7xSunday User Groups

People need people. 7xSunday is sort of like a church, but it does not avail face to face interaction. This is a significant flaw in my opinion.

So, I thought that we should make local user groups that facilitate interaction between geographically close groups of people who want to learn and teach about the resurrection and the good news of the man Jesus.

What follows are my thoughts about how these user groups might function.

Basic Ideas

User groups will probably be based on a handful of objectives:

  • Teaching believers the history of the Jews, the work of God, and the nature of our faith.
  • Helping believers that are in bad situations (orphans, widows, others).
  • Collecting money to allow a proven Bible student / teacher to take on his studies as a part or full time job.
  • Bringing prayer needs before the local body of believers, and praying.
  • Socializing and spending time with others in the group of believers.
  • Remembering the body and blood of the Lord Jesus given freely for us.

Some activities that might be considered part of a user group, but that are better done in other places include:

  • Preaching to those who do not know the hope of the resurrection (missionary/mission work).

Basic Components

A group of people decide to meet together.

  • Usually a group will begin with two or three families, but will likely grow quickly. An optimal maximum size is about 25 men in any one meeting... more than this and it may be difficult for all who are led to speak to actually do so. Splitting a larger group into two separate groups is a great idea... but don't loose track of eachother!

Plan for families!

  • Choose a place that has adequate bathrooms, a nursery/changing room, an area for eating, maybe a playground.

Teaching, worshiping, testamonies, praying, and socializing!

  • Teaching is a sweet gift that Gad has given to all men (some more than others... ;)). Set a part of the meeting for men to come forward and teach what they have learned to the user group.
  • Group worship is a wonderful thing. Use the general "worship style" of the group, but remember that worship is just that: worship. Make a joyful noise to the Lord our God, our Maker!
  • Set aside a time for testamonies... another part of praise, news, and fellowship.
  • Take some time to pray. Pray over the group, and for specific requests.</dd><dd>Take time to be together. Get to know the people in your group. Get to know needs, and reach out to those needs. Eat together if there is time and place to do so.
  • Take time to remember Jesus' death on our behalf. As a group, remember His shed blood and broken body for us.