Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor
This past weekend at PCC we closed out a series that challenged us to be the church, and to bring the love to the hungry, the orphan, the poor and our neighbor. We saw a powerful response in the body as we explored each of these things. But as we said last weekend, God isn't finished with us. Bringing the love to those in need around and the world and across the street isn't a five week series, a campaign or the pet project of a compassionate pastor. Bring the love is an ongoing call to be the church as God has called us to love him and love others.
One way we can continue this journey of exploring what this means for us as individuals and as the body of Christ, is to continue the conversations at home and in our Journey Groups. Here are a couple of resources to consider for your group that will challenge your socks off:
by Francis Chan
My group is more than half-way through this study, and it has sparked a lot of challenging discussion. It will compel you and your group to consider things like how you view God, is your love of God lukewarm, what does it mean to love God and what does salvation really look like?
The book is an easy read. 10 chapters that you discuss together - one chapter per session. There is also a DVD that features the author himself teaching for 6-8 minutes on each of the chapters. Following the video, Francis leaves you with two or three questions that will spur 45-60 minutes of deep discussion.
Learn more about this resource by visiting:
www.crazylovebook.com/
by Richard Stearns
Several months before our pastor, Ron Williams, started the series Bring the Love, he handed me a copy of this book. As I read it, God began a work in me that has ruined my perspective on my possessions, my resources, and my role in the Kingdom... it's still ruining me, today. The book is about Richard's journey to faith, and his call to become the president of World Vision. It is also his challenge to the American Church to stop neglecting the parts of the Gospel that teach on caring for the hungry, the poor, the widow, the orphan, the destitute, and the oppressed. His stories and experiences will devastate you with the reality of atrocities that are happening all over the world - and his message will challenge you to do more than just look the other way. Rich's hope is not that we will just give more, or do more... but that our hearts will break for the things that break the heart of God.
The Hole in Our Gospel is now available in a format that is ideal for small groups, and it's called the Gospel Quest. As I write this, I haven't yet had the chance to review this material. But I know that it is a six session study that includes a DVD, and is directly tied to the book. I'm confident that it will be an excellent resource for any group that is looking to continue the journey of bringing the love.
You can learn more about Gospel Quest by visiting:
www.thegospelquest.com/
Part of the journey is continuing the conversation, and that's what these resources will enable you to do in very intentional ways. But as we said last weekend, we're not called to just talk about these things but to do something about it. Each one of us can do something. What will you and your group do to make a difference in this world together?
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