Life is Better in Community | Stacie Wood

All right. Well, I want to welcome all All right. Well, I want to welcome all of you who are here today. If you're at of you who are here today. If you're at of you who are here today. If you're at one of our campuses across Southern one of our campuses across Southern one of our campuses across Southern California or on one of four continents California or on one of four continents California or on one of four continents around the world, maybe you're at an around the world, maybe you're at an around the world, maybe you're at an extension or maybe you're joining us on extension or maybe you're joining us on extension or maybe you're joining us on an online community. We just want to say an online community. We just want to say an online community. We just want to say we're so glad that you are joining us we're so glad that you are joining us we're so glad that you are joining us together this weekend because today, together this weekend because today, together this weekend because today, this weekend is a historic moment in the this weekend is a historic moment in the this weekend is a historic moment in the life of our church. You may have already life of our church. You may have already life of our church. You may have already heard about this a little bit from your heard about this a little bit from your heard about this a little bit from your host in the service, but you guys, we host in the service, but you guys, we host in the service, but you guys, we are rolling out something that is such a are rolling out something that is such a are rolling out something that is such a big like a watershed moment for this big like a watershed moment for this big like a watershed moment for this church. If I actually had to try to church. If I actually had to try to church. If I actually had to try to capture how I feel in a photograph, it capture how I feel in a photograph, it capture how I feel in a photograph, it would be like this. Now, Now, that I don't know if you if you can that I don't know if you if you can that I don't know if you if you can relate to how I feel in this moment, but relate to how I feel in this moment, but relate to how I feel in this moment, but like I I am serious. I showed this like I I am serious. I showed this like I I am serious. I showed this picture to my boys who are teenagers to picture to my boys who are teenagers to picture to my boys who are teenagers to just make sure like does this translate? just make sure like does this translate? just make sure like does this translate? Do you know who this is? Do you know Do you know who this is? Do you know Do you know who this is? Do you know what's happening? They did. I also what's happening? They did. I also what's happening? They did. I also showed it to my daughter who's 11. She showed it to my daughter who's 11. She showed it to my daughter who's 11. She her best guess was that's Thomas Edison.

her best guess was that's Thomas Edison. her best guess was that's Thomas Edison. Um so for everyone who's 12 and older, Um so for everyone who's 12 and older, Um so for everyone who's 12 and older, you know that that's Steve Jobs, right? you know that that's Steve Jobs, right? you know that that's Steve Jobs, right? and he's at Macworld and he's he is and he's at Macworld and he's he is and he's at Macworld and he's he is announcing the invention of this device announcing the invention of this device announcing the invention of this device that is not just going to change the that is not just going to change the that is not just going to change the world of technology, it's literally world of technology, it's literally world of technology, it's literally going to change the entire world. And I going to change the entire world. And I going to change the entire world. And I feel like what we're rolling out here at feel like what we're rolling out here at feel like what we're rolling out here at Saddleback this weekend with the this Saddleback this weekend with the this Saddleback this weekend with the this new systems of small groups and we have new systems of small groups and we have new systems of small groups and we have this group finder web page and it's like this group finder web page and it's like this group finder web page and it's like really easy and accessible for everyone really easy and accessible for everyone really easy and accessible for everyone to jump into a group. I feel like it has to jump into a group. I feel like it has to jump into a group. I feel like it has the same level of capacity to change our the same level of capacity to change our the same level of capacity to change our church. And so I don't know how I got church. And so I don't know how I got church. And so I don't know how I got selected to be the spokesperson for this selected to be the spokesperson for this selected to be the spokesperson for this day, but I am here for it and I'm really day, but I am here for it and I'm really day, but I am here for it and I'm really excited about what we're doing together excited about what we're doing together excited about what we're doing together this weekend. Our hope, our prayer is this weekend. Our hope, our prayer is this weekend. Our hope, our prayer is that every person who calls Saddleback that every person who calls Saddleback that every person who calls Saddleback Church their home would get connected Church their home would get connected Church their home would get connected into a group this weekend. So that is my into a group this weekend. So that is my into a group this weekend. So that is my that's my mission. I hope that I can that's my mission. I hope that I can that's my mission. I hope that I can compel you to experience that because compel you to experience that because compel you to experience that because the the thing is our team, we really the the thing is our team, we really the the thing is our team, we really believe that your life would be better believe that your life would be better believe that your life would be better if you were in a small group. We think if you were in a small group. We think if you were in a small group. We think that your you would grow more that your you would grow more that your you would grow more spiritually, your marriage would be spiritually, your marriage would be spiritually, your marriage would be healthier, your kids, your relationship healthier, your kids, your relationship healthier, your kids, your relationship with your kids would be better. We even with your kids would be better. We even with your kids would be better. We even think that it might improve your health think that it might improve your health think that it might improve your health a little bit. If if you were here last a little bit. If if you were here last a little bit. If if you were here last weekend, you might be familiar with some weekend, you might be familiar with some weekend, you might be familiar with some of these statistics. This one is from of these statistics. This one is from of these statistics. This one is from the surgeon general. So, just so you the surgeon general. So, just so you the surgeon general. So, just so you know, I'm not making this stuff up.

know, I'm not making this stuff up. know, I'm not making this stuff up. Like, this is like a legit source of Like, this is like a legit source of Like, this is like a legit source of information. The surgeon general reports information. The surgeon general reports information. The surgeon general reports that a lack of social connection carries that a lack of social connection carries that a lack of social connection carries a mortality rate that's comparable to a mortality rate that's comparable to a mortality rate that's comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Can you can smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Can you can smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Can you can you imagine loneliness? Being isolated, you imagine loneliness? Being isolated, you imagine loneliness? Being isolated, socially disconnected can make you die. socially disconnected can make you die. socially disconnected can make you die. That's crazy. This one um I think is That's crazy. This one um I think is That's crazy. This one um I think is also really interesting. Social also really interesting. Social also really interesting. Social isolation increases your risk for these isolation increases your risk for these isolation increases your risk for these different things, heart disease by 29%. different things, heart disease by 29%. different things, heart disease by 29%. Your risk of a stroke by 32%. Your risk of a stroke by 32%. Your risk of a stroke by 32%. Your risk of developing dementia because Your risk of developing dementia because Your risk of developing dementia because of loneliness a whopping 50%. of loneliness a whopping 50%. of loneliness a whopping 50%. That is wild. So listen folks, our That is wild. So listen folks, our That is wild. So listen folks, our church, we're just trying to do our church, we're just trying to do our church, we're just trying to do our small part of fighting heart disease. small part of fighting heart disease. small part of fighting heart disease. Okay? So for crying out loud, join a Okay? So for crying out loud, join a Okay? So for crying out loud, join a small group this weekend. small group this weekend. small group this weekend. The truth is though, you are a The truth is though, you are a The truth is though, you are a relational being and you were created in relational being and you were created in relational being and you were created in the image of a relational God. And our the image of a relational God. And our the image of a relational God. And our scientific data, it literally supports scientific data, it literally supports scientific data, it literally supports that, right? Like it it validates it's that, right? Like it it validates it's that, right? Like it it validates it's quantifiable evidence that this is true.

quantifiable evidence that this is true. quantifiable evidence that this is true. Science tells us that we are relational Science tells us that we are relational Science tells us that we are relational beings. And if we lack those beings. And if we lack those beings. And if we lack those relationships, bad things happen relationships, bad things happen relationships, bad things happen actually to our physical bodies. Science actually to our physical bodies. Science actually to our physical bodies. Science always has a way of proving what the always has a way of proving what the always has a way of proving what the Bible has always been teaching. And you Bible has always been teaching. And you Bible has always been teaching. And you can find this theme all throughout can find this theme all throughout can find this theme all throughout scripture. From the creation story all scripture. From the creation story all scripture. From the creation story all throughout the books of wisdom with throughout the books of wisdom with throughout the books of wisdom with Psalms and Proverbs and Ecclesiastes Psalms and Proverbs and Ecclesiastes Psalms and Proverbs and Ecclesiastes into the New Testament teaching, there's into the New Testament teaching, there's into the New Testament teaching, there's this theme woven throughout that is this theme woven throughout that is this theme woven throughout that is God's divine design that you and I would God's divine design that you and I would God's divine design that you and I would live life in community with one another. live life in community with one another. live life in community with one another. If you rewind the tape all the way back If you rewind the tape all the way back If you rewind the tape all the way back to creation, the very first thing that to creation, the very first thing that to creation, the very first thing that God says is not good in the world, you God says is not good in the world, you God says is not good in the world, you know what it is? It's not good for the know what it is? It's not good for the know what it is? It's not good for the man to live alone. Like this is in the man to live alone. Like this is in the man to live alone. Like this is in the Garden of Eden where everything is Garden of Eden where everything is Garden of Eden where everything is perfect and God's making all these perfect and God's making all these perfect and God's making all these things and he's saying, "Well, that's things and he's saying, "Well, that's things and he's saying, "Well, that's good. That's good. That's very good." good. That's good. That's very good." good. That's good. That's very good." But then he comes to seeing man alone But then he comes to seeing man alone But then he comes to seeing man alone and he says, "That's not good for man to and he says, "That's not good for man to and he says, "That's not good for man to be alone." That was in the Garden of be alone." That was in the Garden of be alone." That was in the Garden of Eden. Now, over in Ecclesiastes, Eden. Now, over in Ecclesiastes, Eden. Now, over in Ecclesiastes, um Solomon wrote this. He said, "Two are um Solomon wrote this. He said, "Two are um Solomon wrote this. He said, "Two are better than one because they have a good better than one because they have a good better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of return for their labor. If either of return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other them falls down, one can help the other them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no up. But pity anyone who falls and has no up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie one to help them up. Also, if two lie one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But down together, they will keep warm. But down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one

