wo are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
feel as if we have finally arrived at the place where we can begin to exhale, thankfully! With the loss of so many lives during Covid, the past three years have thrown our world and our worlds into a tailspin. We’re experiencing a shift in the economy, almost unimaginable weather occurrences, political upheaval and disruption, wars, and rumors of wars which have added to the challenge of the times.
I
We are Better Together! In our hearts, I believe we each know this is true. Unfortunately, pain can make us doubt it, being deprived of social settings numbs us, and creates denial. Difficulties may paint togetherness as not worth the trouble, and disappointments may seek to discourage any future attempts. However, we must fight to embrace and protect this truth. We are Better Together!
The word of God is full of examples of how real connection with others can enhance our lives. Perhaps this truth, in a post Covid era, has never been more critical and necessary. With computers in our hands (cell phones) and access to a television with a zillion channels, we sway from one side to the other, between craving human interaction and ignoring it and its importance. Does anyone remember when there were just 3 channels and television shut off at around 12am or 1am? I know that I’m showing my age!
In this year’s foundational scripture, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, we hear truth from the observant eye of the wise man, Solomon, We Are Better Together! If one falls and is alone, it can be catastrophic, but knowing that there are people that support you can give you the confidence and boldness to step out and live a higher quality of life and a life of greater impact. Having solid relationships can substantially improve our quality of life and open doors for ministry to take place.
Whether within the physical family, church family, friendships, financial arena or within the community at large, healthy relationships make the world a better place in which to live. This year, let us journey into the Word of God and find the value of healthy togetherness. Let us learn how to develop it, maintain it, and improve it for the glory of God.
WE ARE BETTER BY BEING TOGETHER, AND WE CAN BE FAR MORE PRODUCTIVE.
Our efforts are multiplied in their effectiveness when we work together! One can chase a thousand, and I’m sure two can put ten thousand to flight with God’s favor upon them. We Are Better Together! This year, we will follow the path to Better relationally with truth from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, functionally with truth from Colossians 3:14 (NLT), and spiritually with truth from Psalm 133! It’s going to be a blessed year!!!
#BetterTOGETHER
14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14 (NLT)
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Psalm 133 (NKJV)
By Senior Pastor BISHOP ROSIE S. O’NEAL
ADDING 75 NEW KIDMIN TEAM MEMBERS
350 TEAM MEMBERS FOR THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED FUN FAIR
GIVING $1.2 MILLION TO TOWNHOUSE BUILDING PROJECT
Did you know that in the next forty to fortyfive years it is predicted that for the first time in history, Christianity will be the minority religion in America? The challenging part of this statistic is the fact that most of those who will be non-believers will consider themselves as non-identifiers with any type of faith. So, what does this mean? It means that people are losing connection with their faith in God and the only tangible connection that non-believers would have to God is you and I.
So, what does that have to do with us? It means that as believers in Jesus Christ, to fulfill our calling in Him and be fulfilled in life, we must make true connections and engage in excellent ministry. By now, you have read the other articles and I hope you understand that life groups will be a significant focus for the direction of our church. Life groups will give us the opportunity to develop relationships that extend beyond Sunday.
Another aspect of connection that is critical for your spiritual walk and the potential spiritual walk of the non-believers is that we are called to reach. This type of connection is formed through serving in ministry. Therefore, in Koinonia culture when someone say they want to get connected, the first question we ask is, “Are you serving in a ministry?” We ask this because we realize being in a ministry not only brings fulfillment through service, but it connects people into another small community within the church.
To improve that connection, we will intentionally work to increase the family and
team “feel” of every ministry at Koinonia. This will come through intentional moments of engaging in conversation and showing care to fellow ministry team members. Whether your conversation is about family and friends, occupation, recreational activities, or the dreams that you may have, these types of interactions help us learn more about each other and grow closer as we serve together in ministry.
“TO IMPROVE THAT CONNECTION, WE WILL INTENTIONALLY WORK TO INCREASE THE FAMILY AND TEAM “FEEL” OF EVERY MINISTRY AT KOINONIA. THIS WILL COME THROUGH INTENTIONAL MOMENTS OF ENGAGING IN CONVERSATION AND SHOWING CARE TO FELLOW MINISTRY TEAM MEMBERS!
