Life Groups
I was feeling a little down. Work seemed endless. Family commitments were an onslaught. All the zest for living had been sucked out of me. I seriously needed prayer and the listening ears of those who had been through tough times.
Strangely when one of the CNL Life Group leaders invited me to their group meeting for the first time, I thought to myself, "Oh no! Not another one of those things!"
You see, I had been to a few similar type 'cell groups' while I visited some other churches. Some were militant - almost 'terrorist-like'. Others were 'happy-clappy' fellowships and still others were hard-core bible-school types disguised as fellowship groups.
Anyway, I gritted my teeth and went and… I survived! In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the people there were 'real' people, with successes and failures, joys and sorrows just like me. What's more, they were genuinely concerned about me. Wow!
When one member talked about how God began to turn his work situation around, I felt really encouraged. I requested prayer and not only did they pray for me and my work situation, they prayed for my wife and kids too. That very week, everyone started smsing me to find out how things were going. With the prayer and support of my new extended family, things began to change. I began to view my life differently. My priorities shifted. I saw my relationships at home and at work grow stronger. God was becoming real to me through the lives of the people in that Life Group. Their testimonies began to make the bible sharing come alive. Their passion to share God's love was inspiring. I really felt comfortable with them but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. For a while I was puzzled. But soon, I discovered their secret.
Life Groups it seemed, were the pillars of Centre of New Life church and in every Life Group was the 4-prong mandate to Grow, Reach, Develop and Serve. It was that simple! That's why they had the balance I was looking for!
Growing - establishing a biblical basis for building strong spiritual family bonds and cultivating ministry to believers through the operation of spiritual gifts.
Reaching - regular community outreach activities that provide an opportunity for believers to visit and connect with seekers and those in need.
Developing - training and developing quality leadership in all Life Groups leaders, assistant or potential leaders through classroom teaching and mentoring.
Serving - training and developing Life group members to be effective disciplers and witnesses through practical impartation of skills and knowledge.
These groups meet weekly, all through the week, in different locations across Singapore.
Edification and Evangelism form the basis of Life Groups.
How Do You Join One?
Meet a pastor or member at the Guest Corner after the service for a 'cuppa' and the pastors and members will come by to meet you and connect with you.
"let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… let us encourage one another."
Heb 10:24-25Ps: Personally, I'd much prefer having a hot coffee at the Guest Corner. I'm sure you would too!
Yours Sincerely,
Thomas Tsang
NewLife Group Member, Usher, husband and father to 4 fantastic boys!