Last night, Amy and I had our first life group meeting of the upcoming year. For those who aren't familiar with groups, here's what it's all about. A group of 8-12 people agree to meet for fellowship and discipleship for a couple of hours each week. This is our second cycle of groups here at Gateway. Amy and I hosted and led a group last year, and never thought twice about whether or not we'd do it again. Honestly, our experience last year was so engaging and meaningful that I will always say that group time was the best among the many fantastic experiences I had during Gateway's first twelve months.

This year is shaping up to be just as exciting. Once again, we have group members from all over the country - Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, and California -- and even one who grew up in the Philippines. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base pretty much insures a diversity unheard of in many towns throughout our part of the country, and I'm privileged to be a part of it.

Our group's firsty study will be Twisted, a DVD series taught by Andy Stanley, Lead Pastor at North Point Community Church in suburban Atlanta. But it will be only the first in a series of studies that will challenge our group in ways we may have never imagined. I look forward to Lost, God Is Closer Than You Think, Breakaway, and others.

But the greatest thing about group will be this -- I will develop genuine friendships that will stand the test of time. My group members will be there to encourage me. I'll be there for them. Like true friends, we'll be there to hold each other accountable for the decisions we make and the actions we take. That's what friendship is all about. Anything less is not friendship!

If you haven't found a group of true friends, I encourage you to take the first step to finding them today. If you happen to be in the Goldsboro, NC area, here's where to start!

Peace!