Fellowship
The Bible is clear that following Jesus is not just a matter of believing, but also of belonging. The Bible says, You are members of God’s very own family… and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian. (Ephesians 2:19 LB). As members of His family, we learn to love, forgive, open up, and become accountable. We become better, together.
Fellowship happens in many ways in our lives and we encourage everyone to take advantage of all the connection events to open our lives to others. However, at Mariners, we feel LifeGroups are the place to really develop that sense of belonging in a consistent manner. LifeGroups are the primary vehicles through which sustained transformation to be more like Jesus in and among the world happens.
Here are just a few reasons why we’re so committed to seeing everyone in a LifeGroup:
- They’re a great way to really get to know people and experience authentic, caring relationships
- They’re a good way to meet social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs
- LifeGroups provide the best environment for the life change that God intends for every person.
We know that we are all in different stages in our experience of fellowship. Some of us are “walking” (we are learning what this is all about). Some are “running” (more in tune with God) and some are “flying” (feeling really strong about my faith). Find your “place” and use these helps to grow.
I’m Walking: I would like to form deeper relationships with other Christians
Growth Track is a series of conversations designed to help you engage with Mariners and a good way to find out all the different ways to connect with others.
LifeGroups are the place to really develop a sense of belonging. But we also believe a lot more happens in LifeGroups. We believe they are the primary vehicles through which sustained transformation to be more like Jesus in and among the world happens. Please take a moment and watch this video by Joseph Solomon on the value of and need for community in our lives.
I’m Running: I meet regularly with other Christians as part of LifeGroup or another group.
You already understand the value of community in your life. Please take a moment and watch this video by Joseph Solomon to give you greater insight.
Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know and have a conversation. Invite them to join your LifeGroup.
Fellowship becomes a catalyst for growth when you have a spiritual accountability partner. Invite someone in your LifeGroup to go out for coffee and develop a deeper relationship.
I’m Flying: I am part of a Lifegroup and committed to spiritual accountability.
Invite someone in your LifeGroup to go out for coffee and develop a spiritual accountability relationship.
Reach out to someone and have a conversation about spiritual matters.
If you think you have the gift of hospitality or leadership, attend a L.E.A.D. class to learn how to lead a Lifegroup. If you are interested, contact len@marinerscc.org.
As you already understand the value of community in your life this video might be a useful help for you to inform your conversations with others. Please take a moment and watch this video by Joseph Solomon.
Other Thoughts on Spiritual Growth
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