We
live in the information age. Yes, another article to read in the already mind boggling
world, with information being thrown at you constantly. Information that, for
the most part, is absolutely meaningless. Hopefully, you'll take a moment and
contemplate what I have to say.
I'm
really interested in discovering methods to reach this world with Good News.
News that is worthy to take to heart. In this effort to create methods of
learning I realize the importance of being brief and to the point. We get slammed
with far too many points, so we stumble through the day without any clear
direction or thought. I find the book of Acts very interesting because it
describes the early church. This church wasn't located on Main Street in
Jerusalem. They didn't have a large building with a sanctuary and stained glass
windows. There was no fellowship hall for a daily potluck. There were no
parking lot problems. I would describe this first church as multi-sited, in
homes. The Disciples moved from one place to another and spent a great deal of
time together for one cause; that cause being Jesus Christ.
These
people were devoted followers who were hungry for change. They were hungry to
discover this Word, this Good News that was spreading throughout the land.
Verse 42 of chapter 2 reads, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching
and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Church
seems so routine to me and I want to do everything I can to shake things up. To
stir the pot with all these ingredients to create something new, something
exciting and something worth taking time to unpack.
How
do you define a "Devoted Follower"? Are they a twice a week attendee?
Twice a month? Occasionally? Questions that you probably don't even have to
think about too much to answer. The truth is that we could come up with
arguable answers to every question. I really think it's an attitude more than a
time line. Last night I talked to a new believer and asked them why they didn't
attend a particular class on Sundays. There response was, "I don't get
much out of watching a video." They enjoy the discussion but we lose them
with the video. They went on to say, "Sermons are great but we are left to
sort it all out, but the time we spend together here on Wednesday nights is
great because we work through it together.” WOW. To me, this speaks volumes. This
is what small connect groups are intended to be, a place where everyone is
participating and discussing together what is being presented. This is exactly
what was going on in Acts 2. We not only find instruction but we find community.
Fellowship was just as important as listening to the teaching. Fellowship,
along with sharing meals and prayer together, was and is a winning formula. The
church of Acts 2 best describes what we refer to as Connect Groups. Whether
that connect is on campus or off campus. Whether it's Sunday morning or
Wednesday night, Sunday night or a weekday gathering. Your attitude toward your
group and what you bring to the table is of great importance - if it centers
around Jesus Christ.
