CREW

I remember the first year I began attending New Life. The public bus didn’t run on Sundays and at the time I had no car, so I would walk. Those Sunday walks became sort of like a tradition; some days were more of a struggle than others, but no matter what I showed up. A love for Jesus was rapidly growing in my heart and those ‘walks’ were really a soul so desperate to be in a safe space with the Lord. New Life became that safe space for me. For the first time church was no longer an obligation, but a priority. It was a need in my life always, but for the first time it was truly a want. I desired whole-heartedly to be in God’s house and in the presence of God’s people. It really wasn’t long before I decided to join a crew because I knew I wanted to go deeper with the Lord.
 
For anyone who knows me, they can attest to my superb ability to isolate. Isolation is that sneaky subtle voice that says, “Nobody cares if I don’t go!” or “I’m just too tired, they don’t need me!” It’s the lying voice of the enemy that keeps me hidden away; comfortable and complacent. Amongst a sea of people we can easily drown out the noise with a little isolation. Keeping people just enough at bay to never really expose what I’m struggling with or reveal my God given talents; or maybe suddenly disappearing with no one close enough to notice. A lack of deep connection from people within the church places me amongst a crowd, not within a community. Gathering just once on Sunday doesn’t always allow those deeper connections to take root, but crews make room for intentional time for Jesus within a smaller community. A chance to find ‘your’ people in a diverse crowd of vast personalities. It’s only been through crews that I have expanded my understanding of why participating in smaller intimate groups to do life with is so important.  
 
No matter what title we hold, whether it be a single thirty-year-old woman like myself, or a married father of five like Pastor Marco we all can benefit from sharing thoughts, testimonies, struggles and successes with other believers. Crews provide a safe space for vulnerability in a rather judgmental world; a place for accountability in a world that screams ‘the show must go on!’ or ‘leave em’ behind!’ In crews we show grace for others’ shortcomings and we celebrate the small and big wins; we pray earnestly for healing and we expect breakthroughs! Remember, the last thing the enemy wants is for a group of believers to earnestly pray for breakthroughs! Crews are a spiritual weapon! Jesus is with you in the deep dive to an unknowing place with new authentic people. I invite you in to experience a one-of-a-kind journey that will surely change your life. I invite you to trust in the Lord and the community of people He has waiting for you in the most beautiful, unpredictable ways.