So Why a Small Group
If you have been keeping up with my blog posts then you are aware of the many different aspects I have been talking about. In the midst of many of the things we go through, I have learned that small groups can be one of the most effective tools when used properly. If you are unsure what I mean by small groups maybe you know them by another name. Others refer to these groups as life groups, growth groups, home groups, cell groups. These groups are designed for people to engage in the biblical community while helping them to become more like Jesus [2]. So you might begin asking questions like what should every small group leader know? What are some skills I should have? What are my responsibilities?
First and foremost I think it is important to note that there is no one right way to do small groups. “Just as there are many mansions in God’s house, so there are many different needs in God’s body, the church, and today we are much more able to find a group somewhere that is designed to meet those needs.” [1] For me this was my church at Harvest Bible Chapel Lancaster. This small group of individuals came alongside me in a time of need and allowed God to use them to help me and the members of my group to grow not only in our everyday lives but in our spiritual lives as well. They were able to recognize my talents and abilities and encouraged me to use them. They challenged me to take risks, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and comforted me when I failed. More importantly, the leaders of my small group modeled how it looked to live a Christian lifestyle. As we know, in order to have an effective group, we need to have strong leaders and they were just that.
So what makes a strong leader you ask? This is something that can be rather difficult. To me a strong leader is someone who really listens to everyone, loves one another, has a good attitude and is prepared for the unexpected. Too many times I have been involved with groups where the leader hasn’t been able to handle situations that have been thrown there way. They haven’t been able to work well with one another and it has often left me feelings like I lacked a sense of belonging. Have you ever felt like you were in a group where you just simply didn’t belong?
You see everyone needs a sense of belonging, and I believe small groups is where you can make that work. Small groups are where you can come together as one body and offer support, grace, truth, and love to many areas of one’s life. I believe that God ultimately never intended for us to live the Christian life alone. If you think about it, God himself is a community of three people- the father, Son, and Holy Spirit [2]. Wouldn’t it make sense then for us to be in community with one another?
Recently I read an article from Christian Today titled 4 Reasons Small Groups are Vital to your Church’s Health which discussed how important small groups are to our Christian living [3]. In this article it discussed how in a study about 79% of individuals believed small groups are important to a Church. I believe if we only meet at Church once a week and do not do much else during the week, we struggle to find a lot of spiritual growth. Additionally, the church I go to [4] believes small groups are where spiritual growth can really happen. This is a place where the gospel can truly transform us in new and enriching ways. Additionally, there are four factors this article believes are foundational for small groups [3]. They are:
1. Personal Discovery
2. Smaller communities are more effective
3. Deeper friendships
4. Maximum participation
So what is my point in all this you may ask? I believe small groups are a place where we can truly bring a lot of good into the lives of the people we come in contact with. We should focus on using these opportunities as a way to grow closer to Christ.
As many of you are already aware, it can be rather difficult to get connected with a small group. Sometimes we do not like engaging with other people and other times we simply struggle finding the “perfect” group to connect with. Do not be discouraged, many churches have a variety of small groups you can get involved with. At Harvest Bible Chapel in Lancaster, small groups are the heartbeat of the church. Small groups meet every day of the week in homes, on campuses, and in the church. As a college student it is important for me to feel like I can join a group I truly connect with. This is the great thing about Harvest, they even have groups for college students. With all that being said, I believe it is rather important to recognize small groups can be a vital piece of our growth.
I remember a few years ago I first got involved with a small group. I didn’t really have many friends, I didn’t feel a sense of belonging, and I just felt like everyone was out to get me. I found myself struggling to find my true identity and I surely didn’t like where I was headed. Then one of my friends got me involved in his small group. He started talking to me about it and emphasizing how important it was for growth and development. I personally remember one testimony of an individual who experienced so much darkness in his life, death, struggles, and many things we can all relate to. I thought to myself, how is this man able to do all of the great things he is doing, how is he able to continue to walk forward in life. You know what he said, he said his small group members were the ones there to care for him, challenge him, motivate him, and encourage him. His small group was the individuals who took the time to listen to his heart and come alongside him when he needed them the most. I know for me, this is a type of group that is really inviting. Doesn’t it sound wonderful to be connected with people who share common similarities? Doesn’t it sound nice to be in an environment surrounded by people who simply seek to engage in life together?
So back to my question, why a small group?
I believe that small groups are the place where one’s character can truly be changed. Small groups allow us to truly learn more and more about the truth of Jesus Christ. Dr. Bilezikan wrote explained it this way: “It is in small groups that people can get close enough to know each other, to care and share, to challenge and support, to confide and confess, to forgive and be forgiven, to laugh and weep together, to be accountable to each other, to watch over each other and to grow together. Personal growth does not happen in isolation. It is the result of interactive relationships. Small groups are God’s gift to foster changes in character and spiritual growth” [2].
When I read this I am immediately challenged to think about how we live in a world where we seem more connected because of social media and cell phones, but we lack the face to face encounters. Why is it we always seem to remain at the surface? Why does it appear we are unwilling to take the risk and get deeper with people? Think with me for a second. How often in the past week have you taken the time to dive deep with someone? How often have you spoken about sin issues in your life? I know for me this is something I often struggle with and I know I want to do better. I hope that after reading this you are encouraged to invest in small groups if you are not involved already. I pray that you consider talking to members of your church and find a group of individuals who you can invest in because the Christian life is not designed to experience alone. We need others to build us up, sharpen us, and pour into us. As Proverbs 27:17 states: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Resources
Cloud, Henry, and John Sims Townsend. Making Small Groups Work: What Every Small Group Leader Needs to Know. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003. Print. [1]
http://www.smallgroups.com/articles/2012/why-small-groups.html?paging=off [2]