Our care for each other is seen beyond Sunday. At times we will send a “checking on you” text message and we pray with and for each other. This type of environment of connection and care within ministry teams will not only strengthen you as a believer, but it will give you an opportunity within your ministry teams to draw in those nonbelievers.
As we draw people into ministry, it is critical that we continue to function in excellence. Together, we must create clear processes to transition into, out of, and upward in ministry. Investing time in the personal and technical development of our ministry team members will be key strategies that help us to excel in how we do ministry. This is important because in the same way that Daniel’s spirit of excellence (Daniel 5:12) drew the attention of the King, our excellence in ministry will draw the attention of our King (Jesus Christ) and draw non-believers.
Finally, we must know that our connections and our excellence in ministry is made effective through the love of Christ that we demonstrate. In chemistry, there is a term called “catalyst.” A catalyst is a substance that is added to a chemical reaction to speed it up or to make it more effective without being consumed during the reaction. That is what the heart of love is when we demonstrate it in ministry. This love makes our efforts of excellence and our connections more effective when it is at the heart of everything we do.
The Bible says that “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8), so as we work TOGETHER to create long lasting connections and demonstrate excellence in ministry, let us all be driven by the catalyst of love that will cause us to draw in non-believers and impact their eternity.
By Executive Pastor DR. SHONDELL JONES
100% PARTICIPATION IN LIFE GROUPS
MEN’S MINISTRY
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
KCC COUPLES CONNECT
A life group provides an opportunity for connection, growth, support, and real-life examples of how God is working in our midst.
Pastor Rick Warren made the statement, “The church of Jesus Christ has the unique mandate of growing larger and smaller at the same time.” We are to grow larger through Sunday worship encounters, as we experience powerful times of praise and worship, along with the impactful and relevant teaching of God’s word. We see many people give their lives to Jesus and become members of Koinonia. That is amazing! However, the second part of the mandate is to grow smaller as well, and we do that through fellowship. This is why life groups are so important.
In a life group you experience authentic fellowship that makes the church feel smaller. We understand from Hebrews 10:25 that life groups should never replace the gathering of believers in a Sunday worship encounter. The groups create an atmosphere ready-made for building connections. People tend to talk more in a smaller group of people, which opens the door for genuine conversation to listen, learn, and grow. There is so much power in our personal journeys that will help us and others as we share it with them.
When we share our lives with others over time, we foster relationships and build a community to do life together. The relationships formed within life groups help create a strong fabric within a church and serve as a witness to our Lord. In John 13:35 Jesus said, “By this shall
all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Watching a group of people do life together and
walking through the blessings and burdens of life can touch the hearts of people around us.
Life groups also provide a comfortable introduction for non-believers to the Christian faith. In some instances, inviting people to church is not always the best means of evangelism.
WE’VE CREATED LIFE GROUPS FOR PEOPLE TO DEVELOP REAL CONNECTIONS, SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER, AND STRENGTHEN THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. THE CONNECTIONS MADE THROUGH A LIFE GROUP WILL
CAUSE YOU TO EXPERIENCE TANGIBLE GROWTH PERSONALLY, SPIRITUALLY, AND RELATIONALLY.
also get to listen to them pray and hear them share God’s work in their life. Non-believers are more likely to ask questions, get answers, and form relationships with the believers. Therefore, life groups are a powerful missional tool!
As you join a life group, know that you are stepping into the will of God for your life. We were not made to do life alone. God’s desire is for us to live our lives for Him and in community with each other. When we do, we will experience authentic fellowship, tangible growth, and genuine support that comes through being together.
By Staff Pastor PASTOR TREV EVANS
“WE WERE NOT MADE TO DO LIFE ALONE!
GOD’S DESIRE IS FOR US TO LIVE OUR LIVES FOR HIM AND IN COMMUNITY WITH EACH OTHER”.
Acts 2:42-47 narrates the beginning of the Church that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 16:23. Jesus said He was building a church with people who had a revelation of who He is and the gates of hell would not prevail against His church. Jesus gave this prophetic declaration to a small group of men in the desert. Later his disciples and followers were sent to an upper room and tarried until the Holy Spirit filled them all.
