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God's Metaphore For His Leaders
Brian Mashburn
September 15, 2013
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Grouping Into Shepherding Relationships
Today begins our annual "ReGroup" campaign, a time where we encourage every person to find a small group.
Why?
Because everyone needs spiritual care. In far reaching ways, the Bible uses the shepherd-sheep relationship as a metaphor for how God cares for us, and how we are to care for each other. Every sheep needs a shepherd, and Southwest small groups are designed to help achieve that.
Because it is every Christian's destiny to spiritually care for a few others. You know what eventually happens in the life of every Christian who matures in Christ? Shepherding happens. All growing Christians will eventually want to care for a few others, and Southwest small groups are designed to help them satisfy that.
Because discipleship happens within relationships. Jesus modeled it. When he could have changed the world with any strategy under the heavens, he chose to do it by transforming a few within the context of a small group. It was personal. It was social. It was "hands-on, life-on-life, and participatory", not just "show-up, sit-down, and listen." God shows up when a few gather in His name.
You will notice at Southwest that we have organized ourselves in a way to help you either start or join a small group. We want you to join us in the adventurous and rewarding life of being shepherded, and shepherding others, in the Kingdom life.