LifeGroup in the golden arches (McDonalds)

As a church, we have just re-launched our LifeGroups around the city of Derby. We believe that small groups form an ideal way in which we can enjoy community and build friendships. So our LifeGroups exist to build community and to reach out.

I am excited to be a part of this adventure and have privileged of co-leading the city centre group with Adam. Being a city centre group, we wanted to pick a location that was accessible to those who live in that area, or have a heart to reach the inner city of Derby. We approached different coffee shops, but none seemed suitable, then we had a crazy God idea to meet in McDonalds which is right in the heart of the city. So we now have the whole of the upstairs of McDonalds as our home for LifeGroup.

This week was the first week of LifeGroups, and it was lots of fun! We had a great turn out, and people are really expectant to grow in relationship, to grow spiritually and to grow in numbers! I know Adam and I are really looking forward to see how God will use not only us, but how God will use the group. It’s a great opportunity to be able to meet in McDonalds, and we really want to make the most of it! So we will be planning many outreaches and socials. So please pray with us that God would continue to open doors; that the staff at McDonalds would ultimately be saved; and that as a result of us lifting up the name of Jesus in the city, that things start to change for the good!

We know that God has called us to change this city and we believe that this is only the beginning!

Will the real church PLEASE stay standing!

In my previous blog I challenged us NOT to be a church that is just a self-help to the Christian community, but let us ALWAYS be the church that is reaching out with compassion. Let us be the real church that God has called is to be, and let us begin to stand up!
  If we what to become the real church that God has called us to be and stay standing as the real church, great things will happen. But how do we as individuals stand and continue to stand as the real church? Firstly, we need to be the LIGHT in our city - wherever that is - for me at the moment it is here in Derby. If we are to be the light, it means we are visible Light is defined as "something that makes things visible or affords illumination" So as God commands in Matthew 5:16 "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
 Secondly, we need to be people who speak TRUTH. John 8:32 "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." We need to be people who speak up in the face of lies and corruption, we need to be those people who are constantly speaking Gods word into all situations! 
 Thirdly, we need to be people who LOVE. John 15:12 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." Love without limits!  God loves us more than anything, and He doesn't just tell us He loves us, He shows us He loves us! Loving people goes beyond words, it involves action as well - don't just say it, show it! 
 God has placed you where you are for a purpose! Be the light in your neighborhood, speak truth to your colleagues, and show some love to all! 

Be the real Church and PLEASE stay standing!