The Church Search Part Five

You need them. They need you.

As we continue the search for a new church home, we need to check out what sort of opportunities there are for discipleship. Let's face it. You need them to help you grow. They need you to help them grow.

-Is the church committed to your growth?
-What's their vision for your discipleship?
-Are you on your own or will they provide you a place to develop?

The best place this happens is in some sort of small group community. That might be a home group Bible Study. Or it could be a Sunday School class. Great preaching is important. But true growth, real growth happens best in small groups. That's where the rubber really meets the road.

How important is community? Well, in the middle of His perfect creation, God took a look at Adam. The first human was the peak of His handiwork. But there was just one problem.

"It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18 NLT).

The Lord was talking about so much more than female companionship for a lonely man. It was obvious that God created Adam for community.

All throughout the Bible, God provides examples of small groups that create greenhouses of discipleship and spiritual growth. David and his mighty men. Paul, Silas, Titus and Timothy. Jesus and His disciples.

The writer of Proverbs made the point. "As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend" (Proverbs 27:17 NLT).

As we examine the various churches, let's take a hard look at discipleship. And when we joined, let's get plugged in. Don't forget.

You need them. They need you.

In Christ,
Jay