a strong team through encouragement and support, you too can achieve greater impact by fostering an environment of faith and connectivity. 

Blessings,

Pastors Kurtis and Daisy Allen

July Newsletter 2024: Leading by Serving Others

Dear Small Group Leaders,

As we embark on this journey of leadership development together, our focus for July is on the profound concept of leading by serving others. There is no greater example of this than Jesus Christ, who consistently demonstrated what it means to lead through service and humility.

In John 13:1-17, we find a powerful narrative that epitomizes servant leadership. Jesus, knowing that His time had come to leave this world, chose to spend His final moments with His disciples in a most extraordinary way. He took on the role of a servant, washing the feet of His disciples. This act was not only a demonstration of love and humility but also a profound lesson in leadership. By washing their feet, Jesus showed that true leadership is not about wielding authority or demanding respect but about serving others selflessly. This radical act of servanthood shattered the conventional views of leadership in His time and continues to challenge us today.

As small group leaders, we are called to emulate this example in our interactions with those we lead. Leading by serving means putting the needs of others before our own, listening actively, and offering support and encouragement. It means being willing to do the humble tasks, just as Jesus did, to show our commitment to the well-being and growth of our group members. Whether it's reaching out to someone in need, offering a listening ear, or providing practical help, our actions can profoundly impact those we lead.

In this journey of leading by serving, let us draw inspiration from Jesus' example and the Scripture reference in John 13:1-17. Reflect on how you can incorporate acts of service into your leadership style. Consider ways to uplift and support your group members, creating an environment where they feel valued and cared for. Remember, it's through these small acts of kindness and service that we truly exemplify the heart of Jesus.

3 Lessons on Servant Leadership

In John 13:1-17, Jesus washing the feet of His disciples provides profound lessons on servant leadership and challenges us to love, serve, and care for others with humility and compassion.

1. Humility and Servant Leadership: Jesus, the Master and Teacher, took on the role of a servant by washing the feet of His disciples, a task typically reserved for the lowest servants. This act of humility teaches that true leadership involves serving others selflessly. Jesus' example emphasizes that no task is too menial for a leader who seeks to serve others with humility.

1. Love and Sacrifice: Jesus’ action demonstrates His deep love for His disciples. By washing their feet, He shows that love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through humble, sacrificial actions. This act prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross and underscores that genuine love involves putting others' needs above one's own. 

2. Spiritual Cleansing and Forgiveness: In washing the disciples' feet, Jesus symbolizes the spiritual cleansing and forgiveness that He offers. He tells Peter that unless He washes him, he has no part with Him, indicating that spiritual purification is essential for a relationship with Jesus. 

Jesus’ action demonstrates His deep love for His disciples. By washing their feet, He shows that love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through humble, sacrificial actions. This act prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross and underscores that genuine love involves putting others' needs above one's own.

As we close our first month's newsletter, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own leadership journey. Ask yourself how you can better serve those you lead and how you can inspire others to do the same. Let your faith be ignited by the example of Jesus, and let His servant leadership be the guiding light in all that you do. Together, let us strive to become better versions of ourselves, leading by serving others and making a lasting impact in our communities. May this message inspire you to lead with a servant's heart and make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Blessings,

Pastors Kurtis and Daisy Allen