how can one keep warm alone? Though one how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend may be overpowered, two can defend may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is themselves. A cord of three strands is themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." So God in his not quickly broken." So God in his not quickly broken." So God in his perfect design, he created us to need perfect design, he created us to need perfect design, he created us to need one another. He didn't create us as one another. He didn't create us as one another. He didn't create us as independent human beings. He created us independent human beings. He created us independent human beings. He created us to be interdependent. to be interdependent. to be interdependent. There's an interesting case study of There's an interesting case study of There's an interesting case study of this that you can look at in the New this that you can look at in the New this that you can look at in the New Testament right when the early church is Testament right when the early church is Testament right when the early church is getting launched. So Jesus had just gone getting launched. So Jesus had just gone getting launched. So Jesus had just gone back to heaven. He had resurrected from back to heaven. He had resurrected from back to heaven. He had resurrected from the dead. He was with his disciples for the dead. He was with his disciples for the dead. He was with his disciples for about 40 days. And then he he goes back about 40 days. And then he he goes back about 40 days. And then he he goes back to heaven. But before he leaves, he says to heaven. But before he leaves, he says to heaven. But before he leaves, he says to his disciples, "Hey, I want you to to his disciples, "Hey, I want you to to his disciples, "Hey, I want you to wait in Jerusalem because I'm going to wait in Jerusalem because I'm going to wait in Jerusalem because I'm going to send you the Holy Spirit. And when you send you the Holy Spirit. And when you send you the Holy Spirit. And when you receive him, you're going to have this receive him, you're going to have this receive him, you're going to have this new power." And so, sure enough, that's new power." And so, sure enough, that's new power." And so, sure enough, that's what happens. The disciples go, they're what happens. The disciples go, they're what happens. The disciples go, they're hanging out in this um upper room where hanging out in this um upper room where hanging out in this um upper room where they're praying together. And it's a they're praying together. And it's a they're praying together. And it's a wild story. You should read it yourself. wild story. You should read it yourself. wild story. You should read it yourself. The Holy Spirit comes down upon them and The Holy Spirit comes down upon them and The Holy Spirit comes down upon them and there's like fire and there's wind. And there's like fire and there's wind. And there's like fire and there's wind. And then Peter comes out and he preaches then Peter comes out and he preaches then Peter comes out and he preaches this really powerful spiritfilled this really powerful spiritfilled this really powerful spiritfilled message to a huge crowd of people and message to a huge crowd of people and message to a huge crowd of people and 3,000 people get saved that day. So what 3,000 people get saved that day. So what 3,000 people get saved that day. So what do you do? They they started off that do you do? They they started off that do you do? They they started off that morning with 120 of them. 120 followers morning with 120 of them. 120 followers morning with 120 of them. 120 followers of Jesus. By evening they've got over of Jesus. By evening they've got over of Jesus. By evening they've got over 3,000 of them. What what would you do?

3,000 of them. What what would you do? 3,000 of them. What what would you do? What would we do if 3,000 more people What would we do if 3,000 more people What would we do if 3,000 more people got saved today and just showed up at got saved today and just showed up at got saved today and just showed up at our campuses? like how do you integrate our campuses? like how do you integrate our campuses? like how do you integrate all those people into this new way of all those people into this new way of all those people into this new way of Jesus? Well, in the book of Acts chapter Jesus? Well, in the book of Acts chapter Jesus? Well, in the book of Acts chapter 2, we get a snapshot of how they did it 2, we get a snapshot of how they did it 2, we get a snapshot of how they did it and the things that they valued. So, and the things that they valued. So, and the things that they valued. So, let's look together at verse 42. It let's look together at verse 42. It let's look together at verse 42. It says, "They devoted themselves to the says, "They devoted themselves to the says, "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to apostles teaching and to fellowship, to apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. the breaking of bread and to prayer. the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe of the many Everyone was filled with awe of the many Everyone was filled with awe of the many wonders and signs performed by the wonders and signs performed by the wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were apostles. All the believers were apostles. All the believers were together and they had everything in together and they had everything in together and they had everything in common. They sold property and common. They sold property and common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had possessions to give to anyone who had possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet need. Every day they continued to meet need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They together in the temple courts. They together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate broke bread in their homes and ate broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, together with glad and sincere hearts, together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of praising God and enjoying the favor of praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to all the people. And the Lord added to all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being their number daily those who were being their number daily those who were being saved. So these folks were spending a saved. So these folks were spending a saved. So these folks were spending a lot of time together. They were eating lot of time together. They were eating lot of time together. They were eating meals together. They were praying meals together. They were praying meals together. They were praying together. They were figuring out how to together. They were figuring out how to together. They were figuring out how to live this new way of Jesus. And what was live this new way of Jesus. And what was live this new way of Jesus. And what was happening was they were forming this happening was they were forming this happening was they were forming this really solid counterculture that made really solid counterculture that made really solid counterculture that made them stand set apart from the rest of them stand set apart from the rest of them stand set apart from the rest of the world around them. They were raising the world around them. They were raising the world around them. They were raising their kids together. They I want you to their kids together. They I want you to their kids together. They I want you to notice specifically what happens in notice specifically what happens in notice specifically what happens in verse 46, how they split up their time.

verse 46, how they split up their time. verse 46, how they split up their time. It says, "Every day they continued to It says, "Every day they continued to It says, "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts." meet together in the temple courts." meet together in the temple courts." Circle that, the temple courts. And then Circle that, the temple courts. And then Circle that, the temple courts. And then also they broke bread in their homes. So also they broke bread in their homes. So also they broke bread in their homes. So circle in their homes. And they ate circle in their homes. And they ate circle in their homes. And they ate together with glad and sincere hearts. together with glad and sincere hearts. together with glad and sincere hearts. So you can see these two different So you can see these two different So you can see these two different environments that were important to the environments that were important to the environments that were important to the early church. They met in temple courts early church. They met in temple courts early church. They met in temple courts and in their homes. They met in these and in their homes. They met in these and in their homes. They met in these large public spaces and then from house large public spaces and then from house large public spaces and then from house to house. So there was a corporate large to house. So there was a corporate large to house. So there was a corporate large group gathering that was an important group gathering that was an important group gathering that was an important part of their worship, but there was part of their worship, but there was part of their worship, but there was also this small group component of their also this small group component of their also this small group component of their spiritual journey as well. You know, the spiritual journey as well. You know, the spiritual journey as well. You know, the these early followers of Jesus, they these early followers of Jesus, they these early followers of Jesus, they were just trying to figure out how to do were just trying to figure out how to do were just trying to figure out how to do life with this shared vision and a life with this shared vision and a life with this shared vision and a shared set of values that was going to shared set of values that was going to shared set of values that was going to mark them for generations and for mark them for generations and for mark them for generations and for centuries to come. So we believe here at centuries to come. So we believe here at centuries to come. So we believe here at Saddleback that large group and small Saddleback that large group and small Saddleback that large group and small group settings are really important. group settings are really important. group settings are really important. That's why we gather together every That's why we gather together every That's why we gather together every weekend at all of our campuses in these weekend at all of our campuses in these weekend at all of our campuses in these large group settings because there's large group settings because there's large group settings because there's value in this. We value the teaching of value in this. We value the teaching of value in this. We value the teaching of the word of God from our pastor. And so the word of God from our pastor. And so the word of God from our pastor. And so we want to gather together to hear that.

we want to gather together to hear that. we want to gather together to hear that. We value corporate worship. Like how We value corporate worship. Like how We value corporate worship. Like how many of you know there's something many of you know there's something many of you know there's something powerful when you're in a room together powerful when you're in a room together powerful when you're in a room together with hundreds of other people that are with hundreds of other people that are with hundreds of other people that are just singing out praises to God? There's just singing out praises to God? There's just singing out praises to God? There's something so beautiful and unifying something so beautiful and unifying something so beautiful and unifying about that. And that that's the thing. about that. And that that's the thing. about that. And that that's the thing. you're we're part of a bigger body. When you're we're part of a bigger body. When you're we're part of a bigger body. When I'm here with a group of people and I I'm here with a group of people and I I'm here with a group of people and I look around the room, I I remember it's look around the room, I I remember it's look around the room, I I remember it's not just about my own personal walk with not just about my own personal walk with not just about my own personal walk with Jesus. Like I'm a part of something so Jesus. Like I'm a part of something so Jesus. Like I'm a part of something so much bigger than just that. And so our much bigger than just that. And so our much bigger than just that. And so our large group gatherings, they're they're large group gatherings, they're they're large group gatherings, they're they're so important as a part of our Christian so important as a part of our Christian so important as a part of our Christian walk. But the reality still stands that walk. But the reality still stands that walk. But the reality still stands that you cannot be deeply known and you cannot be deeply known and you cannot be deeply known and personally cared for in a large group personally cared for in a large group personally cared for in a large group setting. I want to say that again setting. I want to say that again setting. I want to say that again because there are so many people that because there are so many people that because there are so many people that this is all you do. You you just come to this is all you do. You you just come to this is all you do. You you just come to church on the weekends, but you're not a church on the weekends, but you're not a church on the weekends, but you're not a part of small group community, but the part of small group community, but the part of small group community, but the but the reality is that you cannot be but the reality is that you cannot be but the reality is that you cannot be deeply known and personally cared for by deeply known and personally cared for by deeply known and personally cared for by your church family in a large group your church family in a large group your church family in a large group setting. you come in and you're come out setting. you come in and you're come out setting. you come in and you're come out and it's you're kind of anonymous and and it's you're kind of anonymous and and it's you're kind of anonymous and and you might say some hi's and hellos and you might say some hi's and hellos and you might say some hi's and hellos and give some handshakes and hugs, but and give some handshakes and hugs, but and give some handshakes and hugs, but if you're not in a small group setting, if you're not in a small group setting, if you're not in a small group setting, your small group is the one who knows your small group is the one who knows your small group is the one who knows the names of your kids. Your small group the names of your kids. Your small group the names of your kids. Your small group is the one that's bringing you dinner if is the one that's bringing you dinner if is the one that's bringing you dinner if you have a baby or if you're in the you have a baby or if you're in the you have a baby or if you're in the hospital. It's your small group that's hospital. It's your small group that's hospital. It's your small group that's going to show up at the hospital when going to show up at the hospital when going to show up at the hospital when your dad is passing away or they're the your dad is passing away or they're the your dad is passing away or they're the ones that know when you're going through ones that know when you're going through ones that know when you're going through something at work. like these these are

