Mix Up Your Meeting

And get out of your rut.

by Amy Jackson

January can be a difficult month. The holiday haze has lifted, we're failing at our resolutions, colder weather keeps us indoors, and the financial strain of the holidays keeps us from many fun activities. Without a holiday in sight, January can feel gloomy and routine—it's the same ol' same ol'.

So if your group has started to feel a little mundane, it might be time to mix things up and bring some fun to the lives of your group members. Our newest Practical Ministry Skills resource gives tons of ideas for leading outside the box. From changing up your meeting schedule to planning more group prayer to starting a Facebook page to stay connected through the week, you'll walk away with practical, doable ideas you can implement right away.

Included in the pack is a list of prayer stations from Keri Wyatt Kent. Set up one or several and have group members work through them on their own. Or do one as a group—it could be a great lead into your lesson or a practical next step afterward. Here's one of Kent's ideas.

Confession
Materials:
Paper with Psalm 103:8–14 and Romans 3:21–24 printed on it
Washable markers
Large clear vase filled with water (you may want to put a washcloth or layer of small stones in the bottom to cushion)
Smooth river rocks, as flat as possible

Instructions:
Spend some time asking God to meet you in this station. This is not about guilt or shame, but the truth that sets us free.

The Bible tells us that we have all sinned, yet God offers us the free gift of forgiveness.

What sin do you need to confess to God? What have you done, or left undone? Where have you been less than loving and kind? Are there situations where you were selfish or untruthful? Ask God to show you these, knowing that all the while, he is looking at you in love.

Pick one sin that has been a burden to you, one you truly wish to be free of (because the truth is, sometimes we hang on to sins). Write a word or two on one of the stones, to represent this burden.

Gently slip the stone into the vase of water and watch it sink. Imagine this stone is your sin, which God has removed, and thrown to the bottom of the sea. Notice how the word fades as the water washes the stone.

End your time at this station by thanking God for his forgiveness, rejoicing in the truth that he cleanses us from all unrighteousness.