Community Groups @ FBC

Message from RML

2011-06-02T09:39:00.001-07:00

Unpack Invite from FBCMcKinney on Vimeo.

Go and Be on April 3rd!

2011-03-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

Go and Be is this weekend! Please remind your people that we will be worshiping through service at Garage Giveaway on Sunday. There will be no worship services at the church building on Sunday, April 3rd.

Please also remind your group that the Transform Your World offering will be collected on Sunday, April 10th. Encourage those who you lead to be in prayer about how they will participate in this offering and come ready to give on that Sunday. These funds help us demonstrate Christ’s love in word and deed throughout the world!

Have a great weekend!

Closing the Doors

2010-04-07T13:13:00.001-07:00

The following is a post from last year. As we enter the Transform Your World Season at FBC McKinney I wanted to revisit it.

My life is committed professionally and personally to the growth and development of the church (both little “c” and big “C”). Because of that, it might seem counter intuitive that I would be passionate about closing the doors one Sunday out of the year. The church where I worship and serve did this for the first time last year and will do it again on May 3^rd. It is part of our “Go and Be” weekend that we don’t hold regular scheduled worship gatherings as part of the weekend but instead focus on being out in the community serving.

My passion for this stems from both an organizational and educational perspective. It is an organizational challenge to plan, prepare, and mobilize to be closed on Sunday. There are real financial issues of not having a time of offering. What about the people who are new to the community or maybe trying church for the first time and they see that our doors are closed? The issue is that we don’t just want to close the doors but open up service opportunities. Those opportunities remind us that we are the church and the church is at its best when is engaged in the community serving.

From personal, educational, and teaching perspective, some of the best lessons I have experienced come from giving practical application to ideas or principles. The principle that the church is not the building comes alive when we see the doors locked and God’s people still gathering in service. I love explaining to my children why today is different from every other Sunday…much like on Easter, Christmas, Good Friday, or any other special moment in the life of the church.
Closing our doors helps us to create a conversation that is desperately needed in the life of church culture. It is largely symbolic but symbols are important. If you don’t believe that try removing a cross or a steeple or an American flag. Symbols communicate powerfully what is important. For the other 51 weeks in the practice of gathering together, we meet at the same place and for all practical purposes do the same thing. The rest of the world moves along pleased for us to practice what we believe in our places of “worship.” But what happens when those places or worship move into their backyards, their business, their schools, their homes, their hurts. Just maybe we will begin understand on a deeper level what Romans 12: 1-2 means when it says, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Questions

2010-01-12T07:39:00.001-08:00

One of Jesus' primary means of communication to unbelievers was asking good questions…Francis Schaeffer used to say that if he had only on hour with someone, he would spend 55 minutes asking them question, and 5 minutes trying to say something that would speak to their situation once he understood a little more about ...what was going on in their heart and mind.
Learning Evangelism From Jesus by Jerram Barrs

Christmas Journey is on its way!

2009-12-03T07:18:00.001-08:00

Christmas Journey is fast approaching! Here are a few pressing needs:

A few good MEN! There is still a need for men who can serve one, two, or three nights. Please sign up here and make sure to attend the dress rehearsal on Sunday at 2:30 PM in the Sanctuary.
In Myron's own words: "WE REALLY NEED HELP THIS SATURDAY…PLEASE COMMUNICATE THE WORKDAY GOES ON NO MATTER THE WEATHER. We’re not from North Carolina or Tennessee…we’re Texans and we can handle a little cool air". The workday is on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Anytime you can give would be great!

Video Annoucements for 11.15.09

2009-11-18T14:39:00.001-08:00

The Great Encourgagement

2009-10-28T06:28:00.001-07:00

The following prayer is from a book titled, The Valley of Vision. It is a collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions. I find it a wonderful resource for me at times when words in my faith journey fail me. The full collection can be found at the Banner of Truth website under devotions.

Glorious God,

I bless thee that I know thee.

