Late in 2013 my fatigue with Bible studies waned. I love the Lord with all my heart. I enjoy being with His people and learning together, but seriously, I've been a Christian for too many years to count. Shouldn't my time be spent practicing all I've learned instead of continuing to sit on the sidelines learning more?
And, too often hubby was headed one direction for a study and I was at home, and then the next night switch roles. And repeat within the week and every week.
Early in January a friend asked if we'd like to join a couple's Bible study. Her husband was raised Catholic but doesn't attend the Catholic church any longer. He is uncomfortable in her evangelic Christian church and rarely attends with her or the kids. It was only 4 weeks and the study was COURAGEOUS. Why not?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy9SWgR6dvs
We'd already done this study but I knew it was important to my friend, and it felt like a great transition to a new plan for us. And, it gave us a chance to meet families who might (or might not) become "our people" (just like loves of our lives, you have to kiss a lot of "our people" before you find your prince families to align with.)
So, Keith agreed. Reluctantly. He loved his Tuesday night group -- it was "his" people. He enjoyed his Sunday night group -- it was FMCC people. But he gave them up. And, I gave up Wednesday night girl's Bible study - and off we went.... together.
We are a diverse group of people. One Catholic couple, many with Methodist backgrounds, and some of us with evangelical Christian backgrounds. Many are divorcees who are remarried with blended families. There's a couple who are both divorcees and are just dating. A few are even in the middle of a divorce now. And, there are those of us still on our first marriage and fighting to make it work. Some don't attend church now but had strong influences of faith growing up and identify themselves as Christians. Some left the Catholic church and converted to evangelical Christian church. And, a very few of us grew up our entire life in the church. Of the eight (give or take) couples, everyone is connected to no less than two - and no more than five. We are all just really getting to know each other. But, there is tremendous respect for the journeys of the others.
Last night's study on a courageous legacy centered around how you remembered your father and the legacy he left. Well, few could say their father left a faith legacy. Other types of legacies, yes, but not a legacy of faith. Most fathers -- as were many fathers of our generation -- were either quiet, hot-headed or absent by their choice or by working long hours. There were long discussions of how our men father differently because of their childhood journeys with their fathers. At the end the pastors of the video study talked about the legacy their fathers left them (quite different legacies than our men - or women for that matter - had experienced). The room silenced. The men began to understand how awesome it would be for their kids if they could have the courage to leave a faith legacy for them.
While that's indescribable, for me the most awesome thing is that these are families that would never have normally come together - with men who would normally not discuss these things - let alone in a room with people they just met two weeks ago.
This is the kind of group I want to be involved in. I don't want to only hang with "my type of Christians" - I want to hang with and be involved in changing the lives of folks who don't want to open the door of a church, those who wonder why God is the God of mean nuns or priests who do bad things (DISCLAIMER: their words - not mine), or those who are tired of sermons about fire and brimstone instead of God's love, mercy and grace (yes, there is judgement too - but let's not leave out the other), or those who see imperfect Christians judging them.
What good is a small group of like-minded Christians? Yes, it's the community of your church. But shouldn't we be about helping others - outsiders - find their way back in? Shouldn't we be figuring out how to bring them into our homes, find out their stories, share the story of Jesus with them, and invite them back to Jesus and his church. Closed, church-based small groups typically don't do that.
After three studies this group feels like home. Whether it's home because of the people, or whether it is home because of the mission is uncertain at this point. But, I'm enjoying the ride.... for one more week. And, then we'll see what is next.
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