Tonight Camille and I welcomed some strangers into our family room - and within two hours we were experiencing community together. We are hosting and leading a 2:1 (two to one) group for couples who have been married five years or less.We are more than a Bible study or social group for newly-weds. We are committing to doing life together in community for the next nine months. To help lay a relational foundation we:
> Shared life stories newly-wed game style. Here were the five questions we asked and answered: 1) when did you first meet (place & month/year); 2) what was your most romantic date in the past year; 3) what is the most beautiful quality of the wife; 4) what is the most annoying practice of the husband; and 5) what is the dream vacation. These provided plenty of laughs as well as insights into each other.
> Shared faith stories. Each person was given a 3x5 card and encouraged to identify some timeline dots in their journey with the Lord. Then each person shared their story with the group. This exercise helped to keep the stories focused. I was encouraged by how transparent and authentic each person was on the first night. Wow. Our group bonded as we shared and listened to each others stories. There is so much value in sharing stories (more about this in a future post). I can't wait to see how God will continue to write our stories over the next nine months.
I ended with casting the vision for 'personal growth areas'. Growth in marriage will only come as there is growth in the Lord. A few years ago I built a clubhouse in the backyard for the kids. On opening day, Camille marked the heights of each of the kids and we've update the marks several times since. It's a wonderful reminder to say, "Jonathan, look at how much you have grown!" The same is true of our spiritual lives. Spiritual growth is not just going to church, reading the Bible, and doing homework for small group. We're challenging each person to identify one area of growth for the next 90 days in three categories: spiritual disciplines, character quality, and relationships. These will become areas for the guys to spur the other guys on in (and likewise the ladies) ... and for couples to grow together, too. Lord willing, in 90 days we'll be able to celebrate by saying to one another, "Look at how much you have grown!" And think about where everyone (including me) will be in nine months after being intentional in our walk with the Lord and trusting in Him for growth.
I pray that all Harvest small groups will experience the richness of being a biblical community this year.
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