August Meeting Recap

For those of you who missed our meeting earlier in the month, here's the overview.

815

The numbers are in, and still rising. We have 815 adults registered in groups and classes! That's without any doubles. We set a God sized goal of 800 and God did better than that, and He's not done yet.

Great job leaders of getting out and growing your groups. I hope this season is a huge blessing to you as God uses you to minister to His people.

• Study together
• Pray together
• Serve together
• Have fun together!

If you need anything, or have any questions, drop me a note.

See you all Sunday!

Off and Running!

WOW! What a terrific first day! It was great seeing the gathering area filled up with groups. There was an excitement in the air as we saw many new faces come through our doors. Many of you have since met in your homes, and I look forward to hearing how things went.

Tonight we have our first Wednesday Night Groups. It'll be a little different because we're moving into the classrooms while the children and youth take over the rest of the building for their kick-off. We'll be there to help direct traffic and get people where they need to go.

Here's a verse that has stood out to me the last couple days:

Psalm 73:2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;

I had nearly lost my foothold.

David recognized at this point in his life that he was slipping. Envy had begun to make it's way into his life. As leaders, we constantly need to evaluate our lives. Like David, we need to be able to recognize a slip here, or a misstep there. We need others around us that have permission to point out our slips.

Notice in verse 17 what it was that helped David recognize where he was at:

Psalm 73:17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;

then I understood their final destiny.

When he met with God he then understood what would happen to those whom he was envious of. He saw where his own position with God was at. That led him to later say:

Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;

I will tell of all your deeds.

"It is good to be near God!" Let's learn from one of the great leaders of the past. Knowing that when we draw near to God, seek Him, find "refuge" in Him, we can't help to tell of His deeds.

What great deeds have you seen God do in your life or in your group?

Kick Off Week Is Here!

This Sunday, Aug. 23rd groups and classes launch for the fall!

It's kind of crazy when you've been working on something for so long then the time finally comes. Nervous, worried, already seeing things you could have done different. You've been there I'm sure.

We've been preparing for this fall season of groups for months and now it's here!

Our numbers continue to rise as online registrations come in and as you leaders send updated lists. If you've got more updates get them to us:

3 things I ask of you now:

1. Pray - for your group, for your fellow leaders, and for the impact that groups and classes will have on all those that participate.
2. Make Contact - Call or email all of your group members to make sure they know where and when your meeting. This is especially important for those who have signed up for your group that you don't know.
3. Prepare - Come ready. Study your material, get books and study guides that the rest of the group will need, have a plan for the season. Use the week one study that is located on in the links on the right to help.

We're excited to see what God is going to do this season of groups.

Acts 10:33

So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

3 Observations:

1. It is good of you to lead: You've answered the call of God.
2. You're in the presence of God: Know that when you gather, you are in the presence of God delivering the message He has called you to bring to your class or group. You are not alone.
3. You're a history maker: Read the rest of the story. The gospel goes to the gentiles, now we're here today! You don't know the impact your group might have.

Invite

I’m waiting on the groups report from Sunday. Very curious as to how many people we have registered for classes and groups at this point. We continue to aim for our target of 800 adults in classes and groups.

One thing I do know, it takes more than bulletin announcements and me standing up front saying, “get in a group!” It takes all of us, leaders and group members, together inviting, encouraging, and challenging our church family to join us in this journey. So, who have you invited? Be sure to tell your current members to still register so we know where they're at.

Yesterday our Young Couples gathered at our house for a Luau Party. There were so many new faces! We invited every one of them to join a group. That was the main purpose of the event. It sounds like most all of them have or will.

FCC Groups Blog

Understanding that God has given us the responsibility to shepherd each person that comes through our doors, we must continue to develop ways to grow leaders and create opportunities for people to connect in groups. This Blog will help us provide resources, provide training, and share opportunities for you as leaders. We're excited about the possibilities.

Welcome to the Groups Blog of First Christian Church of Owasso! This will become the hub of information for the Groups Ministry of the FCC. Leader Training, Group Information, and Group Thoughts will be posted here. We hope that you will subscribe to this blog and that as it develops, it will become a place for you to find encouragement, answers, and inspiration.