I once lived in the world, but was ignorant

of its Creator,

was partaker of thy providences, but knew not

the Provider,

was blind while enjoying the sunlight,

was deaf to all things spiritual, with voices

all around me,

understood many things, but had no knowledge

of thy ways,

saw the world, but did not see Jesus only.

O happy day, when in thy love’s sovereignty

thou didst look on me, and call me by grace.

Then did the dead heart begin to beat,

the darkened eye glimmer with light,

the dull ear catch thy echo,

and I turned to thee and found thee,

a God ready to hear, willing to save.

Then did I find my heart at enmity to thee,

vexing thy Spirit;

Then did I fall at thy feet and hear thee thunder,

‘The soul that sinneth, it must die’,

But when grace made me to know thee,

and admire a God who hated sin,

thy terrible justice held my will submissive.

My thoughts were then as knives cutting my head.

Then didst thou come to me in silken robes of love,

and I saw thy Son dying that I might live,

and in that death I found my all.

My soul doth sing at the remembrance of

that peace;

The gospel cornet brought a sound unknown

to me before that reached my heart – and I lived –

never to lose my hold on Christ or his hold on me.

Grant that I may always weep to the praise of

mercy found,

and tell to others as long as I live,

that thou art a sin-pardoning God,

taking up the blasphemer and the ungodly,

and washing them from their deepest stain.

Deacon Video

2009-10-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Scare Away Hunger

2009-10-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

Scare Away Hunger from Scare Away Hunger on Vimeo.

9.13..09 Announcements

2009-09-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

Announcements
September 13, 2009

FBC Men’s Summit-- Character Counts
October 11th 2:30pm-430pm
One of the biggest challenges men face daily is their Character: doing what is right no matter what the circumstance. Rod Handley speaker and author of Character Counts- Who’s Counting Yours and Transparent Living; Living a Life of Integrity will lead us to look at our lives, character and accountability. Mark your calendar, make it a priority, and be there!

BRIDGES Begins Today!
This is a 6-session DVD Small Group Study that provides biblical insight into Islamic history and Muslim beliefs, while providing useful next steps and stories that help you put the teaching into practice. You will learn how to take similar concepts in Christianity and Islam and create a “bridge” to build relationships with the Muslims in your community. The material is also valuable to those seeking to build on what they already know about Muslims. Please sign up through the “Current Event” section of the website.

Discipleship U (Discipleship University)
The Discipleship Ministry is committed to helping equip those who come to FBC McKinney to follow Christ and mirror His character to the world around us. It is because of this commitment that we are offering classes as part of Discipleship U (Discipleship University). These short classes are meant to offer targeted training and equipping to specific needs to help us seek to demonstrate the love of Christ. Registration is required and available on-line. Here are some classes that are coming soon.

“Feeding the Mouth that Bites You” - Room 1205 – 11:15 – 9/27 & 10/4
Unfortunately a teenagers’ behavior often just doesn’t seem to make sense. A great deal of confusion and difficult decisions can be eased if parents have a clear understanding of what makes their adolescent “tick”. During this 2 week study Psychologist Dr. Ken Wilgus will give you practical help with understanding, communicating, and setting limits with your teenager.

“The Holy Spirit” - The Fireside Room – 11:15 – 9/27, 10/4 & 10/11
Genie? Force? Angel or Spirit? Life in the Kingdom of God depends on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. But few Christians today understand who the Spirit is and what he does in the lives of believers. In this three week unit we take a look at who or what the Spirit that Christ promised to send is and how the lives of believers are never the same once they have encountered Him. Led by Marcus Smith.

Community Group Leaders Meeting

2009-09-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

We are gathering Community Group leaders together for a time of encouragement, Q & A, and brief direction setting. We will also be distributing new group member information to help you grow your group. You will not want to miss this time!

We are offering two options. You can either come Wednesday, September 9th, at 6:30 PM or Sunday, September 13th, at 5:00 PM. Both meetings are being hosted at Eric Kuykendall’s house which is near the church. Children are welcome to attend. Please let Blake Boring know which you are planning on attending at Blake.Boring@fbcmckinney.com.

