Taking the Leap

Some people find it very difficult to join a small group. I personally enjoy the connecting and growing with people so I find it hard to understand where they are coming from when they say 'no thank-you'. Maybe they are shy, busy or have different priorities, have a hard time meeting people ... I don't know. I need extra grace because I can get a little insensitive in my desire to wish them to be involved in what I would call a 'maturing' group. We all should be striving to grow and mature in our faith. For someone who has never been involved in a group before it may seem to them like they are standing on the edge of a rockface, water is 35 feet below, with people in the water encouraging them to jump. The first jump is always the hardest. You look down into the water but your vision doesn't stop at the water's top - you see the 20 feet below that to the jagged tree stumps and rocks at the water's bottom. You know in your head that a depth check has been done and you won't hit the trees and rocks but they are still there, staring back at you 55 feet above. Something inside you must cause you to take that leap, to start attending that first group. The Holy Spirit probably has a lot to do about it. Once you've worked hard at climbing that rockface, stood there at the edge, and finally taken that first leap ... it gets easier the next time.

The picture above is of me taking that first leap this summer when we were on a camping trip with some friends.

This week Jeff is starting a men's small group. It will be a group where men can come together to connect, grow, and challenge each other. I believe 8 men are interested and planning on coming.

Home Church also has other groups on the go: 2 'Women-Encouraging-Women', 1 'Parenting Teens', a group doing 'Experiencing God' by Henry Blackaby, and an Alpha International for Men.

If you've never taken that first 'leap' to join a 'maturing' group or it's been a while since you've jumped again, I would challenge you to spend time in prayer and ask God where He would have you grow and then follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Playing with your friends in the water is a lot of fun and brings with it a lot of memories, however, it will be hard work but when you are finished you will be strengthened and refreshed.

Thank-you for remembering us in your prayers. We remember you in ours.

Ashlee