The Zone Gathering

This week’s group spotlight focuses on our Intro to Social Justice group. Not that I am partial or anything- but this is one of our most important groups at NCC
**jk, I love all of our groups equally, just like the books of the bible**
In our spotlight this week, NCC group leader extraordinaire and all around great and funny girl Rose Dannells gives us a bit of insight to what is happening this semester.

Give us an overview and a little bit about your group

We talk about a different social justice issue each week, discuss the issues within the framework of how it fits in with God’s heart for the poor and those who have experience injustice. Once a month we meet at a movie showing or catch a seminar in the area that relates to a SJ topic. We also share how it impacts us knowing what is going on in the world, and how we as individuals can make a difference with even just one person (Matt 25:40). We come from all walks of life in the group, but the central common interest is James 1:27 and how to incorporate sharing the Gospel within tackling SJ issues.

What was the genesis of the group, or the God-inspired idea behind starting it?

John Hasler called me up and begged me. He twisted my arm, made me feel a little guilty, I cried and then said “ok, sure”.

Ok so really the story is that I moved to the other side of the continent from Seattle to get more involved in these issues. The “Social Justice/social concern/ethics/social responsibility” issues are newly named, and somewhat loosely defined. My goal was to find the other folks out there that also wanted to get more involved, but perhaps were not sure where to start. My group is a great place to learn where to start! I took a couple years to build some experience in leading with other activities as well with the Radically Balanced small group. I still don’t quite feel like a stellar leader, but the folks in my group sure are.

What do you think God is doing within your group for those who are a part of it?

We have had a great turnout throughout the semester. People have expressed week after week how much they appreciate learning about social justice topics, but more importantly what they can do with the knowledge that they have gained. I feel that the group is also helping to clarify some of the callings that are on the lives of the attendees. Learning, discussing, and praying for these issues is empowering and we know that it is all better equipping us to be world-changers for Jesus in one of the most important cities in the world. We are motivated to do something - even if it is just one thing.

How do you think God is using your group to Advance His Kingdom?

This week, for example, we are learning how to incorporate the sharing of the gospel while helping fight injustice. We read parts of “Practical Justice” last week and there were whole sections that illustrated why it is almost more unjust not to share the gospel when trying to help the poor. Now that we know why we need to share, the next part is learning the how.

If you’d like to find out more about this group and/or contact Rose, you can find the info in our online Discipleship Atlas at www.theaterchurch.com/groups

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 at 3:44 pm and is filed under News and Updates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.