Missional Communities

I have been leading a small group for over 2 years now. People come and go due to the transient nature of Gainesville, and sometimes building real, authentic, Biblical community can be tough. It wasn't really until the last two months that I really feel that everyone in my small group is now truly bonded together by a common missional pursuit.

About five months ago, a couple in my small group ended up foster parenting a newborn baby. She is absolutely beautiful and they really fell in love with her. The long story short is that she was taken away about three weeks ago due to an injury that did not happen under their care. The situation seemed completely unjust and they were left helpless to do anything about it. All the people they were consulting about the case said to give up and basically kiss your chances of getting her back goodbye... but they refused to give up.

Our small group got together and brainstormed for hours about what to do and really came up with nothing. After a fruitless effort of trying to figure out what to do, we prayed and cried out (literally) to God for Him to intercede. For two weeks and slowly but surely, hearts started to change. People who were completely against them getting the baby back started to have their hearts changed. CEOs and people who are "untouchable" because they are said to be so busy started taking personal interest in the case. Doors were opening, God was moving... the next court date is March 18th so more to come but it is looking good! This mission to get her back has opened up our hearts and passion to pursue orphan care as our small group's missional focus. Getting her back is just the beginning of this Kingdom story...

If you want to BE a disciple, you need two things: to get in a Biblical community (i.e. small groups at First Assembly) and GET ON A MISSION. Nothing brings disciples together like being on a common mission. Don't try to just "do ministry", get in touch with the mission of God (seek and save the lost, love the least, make disciples) and how He is calling YOU and your community to act that out. That might be evangelizing together, serving the least, discipling your unchurched friends, or finding something like orphan care (which is my small group's mission) to pursue.

Now don't get discouraged if your community is not on mission yet... start praying and seeking the Lord for what that mission is and let this be day 1 of that journey! There is a distinct difference between a community that meets just to meet and a community that meets because they are on a mission. I challenge you to be a part of the latter one! BE part of (or start!) a missional community!