Filling Your Gas Tank

Many questions are floating around about the prospect of the Small Group launch this Fall. There are so many concepts of ‘Small Groups’ that it is difficult to get a handle on what Pastor Joe means when he talks about Small Groups. So many questions will be answered in my sermon on September 13^th, but let me throw out some thoughts on the subject.

Every person has a gas tank. When the tank is full, there is motivation and desire and drive to do God’s work. There is an understanding of God’s Call for their lives; a sense of fulfillment as that Call is lived out. Inner joy is revealed when woohoo moments happen. Comfort is easily found when there is fear and uncertainty. Barriers to progress are more easily knocked down and goals are achieved with a sense of support from others. Church becomes a privilege and one looks forward to it. Close friendships are celebrated and new friends are found.

When the tank is empty there can be weariness, frustration and discouragement. A person running on empty doesn’t easily understand God’s Call for them. They spiritually struggle to survive day to day. Church becomes a duty and obligation. Serving is only done because it is seen as necessary. Worship is dry, prayer is lacking and one feels like they are on an island with no help in sight.

As one gives of themselves, the tank empties a little. As one receives, the tank fills a little. Small Group is about keeping your tank filled so that you can fill the tank of others. Small group is about having a place to share about your week and having discussions that are relevant to your gas tank. Small Groups usually start out being light-hearted as people test the water to see what it will be like. But as the people become more familiar with each other, God-things start happening. Friendships strengthen; God gets heard more clearly; and the tank begins to fill. You learn to be with others who care about your walk with God.

At Emmanuel there are lots of places to empty your gas tank on. I’m learning that while there are a few places to fill your tank, there are far too few. It is not fair for you to be expected to invest yourself in a church when a church isn’t investing itself in you. The time for that is over. It is time to have your tank filled. And you will be glad.

Small Groups are not for everybody, but I encourage you to find some way to fill your tank. There will be other opportunities for such and I will also talk about them on September 13^th as we worship the God who has invested Himself in you. I hope you come and join us.