Who are your people?

"Love your neighbor as you love yourself." This was part of Jesus' answer when people asked him about the most important law. If this was His answer to THAT question, we should probably pay close attention to what He said. 
We cannot love our neighbor if we isolate ourselves. We cannot love our neighbor if we never put ourselves in situations that call for love and grace. We can only practice this command of Jesus when we intentionally put ourselves close to other people. So, who are your people?
I recently sat in a webinar in which David Kinnaman, president of Barna Group, outlined 3 key relationship that are conducive to a successful spiritual life. 
1. Family - Is your family one in which you are all concerned with each other's spiritual journey? Are you praying with each, attending church with each other, serving with one another? 
2. Small Group - In most churches (Southwest included) around 38% of members are involved in some kind of consistent group that challenges each other spiritually. 
3. Mentor - You are even more likely to succeed spiritually if you meet on a regular basis with someone that is coaching you on life and spiritual matters, and that is there when you have those deep questions. 
Only 13% of members have all 3 of these relationships, but those who do have a higher chance of growing spiritually.  
Let's aim for all of these relationships so that we can grow and that the Southwest body can be built up! 
 
Blessings, 
Franklin 
 
P.S. Here are a few things we are working towards in the Body Life Department. (1) We are revamping our website and hope to have it online within a month or two. (2) We are still in need of Small Group facilitators but have a few Groups starting soon. (3) We are hoping to get our Welcome Ministry started up by the fall. Please continue to pray for our church body to be healthy and growing!