Created for Community
Sunday, January 12 – We live in an era of rampant individualism. American culture has always prized the image of the rugged individualist who needs no one, even as we hear the warning, “no man is an island unto himself.” As followers of Jesus we know better. The writer of Ecclesiastes uses the images of the risk of traveling alone to teach us the importance of community. Created for community we were made to help one another face the challenges and dangers of following Jesus in a fallen and broken world.
Auxano!
Sunday, January 19 – “We are to grow up (auxano) in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Andy Stanley, a pastor and author, has observed five things common to people who are growing spiritually: Private Disciplines (devotions, prayer, Bible reading, worship); Practical Teaching (Bible study, sermons, reading); Providential Relationships (mentors in the faith); Personal Ministry (service, volunteering); Pivotal Circumstances (moments of change and or struggles). Catalyst Small Groups provide a space for you to experience these things with other followers of Jesus. Auxano!
Be Real – Be Curious
Sunday, January 26 – We live in a world that is hyper-vigilant to protect our privacy. We worry about having our identity stolen and someone gaining access to our personal information. It’s a real and healthy fear that should be taken seriously, but sometimes it leaks over into our existing relationships and especially into our willingness to form new relationships. Since we are created for community, and growing in faith (auxano), we are transformed into people who can be real about our own need for a Savior and be genuinely curious about the people around us.