something at work. like these these are something at work. like these these are the things that we need real people the things that we need real people the things that we need real people surrounding us in our lives. So last surrounding us in our lives. So last surrounding us in our lives. So last week we were talking about how um we all week we were talking about how um we all week we were talking about how um we all have like a lot of different social have like a lot of different social have like a lot of different social circles that we run in. If you were circles that we run in. If you were circles that we run in. If you were here, Pastor Randy Frzy who spoke last here, Pastor Randy Frzy who spoke last here, Pastor Randy Frzy who spoke last week, he he gave this stat I had never week, he he gave this stat I had never week, he he gave this stat I had never heard before where he said that that the heard before where he said that that the heard before where he said that that the average home has about 35 different average home has about 35 different average home has about 35 different worlds that you're managing. I was so worlds that you're managing. I was so worlds that you're managing. I was so stressed out when I heard this. If you stressed out when I heard this. If you stressed out when I heard this. If you were here, you saw he drew on this were here, you saw he drew on this were here, you saw he drew on this little whiteboard thing. Um like my life little whiteboard thing. Um like my life little whiteboard thing. Um like my life and then all the different things I'm and then all the different things I'm and then all the different things I'm connected to and oh, it was like um we connected to and oh, it was like um we connected to and oh, it was like um we got my kids sports and you got your got my kids sports and you got your got my kids sports and you got your neighborhood and you got school and you neighborhood and you got school and you neighborhood and you got school and you got church and you got your work and got church and you got your work and got church and you got your work and you've got your gym and you've I was you've got your gym and you've I was you've got your gym and you've I was like, "Oh my gosh, no wonder I feel so like, "Oh my gosh, no wonder I feel so like, "Oh my gosh, no wonder I feel so stressed out all the time." Because it's stressed out all the time." Because it's stressed out all the time." Because it's like all these like swirling like all these like swirling like all these like swirling relationships. But do you notice it's relationships. But do you notice it's relationships. But do you notice it's like they're all kind of an inch deep.

like they're all kind of an inch deep. like they're all kind of an inch deep. It's not like you're having like these It's not like you're having like these It's not like you're having like these deep life conversations in the football deep life conversations in the football deep life conversations in the football stands when you're like sitting with stands when you're like sitting with stands when you're like sitting with your friends watching your kids play your friends watching your kids play your friends watching your kids play sports. I mean maybe every once in a sports. I mean maybe every once in a sports. I mean maybe every once in a while but not on the regular or like while but not on the regular or like while but not on the regular or like when you when I'm like interacting with when you when I'm like interacting with when you when I'm like interacting with other parents at school pickup. I'm not other parents at school pickup. I'm not other parents at school pickup. I'm not like asking them the deep questions of like asking them the deep questions of like asking them the deep questions of life and what's going on in their soul, life and what's going on in their soul, life and what's going on in their soul, you know? Like that that's not the place you know? Like that that's not the place you know? Like that that's not the place for that, right? that that'll get you on for that, right? that that'll get you on for that, right? that that'll get you on the weird list real quick. And um and so the weird list real quick. And um and so the weird list real quick. And um and so that's not what we do. But but there has that's not what we do. But but there has that's not what we do. But but there has to be a space for that because if we are to be a space for that because if we are to be a space for that because if we are not intentionally carving out space for not intentionally carving out space for not intentionally carving out space for that level of community and deeper that level of community and deeper that level of community and deeper conversations, conversations, conversations, we will find ourselves living this we will find ourselves living this we will find ourselves living this surface, this surface level life. And surface, this surface level life. And surface, this surface level life. And we're going to have a lot of we're going to have a lot of we're going to have a lot of acquaintances, but no true connection, acquaintances, but no true connection, acquaintances, but no true connection, no deep friendship. And that, my no deep friendship. And that, my no deep friendship. And that, my friends, is why it's possible for us to friends, is why it's possible for us to friends, is why it's possible for us to be so busy and have so many people be so busy and have so many people be so busy and have so many people around us and for our hearts to feel around us and for our hearts to feel around us and for our hearts to feel desperately lonely at the same time.

desperately lonely at the same time. desperately lonely at the same time. You know, the truth is, you're a You know, the truth is, you're a You know, the truth is, you're a relational being. I'm a relational relational being. I'm a relational relational being. I'm a relational being. We're created in the image of being. We're created in the image of being. We're created in the image of God. And we know this because the Bible God. And we know this because the Bible God. And we know this because the Bible teaches it and science supports it. But teaches it and science supports it. But teaches it and science supports it. But everything in our lives fights against everything in our lives fights against everything in our lives fights against it. Everything in our lives is fighting it. Everything in our lives is fighting it. Everything in our lives is fighting against our desire and our deep need to against our desire and our deep need to against our desire and our deep need to connect with other people. I just picked connect with other people. I just picked connect with other people. I just picked out three things. And the first one that out three things. And the first one that out three things. And the first one that I picked out was our incessant busyness. I picked out was our incessant busyness. I picked out was our incessant busyness. Anybody else just feel incessantly busy? Anybody else just feel incessantly busy? Anybody else just feel incessantly busy? Like your calendar is so overloaded. And Like your calendar is so overloaded. And Like your calendar is so overloaded. And if you're like me, you might say, "I if you're like me, you might say, "I if you're like me, you might say, "I don't feel lonely. What I feel is busy." don't feel lonely. What I feel is busy." don't feel lonely. What I feel is busy." And and I don't really have this felt And and I don't really have this felt And and I don't really have this felt need for a small group. I don't have need for a small group. I don't have need for a small group. I don't have this felt need for more relationships in this felt need for more relationships in this felt need for more relationships in my life to manage. My felt need is I my life to manage. My felt need is I my life to manage. My felt need is I need a nap. I I need a night at home need a nap. I I need a night at home need a nap. I I need a night at home with no activities. That's what I feel with no activities. That's what I feel with no activities. That's what I feel like I need. But what happens is if we like I need. But what happens is if we like I need. But what happens is if we end up just like swirling around in our end up just like swirling around in our end up just like swirling around in our chaotic lives of busyiness and we just chaotic lives of busyiness and we just chaotic lives of busyiness and we just keep this relentless pace, our keep this relentless pace, our keep this relentless pace, our relationships, they get more and more relationships, they get more and more relationships, they get more and more shallow, more and more distant. And I shallow, more and more distant. And I shallow, more and more distant. And I don't really know what's going on in don't really know what's going on in don't really know what's going on in your life and you don't really know your life and you don't really know your life and you don't really know what's going on in my life. And there's what's going on in my life. And there's what's going on in my life. And there's a lot that we can hide right underneath a lot that we can hide right underneath a lot that we can hide right underneath the surface because nobody truly knows the surface because nobody truly knows the surface because nobody truly knows us. We're just circling around, buzzing us. We're just circling around, buzzing us. We're just circling around, buzzing around in all these pseudo

around in all these pseudo around in all these pseudo relationships, relationships, relationships, but our hearts are empty and we know it. but our hearts are empty and we know it. but our hearts are empty and we know it. Socrates, way back 400 years before Socrates, way back 400 years before Socrates, way back 400 years before Jesus ever even walked this earth, you Jesus ever even walked this earth, you Jesus ever even walked this earth, you know what he said? He said, "Beware of know what he said? He said, "Beware of know what he said? He said, "Beware of the barrenness of a busy life." the barrenness of a busy life." the barrenness of a busy life." How in the world was Socrates busy like How in the world was Socrates busy like How in the world was Socrates busy like that long ago? You think you're busy? that long ago? You think you're busy? that long ago? You think you're busy? Socrates was busy, too. And he said, Socrates was busy, too. And he said, Socrates was busy, too. And he said, "Beware of the barrenness, the emptiness "Beware of the barrenness, the emptiness "Beware of the barrenness, the emptiness of our hearts that come when we just of our hearts that come when we just of our hearts that come when we just live in this rat race, but we don't have live in this rat race, but we don't have live in this rat race, but we don't have time to look people in the eyeballs, and time to look people in the eyeballs, and time to look people in the eyeballs, and we don't have time to sit down for a we don't have time to sit down for a we don't have time to sit down for a leisurely conversation because we've got leisurely conversation because we've got leisurely conversation because we've got to keep going." Now, if I'm honest, busy to keep going." Now, if I'm honest, busy to keep going." Now, if I'm honest, busy to a certain degree, it's not all a bad to a certain degree, it's not all a bad to a certain degree, it's not all a bad thing. Like, I I don't want to live an thing. Like, I I don't want to live an thing. Like, I I don't want to live an empty life. I don't want to sit around empty life. I don't want to sit around empty life. I don't want to sit around idally all the time. But what I'm saying idally all the time. But what I'm saying idally all the time. But what I'm saying here is the trajectory of incessant here is the trajectory of incessant here is the trajectory of incessant busyiness is isolation. Like we're we're busyiness is isolation. Like we're we're busyiness is isolation. Like we're we're not going to have meaningful and not going to have meaningful and not going to have meaningful and intentional relationships if we're not intentional relationships if we're not intentional relationships if we're not elbowing out some space in our calendar elbowing out some space in our calendar elbowing out some space in our calendar to develop those things. And so we're to develop those things. And so we're to develop those things. And so we're just going to end up with these surface just going to end up with these surface just going to end up with these surface level connections that don't really level connections that don't really level connections that don't really satisfy the deep need of our heart satisfy the deep need of our heart satisfy the deep need of our heart because busyiness it breeds isolation.

