Dear Friends in Christ Two weeks ago we hosted a training event for teachers, facilitators and small group leaders called Empowered. 175 wonderful people attended. At the conclusion of the event we had a time of worship. We came into a dimly lit sanctuary as Christen Cole led us in a time of praise. As we entered, there were baskets of Dr. Davis Chappell light bulbs before us. We were asked to take a light bulb and a sharpie, and as a sign of our covenant together to grow in our faith and assist others in spiritual growth, write a word on the bulb symbolizing our commitment. As we completed the task we brought our bulbs to the altar. We knelt as someone prayed over us, and then connected our bulbs into the string of lights that ran across the kneeling rail. We came in darkness, we left in the light. The experience to me was an object lesson of what happens when we become connected in group life and study. As we become intentional about our discipleship, gradually there is illumination. We gain insight and clarity that we did not have before, and we are empowered to walk in the light of God's Word with the support of a community. In my own walk with Christ, the small groups that I've been associated with (over the last 30 years) have deepened my faith and strengthened my witness. God has used them to encourage, correct, discipline and prepare me for life and ministry. By the way, some of the words that were glowing on the kneeling rail that night were these: anchor, boldness, daily, depth, growth, intentional, love, serve, persistence and trust. These are qualities and characteristics that God develops in us when we get plugged into Scripture and community.
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