Learning and Living
11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
EPHESIANS 4:11-16 (ESV)
MATURING AND UNIFYING
23Therefore, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
HEBREWS 10:23-25 (ESV)
As Disciples we…
- Live in groups
- Learn in classes
- Serve on teams
- Contribute as families
LIVE IN GROUPS
6Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
COLOSSIANS 2:6-8 (ESV)
Your Small Group will…
Small groups must invest time and attention in each other’s lives and strive to develop love and trustworthiness towards one another. Though Sunday mornings provide the opportunity to make acquaintances and casual friendships, it is within the small group that community is experienced at a deeper level.
DISTRIBUTE MINISTRY & CARE
A small group should provide appropriate care for the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of one another. Our elders and staff could never minister to every individual need in the congregation, thus small groups provide an opportunity for the church community to minister to one another. This is best described in the “one another” passages of Scripture.
ENCOUNTER TRUTH
Small groups should strive to learn, live, and share the truth of God with one another. This should happen not only through proclamation but especially through application; because, as truth is put into action, it is encountered in an extraordinary way.
FOSTER MATURITY
Small groups should strive to see each member participate in and experience life- change. The goal is to provide one another with the motivation and accountability that each need to become a person of maturity.
PROMOTE MULTIPLICATION
Small groups must recognize that the health of the group will show itself in its ability to reproduce a new group within eighteen months of its start. The healthy reproduction of each leader and group allows for others to experience the joy of biblical community.
LEARN IN CLASSES
11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
EPHESIANS 4:11-16 (ESV)
Classes at Mission Church will…
- Equip you as a disciple
- Establish your kid’s foundation
- Expand your student’s understanding
- Encourage leadership development
- Enlist ministers for service
SERVE ON TEAMS
10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
EPHESIANS 2:10 (ESV)
10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 PETER 4:10-11 (ESV)
Your Serving Team will…
- Exercise your spiritual gift
- Enable you to practically serve God and others
- Empower you to contribute to the mission of Christ
- Engage you with like-minded people
CONTRIBUTE AS FAMILIES
6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-9 (ESV)
Contributing as Families will…
- Flow from hearts of grace
- Fill our hearts of joy
- Further the life-changing mission of God
- Free us to do great things for God