The message from Ephesians 4  raised the need to address bitterness in our heart but this is a large and complex issue.  One 30 minute message does not even begin to address all the caveats, exceptions, clarifications, and important details.  So I am going to make some suggestions to anyone who may be interested in pursuing this further.  These are resources that I have found useful in my own growth in this area and that I have used in disicpling others.

1.  John Johnson (one of our elders and a professional counselor) has offered to lead a group on this subject.  Would you be interested in this?   If so send us an email and we will explore a meeting time etc.

2.  The Freedom in Christ course by Neil Anderson in session 7,8 and 9 addresses issues related to emotional health, anger, and forgiveness.  Our home groups have been studying this material.  If you are not in a home group but would like to get in on the discussion, the group I lead on Wednesday nights is just now getting to this topic.  You are welcome to join us. Our schedule is as follows:  Weds January 19th – Session 7 the Battle for the Mind, Weds Feb. 2nd – Session 8 Emotional Freedom, Weds Feb. 16th – Session 9 Forgiving From the Heart.  All classes meet at 6:30 PM.  We have been meeting at the Plaza next to Casey’s gas station.  Check with the church office to make sure there are no changes (320-762-5424).

The same material is being used during the Sunday School hour led by Kim Collins.  Kim’s group meets every Sunday at the Plaza at 10:30 am .

3.  The following are books or tools that I have found useful for anyone wishing to do some study on your own.

-  Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson.  Chapters 9, 10, and 11 coincide with the Freedom in Christ material mentioned above.  He has developed a tool called the Steps to Freedom, step 3 is entitled Bitterness Versus Forgiveness.  I would recommend every believer use this tool to develop an intentionally obedient response in this area.

- The Peacemaker by Ken Sande is a very insightful book that helps us to develop biblical responses to conflict.   If you have a specific conflict with someone I would suggest you use the Peacemaker Workbook which will give you step by step assistance in applying biblical peacemaking principles.

Victory Over the Darkness and the Peacemaker are available for sale on the book cart in the church foyer by the Visitor Center.

-The Anger Workbook and The Choosing to Forgive Workbook written by Dr. Les Carter and Dr. Frank Minirth.  These two books are filled with practical helps written by Christian psychologists.

If you find yourself in over your head with issues of bitterness or if you are struggling to understand forgiveness then please do come in and talk to either myself, Melody, or Jeff (for students).  Feel free to shoot any questions by email as well.

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Book a Month Study

Members – Staff, PLT, and the leaders of many of the ministry teams of the church.
Connections, Women’s, Men’s, WAMM, Care, Missions, Students, Childrens, and Building. This would create a community of about 13 to 15 members.

Meetings – This Ministry Community would meet together up to once per month during seasons of planning and change and less frequently but never less than once per quarter during seasons when things are running smoothly.

Each meeting would consist of Vision/Huddle/Skills. We hear the dreams of each ministry team, and give feedback. We will “huddle” in small groups in mixed groups to discuss issues, and lastly the skills section addresses our own walk with God and ministry skills.

Proposed meeting dates:
June 6th – 1st meeting – 11:30 to 1:30 Lunch provided
July 18th 10:30 to 12:30
August 22nd 10:30 to 12:30

The agenda for summer discussion probably will include:
1. The disciplepath for LCC and it’s effect on Home groups, Men’s groups, Women’s groups, SS, Connections etc.
2. Launching EPIC Student ministry.
3. Orange focus for children’s ministry
4. Capitol campaign and building plans
5. Missions proposal for partnership with church in Mexico
6. Adopting new Missions partnerships
7. Fuse type events for summer and fall
8. Men’s Retreat
9. Preaching and worship schedules
10. Retrofitting our worship space