Then the narrative continues in Acts 2:42. A host of believers came together and were instructed to go to each other’s houses to fellowship, receive the Word of God, sow their seed, and care for one another. These house churches were made up of small groups and have become the model we have named life groups.
The scripture in Acts should be familiar to you because it is the scriptural foundation of our church. I remember sitting at 33C Stratford Arms apartments in Greenville (probably on the green bean bag) as Rev. Rosie O’neal (at the time) outlined to a group of about ten of us what God told her to do. I was at this meeting because I received a call previously from her asking the question, “What kind of church are you looking for?”
While sitting in this meeting, we discussed many things, one of which was the name of the church. Rev. O’neal said that God told her to name the church “Koinonia” based on Acts 2. This group of participants got smaller and seven of us committed to starting a
church. Koinonia started as a Life Group. We prayed, ate, cried, and celebrated together. We worked from morning till
night together to get things done. But mainly, we lived our lives together.
As has been said, life happens to everyone; this was certainly true for the original core members.But blessedly, we stayed together. We were never alone because we had each other. We were there for everything including baby showers, miscarriages, marriages, divorces, graduations, and funerals. We did not do life alone!
AS HAS BEEN SAID, LIFE HAPPENS TO EVERYONE; THIS WAS CERTAINLY TRUE FOR THE ORIGINAL CORE MEMBERS. BUT BLESSEDLY, WE STAYED TOGETHER.
WE WERE NEVER ALONE BECAUSE WE HAD EACH OTHER.
When people who see Koinonia Christian Center (KCC) now, they may comment about the new buildings, the great outreaches, the number of members, and more. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for that. However, I believe the real testimony of KCC is that we did it together. The small group setting enabled us to grow and pursue God’s plan. Over the years, we have continued to love and respect each other, the vision of our Pastor became our personal call, we worked to please God, and we looked out for one another.
This year we are refocusing on the foundation of the Church that Jesus built. That foundation is life groups. No matter how large the church gets or what exciting events are held, our foundation is relationship and fellowship (1 John 1:7). When you participate in a life group, you are going to grow in your faith, gain friends, and connect with others. You contribute your gifts and perspectives to help others and gain better in life because of your obedience to the biblical model of fellowship.
Follow the faith of your Pastor and your church. Join a life group today because We Are Better Together.
By Assistant Pastor PASTOR
ANTHONY HUTCHINS
THIS YEAR WE ARE REFOCUSING ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH THAT JESUS BUILT. THAT FOUNDATION IS LIFE GROUPS. NO MATTER HOW LARGE THE CHURCH GETS, OUR FOUNDATION IS RELATIONSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP (1 JOHN 1:7).
FEBRUARY
6 - 34th Church Anniversary
22 - PCC Black History
Orchestra Concert
28 - Moving Forward Church
Fast Begins
MARCH 5 - Bishop's 10-year Cancer
Free!
15 - Mid Fast Night of Worship
25 - Loving Through Feeding
APRIL
7 - Good Friday Communion
9 - Easter & Resurrection Seed
Sunday - Max Factor 10 Year
Anniversary - College Graduation Sunday
AUGUST (Prayer Campaign)
1 - 31 Prayer Campaign
17 - ECU College Move In
27 - Launchpad Service
(Back to School Prayer)
SEPTEMBER 10 - College Sunday 14 - 17 - Family & Friends
Weekend
OCTOBER 15 - 33rd Pastoral Anniversary
29 - Youth Imagination Day
NOVEMBER 12 - Veteran's Day Recognition
22 - Noonday Pre-Thanksgiving
Bible Study
MAY - Differently Abled Fun Fair
DECEMBER 10 - Bishop's Birthday Celebration
(Birthday Dec. 14)
JUNE - Senior Day & Pentecost
Sunday - Father's Day & Juneteenth
JULY - KFCM Convocation 2023
17 - Christmas-themed Worship
Encounter 24 - Christmas Encounter
(One Service)
31 - New Year's Eve
Worship Encounter
