All-4-1

For the last 3 years I have had the privilege of leading a class at our church called "All-4-1". When the class started it was 2-4-1 because it was pretty much all newly married couples. Since then, most of the couples have had children and the name was changed. We are not to be confused with the band All 4 One...I Swear! (only some of you will get that...especially if you were born in the 70's or 80's).

Our church has grown to about 1,200 people every Sunday now, so we break down into these "small churches" to stay better connected. Even within our "small church" class of 40, we have broken down into even smaller groups that we call "care teams" to ensure everyone is being connected and cared for in a way that brings glory to God.

Currently we are going through the book of James. I try and connect each lesson with how it applies to our lives, our marriages, and our children - and James certainly has a lot to say about that! It is also a great experience for me to connect my Greek, hermeneutics, and seminary training to exegetical (basically getting into the mind of the author based on language, culture, placement, surrounding text, etc) teaching. Was seminary worth all the time and sacrifice? I'll let you ask Jen that question since she worked way harder than I did.

Anyways, All-4-1 is an awesome group of men and women, and it is amazing how many of them are involved deeply within the class (on our teams of care, teaching, hospitality, social, mens/womens ministry, and missions), or outside the class with youth group, nursery, The Cove (for young children), our church plant, Mother's of Preschoolers, etc. I say "amazing" because our class is at an age where time is a major factor since the high school/college days are done for everyone, the married days with no kids to be responsible for are gone for most, and retirement and empty nest is a long way off! If I had to guess, I would estimate 90% of us are involved in ministry inside and/or outside the class. Many churches would love to go above 30%! My philosophy of ministry and being a pastor (which I will talk more about in the future) is based on Ephesians 4 which Paul tells us God has gifted all believers and we are to all (not just pastors, elders, etc) use those gifts for His glory. My main function is to identify, teach, and train those to use their gifts for His Kingdom, and it is truly a blessing to see that happening in All-4-1!

Here is a video of a recent social --- Progressive Dinner