Connecting: What a Word!

My dear friend Anne passed away in January. It was a big loss for anyone who knew her. She was not a beauty queen or a millionaire. She could easily be overlooked in a crowd. But the interesting thing is: Anne was often the one who gathered the crowd! She was an extraordinary Connector! She knew people from all walks of life. She had a way of bringing people together. Anne was very generous and kind, always thinking of others. She made an impact for God in many lives, because she had a way of connecting people to Him!

That's what we're thinking about as we launch this new series "Connecting: Who's on Your Phone?" Do you have a lot of names and numbers on your cell? Who are they and how do you know them? How close are you to them? And why did you save their number? You see,

whether you realize it or not, you're a Connector! God has strategically placed a number of family, friends and acquaintances into your life ON PURPOSE!

Over the next few Sundays (Oct. 18th-Nov 15th) we will be sharing from the Scriptures about various Followers of Christ who became Leaders of Others! You have been given a wonderful opportunity and a great responsibility to impact those 8-15 people around you that the Bible calls your "Oikos" (Greek word for "household/family"). No one else knows these people as well or in the same way you do! They are a unique group God has gathered around you to impact for Jesus and the Gospel! So how will you fulfill God's Mission?

It starts with Prayer: Privately Praying Daily for a chance to talk with these folks. You already talk with them about life, about their problems, about everyday situations. But now you're praying for a chance to share about how God has worked in your life and how He wants to bless them, too! We're going to give you some tools you can use to share your story, invite them to church, tell them about Jesus. It isn't complicated, threatening or "weird." It's just you being you and sharing very naturally with them about God in a way that makes sense. And as you pray, your heart will be prepared for the chances He will bring your way to share about your Best Friend and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We're doing it NOW because people are most open to the Lord and attending Church during the Holiday season (mid-November through Christmas!). What an amazing opportunity is coming your way! By attending this Series each week, you'll be better equipped than ever to share about Jesus to those you know the best and love the most!