because busyiness it breeds isolation. because busyiness it breeds isolation. We have to fight for community. The We have to fight for community. The We have to fight for community. The second thing that I that I picked out second thing that I that I picked out second thing that I that I picked out that just fights against our desire and that just fights against our desire and that just fights against our desire and our need to be connected to one another our need to be connected to one another our need to be connected to one another is our constant connectivity. is our constant connectivity. is our constant connectivity. Our constant connectivity. Like we're we Our constant connectivity. Like we're we Our constant connectivity. Like we're we are always somewhat connected to are always somewhat connected to are always somewhat connected to everyone, right? Because we have this everyone, right? Because we have this everyone, right? Because we have this device in our hands and in our pocket. device in our hands and in our pocket. device in our hands and in our pocket. But not truly. Like we we've been in the But not truly. Like we we've been in the But not truly. Like we we've been in the social media age for quite a while now. social media age for quite a while now. social media age for quite a while now. I think Facebook first went public I think Facebook first went public I think Facebook first went public around 2006 or so. So, it's been a around 2006 or so. So, it's been a around 2006 or so. So, it's been a minute. And there's all kinds of social minute. And there's all kinds of social minute. And there's all kinds of social media platforms that that we're on. And media platforms that that we're on. And media platforms that that we're on. And so, we're just kind of connected to so, we're just kind of connected to so, we're just kind of connected to everybody, but but not really to anyone everybody, but but not really to anyone everybody, but but not really to anyone at the same time. And, you know, it has at the same time. And, you know, it has at the same time. And, you know, it has radically affected the way that we radically affected the way that we radically affected the way that we communicate with each other. Like, by communicate with each other. Like, by communicate with each other. Like, by show of hands, at all of our campuses, show of hands, at all of our campuses, show of hands, at all of our campuses, how many of you would rather text than how many of you would rather text than how many of you would rather text than talk on the phone? Just be honest. How talk on the phone? Just be honest. How talk on the phone? Just be honest. How many of you would rather text than get a many of you would rather text than get a many of you would rather text than get a phone call? I would. I'm like, if you phone call? I would. I'm like, if you phone call? I would. I'm like, if you call me, man, that's so retro. Like, to call me, man, that's so retro. Like, to call me, man, that's so retro. Like, to call me, I'm like I look at my phone, call me, I'm like I look at my phone, call me, I'm like I look at my phone, I'm like, "Oh, you called me.

I'm like, "Oh, you called me. I'm like, "Oh, you called me. Things just got real personal all of a Things just got real personal all of a Things just got real personal all of a sudden." sudden." sudden." You know, our our students, they don't You know, our our students, they don't You know, our our students, they don't even want to text anymore. Like, that's even want to text anymore. Like, that's even want to text anymore. Like, that's too personal. They're like, "I'm not too personal. They're like, "I'm not too personal. They're like, "I'm not giving you my number. You can have my giving you my number. You can have my giving you my number. You can have my Snapchat handle. That's how we'll Snapchat handle. That's how we'll Snapchat handle. That's how we'll communicate." Okay? It's like take a communicate." Okay? It's like take a communicate." Okay? It's like take a step back. Okay, don't ask for my step back. Okay, don't ask for my step back. Okay, don't ask for my digits. That's too far. We can digits. That's too far. We can digits. That's too far. We can communicate via Snapchat and and we communicate via Snapchat and and we communicate via Snapchat and and we remove the human element of remove the human element of remove the human element of communication, right? We're not eyeball communication, right? We're not eyeball communication, right? We're not eyeball to eyeball. We're not having to fumble to eyeball. We're not having to fumble to eyeball. We're not having to fumble for our words. We're just typing it all for our words. We're just typing it all for our words. We're just typing it all out. Now, I'm not sure how aware you are out. Now, I'm not sure how aware you are out. Now, I'm not sure how aware you are of this complete like revolution that's of this complete like revolution that's of this complete like revolution that's happening right under our nose with AI, happening right under our nose with AI, happening right under our nose with AI, but it is wild how the world is but it is wild how the world is but it is wild how the world is changing. I just heard this crazy changing. I just heard this crazy changing. I just heard this crazy statistic that 40% statistic that 40% statistic that 40% of all the AI bots that are being of all the AI bots that are being of all the AI bots that are being created are being created for the created are being created for the created are being created for the purpose of companionship. purpose of companionship. purpose of companionship. Let that sink in. 40% Some of you are Let that sink in. 40% Some of you are Let that sink in. 40% Some of you are like, I don't even know what an AI bot like, I don't even know what an AI bot like, I don't even know what an AI bot is. I Well, it's like a fake friend.

is. I Well, it's like a fake friend. is. I Well, it's like a fake friend. It's like this person. You can have an It's like this person. You can have an It's like this person. You can have an AI therapist. You can have an AI AI therapist. You can have an AI AI therapist. You can have an AI boyfriend. You can have an AI little boyfriend. You can have an AI little boyfriend. You can have an AI little buddy that you talk to all day long. buddy that you talk to all day long. buddy that you talk to all day long. It's so weird. But 40, this is a massive It's so weird. But 40, this is a massive It's so weird. But 40, this is a massive market of people who are looking for market of people who are looking for market of people who are looking for companionship. companionship. companionship. But listen, technology never loved But listen, technology never loved But listen, technology never loved anybody, right? Like this is not a real anybody, right? Like this is not a real anybody, right? Like this is not a real relationship. And we we know this. relationship. And we we know this. relationship. And we we know this. Listen to this quote by Sher Turkl in Listen to this quote by Sher Turkl in Listen to this quote by Sher Turkl in her really great book called Alone her really great book called Alone her really great book called Alone Together. We expect more from technology Together. We expect more from technology Together. We expect more from technology and less from each other. Technology is and less from each other. Technology is and less from each other. Technology is seductive when what it offers meets our seductive when what it offers meets our seductive when what it offers meets our human vulnerabilities. And as it turns human vulnerabilities. And as it turns human vulnerabilities. And as it turns out, we are very vulnerable indeed. We out, we are very vulnerable indeed. We out, we are very vulnerable indeed. We are lonely, but we're fearful of are lonely, but we're fearful of are lonely, but we're fearful of intimacy. intimacy. intimacy. So this kind of connectivity, So this kind of connectivity, So this kind of connectivity, it it wars against authentic human it it wars against authentic human it it wars against authentic human relationships because it satisfies just relationships because it satisfies just relationships because it satisfies just enough of that need to feel seen and enough of that need to feel seen and enough of that need to feel seen and known and it allows us to to filter and known and it allows us to to filter and known and it allows us to to filter and curate our content. So, it really curate our content. So, it really curate our content. So, it really removes the messiness and the removes the messiness and the removes the messiness and the awkwardness of human relationships, awkwardness of human relationships, awkwardness of human relationships, but we all know that they're they're not but we all know that they're they're not but we all know that they're they're not real. It's a it's a mirage. Like your real. It's a it's a mirage. Like your real. It's a it's a mirage. Like your social media followers, they're not the social media followers, they're not the social media followers, they're not the ones that show up for you when you're in ones that show up for you when you're in ones that show up for you when you're in a moment of crisis.

a moment of crisis. a moment of crisis. There is a level of authentic human There is a level of authentic human There is a level of authentic human relationship that we are built for that relationship that we are built for that relationship that we are built for that God designed us for. And this constant God designed us for. And this constant God designed us for. And this constant connectivity, it's a mirage that's connectivity, it's a mirage that's connectivity, it's a mirage that's actually keeping us disconnected. actually keeping us disconnected. actually keeping us disconnected. The third thing that I picked out that The third thing that I picked out that The third thing that I picked out that that's fighting against God's design for that's fighting against God's design for that's fighting against God's design for us to have deep community with one us to have deep community with one us to have deep community with one another is our hyperindividualism. another is our hyperindividualism. another is our hyperindividualism. Hyperindividualism. I wonder if we were Hyperindividualism. I wonder if we were Hyperindividualism. I wonder if we were like really to be honest with each like really to be honest with each like really to be honest with each other, how many people would say that other, how many people would say that other, how many people would say that you've had one of these thoughts? Like I you've had one of these thoughts? Like I you've had one of these thoughts? Like I don't I don't really want a small group. don't I don't really want a small group. don't I don't really want a small group. I don't I don't think I need a small I don't I don't think I need a small I don't I don't think I need a small group. I I don't see the value add to my group. I I don't see the value add to my group. I I don't see the value add to my life. So it feels like a waste of time life. So it feels like a waste of time life. So it feels like a waste of time to me to go to that because I'm so busy to me to go to that because I'm so busy to me to go to that because I'm so busy and I can I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm and I can I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm and I can I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm getting along fine on my own. Now, I I getting along fine on my own. Now, I I getting along fine on my own. Now, I I will admit that I've had those thoughts will admit that I've had those thoughts will admit that I've had those thoughts from time to time, and I was trying to from time to time, and I was trying to from time to time, and I was trying to figure out why. Like, where where do figure out why. Like, where where do figure out why. Like, where where do those thoughts come from? And I think those thoughts come from? And I think those thoughts come from? And I think it's from this culture of it's from this culture of it's from this culture of hyperindividualism that we live in.

