We’re meeting for the first time Sunday, November 4pm-6ish. Please bring a potluck item to share. There should be about half a dozen of us, a good number to get started.
The purpose of this group is to give us a place for Bible study, prayer and reflection around the theme of being leaders in our own lives. Deborah is a remarkable figure in any context, and while I don’t expect any of us to need to lead military expeditions in the foreseeable future, she makes an excellent role model for Biblical empowerment.
I’ve invited women based simply on what I experience as “Holy Spirit nudges.” Y’all are not on the same page regarding current events, denominations, or even church involvement. But you do all love Jesus and are all leaders, even if you can’t necessarily think of yourselves that way.
What sets leaders apart is a desire and ability to pursue solutions. As a Christian, the first method of pursuit should usually be Bible study and prayer. The difference is whether we want to be comforted to stay in our captivity, or inspired to act.
This is the mindset I hope to cultivate in our monthly meetings. I don’t think anyone needs another small group that involves sitting around sharing and praying from a place of resignation. Our time together is designed to share and pray for victory. Because Jesus doesn’t just sit with the brokenhearted. He transforms them.
For the first meeting we’ll do some introductions, I’ll share a few thoughts on Deborah herself, and we’ll talk over what book or Bible study plan we’d like to use for the group moving forward.
I see this as a small group format that will evolve based on what you bring to it – I am just starting the ball rolling.
Some things that I hope to use as guidelines:
- Local and personal focus, not politics or world concerns (ie what can we see or do something about).
- Discussion designed to gently identify where we can pray for breakthrough.
- As a group project to get us started thinking like community leaders, I’d like for us to gather a list of local “Kingdom organizations” such as Life Choices and Blessing Beds. This can become a Deborahs Directory to help us focus time, support, promotion and prayer.
- Intercession for the valley. This is very much on my heart.
I look forward to seeing you and will text the address on Friday before.