Kairos gatherings

Whether or not he was in a crowd, Jesus retained the ability to spot the individual in need. He was able to focus purely on them, to listen deeply, and help them unlock the things that bound them, or that they needed to unmentally or physically.  In these encounters, he would pray, lay healing hands, or simply offer them worth and value that those around did not. 

In Kairos we value the opportunity to share intimately and deeply in this way.  To that end, we encourage everyone to find a Spiritual director, close friend, coach or mentor, who can offer this same guidance or focus. 

Although Jesus had 12 disciples, he also had an inner circle, with whom he could share more deeply, and who witnessed parts of Jesus’ life that the other disciples did not. 

Although we encourage personal prayer, there is great value in being able to pray regularly with a tiny group of two or three, with whom you can be very honest and open before God, and who will pray for us and with us and share in our lives more deeply.

Famously, of course, Jesus had 12 disciples.  Hundred’s of years later, those who have followed the Jesus’ way still appreciate the value of this still relatively small, but diverse way of meeting.    Twelve isnt magic, but around this number, it allows for people to break into smaller discussions, lots of opinions can be shared, but the meeting isnt too large that everyone cannot speak, or feels overwhelmed. 

Traditionally a disciple aimed to be like their Rabbi, in the case of the Twelve Disciples, like Jesus.  We still do the same, in small groups we read our bibles, pray, reflect on the world, and our lives and help one another discover how Jesus’s life and his words can speak to us and guide us.

Our Grass Roots groups, and our Leaders Huddles both seek to find this sweet spot in numbers, and if a group grows, it should look to divide to maintain this balance of sharing and intimacy.

When it came to spreading the word, social action, healing and helping people, Jesus had a larger group of followers, who he sent out to serve and minister to others in his name.  In the bible, famously he sent out 72, in pairs, to go into the villages, share the good news, and accept the hospitality of those they encountered.

Our Kairos groups, similarly seek to bless, serve, engage and transform our communities.  They may be relatively small, but equally the scale will be determined by the context, or goals of the group.  These groups will naturally be a mix of committed followers of Jesus, and partners who do not share our faith, but share a passion to make a difference in the world and help others. 

Wherever Jesus went, crowds gathered to see him, to hear his words and simply to be in his presence.  We all remember the story of feeding the 5000, and indeed 4000.  We remember him speaking from hills, or taking refuge on a boat off shore so everyone could be heard.

We too, want to share our faith, to bless our local communities, to share our joy and what we’ve discovered in following the Jesus way.  Our gatherings might be a little more tehnical, an online webinar, or zoom meeting.  A mix of physical and digital, or simply a fun day for our local community.  These are days for welcoming all, celebrating, worshipping and partying.