hyperindividualism that we live in. hyperindividualism that we live in. Like, we are lone rangers and we we can Like, we are lone rangers and we we can Like, we are lone rangers and we we can handle it on our own. And we, a lot of handle it on our own. And we, a lot of handle it on our own. And we, a lot of us, we we work from home and we drive in us, we we work from home and we drive in us, we we work from home and we drive in and out of our garages and we never talk and out of our garages and we never talk and out of our garages and we never talk to our neighbors. And we order all of to our neighbors. And we order all of to our neighbors. And we order all of our things online and it gets delivered our things online and it gets delivered our things online and it gets delivered to our door. So we never have to go into to our door. So we never have to go into to our door. So we never have to go into a store. And like we're building these a store. And like we're building these a store. And like we're building these really convenient lives, but also we're really convenient lives, but also we're really convenient lives, but also we're building these walls of isolation around building these walls of isolation around building these walls of isolation around our lives because we're just going at it our lives because we're just going at it our lives because we're just going at it alone without any form of community alone without any form of community alone without any form of community around us. The problem is that's not how around us. The problem is that's not how around us. The problem is that's not how spiritual formation works. That's not spiritual formation works. That's not spiritual formation works. That's not how God designed it. Spiritual formation how God designed it. Spiritual formation how God designed it. Spiritual formation is a team sport. It's not golf. It's is a team sport. It's not golf. It's is a team sport. It's not golf. It's like basketball. Like you got to you got like basketball. Like you got to you got like basketball. Like you got to you got to get in there shoulder-to-shoulder to get in there shoulder-to-shoulder to get in there shoulder-to-shoulder with other people. Spiritual formation with other people. Spiritual formation with other people. Spiritual formation is a team sport. John Mark Comr says it is a team sport. John Mark Comr says it is a team sport. John Mark Comr says it this way in his book, Practicing the this way in his book, Practicing the this way in his book, Practicing the Way. You can't follow Jesus alone. Not Way. You can't follow Jesus alone. Not Way. You can't follow Jesus alone. Not shouldn't. Can't. It's not even an shouldn't. Can't. It's not even an shouldn't. Can't. It's not even an option. Jesus didn't have a disciple. He option. Jesus didn't have a disciple. He option. Jesus didn't have a disciple. He had disciples plural. He called people had disciples plural. He called people had disciples plural. He called people to apprentice under him in community.

to apprentice under him in community. to apprentice under him in community. So, as much as we might prefer to go at So, as much as we might prefer to go at So, as much as we might prefer to go at it like a lone ranger, as much as I it like a lone ranger, as much as I it like a lone ranger, as much as I might prefer that, if we really want to might prefer that, if we really want to might prefer that, if we really want to follow the way of Jesus, we got to give follow the way of Jesus, we got to give follow the way of Jesus, we got to give up our preferences and follow his up our preferences and follow his up our preferences and follow his teachings. And if his teachings say that teachings. And if his teachings say that teachings. And if his teachings say that it's important to do life in community, it's important to do life in community, it's important to do life in community, then I got to get over my own preference then I got to get over my own preference then I got to get over my own preference to just have me and Jesus and a cup of to just have me and Jesus and a cup of to just have me and Jesus and a cup of coffee. It's like, oh, we're good. coffee. It's like, oh, we're good. coffee. It's like, oh, we're good. Listen, that's important. That's Listen, that's important. That's Listen, that's important. That's awesome. But it's insufficient. There awesome. But it's insufficient. There awesome. But it's insufficient. There are things in your spiritual formation are things in your spiritual formation are things in your spiritual formation that will never happen. You'll never that will never happen. You'll never that will never happen. You'll never bear the fruit in your life that Jesus bear the fruit in your life that Jesus bear the fruit in your life that Jesus wants you to bear if you are going at it wants you to bear if you are going at it wants you to bear if you are going at it in isolation. If you're just a lone in isolation. If you're just a lone in isolation. If you're just a lone ranger for Jesus, living this ranger for Jesus, living this ranger for Jesus, living this hyperindividualistic life because you hyperindividualistic life because you hyperindividualistic life because you were created to live in community. You were created to live in community. You were created to live in community. You were part of a bigger picture and you were part of a bigger picture and you were part of a bigger picture and you are a small but a significant part of are a small but a significant part of are a small but a significant part of the body of Christ. the body of Christ. the body of Christ. And so we have to fight to stay And so we have to fight to stay And so we have to fight to stay connected into community. So what are we connected into community. So what are we connected into community. So what are we supposed to do about all this? Because I supposed to do about all this? Because I supposed to do about all this? Because I think that you probably would agree with think that you probably would agree with think that you probably would agree with me after this message. Like we are me after this message. Like we are me after this message. Like we are relational beings. God created us that relational beings. God created us that relational beings. God created us that way. There science can tell us that.

way. There science can tell us that. way. There science can tell us that. Science proves it and the Bible teaches Science proves it and the Bible teaches Science proves it and the Bible teaches that. But our whole life is waring that. But our whole life is waring that. But our whole life is waring against it. So, what should we do to against it. So, what should we do to against it. So, what should we do to fight for this level of community? Like, fight for this level of community? Like, fight for this level of community? Like, maybe we should just all decide to go maybe we should just all decide to go maybe we should just all decide to go move to a commune together and like we move to a commune together and like we move to a commune together and like we could just grow our hair out and we could just grow our hair out and we could just grow our hair out and we could buy Birkenstocks and we could just could buy Birkenstocks and we could just could buy Birkenstocks and we could just sit in a circle and hold hands with each sit in a circle and hold hands with each sit in a circle and hold hands with each other. other. other. And as weird as that sounds, like I just And as weird as that sounds, like I just And as weird as that sounds, like I just want to relieve your mind, that's not want to relieve your mind, that's not want to relieve your mind, that's not what Jesus is asking of you to live with what Jesus is asking of you to live with what Jesus is asking of you to live with this level of community. I I want to this level of community. I I want to this level of community. I I want to give you just a little visual picture. give you just a little visual picture. give you just a little visual picture. You probably been wondering why does she You probably been wondering why does she You probably been wondering why does she have a basketball on stage with her this have a basketball on stage with her this have a basketball on stage with her this whole I'm about to tell you because the whole I'm about to tell you because the whole I'm about to tell you because the thing that is so simple, it's not easy, thing that is so simple, it's not easy, thing that is so simple, it's not easy, but it's simple. The thing that we need but it's simple. The thing that we need but it's simple. The thing that we need to do is we need to elbow out some space to do is we need to elbow out some space to do is we need to elbow out some space for community in our lives for for community in our lives for for community in our lives for intentional authentic community. So my intentional authentic community. So my intentional authentic community. So my son Cademan, if you've met him, he's a son Cademan, if you've met him, he's a son Cademan, if you've met him, he's a big guy. He is six foot four and he big guy. He is six foot four and he big guy. He is six foot four and he weighs about 300 pounds and he's a big weighs about 300 pounds and he's a big weighs about 300 pounds and he's a big dude and he plays football for his dude and he plays football for his dude and he plays football for his school. But um sometimes for fun he school. But um sometimes for fun he school. But um sometimes for fun he plays basketball. And I just want to plays basketball. And I just want to plays basketball. And I just want to warn you if you ever have the warn you if you ever have the warn you if you ever have the opportunity to play basketball with him, opportunity to play basketball with him, opportunity to play basketball with him, you should you should like just hold it you should you should like just hold it you should you should like just hold it with a bit of fear and trepidation cuz with a bit of fear and trepidation cuz with a bit of fear and trepidation cuz he's so big and he believes that he's so big and he believes that he's so big and he believes that basketball is a full t full contact basketball is a full t full contact basketball is a full t full contact sport. Like Andy Andy does not want to sport. Like Andy Andy does not want to sport. Like Andy Andy does not want to play basketball against Cayman. You play basketball against Cayman. You play basketball against Cayman. You always want to be on Cayman's team always want to be on Cayman's team always want to be on Cayman's team because if he gets that basketball,

because if he gets that basketball, because if he gets that basketball, what's he gonna do? He is going to be what's he gonna do? He is going to be what's he gonna do? He is going to be throwing some elbows to get himself the throwing some elbows to get himself the throwing some elbows to get himself the space that he needs. And that's what I space that he needs. And that's what I space that he needs. And that's what I want you to remember when you I give you want you to remember when you I give you want you to remember when you I give you this visual picture of me holding a this visual picture of me holding a this visual picture of me holding a basketball. So when you think back on basketball. So when you think back on basketball. So when you think back on this message and you're like, "What was this message and you're like, "What was this message and you're like, "What was she saying that she wants us to do?" I she saying that she wants us to do?" I she saying that she wants us to do?" I want you to get aggressive with your want you to get aggressive with your want you to get aggressive with your calendar and to elbow out some space for calendar and to elbow out some space for calendar and to elbow out some space for community. You're the boss of your community. You're the boss of your community. You're the boss of your calendar. You're the you have agency. calendar. You're the you have agency. calendar. You're the you have agency. You can change things around if you You can change things around if you You can change things around if you really want to. You can think really want to. You can think really want to. You can think creatively. You can say no to certain creatively. You can say no to certain creatively. You can say no to certain things. Like that's what it's going to things. Like that's what it's going to things. Like that's what it's going to take. It's not rocket science. There's take. It's not rocket science. There's take. It's not rocket science. There's no magic formula for this. It's about no magic formula for this. It's about no magic formula for this. It's about boundaries. It's about saying no to boundaries. It's about saying no to boundaries. It's about saying no to certain things and yes to other things certain things and yes to other things certain things and yes to other things that you really value in life. So, let's that you really value in life. So, let's that you really value in life. So, let's box out. Let's throw a few elbows and box out. Let's throw a few elbows and box out. Let's throw a few elbows and let's make some space for what God says let's make some space for what God says let's make some space for what God says matters most. Let's get into community matters most. Let's get into community matters most. Let's get into community with other people. So with other people. So with other people. So even if your only motivation is to avoid even if your only motivation is to avoid even if your only motivation is to avoid heart disease, heart disease, heart disease, at some point you just have to make the at some point you just have to make the at some point you just have to make the decision to turn down the volume on all decision to turn down the volume on all decision to turn down the volume on all of your excuses and to make a choice to of your excuses and to make a choice to of your excuses and to make a choice to step toward authentic community. I want step toward authentic community. I want step toward authentic community. I want you to hear the story of a guy in our you to hear the story of a guy in our you to hear the story of a guy in our church. His name is Byron and how he church. His name is Byron and how he church. His name is Byron and how he like small groups have literally changed like small groups have literally changed like small groups have literally changed his life from the time that he was a

