Ch. 9-13

Ch. 9
In my congregation the mystery that Paul speaks of is evident by the fact that the people keep coming back. Why would someone continue to participate or show up to something that they didn't enjoy? True there might be some people, more likely men, who attend because their families do and they have made friends in the church and there by enjoy hanging out. But, I would wager that they are rare. It is human nature to want to be around others that share similar interests. Therefore, by being a Christian it is the basis for that bond.

Ch. 10
Currently I am a co-leader of a men's Bible study that meets on Wednesday mornings. This group meets at a UMC and was started by one of their members who was attending the Monday morning men's group my church held. One of the church elders heard about it and started to attend and invited several other men from our congregation to also attend. As of now we have anywhere from 5-10 men and there are 3 different churches and denominations represented each week. I truly enjoy my time with the group because we discuss scripture and current events as men of God, not as members of a certain denomination. In fact denominations don't play any part in our discussions. It is a truly uplifting time for me and i wouldn't trade it for anything.

Ch. 11-13
CGGC
Worship - Is the time we spend as a church praising God for all that He does and did for us. This includes singing songs, praying, partaking in communion (provided it is one of the designated days), collecting the offering and of course a sermon. We do this because we are commanded as Christians to do this. "Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name." (Heb 13:15, AMP) It is done by someone standing up in front of the congregation leading the songs, the prayers and then the pastor gets up in front and preaches to them. Though there may be some visual aids, it is typically a very verbal and non interactive service.

PM Disciple
Worship - Is a time for people to come together to share their time together, to connect with not only God, but with one another. IT is our time to experience what it means to be filled and moved by the spirit. During our experience we stand if we want to during the songs, we raise our hands during the songs or the sermon and we respond with "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" if we agree with what the pastor has said. The sermon relates to our lives and while the pastor speaks, the 50" TVs on either side of the stage show the scripture, his talking points and the modern video clip to help drive home what he is trying to get across. We come together to share our lives with one another and to provide a support system for each other. Our experience is free flowing in that you don't feel like it is regimented, but rather it all flows together, one thing into the next and before you know it, it is over.