Posts from February 2021

Your Virtual Small Group Can Still Be Vibrant

Your Virtual Small Group Can Still Be Vibrant by Becky Kiern & Jenilyn Swett “For many of us, attending small group has been a regular routine for years. This past spring brought that routine to a screeching halt. While we all hoped COVID precautions were just a temporary inconvenience, for many churches the need for virtual meetings has remained.  The apostles Paul (2 Tim. 1:4) and John (2 John 12) each spent a portion of their ministries distanced from their…

5 Tips for Leading Your Small Group

5 Tips for Leading Your Small Group by Kevin DeYoung “As school starts back up, so will plenty of church-sponsored and church-related small groups. Some will study the Bible. Others will read a Christian book together. Almost all will have a designated leader or leaders. While knowing your Bible and having Christlike character are the more important factors, there are also a number of skills which go a long way in leading an effective small group.”

The Power of Confession in Your Small Group

The Power of Confession in Your Small Group by Kristen Wetherell “Our small group is unlike any other group I’ve known. It’s not because we all get along (though we do), nor because we’re like-minded (though we are). And it’s certainly not because we have it all together. Actually, the fact that we don’t have it all together is the reason I love our small group. Confession marks our time together, and it has changed at least three things: the way we interact, the way…

How to Care for Someone Battling Anxiety and Depression

How to Care for Someone Battling Anxiety and Depression What is the best way that we can help those who struggle with depression and anxiety?  Paul Tripp and David Powlison answer this question by addressing the importance of humility and patience. Instead of trying to “fix” people, we can move toward them by being a faithful friend that consistently and patiently points to God, as long as the struggle continues.

When My Sister Had COVID-19

When My Sister Had COVID-19 by Cecelia Bernhardt, Director of Counseling Ministries at Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation “On hearing my sister was sick, my first reaction was to cry out, “How long, O Lord?” How long will my sister face continued hardship? So many trials plague her. This feels like too much! I was reminded of Psalm 13 and of David’s same cry as he faced overwhelming trials. And I found myself praying through it.”

An Open Letter to Those Suffering from Depression

An Open Letter to Those Suffering from Depression by Shona Murray “My dear friend, I’m so sorry to hear that you are suffering with serious depression. Although you feel hopeless and helpless, I want to assure you right up front that there is hope and there is help. I’ve been there myself and I’ve felt the same despair and darkness that you feel. But God, in his great mercy, brought me out of it and I trust and pray he…

An Open Letter to the Suffering Christian

An Open Letter to the Suffering Christian by David Powlison “Dear friend, What words can I say to you when your life is hard and you are hurting? If we were face to face, I probably wouldn’t start with words at all. I would want you to talk when you are able. I want to know you, what you are going through, what it is like for you, and how you are doing. Simply being present and conveying that tears,…