What is evangalism?

I thought this blog article might be interesting for us. I especially like the Rick Warren quote, “Saddleback doesn’t have any kind of official evangelism program. We simply ask people, ‘What do you love to do most? Go do that with unbelievers.’ ”

Are Small Groups Important to this church?

Here's what I am wondering right now as we end 2007 and begin 2008: Are small groups part of the DNA of The River? One of my goals for this church is to think of ourselves as a "church of small groups." Many are connected with each other in small groups but my sense is that we don't see those groups necessarily as places where we provide the care for each other that we used to look to elders and/or pastors to provide. Will we ever get there or is The River's history one that makes it hard if not impossible to get there? Just recently again it seemed that folks were pulling and tugging at elders or pastors to do what small groups ought to be doing. Will that change? That's what I am wondering.

It's December 17 already?!!!

Yipes! It's the week before Christmas and time to post something! Yes, we did have our small groups leaders breakfast on Saturday, December 1. About 20 came to partake of the delicious food provided by Linsey, Debbie, Jill and Joel. Thanks guy and gals. We had a great time sharing God moments from our groups, reporting on our groups, sharing the sense by some that studying the Scriptures was central. For others the care that they provided to each other was a tie that bound them together. Some new groups had started up and I was glad to hear that.

Ruth and I are starting a new group next year. We are soliciting names of prospects, so pass along names that might be open to being part of our group. We plan on meeting about every three weeks. If too many sign up, we will get another or other groups going. Spread the word.

Have a wonderful, blessed Christmas.