PSALM 12:5I have seen violence done to the helpless &I have heard the groans of the poor;Now I will rise up to rescue themas they have longed for Me to do…

MAX LUCADOYou are valuable because you exist;not because of what you door what you have donebut simply becauseYOU ARE.

ZEPHANIAH 3:17For the Lord your God is living among you.    He is a mighty savior.He will take delight in you with gladness.    With his love, He will calm all your fears.    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

FALSE NARRATIVEThe community exists to meet my needs

FALSE NARRATIVEThe community exists to meet my needs

TRUE NARRATIVEThe community helps to shape my life& gives me the opportunity to be an encouragement to others

JESUS’ NARRATIVEWhoever wants to be a leader among you

must be your servant, & whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others &

to give His life as a ransom for many.- Matthew 20:26b-28 (NLT)

PAUL’S NARRATIVEIs there any encouragement from belonging

to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit?

Are your hearts tender & compassionate?Then make me truly happy by agreeing

wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, & working

together with one mind & purpose.

PAUL’S NARRATIVEDon’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

- Philippians 2:1-4

JAMES BRYAN SMITHI want a community who will challenge meto become who I already am: one in whomChrist dwells & delights, a light to the world,salt to the earth, the aroma of Christto a dying world…

JAMES BRYAN SMITHI want a community who reminds me of who I am & will watch over mewith love, with means offering bothcomfort & warning, so that I might livea life worthy of my calling…

HOW DO WE DO THAT?!1. Reminding each other who we are

HOW DO WE DO THAT?!1. Reminding each other who we are

2. Showing each other what we can be

HOW DO WE DO THAT?!1. Reminding each other who we are

2. Showing each other what we can be

3. Having the courage to hold each other accountable

SOUL TRAININGLooking for ways to encourage others:- Giving to others (i.e. cards, notes, etc.)- Sharing your resources with others- Taking the time to listen to what others have to say- Praying for people in the moment- Giving the gift of PRESENCE- Going with someone…- Not saying the first thing…

SOUL TRAININGLooking for ways to encourage others:- Watching someone’s kids for the night- Giving someone a hug- Call, write & actually SAY the words you believe God has given you to encourage someone else- If someone comes to mind, ask God, “Why? What are You saying to me about this person & what am I supposed to do about it?”