Welcome & Introduction

        Read Romans 12:10

At first glance, the theme “We’re Family” may seem a bit out of place for a missions conference. Shouldn’t we be focusing on how to reach the lost in our city and world? Good question, so here’s the background.

At the end of last year’s MissionsFest I (Dan Ryan) asked everyone to complete a survey of sorts. We provided a card to each person in service and asked them to share where they are serving in the city and in the world. The responses were incredible. Our church family has certainly answered the call! 

However, a trend emerged among the responses. The vast majority of responses were how people were serving as individuals, on their own.

To understand the history of Eastbrook missions is to understand that we have a history and a heart for being on mission together. Not that a centralized singular person tells us all what to do and where, but that we commit ourselves to one another as to go out together, as family. While there are ways we are serving on mission together today, last year’s responses show that there is room to grow in this area.

For today’s reading, start with Romans 12:10, reflect on that passage, and then expand your reading to the whole chapter of Romans 12. Spend time with God individually reflecting and praying over this passage and our theme for this year’s MissionsFest. Then take the next step outlined below for a small group discussion. 

Use this devotional as an opportunity to host a conversation with your friends, family, neighbors or small group. After watching today’s video post on eastbrook.org/devotionals/werefamily, use these steps to discuss the Bible passage for today:

• One person reads the Bible passage out loud while everyone else follows along.
• Each person take a turn restating the passage in their own words.
• Read the passage again.
• Have each person answer these questions: 
  • “What does this tell me about God?”
  • “What does this tell me about me?”
  • “What does this tell me I ought to do?”
• Have each person share who they know that they will share this with.

by Dan Ryan