Read Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:47 and Colossians 1:28-29

I’m so introverted it isn’t even funny. I am completely at peace when Kelly and I are at home spending quality time together whether it’s just talking, watching a show on Hulu or cleaning up after our two year old. Sure there are times in my life where I need to be extroverted whether it’s at work or out in public, but for the most part, I choose to keep to myself. Even when I’m called on to host a service(s) at Grace Church, I get sweaty, light headed and my stomach churns all the way to the stage.

It’s just who I am.

However, as I am growing in my maturity, I am realizing that just because something comes easily to me, doesn’t mean that is something I need to focus 100% of my effort all the time. Life is full of doing things that are uncomfortable. Seek discomfort…it makes you grow.

The same is true for our groups ministry here at Grace. For all of our 60+ groups we want some key qualities to be a part of their very DNA that we believe make them the healthiest group and leader they can be: In, Out, and Up.

Probably the most natural sign of a healthy group and leader is IN. Most naturally people get together and “live life” with one another. However, I am encouraging our groups to take it a step further and be in the trenches of life with the members in their group. Next, the hardest sign is OUT. Most groups have an easy time being IN and UP, however it isn’t easy to serve. Our vision for OUT and #forwaynecounty is to gain the favor of people in order to soften their hearts to the gospel. We want to be known as a personal church that wants God’s best for people and this includes serving outside the confines of our church. Lastly, the easiest sign is UP. It may seem obvious but we want people to grow in their relationship with the Lord as a result of their group.

While these signs were designed for group life, how can you apply them to your life? How can you best foster relationships with other people? How can you be in the trenches with people and genuinely care for them? What are some ways that you can serve those around you? Our #fwc movement is a GREAT way to begin serving. Lastly, are you growing spiritually? In what way are you engaging with the Bible? What are you learning? What are your plans to dig deeper?

We believe that if groups are IN, OUT, and UP to their very core, they are being a healthy group. In the same breath, we believe that if you challenge yourself personally to be IN, OUT and UP, you are on the road to becoming healthier as a physical and spiritual being!

Jake Lawson

Questions to consider:

• What are some ways that you can foster deeper and more genuine relationships with people?
• What are some ways that you can best serve those around you? Check out our #fwc page for inspiration!
• What are some ways that you can grow deeper in your relationship with the Lord?