Source SM Recap: Volume #27

Current Series: Facebook OfficialTitle: "New Friend Request" Main Thought: Conflict has the potential to make a friendship stronger—or tear it apart. We decide which.  The Word: Romans 12:14-18, Colossians 3:13

Message Explanation: This whole series is all about God’s “OFFICIAL” plan for relationships, dating and sex.

Facebook Facts: There are just short 1 billion Facebook users in the world.

-250 million photos uploaded daily. - Average number of friends 130. - 845 million monthly active users. -2.7 billion likes every day. -140.3 billion friend connections.

Some people build their lives around social networks. Facebook reveals a lot about us doesn’t it?

People closest to us have the potential to hurt us the most. It is not a matter of if but when you face CONFLICT with others. So how are we supposed to respond to friends?

We will find out how God wants us to build friendships not tear them down.

Christ calls us to a new way of living:

1. You do not have to get EVEN (v. 14) "Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.”

  Pray for your enemies. Live in peace with each other. A true friend stays loyal but also has the GRACE to forgive others.

Jesus didn’t feel like he had to GET EVEN, Jesus always…

2.  Consider others before yourself (v. 15-16) “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”

One-Upper: If you are happy, they are more happy. If you are hurting, they are more hurt. ME Monster: selfishness is like every other appetite, the more you feed it, the bigger and hungrier it gets.

The Best way to build OFFICIAL friends that last is to…

3. Forgive others. Period. (17-18) Colossians 3:13: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

 7 most powerful words…“I was wrong, will you forgive me?” or “you hurt me, but I forgive you.” Forgiveness = admit your fault and release them to God. You will become bitter or better in your relationships

“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (verse 17-18)

 Without forgiveness it leads to a cycle of revenge that consumes our lives. You will never have to forgive anyone more than God has forgiven you.

Forgiveness is given, not earned.

 When others hurt you – forgive as Christ forgives  Are you hurting other people? Are you at odds with anyone?  Are you looking to take revenge?

Review: A TRUE friend:

-       Does not have to get EVEN -       Considers others as more important than themselves -       Forgives others. PERIOD.

Element of Fun: We showed a video called, "Facebook friend race" as an illustration of trying to add friends on Facebook but missing what true friendship is all about.

Music: Not Ashamed, Praise Him, Always, Jesus Paid it all, Faithful (closing).

Favorite Moment: Students were great to wish me a happy birthday. I'm grateful for all the people who are investing into the students each week.

Planning Center:

What’s Next: We will continue the new series, “Facebook Official” as we talk about God’s plan for dating.

Sports Hero: Dustin Hopkins

I love stories of people using their platforms to point people to Jesus. Athletes who use their gifts and abilities to share Christ are my heroes. I know, I know. I'm a FSU fan. Dustin Hopkins is not only a great kicker but he has influenced people with his faith in Christ.

Dustin has the NCAA record for points scored by a kicker with 448 total.

Dustin's legacy will continue in the NFL where his platform and influence will grow. I hope our lives influence people to Jesus more than our performance.

Check out Dustin's story.

P.S. GO NOLES! 

Student Ministry Funnel

Finding ways to improve in ministry is what I'm looking for each day.

How do we help new students feel accepted?

What does my environment create?

Is there a place and people who welcome new students?

What ways can we help students take next steps towards Christ?

I spent some time with a friend of mine at LCBC weeks ago and we spent a few hours talking at a coffee shop about how we reach and connect students to God. What I learned were some clear steps on how to help students feel accepted from the moment they walk in the door.

Ministry is leading people to where God wants them to be.

Because we value students experiencing the love of Christ, they should know this immediately. Here is how we want to funnel students into our student ministry:

Greeters help build a welcoming environment. A small group of students will help alongside our adults, to greet the students as they arrive. First time guests will receive a can of candy as a gift.

"First 5" - As students enter the room, small groups will cluster together and spend the first five minutes answering a fun question. It helps create the welcoming environment for new students and helps the leaders know who they have to welcome in their small group. It can go longer than 5 minutes, but we want them to feel like it was over too soon, rather than drawn out.

Games - We spend around 10-15 minutes with our middle schoolers to create community.  High school students receive time to hang out together in the concourse before the gathering.

Welcome/Announcements: We follow the game with a quick welcome and reminder of what is coming up. We are trying to build an orientation statement such as,

"We are glad you are here especially if this is your first time! We are about to continue our series, "(insert series title)" so find your message notes, your Bible and a pen. After we all worship together, we will end the night in small groups."

What thoughts do you have on welcoming students?