Are you ready to take a major step into a life changing adventure with fellow Christians and, more importantly, with Jesus? Faith Groups are a continuation of what Jesus started two thousand years ago! He knew His ministry needed to connect with people so He began by picking out twelve people who were fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots.
Jesus built His church's foundation on these men. He told them to go into the world and be His witnesses. They set the world upside down.
The Apostle Paul also had his Faith Group around him for encouragement, support and help in spreading the Gospel around the known world. He had men like Timothy, Barnabas, Silas, John, Mark, Luke and others who were in his Faith Group. The book of Acts is full of Faith Groups making a difference. Paul, in his letters, extols the virtues of Faith Groups and fellowship amongst the Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Have you ever considered how, after the fall of communism, churches started up all over the former Soviet Union? This happened mostly because a bunch of Faith Groups, called the underground church kept, kept the church alive for seventy years of persecution and martyrdom for Jesus' namesake. They continued to share the Word of God with their children and grandchildren. The church today is still being persecuted in over fifty nations including some that claim to be our "friends."
Faith Groups are just as important today as they were in the past. Today, with the growth of our church, they are important to keep people from feeling alone and lost in the crowd! They serve as an intricate part of keeping people connected. They build relationships, trust and community within the larger church. They also provide a means to disciple and to serve others. Faith Groups can evolve into what ever the group agrees to be. It can be a time of learning, fellowship and fun. One other thing, it WILL definitely be LIFE CHANGING!!!
For more information or to join a group complete the on-line form or contact me, Ed Ritter, at edr@nnumc.org or call (239)- 5937600 ext. 269
May God richly bless you,
Ed Ritter