Five Questions That Kill Discussion

2009-08-11T13:47:00.001-07:00

This post is from Leadership Journal.net. Thought that you might have found it helpful.

Five Questions That Kill Discussion
Fostering conversation vital for every small group.
Terry Powell

Monday, July 27, 2009

Good questions are a staple of any worthwhile small-group discussion. They should be clear, using words that are easy to understand and that do not produce ambiguity. They should accurately uncover what God intended for the biblical text. They should be sensitive to the needs and life situations of your group members. And they should motivate people to think a little more deeply than they're used to thinking.

Of course, asking constructive questions is only the first step in building and maintaining discussion. The second step is avoiding the destructive questions that can tear any good conversation apart.

Below are five types of questions that can kill small-group discussions. (All of the example questions refer to Matthew 4:1-11.) These examples can help as you train small group leaders to foster transformative conversations in their groups.

Subjective questions

Some small-group leaders unintentionally transfer authority from the Bible to group members by instructing them to look inward for meaning rather than investigating the text.

Poor question: What does verse 11 mean to you?
Better question: How does verse 11 show God the Father's sensitivity to the Son?

Long-winded questions

Questions get long when a group leader attempts to stuff several facts into a question so that group members will give the appropriate answer. But that kind of information is more easily assimilated by group members when it is put in the form of introductory statements.

Poor question: Looking at how the devil tempts Jesus in the wilderness, what specific qualities and strategies of spiritual warfare does he demonstrate that could also be used against us?
Better question: The tactics Satan used against Jesus will also be used against us. What strategies did Satan demonstrate in this episode?

Leading questions

Rather than inciting curiosity, these questions may insult the intelligence of your group members. A leading question sags under the weight of your own opinion or predetermined notion, and the way you ask such a question actually reveals the answer that you want to hear. They usually call for a yes or no response that kills conversation. "Don't you think … " or "Isn't … " are typical ways of beginning a leading question.

Poor question: Don't you think the timing of Satan's attack on Jesus was significant?
Better question: This episode occurs immediately following Jesus' baptism and right before the launch of his public ministry. What can we learn about our enemy from the timing of his attacks on Jesus?

Compound questions

Resist the impulse to fling back-to-back questions at your group without waiting for a reply to the first one. Either they will be confused about which question to answer first, or they will forget the first question by the time you finish the second. One question at a time!

Poor question: What did Jesus experience right before the first temptation, and what does this timing tell us about Satan?
Better question: What did Jesus experience right before the first temptation? [Pause for replies.] What does the timing of this first temptation tell us about Satan?

Compulsory personal questions

We want small-group participants to reinforce biblical truths with anecdotes from their lives. We want them to reveal needs exposed by God's Word so the group can pray specifically for them. Yes, transparency is a vital sign of small-group health. But it's a bad idea to drop a question that requires transparency in the lap of an unsuspecting person.

Poor question: Marge, you've been a Christian for a few years. Can you tell us how you've experienced Satan's warfare against you?
Better question: Can anyone illustrate the persistence of Satan's attacks from your walk as a Christian?

Terry Powell is author of Now That's a Good Question! (Standard, 2007) and a regular contributor to www.SmallGroups.com.

Are you ready for some basketball?

2009-07-30T11:35:00.001-07:00

Join us for an exciting day of basketball, free inflatable games, some giveaways, and much more!

August 29th 2009 from 8am-5pm

Family FunZone 10am-2pm

Location: FBC Mckinney Children’s parking Lot

Hot Shot Competition
5 Registered Players will have a chance to Win $10,000 (18 or older)

From more information/volunteer or to register for the tournament, please visit our website at www.connect3on3.com\mckinney.

Creative Caring

2009-06-23T08:09:00.001-07:00

This video came from the Good Will Hinton Website. It is about how a desire to care for others combined with creative thinking lead to a new way of caring for those in need.

