
Dear
friends
I shall soon be asking everyone in the churches whether
they would like to join a Fellowship Group. These
groups will have something of a re-launch in September, and it would be a really
good time to join a group, if you are not currently part of one.
But I know there are lots of reasons why people don’t join a group. For
example, some people say …
1)
‘I can’t see the point.’ Well,
the groups meet for three purposes: to study the Bible together, to pray for one
another’s needs, and to make good Christian friends. None
of those can really be done in the short time we have together on Sunday
mornings.
2)
‘I don’t know the Bible well enough.’ But
these groups are not for experts; they are for learners. Most
Christians, including those in Fellowship Groups, feel that they don’t know
the Bible well enough, and you don’t need to know it well in order to come.
3)
‘I’ve never been able to pray aloud.’ That’s
O.K. You don’t have to. Most
groups have a time when people can pray aloud, but not everyone does, and God
hears our silent prayers just as well. Of
course, as you get to know people better, you may find yourself getting braver
… but don’t be put off by those who seem more confident than you.
4)
‘I can’t make the commitment’. Now
it is true that joining a Fellowship Group is a commitment. There’s
not much point joining a group and turning up twice a year (and it makes life
quite tricky for the leaders). But
the groups only meet for two evenings a month, and if you can’t make a meeting
you only have to say so in advance. We
all know that many people live with pressures of work and family and other
involvements.
5)
‘I don’t want to get stuck in a group for ever.’ That
is understandable! Group leaders know that some people will join for a while,
and then take time out, or move to a different group. In
fact, you can give it a go, and leave any time you like.
6)
‘I can’t get to a group.’ We’ll
help you! There may be a group near
your home, or there may be someone else from the group that could give you a
lift. Most groups meet in the evening, but some meet during the daytime. And
there are groups meeting on most days of the week. In
due course we’ll be asking about days and times that would work best for you.
7)
‘I just don’t want to.’ Nobody
is going to force you! But we do
want you to know that we think you are missing out. God
uses these groups as a great blessing to many people. They
are a wonderful means of growth in Christian life and faith; they enrich your
experience of God and of your church. They
are places of pastoral support, so that when something happens in your life
there is a ready-made group that will pray and help if you want them to. God
knows and loves us as individuals, but he calls us to follow him along with
others. Do all you can to walk the
Christian journey in close fellowship with other Christians. After
all, Jesus himself worked closely with a small group of twelve.
Watch out for more on this subject before long.
And please pray for the Holiday Club which takes place at St. John’s
during the last week of July.
With
all best wishes – James.