The Future of Couples Small Groups

Consider the following findings from research done on our generation of "church attending" and non "church attending" young adults determine which ones resonate with you: 

• We desire small group activities that promote relationship and belonging.  
• We desire as many opportunities as possible to connect with mentors 
• We desire to frequently participate in small group meetings to discuss life application to scripture  
• We desire to determine our beliefs via hands on, practical learning experiences
• We desire information and advice from as many people as possible who have relevant, similar life experiences

If these are things that we desire, then why is it so difficult to bring people together?  How do people generally feel, despite wanting some kind of community connections?  Here are some comments from respondents in that same research: 

• We all have crazy schedules.  When we do get together, it's a miracle.
• Young adults are searching with an unsettling feeling, almost like a nomad.
• There is a lot of pressure from our society about making money, providing for your family, and being able to afford a home and a certain lifestyle.  I think all those internal pressures started to collide with me and with my faith.
• I'm hungry to be known intimately, and to be challenged

When I started posting to this blog and inviting couples to join my wife and I in bible study, it was for many of the same reasons above, but it also was because of my own passion for what I believe to be the most important issue facing our generation: the future of marital and family relationships (I know, it's a bit dramatic, but it's my calling).  Families are at the center of this world, and the heart of families are marriage relationships.  In many ways, the way husbands and wives relate to one another, can set in order a chain of events that determines how children grow up, the amount communities achieve, and the strength of nations.  Really the fabric of our lives is based on relationships that start in the home.  When God created man and woman, He did so with the intent that they would develop their own relationship to the point where they could become one and lead together.  We're not seeing that much anymore.  People come together for selfish reasons, and then they separate for even more selfish reasons.  And the lack of mentors about how to build and maintain successful relationships is appalling!  How are young people supposed to know how to create the next generation of families and communities if no one around them can show them the way?  

That's why I believe that a group dedicated towards supporting young couples grow together and learn how to lead together is important.  That's our marriage mission (Samantha and I).  We want to impact countless numbers of marriages, families, and communities by helping couples see the potential in their partnership.  I think getting to have this impact can only come through building relationships, whether virtually, in person, in small groups, one on one, or in service together.    

So, we're retooling our approach right now for how we're going to accomplish this aim.  We'll probably be reaching out to some of you in the near future to get your insight as to what role you'd like to play we'd love to hear any suggestions you may have.  We also will be setting up new opportunities to engage one another.  Looking forward to the next step!

SDW3

A Wilderness Spouse

If you're in the wilderness phase of your life, you and your spouse will both know it.  The wilderness phase is characterized by reflection, isolation, sometimes self-doubt, loneliness, and perhaps even concern for the future.  Jesus was sent into the wilderness for a specific time, for a specific purpose, which God told Him about beforehand.  Moses on the other hand, fled into the wilderness of his own accord, running away from his problems, his past, and his calling.  


But look at what happened to Moses in the wilderness.  He experienced some refining, retooling, and a rebirth.  He also got married, started a family, and gained a new perspective on life.  Regardless of the phase that you and your spouse currently find yourselves in, there's plenty to be learned from Moses and Zipporah's wilderness experience.  This week's small group will examine the following questions from Exodus 2-4:   


What to do with your spouse in the wilderness?

1. What was the significance of Moses getting married and starting a family during this phase of his life?
2. How do you think Zipporah felt when Moses shared with her why he was there and what he was running from?
3. What support do you think Moses needed from his wife during this difficult time?
4. Knowing the role that Zipporah would later play in holding Moses accountable, what does this teach you about how you should hold your spouse accountable during difficult seasons of their lives? 
5. If you or your spouse is currently experiencing a wilderness phase, what's your next step?  What can you both learn from Moses and Zipporah's experience to accelerate your own wilderness development? 

Logistics:

We will start (7pm) and end on time (8pm) and will all be virtual.  So either log onto the community call line or log on via skype at 6:50 and make sure Samuel has your Skype username.  

The group phone # is:            (724) 444-7444        and the call ID: 98967

Catching the vision of this community

Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
   
Discussion Questions: 

1. What kind of community do you see represented here in the Acts 2 church?
2. What do you think they did to build this community?  How would you sustain it?
3. How does our community compare to the Acts 2 community?
4. What do you need from a community of believers?  Why? 
5. What is our vision for this community?

Logistics:

We will start (7pm) and end on time (8pm) and will all be virtual.  So either log onto the community call line or log on via skype at 6:50 and make sure Samuel has your Skype username.  

The group phone # is:             (724) 444-7444      and the call ID: 98967