The 4 Gs are not for Victory’s benefit. They are for you! This is the church's best attempt at leading us through what God scripturally has called us to as followers of Jesus! I think it’s common for people to feel like the church is always needing something more from them in order to operate. Of course the Church does benefit when the congregation is all in, God intended it to be that way. But the bottom line isn’t the corporate success of a church. It’s connecting people back to God. As we walk through each of the 4 Gs, I encourage you to consider what your faith would look like if you went all in at whatever church you call home.

Gathering: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

If you’ve gathered with us in person, I hope it was abundantly clear that we are so glad you’re there and that what we’re trying to accomplish is not measured by the number of butts in seats, and cannot be contained by a building! We’re trying to flood the gates of Heaven with believers! There are a whole host of reasons why gathering is important but ultimately we believe gathering is important because God believes it’s important! The Church, also known as the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ, the household of God, and God’s building, is not God’s side hustle. It’s still the main source of fulfilling His command to love Him above all us, love one another and to make disciples.

Groups: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42

If you’ve wondered what small groups are like here at Victory, this verse sums it up. We learn about Jesus through the studies prepared for us. We get to talk about our lives, our struggles and our celebrations together. There is always some type of bread, ironically enough, because my group likes carbs. And we pray for one another. In the best times and the worst, my group members are the first to know because I know they’ll drop everything to pray with me.

Gifts: “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, the prophesy in accordance to your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:4-6

I once believed I wasn’t holy enough to serve. I didn’t know enough about the Bible. I was still too sinful. I just wasn’t good enough. Once I was a better Christian, then I would volunteer. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to those lies. What I have found is that I have never seen Jesus more clearly, and have never felt more close to Him, than I do when I am serving. Because that’s who Jesus was...a Servant. Serving isn’t always exciting and glamorous, it’s humble and sometimes uncomfortable. But it’s always, always fruitful.

Generosity: “By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18

When we chose Victory as our church home, it was because of how they invested in people who may never see the inside of our building. Whether doing something local here in Johnson County or supporting missionaries around the world, we’re eager and honored to partner with them through our recurring, sacrificial gift. I want my love for Jesus to be reflective in how I love those in need.

I hope this has helped you consider where the Lord is wanting to meet you next in your walk with Him.