The SIAFU Guidebook

Part I I I : Forming a Company 95

Hosting SIAFU Network Chapter Meetings: Hints and Suggestions

Openly Welcome, Encourage, and Challenge City People to Become Disciples in Christ A SIAFU Chapter meeting is an assembly of urban Christians who seek to help and challenge one another in their spiritual journey in Christ. The regular meeting of the SIAFU Chapter is the key to the strength of our national network; we are a national fellowship of men and women who strive to welcome all true believers in Christ and equip them through prayer, testimony, and friendship to fulfill God’s will for their lives. We desire to make these gatherings open and fresh, a safe place where we can challenge fellow Christians to live the Christian life, or invite friends, neighbors, and associates to become followers of Jesus. 1. Our meetings can be places of welcome and belonging , where non- believers can hear the Good News, and Christians can be encouraged in their faith. SIAFU gatherings are meetings where urban disciples can encourage and inspire one another. (Rom. 15.4-7 – “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”) 2. Our meetings can be times where we challenge and exhort each other to abandon all for Christ, striving to live as disciples of Jesus where we are. SIAFU gatherings offer opportunity for urban Christians to “stir up” each other to live as disciples of Christ, and to bear witness of the Lord in their lives and communities. (Heb. 10.24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not Why do we need SIAFU Chapter Meetings?