“If one member suffers, all suffer together;
if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” -- 1 Corinthians 12.26
A recent sociologist was quoted as saying that the world has not yet experienced the full societal effects of shutting down in quarantine from COVID-19. Even amid our digital world, when information moves so quickly, the true cost of a worldwide pandemic is unknown. We still feel the continued economic implications, whether it is high inflation or mechanical parts that are back-ordered. Yet even the harshest of these financial struggles might pale in comparison to the social implications of living in isolation for such an extended period. Children and youth lost the connection to friends in their formative years. Adults lost relational routines and regular in-person connection with neighbors, co-workers, and family members. This isolation has caused a rise in psychological and physiological problems ranging from an increase in anxiety and mental illness to a rise in substance abuse, eating disorders, difficulty sleeping, and worsening of chronic conditions.
Sometimes we believe the Gospel is primarily for our future, spiritual security. However, the LORD God, maker of heaven and earth, made us physical and psychological beings as well as spiritual beings. This means that the Gospel speaks to and applies directly to every facet of our lives. When Scripture describes the importance of fellowship (Acts 2.42) and gathering together (Zephaniah 3.20), there are implications for when we are not together. More so, under the lordship of Jesus, we are called to be together in ministry, sharing in sufferings, and rejoicing in moments when others are honored. Life together is an active outworking of the Gospel. We are made to be a family.
Earlier this month Elder Jon Harris and I had the privilege of leading a Connect facilitator training. It was an informational meeting in which we wanted to clearly articulate the focus of the Connect small group ministry. This ministry was designed to be an extension of our shepherding ministry, under elder oversight, to promote life together.
There has been some confusion surrounding Connect. Connect was never designed to replace our shepherding flocks, nor was it developed to disrupt active, faithful groups that already are meeting regularly within our church. On the contrary, our prayer for this ministry was that it would enhance and grow more opportunities for shepherding and community in our midst. The desire that created Connect was to provide regular (weekly or every other week) meetings in which members can share struggles, pray for one another, and challenge each other in their walk with Jesus.
Even as we transition into the fall, with new ministry opportunities starting, there is a new year beginning for Connect groups. I encourage you to prayerfully consider joining a Connect group. There is a commitment to attendance and participation, however, my prayer is that this will be time well spent as you share your life with others in our church. If you have questions about our Connect ministry, would you reach out to me? I’d be happy to share more details about this ministry. If you would like to join a Connect group, would you register on our church website here? Whether you sign up or not, let us remember the importance of our presence in the church body. God designed you to be a part of His Church family. May He continue to bless you as we participate together!
