Preparation question
- Can you think of a time someone’s care for you helped you significantly, even if it was a small thing?
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq8lvI4IHpk (3m 30s)
Pray
Introduction
The “one another” passages in the New Testament demonstrate the importance of caring for our brothers and sisters in our Christian community. That there are so many of these passages illustrates that this is a non-negotiable for brothers and sisters. We don’t have to look far to see there is also plenty of need.
Questions
- What specific needs do you see in your church family?
Bible study
Read Galatians 5 v 13 – 6 v 10
- In 5 v 13-25, what reasons does Paul give for doing good to one another? What makes it possible to be caring and not selfish?
- What dangers might we fall into as we seek to care for one another (6 v 1, 3-4, 9)? What ideas do you have on how you can avoid those while not holding back on caring for others?
- What is our aim and ultimate hope as we do good to one another? How does this help us to persevere?
- What is the greatest challenge in these verses for you personally?
Reflection
- Is your church one in which restoring, burden-bearing, sharing, and doing good take place? Which one do you feel is Dundonald’s weak point? What could you do personally to step up in that area?
- What steps could you take to educate or train yourself (whether personally or as a congregation) in how to care for others effectively?
- Can you think of a time someone’s care for you helped you significantly, even if it was a small thing?
- Brainstorm some practical ways you could show care to people in these common situations, so when the need arises, you’re ready!
Prayer
Loving Heavenly Father,
Would our Dundonald church family be a community where love for you and for others is the heart of all we are and do.
You continually pour out on us protecting, providing, comforting, confronting, strengthening, hope-giving and motivating grace.
Would we, in turn, overflow with spirit-filled love and care for one another.
And as we do this, would your light shine beautifully in Raynes Park and beyond.
Amen.
Action Points
- Mediate on the list of ‘One-Another’ passages on pp 76-78 of Love Your Church
- Think about how you can do the important work of restoring, bearing burdens, sharing, and doing good.
- Recognize that caring for sinners and sufferers is ministry work that all believers should take part in.
- Remember that your personal life will always have an impact on your community, so be serious about sowing to the Spirit.
- Look for opportunities every week to do good to others.
- Pray for your church family.
Further resources
- Book: Love Your Church (Ch 4) by Tony Merida
- Book: Caring For One Another by Ed Welch
- Song: He Will Hold Me Fast by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Care at Dundonald
- There are 3 specific ways that people can train up in pastoral care at Dundonald. The Care Team is happy to chat through any of these options if you wish to get in touch.
- Doing the new Side-by-Side course
- Doing the Crosslands Pastoral Care course: Pastoral Care – Crosslands
- Doing the Biblical Counselling UK certificate course: Certificate Course – Biblical Counselling UK
- Always be aware of the need for confidentiality in care work (i.e. only speak to the relevant pastoral and care team members) however, caring is not meant to be done as a lone-ranger effort, so please make sure you are involving the relevant people.
- For any more information, please get in touch with the Care Team: care@dundonald.org
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