Embracing Community: Serving and Growing Together
Summary
In today's service, we explored the profound importance of community within the church, particularly through the concept of "circles," which are our small groups. The essence of our gathering is not just about what we can receive but also about what we can contribute. This aligns with the biblical principle that even Jesus came not to be served but to serve others. Our circles are designed to foster a sense of belonging and mutual growth, where each member can share their unique experiences and insights, thereby enriching the community as a whole.
We delved into the idea that life is about balance, much like the seasons that God has established in nature. Just as a sponge must release what it absorbs to continue soaking up more, we too must share what we have learned and experienced. This sharing is not only beneficial for others but also for our own growth. Our circles are not just about personal gain but about collective edification, where each member's life lessons, victories, and even struggles contribute to the growth of the group.
The sermon emphasized that our church is not merely a church with circles but a church of circles. This means that our identity and strength lie in these small groups where real connections and growth happen. We are encouraged to shift our perspective from "What can the circle do for me?" to "What can I do for the circle?" This shift transforms our participation from being optional to being a priority, as we recognize that our presence and contributions are vital to the community.
We also discussed the various circles available, each catering to different interests and life stages, from Bible studies to social gatherings. The goal is to have 80% of our congregation actively engaged in these circles, as they are the heartbeat of our church community. By participating, we not only grow individually but also help others grow, creating a ripple effect of spiritual and personal development.
Key Takeaways:
- Service Over Self: Emulating Jesus, who came to serve rather than be served, we are called to shift our focus from self-centeredness to serving others within our community. This mindset fosters a culture of giving and receiving, where everyone benefits from shared experiences and insights. [43:25]
- Balance in Life: Just as the seasons change, our lives should reflect a balance between receiving and giving. We must be like sponges, absorbing knowledge and experiences, but also releasing them to benefit others, ensuring continuous growth and renewal. [52:09]
- Community as a Priority: Viewing our participation in circles as a priority rather than an option transforms our engagement. Recognizing that our unique contributions are needed makes our involvement essential, not just for personal growth but for the enrichment of the entire community. [55:55]
- Diverse Circles for Growth: Our church offers a variety of circles, each designed to meet different needs and interests. Whether it's a Bible study or a social gathering, these circles provide opportunities for connection, learning, and mutual support, fostering a vibrant community life. [01:00:34]
- Collective Edification: The strength of our church lies in our circles, where each member's life experiences contribute to the collective wisdom and growth of the group. By sharing our victories and struggles, we create a supportive environment that nurtures spiritual and personal development. [01:26:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Giving Options
- [03:00] - Technical Difficulties and Humor
- [05:00] - Introduction to Circles
- [10:00] - The Practical Message
- [15:00] - Biblical Community
- [20:00] - Serving Like Jesus
- [25:00] - Importance of Circles
- [30:00] - Balance in Life
- [35:00] - One Body, Many Parts
- [40:00] - Personal Contributions
- [45:00] - Engaging in Circles
- [50:00] - Circle Descriptions
- [55:00] - Encouragement to Join
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 20:28 - "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."
2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 - Discusses the unity and diversity of the body of Christ, emphasizing that each member is essential.
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 20:28 reveal about Jesus' approach to service and how does it contrast with the common mindset of "What can the church do for me?" [43:25]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, how does Paul describe the relationship between different members of the body of Christ? What does this imply about the importance of each member's contribution?
3. In the sermon, what analogy is used to describe the balance between receiving and giving in our lives? How does this relate to the concept of circles in the church? [52:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the shift in perspective from "What can the circle do for me?" to "What can I do for the circle?" and why is this shift important? [55:55]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the example of Jesus serving others in Matthew 20:28 challenge the way individuals might view their role within the church community? [43:25]
2. In what ways does the metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 help us understand the value of diverse contributions within a church community?
3. The sermon mentions that life is about balance, much like the seasons. How can this understanding of balance influence the way one participates in church circles? [52:09]
4. What are some potential barriers that might prevent someone from shifting their perspective to prioritize community contribution over personal gain, as discussed in the sermon? [55:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you focused more on what you could receive from a community rather than what you could contribute. How might you approach this differently in the future? [43:25]
2. Considering the metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12, identify a unique gift or experience you have that could benefit your church community. How can you begin to share this with others?
3. The sermon encourages us to be like sponges, absorbing and releasing knowledge and experiences. What is one area of your life where you feel you have absorbed a lot and are ready to share with others? [52:09]
4. How can you make participation in a church circle a priority in your life, rather than an option? What practical steps can you take to ensure your involvement is consistent and meaningful? [55:55]
5. Identify a specific circle or small group within your church that aligns with your interests or life stage. What steps will you take this week to engage with that group and contribute to its growth?
6. Think about a personal struggle or victory you have experienced. How can sharing this in a church circle help both you and others grow spiritually and personally?
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to shift from a "me" mindset to a "we" mindset. What is one tangible action you can take this week to serve others in your church community, emulating the example of Jesus? [43:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Service as a Path to Fulfillment
In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, the call to serve others stands as a countercultural invitation to find true fulfillment. This principle is rooted in the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. By shifting our focus from what we can gain to what we can give, we create a community where everyone benefits from shared experiences and insights. This mindset fosters a culture of mutual support and growth, where each person's contributions are valued and essential. [43:25]
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve today, and how can you make serving others a regular part of your daily routine?
