Spiritual Friendships & Small Groups St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church Retreat January 3, 2009 Spiritual Awakening

Spiritual Friendships : Biblical Foundation Guiding Principle: Spiritual growth occurs in groups of two or more godly individuals. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matt 18:20) Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them (Mark 9:2)

Why have a Spiritual Friend? Evil company corrupts good habits (1 Cor 15:33) Jephthah (Judges 11:3), Prodigal Son (Luke 15:13) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night (Ps 1:1,2)

Who can be a Spiritual Friend? Confession Father  Moses & seventy elders (Numbers 11:16, 17) Spouse Parent Trusted Friend Colleague Member of the Community

Qualities to Look for in a Spiritual Friend/Mentor Spiritual Maturity Someone who has & is experiencing God Spirit of wisdom & discernment Confidentiality & Trust Approachability A level of comfort in opening up

Goals of Spiritual Mentoring Not Dependability but Empowerment A deeper & personal Spiritual experience Tending to personal needs One on one coaching Follow up & accountability

Small Groups: A Biblical Foundation Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14) The Apostles in one accord (Acts 2:46, 47) Stirring of Love and good works (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

Pachomian Koinonia A true sense of Fellowship and communal living. Mission statement:  To connect people into groups of 6 to 12 who meet regularly for a common purpose and with an identified leader who assists them in their progress towards full devotion to Christ by intentionally providing an environment for connection, community, and spiritual formation.

Why be a part of Small Groups? To shepherd and care for a large congregation while maintaining a personal knowledge of each member and not losing track of any individual.  Christ asking disciples to divide 5000 into groups of 50 & 100, gave disciples & they gave people (Mark 6:39 – 41) To disciple people into a full and personal relationship with the Lord.

Continued … To assimilate new comers and connect them to the church. To develop lay leadership and empower them for ministry. To be “the church” by creating small communities that encourage one another in Christ and belong to the larger community, the body of Christ.

Core Values of Small Groups Mandate: Spiritual Transformation Method: Small Group Community Mobilize: Strategic Leaders. Multiply: Span of Care Means: Seek and Celebrate

What Now? Spiritual Friendships:  Review my surroundings.  Think of who is a good candidate  Approach & take action Small Groups:  Update after Divine Liturgy  Consider time commitments & group to belong to.  Make decision and don’t delay. Glory to God forever