“A Time to Talk, Pray, and Catch Up” – Part 17

One of the most appreciated second hours had been when we simply provide opportunity for unstructured fellowship. Coffee and sweets were brought, and we used the time to talk with all those who seem to get away from us Sunday after Sunday.

A final change of pace came at the end of each quarter when the normal groups were set aside, and applicants for membership were interviewed as to their spiritual background and asked why they wanted to become a part of the congregation.

What we learned from participating in a significant number of years of interacting around the common topic which binds us together, our faith? The general principles seemed to be:

  1. It is almost impossible for sensitive Christians not to respond to articulated need.
  2. Differences, whether of personality or on the idea level, should be a means of binding us closer together in love rather than severing us in conflict.
  3. Using Scripture as authority keeps the groups in check.
  4. The discussion groups serve as an initial phase for deeper Christian encounters.

Over the course of the next several blog posts, I will expand on each of these items.

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You can learn how to develop highly relevant Sunday sermons that grab the attention of your congregation and help your listeners respond effectively to the deep truths of God’s Word. David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions. We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.

For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.

You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.

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