Blest Be the Tie That Binds

By Pr. Timothy Lo

This year, our life group ministry started off with a combined potluck dinner on 10 February. Brothers and sisters from all the different life groups came together for a fellowship meal. We had a good time of worship and Rev James Wong shared a short message. After that, there was a planning session, whereby all the brothers and sisters gathered into their respective life groups to plan their life group meetings and activities. The mission of the life group ministry is to ensure that every member has a loving, caring family of friends to help him or her grow into a fully devoted follower of Christ. The following points sum up the purpose of life group.

1) A Life Group is a Discipleship Group.

It is a place for brothers and sisters to grow together to become fervent followers of Jesus Christ through the process of discipling, teaching and mentoring. There will be a discussion of the Sunday’s sermon whereby brothers and sisters can edify each other towards growth to be a passionate follower of our Lord Jesus.

2) A Life Group is a Care Group.

It is a place to care for one another through encouragement and practical expressions of love and kindness. In the setting of the life group, the members will show care and concern for one another and also to pray for one another. It is also a place to have fellowship together.

3) A Life Group is a Ministry Group.

It is a place to develop and use God’s given gifts and abilities to help and serve others. God gives spiritual gifts to all His children. The life group is a good venue for brothers and sisters to exercise and utilize these gifts to bless others.

4) A Life Group is an Outreach Group.

It is a place to bring friends, neighbours and relatives in order for them to experience the life that is in Jesus Christ. Brothers and sisters are encouraged to invite non believers to life group meeting. The home setting is non threatening and is suitable for us to invite non believers to join us in order for them to have exposure to Christianity.

We are reminded in the book of Acts regarding the first century Christians. “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. Let us all make efforts to join a life group this year.