In the autumn of 2014 we began a group: A regularly scheduled meeting where fellow believers can come learn the Word of God and grow deeper in their relationship with God. So what do we call it?
~A small group? No, why put our own limits on whatever God would like it to become.
~A Home group? No, people that come don’t consider my residence their home.
~A Men’s group? No, most men shy away from them or simply don’t like them — myself included unless it’s an outdoor adventure. Plus our group is not gender-specific.
~A Women’s group? No, for the same reasons noted above except for the outdoor adventure.
~Accountability group? No, I think not. I’ve see more masks worn (including my own in times past) in some of these than during the late October festival. Nothing like getting put on the spot at one of these. Really gets you fired up to come back. Not.
~A Bible study? Well, what if we actually spend time experiencing the Word in addition to learning? After all, aren’t we to be doers of the Word and not just hearers only?
We call it a “gathering.” That’s right—a gathering. A title open enough to allow the free-flow of biblical teaching, discussion, fellowship, praying, healing and the Holy Spirit to have His way. It is a gathering of like-minded believers just like it was recorded in the book of Acts. No masks, no facades, just people learning and living the word of God. Also no behavior modification, as transformation in one’s life comes by changing the way one thinks to agree with God’s thoughts and ways (Romans 12:2).
In this gathering, we teach on “rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (2Timothy 2:15) and applying it accordingly, so we can enjoy and have life more abundantly.
If you are in the Grand Rapids, MI area and are interested in attending, please contact us.
Fred Snyder
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20