Turbo Group - November 6 reflection

Last night, 12 people (a perfect God-number!) gathered to begin a five-week "Turbo Group" small group experience. We have another five or six who are interested in the journey. I praise God for these pilgrims that are willing to journey with us as we discern God's desire for us for small group ministry at West Grove UMC.

Each day we will reflect and pray about small group ministry, and I will blog my reflections and prayers here. Here is today's question:

• Read  Acts 2:43-47. If you have time, read Acts 1 and 2 to understand the context of this first extended community of Christians. The disciples went from a fearful group hiding out in the upper room after Jesus’ crucifixion to a bold and fearless group that lived in the open and attracted new believers. What made the change? How does this passage speak to you as you learn more about the need for Christian friendship and companionship?

As I said last night, this is one of my all-time favorite Bible passages. I love the depiction of the early followers of Jesus living in such harmony, equality and joy. As many commentators have pointed out, that harmony did not last long - look at all of the division and dissension that Paul and the other Epistle writers address in their letters to early church communities!

I believe the coming of the Holy Spirit in such a powerful way was the beginning of the change in the disciples. But I also believe that in addition to the boldness and power they drew from the Spirit, they also had the witness and companionship of one another. The disciples and the women with them had shared a great deal together. They had eaten meals, sat at the feet of Jesus, slept under the stars together and witnessed the execution of their leader. They had huddled together in fear and then in awe as the risen Jesus came to them. They had been through a lot with one another!

This passage, and the focused picture of a group of people seeking the joy of the Lord with their entire beings - their time, their homes, their families, their resources, their worship - speaks to me of the imperative to travel the Christian journey with others. Joy is multiplied when we are with others. Burdens are shared. Generosity is modeled and encouraged. Endurance is possible. We can go farther and deeper on our journey when we have traveling companions.

What about you? What is your reflection on this passage?