Words of Encouragement from St. Ignatius

Ignatius of Antioch once said, “Take heed, then, to come together often to give thanks to God, and show his praise. For when you come frequently together in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and his fiery darts of sin fall back, worthless. For your unity and harmonious faith prove his destruction, and the torment of his assistants."  What a powerful quote to remind us of the importance of meeting together in small group communities.  Whenever you need encouragement as a Life Group leader, remember these words and be renewed in your resolve to continue on.  If you ever feel that what you do is insignificant, read again the words of St. Ignatius and take comfort in knowing that the ministry God has called you to is certainly of great importance.

There is nothing more powerful than unity and fellowship within the Body of Christ.  When we join together in small groups, we encourage one another, we carry each others burdens, we become a united front against a world that is sometimes very dark.  When we regularly meet together, with Christ at the center, we gain strength from one another, find rest when weary, peace when fearful and witness a common bond that we each have through Christ's Holy Spirit.  We also share each others joys, victories and success in the Kingdom of God, and instill in each other a hope for tomorrow that propels us forward, when we feel we just can't do it alone.  These are the kinds of things that Satan hates the most, because it renders him powerless.

This quote by Ignatius has encouraged me in times of trouble and frustration.  Most recently, they were a lifeline for me a particular difficult time as a small group pastor before coming back to Gateway.  When my human instinct wanted me to retreat and isolate myself, these words reminded me that being a Lone Ranger leader was the last thing we ever want to do.  It reminded me to surround myself with people who loved me and longed to minister to me.  We need each other and that is one of the most important aspects of why we meet in Life Groups, and why you do what you do.  I hope you will gain the same encouragement from these words as well.  We are incredibly blessed to serve as leaders in Life Group ministry!

Peace & Blessings!