Welcome new leaders and hosts and welcome back returning leaders,

I write this as I watch the last presidential debate. If one thing is clear, this is a critical time for our country and for you to be in leadership in our church. More and more people need to know and experience the love of Jesus in our immediate communities and world. As we embark on Vision 2020, as we seek to bring the good news of Jesus to more and more people, your role in guiding your groups is foundational to that work.

As you continue the journey you have begun please know that we are praying for your success, praying for you to have wisdom, praying for your groups to be places of growth, love and care. You are leaders in the line of Esther, raised for such a time as this. As you guide your groups, do so with the love of Jesus, in the power of the Spirit and under the protection of the Father.

May your groups be blessed as you begin.

Let us know how we might pray for you more specifically by submitting comments to this article.