This post is a part of a series by Epic’s Field Ministry team, describing what it means to be Epic (a.k.a. to embody the Epic Movement DNA).
Acts 2:42-47
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
When I was a new believer, all I wanted was more of Jesus. I wanted to soak all of Him in. I was dedicated to church and my small group. I enjoyed my small group and the 45 min commute each way to small group was a minor hassle compared to the joy I experienced being in community. I had small group leaders who were good at building community by getting us together after church to grab a meal, by planning events to do together and with other small groups, and checking in on how we were doing.
Their dedication also grew our ownership. Once I became a regular attender I was asked by the leaders to keep track of the attendance every week, and over time I was asked to e-mail out prayer requests. Eventually they asked me to become a small group leader. I was honored that they would ask me and I took the task very seriously. I experienced God growing me as a leader because my small group leaders took a chance on me and believed in me and empowered me to lead. I had never thought of myself as a leader, but given the opportunity to grow and be faithful with the small things helped me to be ready when God brought more leadership opportunities my way.
When I think of the community in Acts, it is my dream for every Epic movement to be a community that draws close to God and gathering others alongside for the journey. I love that when community is done well, God saves people through the community. It doesn’t just happen because we attend an Epic movement, but it happens when we are all actively involved in seeing God’s kingdom come.
For reflection: where is your Epic Community? Are you living life together? Is your community inviting others?
Leadership can be scary and it can be full of responsibilities. It is also a chance to grow, learn, and empower. I believe everyone in your movement can be a leader. Leadership doesn’t mean having a title, it is engaging with others and actively participating to see the movement be healthy and grow. If you are a leader, are you giving opportunities to your movement to serve? If you are not active in your movement, in what ways can you be?
Praying to see His Kingdom advance through your movement!
Lara Griffin, Epic National Field Ministry