Day 2: The Rhythm of Giving and Receiving
Life is a delicate balance of receiving and giving, much like the changing seasons. Just as a sponge must release what it absorbs to continue soaking up more, we too must share our knowledge and experiences to foster growth. This balance ensures that we are not only enriched by what we receive but also by what we give. By participating in community life, we contribute to a cycle of continuous growth and renewal, benefiting both ourselves and those around us. [52:09]
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one thing you have learned recently that you can share with someone else today to help them grow?
Day 3: Prioritizing Community Engagement
Viewing our participation in community as a priority rather than an option transforms our engagement. Recognizing that our unique contributions are needed makes our involvement essential, not just for personal growth but for the enrichment of the entire community. By shifting our perspective from "What can the community do for me?" to "What can I do for the community?" we create a vibrant and supportive environment where everyone thrives. [55:55]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make your participation in your community a priority this week, and what specific action can you take to contribute to its growth?
Day 4: Embracing Diversity in Community
Our church offers a variety of circles, each designed to meet different needs and interests. Whether it's a Bible study or a social gathering, these circles provide opportunities for connection, learning, and mutual support. By embracing the diversity of these groups, we foster a vibrant community life where everyone can find a place to belong and grow. This diversity enriches our community, allowing us to learn from each other's unique perspectives and experiences. [01:00:34]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one new group or activity you can join this week to broaden your perspective and connect with others in your community?
Day 5: Strength in Shared Experiences
The strength of our church lies in our circles, where each member's life experiences contribute to the collective wisdom and growth of the group. By sharing our victories and struggles, we create a supportive environment that nurtures spiritual and personal development. This collective edification not only strengthens our community but also empowers each individual to grow and thrive. [01:26:02]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: What personal experience can you share with your community this week to encourage and support others in their journey?
Quotes
"My opinion is that we have kind of looked at circles as what can a circle do for me? What circles do you have to offer me? What interests do you have to offer me? Well, I don't. I don't really like the New Testament. I want the Old Testament. What? Well, I don't like reading about the, you know, revelation. I want to know about John. I don't I don't want to, you know, connect and eat. I want to go bowling. I want to, you know, and so it becomes this whole like, well, you're not offering me anything. You're not giving me anything. What can you me, me, me, me, me. But I want to swap that perspective and I want you to start beginning to think of circles. What can I do for circles?" [00:48:37] (34 seconds)
"Pastor has talked about seasons in life, right? There are seasons for everything, but we can't stay in a season forever. You may right now be in a season for needing. Maybe you need to soak it in. Maybe you need to learn. You need to grow. You need to heal. You just need to go and make connections. And you know what? That is perfectly fine. But you can't stay in that same season year after year after year. If you do that, it's not a season. It's just a livelihood. It's a choice, right? Let's be real. We should be growing and changing with our seasons, okay?" [00:54:44] (37 seconds)
"It's one of those two things. So we want you to start looking at circles of not what can the circle do for me, but let's shift that to say what can I do for circles. As much as you need a circle, the circle needs you. We need you. Look at your neighbor and say, we need you. Look at your other neighbor and say, even you. Look at somebody behind you and say, meh. Maybe." [00:56:04] (33 seconds)
"This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. So important. Read that again. This makes up for harmony amongst the members, so that all members can care for each other. For if one part suffers, all parts suffer with it. And if one part is honored, all parts are glad." [00:55:55] (24 seconds)
"Guys, I love this scripture because this is exactly, in my opinion, what I want a harvest circle to look like. Because it's easy. It's easy for you to walk into a circle and go, well, I don't know anything. I don't know anything, and the teacher knows everything. And so therefore, I'm going to come in, sit down, shut up, and just listen, and then leave. And it's easy to say, well, this is my first time in a circle. So I'm nervous, and I'm not as, you know, haven't been here in a while, and not everybody knows me as much. And you feel inferior, and you feel weak, and you feel right. But what does this say? It said even the weakest can still feel desirable because that's exactly how God has set it up because we each have a part to play." [00:56:19] (42 seconds)
"Maybe you're in a season that you didn't think you could ever get out of it. But maybe you're in a season where, man, I'm doing great. Maybe you're in a season where it's like, man, I need prayer. Maybe you're in a season where it's like, man, I'd love to just pray for you. Maybe you're in a season of wealth and gain. And maybe you're in a season of hardship. And maybe you're in a season, right? Wherever you are in your season of life, I truly believe Harvest Circles can be a place where we can grow together. Amen? I need you and we need you. Look at your neighbor and say, I need you." [01:03:05] (34 seconds)
"I hope you hear my heart. I hope you hear what's going on. And I hope you understand that Harvest Circles is not about what can it do for you, but it's about what can I do for the circles. Join a circle. Get engaged in a circle. Get engaged in community. So we can all grow together. Amen? Guys, stand to your feet with me real quick." [01:23:59] (20 seconds)
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