After many years leading the 5th and 6th grade group my wife and I took a pay bump, which includes free half donuts at the Common Grounds cafe (beat out HEbrews) to lead the newly formed 4th and 5th grade group. From the beginning we have tried to stress to the kids that we are a group and not a class. I was encouraged that this concept may have a chance of sticking when Ethan Dugas informed his mother "It's not a class mom, it's a group." Being part of a group means that you belong to and are connected with the other members. We have almost weekly been encouraging the kids to memorize scripture. One of these passages emphasizes what it means to belong to a group. Hebrews 10:24,25 says:

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

We rightfully focus on the mission of the King to make disciples who make disciples. But sometimes, I think I forget that Jesus said the world would know us by our love for one another. I need to remember that I am a part of a group, THE group, the Church. The writer of this passage really wanted us to know how important it is for us to encourage each other more and more. Interestingly enough, the admonition to encourage is sandwiched contextually between warnings about sin. It works both ways. When I encourage others I don't focus on myself, so I am less inclined to give in to my flesh. Likewise, when I get encouraged by another I am strengthened to withstand sin because I am reminded of the love God has for me in the kind words of a bother or sister.

So, my challenge to myself and to you is to encourage at least one other member of our little group every day for the next week in some way. It could be a phone call or just a text. Ask God to bring people to your mind and act when He does. And no, don't think "Is this person just doing this because of that blog post?" Just trust that God brought you to their mind and thank God for the grace He has shown you by letting you be a part of a group, His Church.

Travis