Five Great Ideas to Try (Mutual Care)
Sometimes a little creativity goes a long way in getting all of your group actively participating or for breaking the monotony routine sometimes brings.
1. As a group, list people who serve in your church. Don’t stop just with pastors, but think about the Deacons, the Sunday School teachers, the child care workers, the musicians, the guys who mow the lawn, the custodians who clean, etc. Take some time praying for these servants. Afterwards, divide the names up and ask each group member to take some names and write them a note of encouragement on behalf of your group. Let them know you prayed for them! Perhaps, provide the note cards to make sure the note writing really happens.
2. Use this as a discussion question: “If neither time nor money were an obstacle, what would you attempt for God?” Then ask, what can you do right now to begin moving in that direction of ministry.
3. Choose another church in town and pray for it. Intercede for the pastor(s), the ministries, and the members of that church. Write a card from your group letting the pastor know that you spent time praying for the church. Represent your group and our church. Be an encouragement! (This isn’t a time to correct or criticize. Choosing a church that you can support and encourage will be important for this activity.)
4. Invite to a meeting an individual or a couple who have walked with the Lord for many years. Let them know that you would like to hear stories from their life as well as wisdom they have learned through their walk with God. In what ways have they seen the world change in their lifetime? How did they come to know Christ? What lessons or advice about the Christian life can they pass on? Make this a special time to honor and encourage them. As a group, pray for them and commit to pray for them in an ongoing fashion.
5. Leave an empty chair. An empty chair communicates an important message to your group. It reminds us that God has someone new for our group. Who is that person? Pray that we are each praying for new people as well as actively inviting others to grow through your group.