his life from the time that he was a his life from the time that he was a pretty young guy to where he is today. pretty young guy to where he is today. pretty young guy to where he is today. So, would you help me welcome Byron to So, would you help me welcome Byron to So, would you help me welcome Byron to the stage? >> Hi everyone. As Pastor Stacy said, I'm >> Hi everyone. As Pastor Stacy said, I'm Byron. Uh, and I'm grateful to be able Byron. Uh, and I'm grateful to be able Byron. Uh, and I'm grateful to be able to share how small groups has impacted to share how small groups has impacted to share how small groups has impacted my life. I first joined a Saddleback my life. I first joined a Saddleback my life. I first joined a Saddleback small group in junior high. Uh but it small group in junior high. Uh but it small group in junior high. Uh but it was really in high school when I began was really in high school when I began was really in high school when I began to understand the power of small groups. to understand the power of small groups. to understand the power of small groups. My family was walking through a very My family was walking through a very My family was walking through a very difficult season. Uh and my small group difficult season. Uh and my small group difficult season. Uh and my small group became the people who carried me through became the people who carried me through became the people who carried me through it. When I was anxious, they prayed for it. When I was anxious, they prayed for it. When I was anxious, they prayed for me. When I wanted to pull away, they me. When I wanted to pull away, they me. When I wanted to pull away, they showed up. showed up. showed up. Those friendships anchored me and many Those friendships anchored me and many Those friendships anchored me and many of those guys are still some of my of those guys are still some of my of those guys are still some of my closest friends today. closest friends today. closest friends today. Because of that experience, I made a Because of that experience, I made a Because of that experience, I made a decision to make small groups a priority decision to make small groups a priority decision to make small groups a priority no matter where I was in life. And so no matter where I was in life. And so no matter where I was in life. And so when I went to school at Baylor in when I went to school at Baylor in when I went to school at Baylor in Texas, Texas, Texas, I joined a small group at a local church I joined a small group at a local church I joined a small group at a local church out there and once again saw how God out there and once again saw how God out there and once again saw how God uses community to grow us. uses community to grow us. uses community to grow us. After finishing college, I moved back to After finishing college, I moved back to After finishing college, I moved back to California. But since I had graduated California. But since I had graduated California. But since I had graduated early, I came home and had almost no early, I came home and had almost no early, I came home and had almost no friends still in the area. Going from friends still in the area. Going from friends still in the area. Going from having so much community in college to having so much community in college to having so much community in college to none was hard. I not only felt isolated, none was hard. I not only felt isolated, none was hard. I not only felt isolated, but was in the midst of transitioning but was in the midst of transitioning but was in the midst of transitioning into life after college. But I knew what into life after college. But I knew what into life after college. But I knew what small groups had meant for me in the small groups had meant for me in the small groups had meant for me in the past. And so I made the decision to get past. And so I made the decision to get past. And so I made the decision to get plugged in. I not only joined uh a men's plugged in. I not only joined uh a men's plugged in. I not only joined uh a men's group with guys my age, but also started group with guys my age, but also started group with guys my age, but also started leading a high school group because of leading a high school group because of leading a high school group because of the impact mine had on me. I got plugged the impact mine had on me. I got plugged the impact mine had on me. I got plugged in with Saddleback Young Adults and even in with Saddleback Young Adults and even in with Saddleback Young Adults and even joined a Bible study with older men who

joined a Bible study with older men who joined a Bible study with older men who poured wisdom into my life. I'm so glad poured wisdom into my life. I'm so glad poured wisdom into my life. I'm so glad I did because those groups changed I did because those groups changed I did because those groups changed everything for me in that season. My everything for me in that season. My everything for me in that season. My men's small group became brothers who men's small group became brothers who men's small group became brothers who related to what I was going through. related to what I was going through. related to what I was going through. They pushed me spiritually, held me They pushed me spiritually, held me They pushed me spiritually, held me accountable, and celebrated milestones accountable, and celebrated milestones accountable, and celebrated milestones with me. Over the years, nearly all of with me. Over the years, nearly all of with me. Over the years, nearly all of us have gotten married now, and it's us have gotten married now, and it's us have gotten married now, and it's been such a privilege to be able to been such a privilege to be able to been such a privilege to be able to stand by each other at our weddings. I stand by each other at our weddings. I stand by each other at our weddings. I just got married to my wife, Cararissa, just got married to my wife, Cararissa, just got married to my wife, Cararissa, and May, and having my small group there and May, and having my small group there and May, and having my small group there made the day even more special. Now, as made the day even more special. Now, as made the day even more special. Now, as newlyweds, Chris and I have joined a a newlyweds, Chris and I have joined a a newlyweds, Chris and I have joined a a coup's group here at Saddleach, and we coup's group here at Saddleach, and we coup's group here at Saddleach, and we can't wait to see how God uses that can't wait to see how God uses that can't wait to see how God uses that community to strengthen our marriage. community to strengthen our marriage. community to strengthen our marriage. From junior high to high school, From junior high to high school, From junior high to high school, college, and now marriage, I've college, and now marriage, I've college, and now marriage, I've experienced firsthand that small groups experienced firsthand that small groups experienced firsthand that small groups can truly be life-changing at any stage can truly be life-changing at any stage can truly be life-changing at any stage in life. And now, as I lead a high in life. And now, as I lead a high in life. And now, as I lead a high school small group myself, I love school small group myself, I love school small group myself, I love getting to invest in the next generation getting to invest in the next generation getting to invest in the next generation the same way others have poured into me. the same way others have poured into me. the same way others have poured into me. I can't wait to see how God uses small I can't wait to see how God uses small I can't wait to see how God uses small groups across every generation here in groups across every generation here in groups across every generation here in this next season at Saddleback.

this next season at Saddleback. this next season at Saddleback. If you're not part of one yet, I want to If you're not part of one yet, I want to If you're not part of one yet, I want to encourage you. Don't miss out. A small encourage you. Don't miss out. A small encourage you. Don't miss out. A small group might just change your life the group might just change your life the group might just change your life the way it's changed mine. Thank you. [Applause] You guys, doing life in community, it You guys, doing life in community, it changes people's lives. Like literally changes people's lives. Like literally changes people's lives. Like literally there's so much that happens when we there's so much that happens when we there's so much that happens when we will get up close to another person and will get up close to another person and will get up close to another person and allow them influence and a voice into allow them influence and a voice into allow them influence and a voice into our lives. And so for the last few our lives. And so for the last few our lives. And so for the last few minutes of this time together, I just minutes of this time together, I just minutes of this time together, I just want to get super practical with you. want to get super practical with you. want to get super practical with you. How are we going to do this as a church? How are we going to do this as a church? How are we going to do this as a church? Our church, our team has tried to make Our church, our team has tried to make Our church, our team has tried to make this so easy for you to jump right in this so easy for you to jump right in this so easy for you to jump right in and so compelling and enticing that and so compelling and enticing that and so compelling and enticing that you're saying, "Man, I want to be a part you're saying, "Man, I want to be a part you're saying, "Man, I want to be a part of that. I need that in my life. So of that. I need that in my life. So of that. I need that in my life. So listen, there is a group literally for listen, there is a group literally for listen, there is a group literally for everyone. Like if you want a Bible everyone. Like if you want a Bible everyone. Like if you want a Bible study, we got you covered. We got some study, we got you covered. We got some study, we got you covered. We got some Bible studies. You want a group about Bible studies. You want a group about Bible studies. You want a group about finances, we got you. You need a group finances, we got you. You need a group finances, we got you. You need a group for single moms, no problem. We've got for single moms, no problem. We've got for single moms, no problem. We've got that. You're a dad and you want to be that. You're a dad and you want to be that. You're a dad and you want to be more intentional about your investment more intentional about your investment more intentional about your investment in your kids, we've got that. You want in your kids, we've got that. You want in your kids, we've got that. You want to lift weights, we got a group called to lift weights, we got a group called to lift weights, we got a group called Barbells and Bible. I think you want to Barbells and Bible. I think you want to Barbells and Bible. I think you want to learn how to smoke meat, we've got a learn how to smoke meat, we've got a learn how to smoke meat, we've got a group for that. You want to play pickle group for that. You want to play pickle group for that. You want to play pickle ball, there's a group for that. You want ball, there's a group for that. You want ball, there's a group for that. You want to Are you a widow and you need support to Are you a widow and you need support to Are you a widow and you need support around you? There's a group for that.

