Deep in the Word

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

- 2 Timothy 3:14-17

The Apostle Paul tells his young protégé, Timothy, that he has everything he needs for the complete Christian life in the Scriptures. It is these sacred writings that prepare Timothy for the tough ministry that lies ahead of him, and it is these same Scriptures that prepare every Christian to grow as disciples of Jesus. This is why everything we do as a church is shaped by and centred on the word of God. And this is why the ministry of Growth Groups is so vitally important. Growth Groups are the place where we grow in our knowledge of God and are strengthened to keep serving Him with our whole lives.

But Growth Groups also prove to be important for how people grow in friendship and fellowship with others in our church family. Growth Groups is where we speak the truth in love to each other (Eph. 4:15), where we bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2), where we walk in unity (Eph. 4:3), where we seek to humbly put each other above ourselves (Phil. 2:3) and where we imitate God by walking in love toward each other just as Christ first loved us (Eph. 5:2). As we share life together week after week in Growth Groups, we grow as disciples of Jesus together.

Let’s read these reflections from one of our church members about how she has appreciated the ministry of Growth Groups, both as a member and as a leader:

“How have I found Growth Group helpful for myself?

Reflecting on my growth in Christ as an adult, there have been so many times when I needed a brother or sister to point me to my awesome saviour. The walk with Christ is a hard one, and I’ve needed likeminded brothers and sisters to sit under God’s word with me and remind me of why it’s worth it. I guess it’s a testament to how God’s word needs to persistently work in me to form deep roots.

How have I found Growth Group helpful for the women I want to disciple?

I’ve seen so much growth and godliness in the girls I care for, all because God is doing incredible things as they let God’s word peel open their hearts and they continue to hold each other up in prayer. God has been generous to these women; growing confidence in their faith, challenging them to regularly forgive even when it’s so hard, to make bold decisions about their future to follow Christ, and to approach God despite their guilt because Christ is stronger than the weight of their shame.

They are a lived-out example of Luke 8:15:

‘As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.’

As we continue to be sincere and humble before God’s word together, and if we’re persistently patient in it, God will grow us.”

- Rachel Lawrence from the 5.30PM congregation

Growth Groups are not just an optional extra for the super-keen members of our church. They are fundamental for every church member at St. John’s. If your aim is to love God, grow in Christ, to serve your church family and live for the Kingdom, I daresay, it is impossible to do so without being an active member of a Growth Group. If you’re not currently a member of a Growth Group, please speak with your pastor this week and prayerfully consider how you can be involved in the vital ministry of growing disciples of Jesus in Growth Groups.

Jaison Jacob
Associate Minister