Friday, October 2, 2015

We Are Never So Vulnerable As When We Love

It's the end of another month! And God, as always, has been so good. Our cores have been stabilizing, our large group has been stabilizing, and all of our student leaders are starting to pour into any and all who are willing to seek Jesus. 

Core


"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7

This year I'm leading a core (our form of small groups) and it has been such a great experience. We've gone through the value of Jesus-like friendship, community, a purposeful life, and just this past week: vulnerability. Vulnerability has been a topic that has been stressed in our community for a few years now, and every year I realize how much I still need to grow int his area. Our guys are dedicated to making sure our core is a place that we're able and willing to share anything in our lives and to show our real selves without fear of rejection. I'm confident that this year will be the best yet in creating bonds that last through the years.


Fall Camp!




"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that i learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:12-15



Most every year we put together a quick weekend retreat we call fall camp. It goes from about noon on Saturday to about noon on Sunday, and it's a great opportunity for our students to develop relationships. It's crazy what can happen in such a short time. We get about two hours of small group together a week, and then maybe one more if we have a one-on-one study with that individual. So getting so many hours to hang out, to learn, and have fun goes such a long way. 

Prayer


"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that is we ask anything according to his will, he hears us" 1 John 5:14

Coming up, please pray for these needs:
-Great and powerful one-on-ones studies. We have a saying "one-on-one is how it's done" because that intimate bond is where the most growth can happen
-A deep sense of connection across the community. That this is a place where you are valued and you have an opportunity to grow and encourage others
-Vulnerability in myself, to continue letting people in and to step into that discomfort of letting someone see me as I really am.

In Christ,
Peter

1 comment:

  1. Hey Peter, thanks for sharing! Vulnerability is so important in ministry and in Christian life. It enables us to participate fully in Christian community and to minister to others from a place of humility. Unfortunately, it's also something that our culture doesn't always value or respect. I'm glad you are learning that lesson and teaching it to the guys in your Core. Keep up the good work!

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