around you? There's a group for that. around you? There's a group for that. Listen guys, there are groups for every Listen guys, there are groups for every Listen guys, there are groups for every season of life. No matter if you're a season of life. No matter if you're a season of life. No matter if you're a young adult to a retired person and young adult to a retired person and young adult to a retired person and everything in between, there are groups everything in between, there are groups everything in between, there are groups on every night of the week. There are on every night of the week. There are on every night of the week. There are groups in every city that's near any of groups in every city that's near any of groups in every city that's near any of our campuses. There is a group for every our campuses. There is a group for every our campuses. There is a group for every single person. And so what I want to single person. And so what I want to single person. And so what I want to show you right now is how do you get in show you right now is how do you get in show you right now is how do you get in one of those groups? How do you find out one of those groups? How do you find out one of those groups? How do you find out which groups you might be interested in which groups you might be interested in which groups you might be interested in being a part of? Let me tell you this being a part of? Let me tell you this being a part of? Let me tell you this before we before we jump to that. before we before we jump to that. before we before we jump to that. Listen, you might want to join more than Listen, you might want to join more than Listen, you might want to join more than one group. Like let's say you want to one group. Like let's say you want to one group. Like let's say you want to play pickle ball, which by the way, if play pickle ball, which by the way, if play pickle ball, which by the way, if you join one of the more recreational you join one of the more recreational you join one of the more recreational style groups, there will still be a style groups, there will still be a style groups, there will still be a spiritual component to that. But it's spiritual component to that. But it's spiritual component to that. But it's like pickle ball is the thing that like pickle ball is the thing that like pickle ball is the thing that brings you together. But maybe you want brings you together. But maybe you want brings you together. But maybe you want to join a pickle ball group and you want to join a pickle ball group and you want to join a pickle ball group and you want to do a Bible study. That's cool. You to do a Bible study. That's cool. You to do a Bible study. That's cool. You can join more than one group. I might can join more than one group. I might can join more than one group. I might suggest you not join more than two or suggest you not join more than two or suggest you not join more than two or possibly three groups because you're possibly three groups because you're possibly three groups because you're going to get real overwhelmed real fast. going to get real overwhelmed real fast. going to get real overwhelmed real fast. You know, too many circles. But if you You know, too many circles. But if you You know, too many circles. But if you if you want to join more than one group, if you want to join more than one group, if you want to join more than one group, you can do that. There's so many great you can do that. There's so many great you can do that. There's so many great options. So look at the screen and options. So look at the screen and options. So look at the screen and you're going to see there's a c um okay.

you're going to see there's a c um okay. you're going to see there's a c um okay. So this is the group finder and you're So this is the group finder and you're So this is the group finder and you're going to go to that filter. all going to go to that filter. all going to go to that filter. all different types of groups there. There's different types of groups there. There's different types of groups there. There's the campus that you can select. You can the campus that you can select. You can the campus that you can select. You can select your city, which day of the week select your city, which day of the week select your city, which day of the week works for you. There's a way for you to works for you. There's a way for you to works for you. There's a way for you to filter out what you need. So, go filter out what you need. So, go filter out what you need. So, go everybody pull out your phone right now. everybody pull out your phone right now. everybody pull out your phone right now. There's going to be a QR code that comes There's going to be a QR code that comes There's going to be a QR code that comes on the screen and there's all the same on the screen and there's all the same on the screen and there's all the same QR code is on your notes. So, everybody QR code is on your notes. So, everybody QR code is on your notes. So, everybody pull out your phone, get to this group pull out your phone, get to this group pull out your phone, get to this group finder web page, and every single person finder web page, and every single person finder web page, and every single person is going to get registered for a group. If you can't figure it out, no worries. If you can't figure it out, no worries. After the service, there's tons of After the service, there's tons of After the service, there's tons of people on the patio ready to help you, people on the patio ready to help you, people on the patio ready to help you, okay? So, don't be like sweating. Don't okay? So, don't be like sweating. Don't okay? So, don't be like sweating. Don't be getting anxious. We're here to help be getting anxious. We're here to help be getting anxious. We're here to help you. All right, you got 7 seconds. you. All right, you got 7 seconds. you. All right, you got 7 seconds. Countdown's on. Four, three, two, one.

Countdown's on. Four, three, two, one. Countdown's on. Four, three, two, one. Okay, just like a test. Put your pens Okay, just like a test. Put your pens Okay, just like a test. Put your pens and papers away. and papers away. and papers away. And I'm going to finish our time And I'm going to finish our time And I'm going to finish our time together with a story. You guys like together with a story. You guys like together with a story. You guys like stories? stories? stories? All right. Many of you guys know that uh All right. Many of you guys know that uh All right. Many of you guys know that uh before we moved here, Andy and I lived before we moved here, Andy and I lived before we moved here, Andy and I lived in the Bay Area for about 14 years. And in the Bay Area for about 14 years. And in the Bay Area for about 14 years. And we moved there to start a church. Um, we moved there to start a church. Um, we moved there to start a church. Um, but when we moved there, we didn't know but when we moved there, we didn't know but when we moved there, we didn't know anyone. Literally no one. We moved 3,000 anyone. Literally no one. We moved 3,000 anyone. Literally no one. We moved 3,000 miles away from our family and we moved miles away from our family and we moved miles away from our family and we moved to the Bay Area with two other couples to the Bay Area with two other couples to the Bay Area with two other couples and it was like the six of us and that and it was like the six of us and that and it was like the six of us and that was it. And so we were like starting all was it. And so we were like starting all was it. And so we were like starting all over again relationally. And so Andy and over again relationally. And so Andy and over again relationally. And so Andy and I were so intentional to try to I were so intentional to try to I were so intentional to try to cultivate meaningful relationships. And cultivate meaningful relationships. And cultivate meaningful relationships. And over the course of time, we hosted a lot over the course of time, we hosted a lot over the course of time, we hosted a lot of different um small groups and we of different um small groups and we of different um small groups and we would have people in our home for dinner would have people in our home for dinner would have people in our home for dinner and we would pray with people, you know, and we would pray with people, you know, and we would pray with people, you know, just like do life side by side. And over just like do life side by side. And over just like do life side by side. And over the course of time, like there was a the course of time, like there was a the course of time, like there was a richness of the community that we were richness of the community that we were richness of the community that we were able to develop there in this place able to develop there in this place able to develop there in this place where we had parachuted in. We didn't where we had parachuted in. We didn't where we had parachuted in. We didn't know anybody. Okay. So, fast forward, we know anybody. Okay. So, fast forward, we know anybody. Okay. So, fast forward, we moved there when I was, I think, like moved there when I was, I think, like moved there when I was, I think, like 26, 27. And then when we coming up on my 26, 27. And then when we coming up on my 26, 27. And then when we coming up on my 40th birthday, I had this crazy idea 40th birthday, I had this crazy idea 40th birthday, I had this crazy idea that I wanted to run 40 miles for my that I wanted to run 40 miles for my that I wanted to run 40 miles for my 40th birthday, like in one day. And it's 40th birthday, like in one day. And it's 40th birthday, like in one day. And it's crazy idea, but I did it. And um I crazy idea, but I did it. And um I crazy idea, but I did it. And um I trained like all year for it. And but my trained like all year for it. And but my trained like all year for it. And but my vision was that my friends would do it vision was that my friends would do it vision was that my friends would do it with me, like in two-mile chunks at a with me, like in two-mile chunks at a with me, like in two-mile chunks at a time. And so all day long they would time. And so all day long they would time. And so all day long they would just run with me. And so I what I did

just run with me. And so I what I did just run with me. And so I what I did was I created this 10-mi loop around our was I created this 10-mi loop around our was I created this 10-mi loop around our community. And then that's what community. And then that's what community. And then that's what happened. Like a different friend or two happened. Like a different friend or two happened. Like a different friend or two would come and run with me. And so we would come and run with me. And so we would come and run with me. And so we have some pictures of some of my friends have some pictures of some of my friends have some pictures of some of my friends running with me. And all throughout the running with me. And all throughout the running with me. And all throughout the day, I literally never ran alone. There day, I literally never ran alone. There day, I literally never ran alone. There was always at least one or two friends was always at least one or two friends was always at least one or two friends running with me. And as I look at these running with me. And as I look at these running with me. And as I look at these pictures of these faces, the thing that pictures of these faces, the thing that pictures of these faces, the thing that that just like stands out to me are that just like stands out to me are that just like stands out to me are these are people that I didn't even know these are people that I didn't even know these are people that I didn't even know like 10 years prior. Like I had no like 10 years prior. Like I had no like 10 years prior. Like I had no relationship with them. It took so much relationship with them. It took so much relationship with them. It took so much intentional development like we we were intentional development like we we were intentional development like we we were in small groups together. We led Bible in small groups together. We led Bible in small groups together. We led Bible studies together. We fed the homeless studies together. We fed the homeless studies together. We fed the homeless together. We we gave each other baby together. We we gave each other baby together. We we gave each other baby showers and and we raised our kids showers and and we raised our kids showers and and we raised our kids together. There was and here's my number together. There was and here's my number together. There was and here's my number one supporter that day who who ran the one supporter that day who who ran the one supporter that day who who ran the finishing mile with me. But when we got finishing mile with me. But when we got finishing mile with me. But when we got to that finish line, I was so amazed by to that finish line, I was so amazed by to that finish line, I was so amazed by I didn't know how many people would I didn't know how many people would I didn't know how many people would come. I thought it might just be like my come. I thought it might just be like my come. I thought it might just be like my dinner club, you know, that was there to dinner club, you know, that was there to dinner club, you know, that was there to like, yeah, you did it at the finish like, yeah, you did it at the finish like, yeah, you did it at the finish line. There were like 65 people that line. There were like 65 people that line. There were like 65 people that came to cheer me on at the finish line.