Live Forgiven

2008-08-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

LiveForgiven, written by Dr. Jeff Warren, will be the first study of Community Groups and sermon series beginning in September. LiveForgiven offers real answers for real life from a fellow traveler. Liberating truths combined with practical application will help you discover the unexpected freedom and boundless joy of living forgiven.

Important Dates to Know

2008-07-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Fall 2008
Register to be a HOST home leader:
Sundays (in worship): Aug 10, 17, 24
HOST Online registration begins Aug 25

Groups are formed:
(Open invitations in neighborhoods)
August 10-September 21

Register to be in a group online:
(for those not in a group or changing to a “Community Group”)
September 8-21

Groups begin week of Sept 21

HOST Home Leader Orientation Dates
(choose one)
Wednesday, Sept 3
Sunday, Sept 7
Wednesday, Sept 10
Sunday,Sept 14

Community Group begining September 21st

2008-07-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

We were made to do life with other people. This is one of the purposes of community groups. The focus of community groups is outside the walls of First Baptist McKinney and outside the time frame of Sunday mornings. Their is a potential to reach people all across this region who are disconnected from the church and from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

As we launch community groups we are hoping for 200-250 HOST homes.
HOST stands for:
Heart for your community
Open your home for six weeks
Serve a few refreshments
Tell a few of your friends

HOST home leaders will open their homes, invite people to join and help lead a study that engages people in conversation about life and what life is like in a relationship with Jesus. A HOST may want a co-leader, which is also a First Baptist member. The HOST will enlist the co-leader if one is desired. A co-leader can be an individual or a couple.

The group may be composed of any range of age or affinity. Invitations to join the group go out to those next door and to friends in any neighborhood across the area. Groups may choose what night of the week they meet.

New Transforming Your World Website

2008-05-15T14:40:00.001-07:00

If you have not had a chance, check out the new Transforming Your World website!

When the Church Leaves the Building

2008-05-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a great site of pictures, videos, and stories from last Sunday (April 27th). Thank you for transforming your world!

Clearly Defined Purpose

2008-02-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

One of the things that can help a group develop in a healthy fashion is a clearly defined purpose. It is important during the first couple of meetings of a group’s life and during transition points that the purpose of the group is stated often. This purpose needs to be presented in a clear and concise way.

You may want to say something like, “Thank you again for coming today. Before we get into our study, I wanted to remind us that as we meet over the next three months we hope to grow in our understanding the grace we have through Christ.”

You notice that the statement has a couple of key components. First, it has a timeframe (three months). Second, it has clearly described the focus of the time (understanding of the grace we have through Christ). This will help to focus the group’s attention and expectations for the time. This can also then be used to encourage discussion on the topic while limiting unhelpful side discussions.

Great Expectations

2008-02-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

People often come to a new group with great expectations. Because of the way we are as leaders, we often have even higher expectations for the group. I found the following comments helpful in providing perspective as a group comes together for the first time.

A small group is a wonderful place for life-change and, outside of a family, perhaps the most optimal setting for personal transformation. But groups are imperfect, as are the people in them. This reality, if not recognized, can set a person up for deep disappointment because we often hope our small group will be the place where we finally find this wonderful thing called community, yet our experience can fall short. It is important not to put too much pressure on anyone group- or on the members of your group (including the leader)-to meet every need relationally or spiritually.

Each group you are a part of will contribute to your growth. Over the years, you'll build many good memories. But every person in your group is not going to become a friend for life. That doesn't mean you can't love each other and meaningfully contribute to each other while you are together, but it does mean it's important to accept the limitations of each group, and recognize there is an ebb and flow to relationships….

As you look to your expectations for this group, go ahead an plan for great things, but realize that it's community over lifetime that helps make us like Jesus. Be ready at times give more than you receive. And don't place on any one person or group the expectation for community that is possible only from years of group life.
from Groups: The Life-giving Power of Community, pages 28-29

A Resource Center

2008-01-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

This is to be an informational hub of small group resources for those in and leading groups at First Baptist McKinney.