More than just a Sunday church
Life-groups have just begun in Armagh Elim church. They operate in and around the city and their aim is to serve the members of the group and the wider city.
All those who come regularly to Armagh Elim are invited to attend a life group usually in the geographical area in which they live. The groups meet together regularly and participate in various activities ranging form Barbecues to Bible studies. Everyone is welcome and you are encouraged to become actively involved in a life-group. Life-groups are one of the places you will receive pastoral care and support.
To find out more about life-groups please speak to Peter or contact the church office to sign up to join a life-group (link to church email). If you would like to start a new life group or would like one started in your area contact Peter at the church office.
Growing - Witnessing - Caring
Working - Worshipping - Supporting
Why you should not miss out
a) You will begin to really feel like part of God's family.
Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the
close relationships and friendships that develop. They will frequently
telephone each other during the week to share an urgent prayer request
or an exciting answer. You'll discover that your needs and problems are
not unique ~ we're all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are
facing the same difficulties, or have lived through them and learned spiritual
principles in the process.
Over fifty times in the New Testament the phrase "one another" is used to describe our relationship to other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another's burdens, and build up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is in a small group! We really do need each other. God never meant for you to go it alone in the Christian life. If you're lonely, the answer to your problem is to join a group. This is one of the places you will receive pastoral care at Armagh Elim church.
b) You will understand the Bible better in a small group.
If you've ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted to stop
that person and say, "But what about...?" or "I don't understand," then
a small group is for you! Preaching and teaching is one way communication.
You listen while the speaker speaks. It's fine for imparting knowledge
but not as effective for personal application as a small group. In a small
group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the
text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of the truth you
are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations
and that happens best in small groups.
c) You will be a New Testament Christian!
The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow
and have their needs met in the church. We will never be able to employ
enough professional pastors to meet all the individual needs in our church
family. God never intended for it to be that way!
Consider these verses:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship,
to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together
and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together...
they broke bread in their homes and ate together... and the Lord added to
their number daily those who were being saved."
Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47
"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:42
"Greet also the church that meets at their house." Rom. 16:5
"Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the
church that meets at their house." I Cor. 16: 19
"Give my greetings...to Nympha and the church in her house." Col. 4: 15
d) You will be able to handle stress and pressure better.
Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress.
You'll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people
who really care for you and are committed to standing with you.
When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter - these are practical needs that will be ideally taken care of through your small group. Your group will be a place to share your needs and to support one another. For other crisis issues your life group leader will refer you to a member of the church leadership who will be only too happy to encourage, support or give pastoral counsel.
e) You will have a natural way to share Christ with friends, relatives,
and work associates.
It may be that some of your friends who don't know God wouldn't be caught
dead in a church. They have a preconceived idea and just the thought makes
them defensive. But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual
Bible discussion in a home or office setting. In a small group, your unbelieving
friend can ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "put
on the spot". When your friend sees the love and warmth and honesty
of your group, it will make him more receptive to the Good News.
f) Prayer will become more meaningful to you.
Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large
church. In a small group of 6 to 12, you will learn to participate in prayer
by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray,
but as you become comfortable, you'll be able to pray sentence prayers
and join in. There are many promises in the Bible related to group prayer.
In praying together with a few others, we are drawn together and we find
answers to the needs in our lives.
g) You will develop leadership skills you never knew you had!
The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or "gifts" to
benefit others in the family of God. Unfortunately most Christians remain
as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because large group meetings
are primarily "sit and listen" situations. As you share and participate
in a relaxed small group setting, you’ll discover your confidence and
self-esteem rising. This will help you at work, at church, and in every other
relationship.
h) You will deepen your understanding of worship.
Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday
morning in a large group with a sermon, a worship band, and an offering
bag! Worship happens anytime we focus on God. One way that happens at Armagh
Elim is in a small group by praying or singing together.
I am excited about the incredible potential of the Life groups we're building within Armagh Elim. Life Groups have these benefits that no believer can afford to pass up. If you are not participating in a group, why not join one this week?