came to cheer me on at the finish line. came to cheer me on at the finish line. And the thing that just stood out to me And the thing that just stood out to me And the thing that just stood out to me was like, wow. Like like community like was like, wow. Like like community like was like, wow. Like like community like that, friendships like that, they don't that, friendships like that, they don't that, friendships like that, they don't happen on accident. It happens because happen on accident. It happens because happen on accident. It happens because we elbow out space in our busy lives to we elbow out space in our busy lives to we elbow out space in our busy lives to to create intentional conversations and to create intentional conversations and to create intentional conversations and to have a real depth to our to have a real depth to our to have a real depth to our relationships. relationships. relationships. The reality is that every single one of The reality is that every single one of The reality is that every single one of us is running this race of our lives and us is running this race of our lives and us is running this race of our lives and and some of you are trying to be lone and some of you are trying to be lone and some of you are trying to be lone ranger runners. Can I just tell you ranger runners. Can I just tell you ranger runners. Can I just tell you running alone is harder. Running alone running alone is harder. Running alone running alone is harder. Running alone is harder. When you get to mile marker is harder. When you get to mile marker is harder. When you get to mile marker 34 and your body is hitting a wall and 34 and your body is hitting a wall and 34 and your body is hitting a wall and and it's 95 degrees outside, you need and it's 95 degrees outside, you need and it's 95 degrees outside, you need somebody there to pour cold water on somebody there to pour cold water on somebody there to pour cold water on your head and say, "You've made it this your head and say, "You've made it this your head and say, "You've made it this far and I'm not letting you give up far and I'm not letting you give up far and I'm not letting you give up now." Because there are moments in life now." Because there are moments in life now." Because there are moments in life where you are going to hit a wall and where you are going to hit a wall and where you are going to hit a wall and you need some people around you to look you need some people around you to look you need some people around you to look you in the eyes and say, "I'm not you in the eyes and say, "I'm not you in the eyes and say, "I'm not letting you give up right now."

letting you give up right now." letting you give up right now." So folks, So folks, So folks, I have tried my very best today to I have tried my very best today to I have tried my very best today to compel you to get into a small group compel you to get into a small group compel you to get into a small group because I want this so badly for you. because I want this so badly for you. because I want this so badly for you. So don't wait until your life is a So don't wait until your life is a So don't wait until your life is a little more tidied up before you welcome little more tidied up before you welcome little more tidied up before you welcome people into it. And don't wait until people into it. And don't wait until people into it. And don't wait until your calendar clears up so that you can your calendar clears up so that you can your calendar clears up so that you can prioritize community. Don't hide behind prioritize community. Don't hide behind prioritize community. Don't hide behind some kind of pseudo connectivity some kind of pseudo connectivity some kind of pseudo connectivity while your heart is desperately lonely. while your heart is desperately lonely. while your heart is desperately lonely. You are a relational being created in You are a relational being created in You are a relational being created in the image of a relational God and the image of a relational God and the image of a relational God and community is worth fighting for. So the community is worth fighting for. So the community is worth fighting for. So the way we're going to close this service is way we're going to close this service is way we're going to close this service is I would like for us to pray over all of I would like for us to pray over all of I would like for us to pray over all of our small group leaders. So, at every our small group leaders. So, at every our small group leaders. So, at every one of our campuses, one of our campuses, one of our campuses, we are going to ask for if you are a we are going to ask for if you are a we are going to ask for if you are a small group leader, maybe you lead a small group leader, maybe you lead a small group leader, maybe you lead a kids small group, maybe you lead one of kids small group, maybe you lead one of kids small group, maybe you lead one of our student small groups, maybe you're our student small groups, maybe you're our student small groups, maybe you're leading one of our adults small groups.

leading one of our adults small groups. leading one of our adults small groups. There are about 1,400 people across our There are about 1,400 people across our There are about 1,400 people across our campuses that have stepped up into campuses that have stepped up into campuses that have stepped up into leadership to say, "I will lead a small leadership to say, "I will lead a small leadership to say, "I will lead a small group." If that is you, would you just group." If that is you, would you just group." If that is you, would you just please stand at whatever campus you're please stand at whatever campus you're please stand at whatever campus you're at because we would like to pray over at because we would like to pray over at because we would like to pray over you right now. So, just all of our small you right now. So, just all of our small you right now. So, just all of our small group leaders, would you stand? Guys, group leaders, would you stand? Guys, group leaders, would you stand? Guys, can we say thank you to these people? I just want to I just want to look you I just want to I just want to look you in the eyes right now and to say thank in the eyes right now and to say thank in the eyes right now and to say thank you. You can remain standing because you. You can remain standing because you. You can remain standing because we're going to pray over you. But I just we're going to pray over you. But I just we're going to pray over you. But I just want to say thank you because Andy and I want to say thank you because Andy and I want to say thank you because Andy and I are so grateful for your investment, for are so grateful for your investment, for are so grateful for your investment, for your yes. your yes is going to literally your yes. your yes is going to literally your yes. your yes is going to literally change people's lives this semester. And change people's lives this semester. And change people's lives this semester. And so, thank you. If you are close to them, so, thank you. If you are close to them, so, thank you. If you are close to them, will you extend a hand and let's just will you extend a hand and let's just will you extend a hand and let's just pray a prayer of blessing over all of pray a prayer of blessing over all of pray a prayer of blessing over all of our small group leaders. Father, thank our small group leaders. Father, thank our small group leaders. Father, thank you so much for these men and women who you so much for these men and women who you so much for these men and women who courageously said yes to leading a group courageously said yes to leading a group courageously said yes to leading a group this semester. Father, we just pray that this semester. Father, we just pray that this semester. Father, we just pray that you would commission them with the power you would commission them with the power you would commission them with the power of your Holy Spirit. That you would give of your Holy Spirit. That you would give of your Holy Spirit. That you would give them everything they need. that you them everything they need. that you them everything they need. that you would give them the wisdom that they would give them the wisdom that they would give them the wisdom that they need, that you would multiply their time need, that you would multiply their time need, that you would multiply their time each week, Lord, that you would help each week, Lord, that you would help each week, Lord, that you would help them to know what to do in different them to know what to do in different them to know what to do in different situations. God, I pray that there would situations. God, I pray that there would situations. God, I pray that there would be such a joy that they experience in be such a joy that they experience in be such a joy that they experience in giving their life away to something giving their life away to something giving their life away to something that's truly meaningful and making a that's truly meaningful and making a that's truly meaningful and making a difference. Father, I pray that as we difference. Father, I pray that as we difference. Father, I pray that as we step into this new season of Saddleach

step into this new season of Saddleach step into this new season of Saddleach Church where everybody is going to be Church where everybody is going to be Church where everybody is going to be committed into a small group, God, would committed into a small group, God, would committed into a small group, God, would you just help us to grow together you just help us to grow together you just help us to grow together relationally and to grow in our relationally and to grow in our relationally and to grow in our spiritual journeys as well? Thank you, spiritual journeys as well? Thank you, spiritual journeys as well? Thank you, Lord. We love you in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. And amen. Well, for those of you >> Amen. And amen. Well, for those of you that maybe stood up wherever you're that maybe stood up wherever you're that maybe stood up wherever you're watching from or that said yes to being watching from or that said yes to being watching from or that said yes to being a small group leader and that have a small group leader and that have a small group leader and that have chosen to lead a small group this chosen to lead a small group this chosen to lead a small group this semester, we just want to say thank you. semester, we just want to say thank you. semester, we just want to say thank you. And we want to say that we are praying And we want to say that we are praying And we want to say that we are praying for you as you step into this semester. for you as you step into this semester. for you as you step into this semester. And I'm so excited to see the ways that And I'm so excited to see the ways that And I'm so excited to see the ways that God moves and the community and genuine God moves and the community and genuine God moves and the community and genuine relationships that grow through your relationships that grow through your relationships that grow through your small groups. And for those of you that small groups. And for those of you that small groups. And for those of you that are hesitant about being in a small are hesitant about being in a small are hesitant about being in a small group, I loved Pastor Stacy's message group, I loved Pastor Stacy's message group, I loved Pastor Stacy's message and just the power of community that we and just the power of community that we and just the power of community that we are being invited into, being part of are being invited into, being part of are being invited into, being part of the body of Christ. And I want to the body of Christ. And I want to the body of Christ. And I want to encourage you if maybe you're part of encourage you if maybe you're part of encourage you if maybe you're part of extension and you've seen small groups extension and you've seen small groups extension and you've seen small groups meet and you're like, nah, that's not meet and you're like, nah, that's not meet and you're like, nah, that's not for me. Or maybe you're online, been for me. Or maybe you're online, been for me. Or maybe you're online, been watching by yourself and you're watching by yourself and you're watching by yourself and you're thinking, man, I I don't think that I thinking, man, I I don't think that I thinking, man, I I don't think that I can be part of a genuine community can be part of a genuine community can be part of a genuine community online. I want to tell you that you can.

online. I want to tell you that you can. online. I want to tell you that you can. We have online small groups that you can We have online small groups that you can We have online small groups that you can be a part of. We have leaders that have be a part of. We have leaders that have be a part of. We have leaders that have stepped up and are ready to meet you, stepped up and are ready to meet you, stepped up and are ready to meet you, are ready, ready to welcome you in and are ready, ready to welcome you in and are ready, ready to welcome you in and invite you into a community online. I invite you into a community online. I invite you into a community online. I love seeing our online small groups and love seeing our online small groups and love seeing our online small groups and how there are people from all over the how there are people from all over the how there are people from all over the world that we get to connect with each world that we get to connect with each world that we get to connect with each other and walk through life with and other and walk through life with and other and walk through life with and grow in our faith. I know I'm super grow in our faith. I know I'm super grow in our faith. I know I'm super excited to be in a married small group excited to be in a married small group excited to be in a married small group with my husband Byron who actually got with my husband Byron who actually got with my husband Byron who actually got to share his testimony during service. to share his testimony during service. to share his testimony during service. And so I want to invite you to do the And so I want to invite you to do the And so I want to invite you to do the same. To make space, to move your elbows same. To make space, to move your elbows same. To make space, to move your elbows like Pastor Stacy said, and to make room like Pastor Stacy said, and to make room like Pastor Stacy said, and to make room to be in a small group this semester. to be in a small group this semester. to be in a small group this semester. Well, church family, we're super Well, church family, we're super Well, church family, we're super grateful for you. We hope you have a grateful for you. We hope you have a grateful for you. We hope you have a great weekend and we want to see you great weekend and we want to see you great weekend and we want to see you again next weekend for our launch of again next weekend for our launch of again next weekend for our launch of Fight for Your Family.