GC News July 2014 | Page 2

ED StetZER

lead pastor

We say it often at Grace Church, but it bears repeating one more time: At Grace Church, we’re not a church with small groups —we’re a church of small groups. We say that because transformational life groups are at the core of our mission at Grace Church. A transformational life group is a group that connects with God, with members of the group, and with those who are disconnected—in the church and in our neighborhoods. It starts with disciples who are following Jesus in community. Not only do life groups provide the opportunity to be a community on mission together, they’re a great evangelistic catalyst for making disciples.

Think about it. Some of your neighbors might not consider attending a church service, but they’d gladly enjoy connecting in the small group community you’re attending or hosting. It’s easy; all you have to do is invite them! And if you find out they’re already active in a local church, great! Affirm them. Then, look for another neighbor to invite!

Of course, not everyone will say yes. If you ask and they say no and they’re not active in a church, well — those are the neighbors you can pray for and spiritually pursue.

FIRST WORD

Grace Church Staff

Ed Stetzer

Lead Pastor

[email protected]

Jimmy Disney

Executive Pastor

Gallatin Campus Pastor

[email protected]

Barry Peters

Hendersonville Campus Pastor

[email protected]

Keith Pipes

Worship Pastor

[email protected]

Ben Trueblood

Student Pastor

[email protected]

Charles Anderson

Pastoral Care/Senior Adults

[email protected]

Better Together

Series concludes June 15

Life is not meant to be lived alone.

In the meantime, remember that Life Groups are important and can make a real difference in your life. If you’re attending Grace Church and haven’t yet connected with a Life Group, do that as soon as possible because this is a community where you’ll grow, learn to think outwardly and live externally focused lives that make significant impact.

And, isn’t that what following Christ is all about?

Cover photo Lead Pastor, Ed Stetzer talks with Julie Mack before her baptism at the Grace Church Night of Worship on June 22.

“A transformational life group is a group that connects with God, with members of the group, and with those who are disconnected—in the church and in our neighborhoods. It starts with disciples who are following Jesus in community.”

Ed Stetzer