Welcome!

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A JOURNEY

JOURNEY GROUPS ARE PEOPLE

WHO COVENANT TOGETHER

TO BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST

COME BE A PART OF A JOURNEY GROUP!

CALL THE CHURCH AT 816-254-3344 to find out when the next group is starting

Information about Journey Groups:

A Magnificent Invitation

Jesus gives to us all this magnificent invitation: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11.28-30). Let’s look at the invitation piece by piece.

Take My Yoke upon You . . .

Jesus invites people who are weary with life and its burdens to tap into His magnificent power. Imagine how a Shetland pony would feel if she received the pulling power of a Clydesdale. If you can picture that moment, then you have a small idea of the power that will be released into your life when you allow Jesus to help you shoulder your burdens. When we take Jesus’ yoke upon our shoulders, we are not putting another burden onto our already burdened life. Rather, we are opening the door for Jesus to begin helping us with His supernatural power to overcome all burdens.

Learn from Me . . .

Who better to learn life lessons from than the most sublime personality the universe has ever known? That’s what Jesus offers! He actually invites us to enter into His school and to learn at His feet.

How is this Possible?

How has God designed the world today, so that we can actually sense Jesus pulling with His mighty weight alongside of our efforts? How can we learn to live life Jesus’ way? Interestingly, God wants us to experience Jesus’ life and power in the company of a group of other people. At Maywood Baptist Church, we call these small groups “Journey Groups.” We believe these groups of 8-12 members one of God’s plans for learning to live the Jesus kind of life.

How do Journey Groups Work?

Journey Groups last for one year. Quite frankly, at the end of one year we all will still be on the journey, because deepening our relationship with God is a life-long endeavor. The groups meet for 90 minutes each week for Bible study, holding group members accountable, and for prayer. A good way to get a picture of what a group meeting would look like is to read the following questions. The leaders ask them at nearly every Journey Group meeting. Please note, these questions come from the work of Dr. Richard Foster and the Renovare ministries.

Accountability Questions for Small Groups:

1.  In what ways did you encounter God in your reading of the Bible this week?

a)  What experiences of prayer, meditation, and/or spiritual reading have you had this week?

b)  Did anyone have a particularly meaningful inductive Bible study this week? If so, what was the key learning that you received?

2.  What opportunities to serve others have you had this past week?

a)  What did God teach you as you endeavored to “love your neighbor as yourself”?

b)  Were you able to work for justice in some area?

3.  Have you sensed any influence or work of the Holy Spirit this past week?

a)  Is there a gift of the Spirit that God is enabling you to exercise?

b)  In which of the fruit of the Spirit have you sensed an increase in the past week?

4.  Did you have an opportunity to share your faith with someone this week? If so, describe that experience.5.  What did God teach you last week about holiness of heart and life?

a)  What temptations did you face this week and how did you respond?

COME BE A PART OF A JOURNEY GROUP!

CALL THE CHURCH AT 816-254-3344 to find out when the next group is starting!