When Ordinary Nights Become Family Moments

I recently heard a story from one of our Gospel Communities that reminded me of why we do what we do.

The night began like any other GC. Everyone engaged in conversation as they arrived, catching each other up on the events of the week and sharing laughs over bites of nearly-limitless watermelon (It’s summertime and three people independently decided that they needed to bring a watermelon to share).  

After a while, everyone settled in to pray together to prepare their hearts and minds for their time discussing what was shared from God’s word the previous Sunday, and how it should affect their lives this week. Their time in prayer was especially rich, and they really felt connected to each other as they lifted up their praise and petitions to God. One person’s prayer inspired another to pray, who inspired another. It went on for longer than usual.

The sermon discussion was rich too. Even though the group was large that night, many people had substantive things to share about how the Holy Spirit was prompting them to respond to what was preached, whether in thought or in action. Near the end of the discussion, one couple shared about a situation that was burdening them, and the group all sensed that they should stop and immediately pray.

Already warmed toward each other, the group prayed fervently and with great affection for this couple, and with great confidence in God’s power to meet their need. It was a family moment.

After that, just like usual, the GC separated men from women for mutual ministry, where, after already having prayed for each other from the heart, they felt freer to be honest and vulnerable. Both the men and women’s groups reported that they had an impactful time of sharing, encouragement, and accountability.

This story is just a sample of what we are striving for every week in our scheduled gatherings: relational discipleship and care. This aim helps us shift our mindset from Gospel Community being a program we attend to being a people whom we love.

The Spirit is at work in our Gospel Community ministry. Praise him for your Gospel Community, praying that each time we gather, we would help one another take our next steps in Christ.

By David Parker