G12 Life Group Notes– August 1 , 2012– 6:30 a.m. Pastor Goudeaux __ Open in Prayer Song Testimonies Prayer of Three Witnessing Receive Offering Assimilation……what it really means!! Ephesians 4:13,16-key scripture. Til we should all attain the unity of the faith and knowledge of God’s son, reaching maturity, reaching the full measure of development which belong to the fullness of Christ 14. Instead of remaining immature, blown from off course, and swayed by every passing wind of doctrine (drifters). By the adrointness of men who are dexterous and devising error. Who are to hold by the truth and by our love to grow up (Hebrews 6:1-3 message))wholly into Him. For He Christ is the head and under Him as the entire body is well together and compacted by every joint which with it is supplied the do activity of each part enables the body to grow and build itself up in love. Moffatt translation ASSIMILATION DEFINED: Church Assimilation is the task of moving people from an awareness of the church to attendance at church to active membership in the church Assimilation=to take in and incorporate as ones own; to absorb, to bring in Assimilation = Incorporation, bonding, joining, and assimilating Physiology definition: to convert ( food) to substances suitable for incorporation into body and it's tissues. Transform-to change in form, appearance, or structure, to convert Both concepts body and building occurring together emphasize the key idea of growth. Ephesians 2-19-22 Goal of assimilation is to evangelize and disciple the lost until we all come into the unity of Christ. • Ephesians 4:13,16 • Romans 12:2 • 1Corinthians 12:12-18 clear word • Matthew 9:35-37(message) sheep having no shepherd-drifters( aimlessly wandering, helpless and misled • Matthew 5:3 -assimilation produces results -imitation doesn't produce results A churches assimilation process is taking peole throough the vrious levels of commitment to a church by the 5-C’s: 1. Community(unchurched) 2. Crowd ( regular attendance) 3. Congregation(members) 4. Committed(maturing/involved members) 5. Core (lay leaders) Acts 2:41-12 Acts 6:1-6, Acts 15:28-29 • Assimilation is as old as the church • There were difficulties associated with assimilation since the beginning of the church • We assimilate people when we help them to acquire similar knowledge, similar attitudes, towards Christ and His church, similar feelings of belonging, and similar patterns of behavior. • Churches have not been diligent in their efforts to incorporate new people. • Future congregations need strong entry processes. • Very little knowledge of religion or Christianity is necessary. • Must set aside time and energy for first class attention. THE ASSIMILATION PRODUCES RESULTS: • Identifies with the goals of the church. • Attends worship services regularly. • Experiences spiritual growth and progress. • Becomes a member of the Body. • Have 5‐10 new friends in the church. • Has an appropriate task or role that matches spiritual giftedness. • Is involved in meaningful fellowship in a small group. • Regularly tithes to the church. • Participates by spreading the Good News to Friends and relatives(Matthew 28:18‐20; • Identifies with the goals of the church. • Is regular in worship attendance and at special services (Hebrews 10:25). • Attends Communion/Sunday school regularly and has Bible reading • And family devotions in the home (Acts 2:42). • Is growing spiritually (2 Peter 3:18). • Has affiliated with the congregation. • Have six or more friends in the church. • Has a task or role that is appropriate for his or her spiritual gift(s) • (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4:10‐11). • Is involved in a fellowship group (Acts 2:42). • Gives regularly and generously (1 Corinthians 16:2).