Hebrews 10:24, NLT

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

At a church small group leaders meeting tonight we talked about the mission of our groups. While the description of my group (below) could qualify as a mission statement, I think this verse from Hebrews better describes what the overall purpose of our meeting each week is about.

We are a women-only small group; a fun mix of women in their 20s who meet weekly in central Dallas. We represent a unique blend of careers, hair colors, and hobbies. But with all that aside, we come together each week as a community of appreciated individuals to share, learn and serve with one another as we seek to deepen our relationships with God.

Looking at it now, the verse and the description say the same thing (more or less). Overall, the main point is that we know why we meet each week. We want to motivate and encourage each other to know God better and to incorporate His love in our daily actions.

I just learned that I need to prepare a short message to share during the footwashing events for my upcoming trip to India. I need to speak from the Word and center on either a parable, God's desire to release people from captivity, or God's love. Basically, I need to apply the mission of my small group to this mission trip - encourage others and motivate them to accept and live out God's love.

In that mindset, it's a different picture in Dallas than it will be in New Delhi. But I'm hopeful that I will be used by God to encourage (both here and there), and also that God will use His people around the world to encourage me. More than anything, I hope God's heart will be pleased by all that He sees His hands doing through mine and those on my team and those in my small group.